Sri Lanka9 days
Sri Lanka: Tea, Wildlife & Coast — 9 Days
Colombo to Galle, Yala National Park, and tea estates of the south coast
This nine-day itinerary moves through three distinct regions of Sri Lanka's southern coast and highlands. It begins in Colombo, transitions to Galle's fort district and neighbouring tea plantations at Niyagama House, then crosses inland to Yala National Park for wildlife viewing before returning to the coast. The arc moves between cultural and natural landscapes at a measured pace, with two days of safari activity, a cooking class focused on regional cuisine, and unhurried time by the beach. Accommodation alternates between small country properties and a lodge within the national park.
Highlights
- Tea estate walk at Niyagama House, Galle district
- Cooking class with the Niyagama culinary team, learning Sri Lankan meal preparation
- Early morning game drive in Yala National Park
- Evening safari in Yala National Park
- Evening walk through Galle Fort's ramparts and streets
- Leisure time on Galle's beach
Day by day
1Arrival in ColomboColombo · Colombo International Airport · Taru Lake Lodge in Colombo
Arrival at Colombo International Airport, where a representative meets travellers at the lounge. The transfer to the capital city takes approximately one hour by car. The afternoon is unscheduled, allowing time to settle at Taru Lake Lodge in Colombo.
2Colombo to GalleColombo to Galle · Niyagama House
Transfer south to Galle by car, a journey of approximately two and a half hours. Afternoon hours are free at Niyagama House, the base for the next three nights.
3Tea Estate Walk at Niyagamatea estates surrounding Niyagama House · Niyagama House
A morning walk through the tea estates surrounding Niyagama House introduces the landscape and cultivation methods of the region. The afternoon remains at leisure at the property.
4Cooking Class in GalleNiyagama
A cooking session with the Niyagama culinary team focuses on Sri Lankan meal preparation, covering local ingredients and techniques. The afternoon is free at the property.
5Yala National Park & Evening SafariYala National Park · Yala Safari Camp
A four-hour drive brings you to Yala National Park. An evening game drive introduces the landscape and resident wildlife—elephants, leopards, birds. Overnight at Yala Safari Camp.
6Morning Safari & Return to GalleApa Villa Galle · Yala National Park to Galle
An early morning game drive departs at 6 a.m. to observe wildlife during the most active hours. The return transfer to Galle takes approximately four hours. The afternoon is free, with beach access from Apa Villa Galle.
7Leisure at GalleGalle
A full day at leisure by the beach.
8Beach Time & Evening Walk in Galle FortGalle Fort · Galle's beach
The morning and afternoon are free for beach time. An evening walk visits Galle Fort's ramparts, streets, and historical structures set within the fortified district.
9Departure from ColomboColombo · airport
Transfer to the airport for the return flight, approximately two and a half hours north from Galle.
Where you go
- 1Colombo
- 2Yala National Park
- 3Galle
- 4Galle Fort
- 5Colombo
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)
- One night at Taru lake lodge in Colombo on Bed & breakfast basis
- Three nights at Niyagama House in Galle on Bed & breakfast basis
- One night at Yala safari camp in Yala on All inclusive basis
- Three nights at Apa villa in Galle on Bed & breakfast basis