Sri Lanka8 days
Sri Lanka: Southern Coast, Whale Watch & Yala Safari — 8 Days
Tangalle beaches, Mirissa whale watching, and Yala National Park game drives over seven nights
This eight-day itinerary covers Sri Lanka's southern arc, moving from the beach settlement of Tangalle through the whale-watching waters off Mirissa to the scrub-forest terrain of Yala National Park before returning to Colombo for departure. The pace is unhurried: four nights at Turtle Bay Resort on Tangalle's coast allow time on the beach and a morning excursion to Mirissa, where blue whales and sperm whales are regularly sighted between December and April. Two nights at Yala Lake Camp frame an afternoon game drive and a full-day safari in one of Sri Lanka's most significant wildlife reserves, home to leopard, sloth bear, elephant herds, and both mugger and saltwater crocodile. A final night in Colombo at Cinnamon Red positions travellers close to the international airport for morning departures. Throughout, transfers are by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide. Accommodation is on a bed-and-breakfast basis at all three properties.
Highlights
- Four nights on Tangalle's southern coast at Turtle Bay Resort, a property operating on environmental and social sustainability principles
- Whale and dolphin watching off Mirissa — blue whales and sperm whales frequent this coastline between December and April
- Afternoon game drive in Yala National Park on arrival, followed by a full-day safari with picnic meals
- Tracking leopard, elephant herds, sloth bear, and wild buffalo across Yala's varied habitat of scrub forest and reservoir margins
- Birding and crocodile sightings at Uraniya, a waterway within Yala known for aquatic bird species and both mugger and saltwater crocodile
- Day visit to the Kalametiya coastal lagoon area, a wetland village 214 km south of Colombo
- Final night in Colombo at Cinnamon Red, 20 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to TangalleColombo's Bandaranaike International Airport · Turtle Bay Resort · Colombo to Tangalle
On arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, a representative meets guests in the arrivals lounge before the approximately three-and-a-half-hour drive south to Tangalle. The remainder of the day is at leisure at Turtle Bay Resort.
2Tangalle Beach & Kalametiya VillageTangalle Beach · Kalametiya · Turtle Bay Resort
The day is spent at leisure on the beach at Tangalle. Kalametiya, a small village 214 km south of Colombo, is accessible from the resort. Turtle Bay operates with a stated commitment to environmentally and socially sustainable tourism, and the property is designed to balance comfort with low-impact travel principles. Overnight again at Turtle Bay Resort.
3Mirissa Whale & Dolphin Watching, Return to TangalleMirissa · Tangalle · Turtle Bay Resort
An early morning transfer heads to Mirissa to join a whale and dolphin watching excursion by boat. Between December and April, blue whales and sperm whales are regularly sighted in the waters off Mirissa, and pods of dolphins are frequently observed alongside vessels during the same season. Experienced local guides lead the on-water portion of the trip. Guests return to Tangalle by mid-day and spend the remainder of the day at the resort. Overnight at Turtle Bay Resort.
4Leisure Day at Tangalle & KalametiyaTangalle · Kalametiya coastal area · Turtle Bay Resort
A second full day of leisure at Tangalle, with the Kalametiya coastal area remaining accessible for those who wish to spend time outside the resort. The property's sustainable design and beachfront setting make it a practical base for both rest and light excursions along this stretch of the southern coast. Overnight at Turtle Bay Resort.
5Transfer to Yala National Park & Evening Game DriveYala National Park · Yala Lake Camp
After breakfast, a three-hour drive east leads to Yala National Park. An evening game drive takes place on arrival. Overnight at Yala Lake Camp.
6Full-Day Safari in Yala National ParkYala National Park · Uraniya area · Yala Lake Camp
A full day of game drives through Yala National Park, with picnic meals included. Yala is one of Sri Lanka's primary sites for observing the four species most sought by wildlife travellers: the Sri Lankan leopard, the Asian elephant, the sloth bear, and the wild buffalo. Elephant herds concentrate around small reservoirs such as Butuwe and Mahaseelawa during dry periods, while the Uraniya area is associated with waterbirds, wild buffalo, mugger crocodile, and saltwater crocodile. The sloth bear is largely nocturnal and solitary, making sightings less predictable and largely seasonal. Overnight at Yala Lake Camp.
7Yala to Colombo TransferYala to Colombo · Cinnamon Red
After breakfast, the approximately five-hour drive northwest returns to Colombo. Overnight at Cinnamon Red.
8Colombo: Departure Transfer to Bandaranaike International AirportBandaranaike International Airport
After breakfast, a 20-minute transfer delivers guests to Bandaranaike International Airport for onward departures.
Where you go
- 1Mirissa
- 2Tangalle
- 3Yala National Park
- 4Bandaranaike International Airport
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 4 nights in double room at Turtle Bay Resort on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a Premium tent in Yala Lake Camp on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 1 night in double room at Cinnamon Red on Bed & Breakfast Basis