Southern Sri Lanka Escape – 5 Days / 4 Nights

• Pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo city, or Port- Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your private chauffeur-guide upon arrival at the airport, your hotel in Colombo, or the cruise port. After a short meet-and-greet, you’ll begin your scenic transfer along the island’s southwest coastline.
• Optional: Madu Ganga River Safari – If time allows, enjoy a detour to the famous Madu Ganga River in Balapitiya. This tranquil boat safari takes you through an ecological wetland of mangrove tunnels and tiny islets.
  • Visit a cinnamon island to witness traditional cinnamon peeling.
  • Stop for a natural fish spa, where small river fish gently nibble your feet — a surprisingly relaxing treat!
• Head to Bentota Beach for some rest and optional water sports, Arrive in Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic beach towns, known for its palm-fringed shoreline and calm lagoons
  • Rest on the golden sands or take a refreshing dip in the sea.
  • For those feeling adventurous, enjoy optional water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, or tubing on the lagoon (subject to availability and interest).
• Optional Visit: Hikkaduwa Turtle Beach & Coral Garden, depending on your arrival time and pace, you may continue a little further south to Hikkaduwa:
  • Visit the Turtle Beach where sea turtles are often seen close to the shore — especially during the late afternoon.
  • If you're interested in marine life, snorkel at the Coral Sanctuary to observe colorful reef fish and underwater flora (snorkeling gear can be rented locally).
• Check-in and overnight stay in Bentota or Hikkaduwa

Note: If snorkeling and turtle watching are a priority, Hikkaduwa can be your base instead of Bentota. Avoid overloading the first day if arrival is late.

Travel Time:

• BIA Airport / Colombo to Bentota: ~2 hours
• Bentota to Hikkaduwa: ~40 minutes

• Scenic Drive to Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - After breakfast, continue your coastal journey toward Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric and historically rich destinations.
  • Stroll through Galle Fort, a 17th-century Dutch fortress filled with cobbled lanes, colonial architecture, and ocean views.
  • Visit iconic landmarks such as the Dutch Lighthouse, the clock tower, and the old Dutch Reformed Church.
  • Explore quaint boutiques, art galleries, and local cafes that line the charming narrow streets.
• Optional: National Maritime Museum - For history enthusiasts, a visit to the National Maritime Museum located within the fort is optional. It showcases exhibits on naval battles, colonial-era maritime trade, and traditional fishing tools.
• Relaxation at Unawatuna Beach - Next, head to Unawatuna, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular southern beaches, known for its turquoise waters and laid-back vibe.
  • Enjoy a swim or simply relax under a palm tree.
  • Choose from several beachfront restaurants for a casual seafood lunch with ocean views.
• Japanese Peace Pagoda & Panoramic Coastal Views - In the afternoon, take a short drive and gentle climb to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a serene Buddhist stupa perched on a forested hilltop overlooking the southern coast.
  • The area offers sweeping views of Galle Bay, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
  • You may also spot monkeys or peacocks along the forest path.
• Evening at Thalpe Rock Pools or Mihiripenna Beach - Wrap up the day with a visit to either:
  • Thalpe Natural Rock Pools – shallow pools carved into the coastal rock, perfect for a calm and safe sea dip.
  • Mihiripenna Beach – a lesser-known spot ideal for golden hour relaxation and gentle swimming.
• Check-in and overnight stay in Unawatuna or Mirissa

Travel Time:

• Bentota to Galle: ~1.5 hours
• Galle to Mirissa: ~1 hour

• Early Morning Whale Watching Cruise from Mirissa Harbor - Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a whale watching tour off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
  • Departure is around 6:00 am from Mirissa Harbor.
  • Enjoy a 3–5 hour cruise into the Indian Ocean in search of blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and flying fish.
  • The boats are equipped with life jackets and offer upper-deck viewing platforms for great photography and spotting opportunities.
  • Note: Pack motion sickness medication if needed, as the sea can be choppy.
• Return for Hotel Breakfast & Rest - After the cruise, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast and some rest time. The whale excursion can be tiring, so it’s ideal to keep the rest of the day relaxed and flexible.
• Scenic Visit to Coconut Tree Hill - In the late morning or afternoon, visit Coconut Tree Hill, one of Mirissa’s most Instagrammable spots.
  • A small cliff adorned with swaying palm trees that offers panoramic views of the coastline.
  • It’s a perfect spot for photos and enjoying the ocean breeze.
• Optional Visit to Parrot Rock (Tide Permitting) - When the tide is low, you can walk across the shallow water to Parrot Rock, a large reddish rock formation just offshore.
  • From the top, you’ll get unique views of Mirissa Beach and the surrounding coastline.
  • Be cautious with footing, especially when wet.
• Free Time on Mirissa Beach - Spend your afternoon unwinding on Mirissa Beach, where you can:
  • Lounge on the golden sands or under a cabana
  • Try surfing (great for beginners)
  • Enjoy chilled drinks or fresh seafood from the many beach cafés and restaurants
• Optional Excursion to Hummanaya Blowhole (Near Dikwella) - If you’re up for a scenic side trip, take a drive (approx. 1.5 hours round trip) to visit the Hummanaya Blowhole, the second-largest of its kind in the world.
  • Watch in awe as ocean water shoots up through a natural rock fissure, sometimes as high as 25–30 meters, depending on wave pressure.
  • There’s also a small viewing deck and information center on site.
• Overnight stay in Mirissa or Tangalle

Note: Whale watching can be tiring; keep the rest of the day flexible and light.

• Morning Drive to the National Park - Depart from Mirissa in the morning and head inland to either Yala or Udawalawe National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the coast and journey through rural villages, rice paddies, and lush greenery en route to the wild heart of Sri Lanka.
• Lunch Stop En Route or Near the Park - Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant near the park. Many safari lodges and cafes offer meals for visitors before their jeep excursions.
• Afternoon Jeep Safari (~3:00 PM Start) - Climb aboard a jeep for an unforgettable wildlife experience. The safari typically lasts 3–4 hours, offering you the chance to spot:
  • Yala National Park: World-renowned for its high leopard density, as well as sloth bears, elephants, mugger crocodiles, peacocks, and diverse birdlife.
  • Udawalawe National Park: Best known for large herds of wild elephants and consistent wildlife sightings within a smaller, more open terrain. Also home to buffalo, deer, jackals, and aquatic birds.

  Note:All safari jeeps are operated by experienced drivers and guides who help maximize your chances of sightings.

• Overnight stay near the park – Tissamaharama (Yala) or Udawalawe area

Note:

• Choose Yala if you're keen on spotting leopards and exploring diverse landscapes (safari areas, wetlands, scrub forests).
• Choose Udawalawe for a shorter safari with more reliable elephant sightings and a less crowded experience.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light scarf or face covering — the jeep ride can get dusty in dry weather.

Travel Time:

• Mirissa to Yala: ~3.5 hours
• Mirissa to Udawalawe: ~2.5 hours

• Early Morning Scenic Drive to Colombo - Begin your journey back to Colombo via the Southern Expressway, passing through beautiful countryside, small towns, and coastal views.
• Colombo City Highlights Tour (Time Permitting) - If your flight schedule allows, enjoy a brief city tour covering some of Colombo’s key landmarks and cultural spots:
  • Gangaramaya Temple – A unique blend of modern architecture and traditional Buddhist art, housing statues, relics, and a serene atmosphere.
  • Independence Square – A historic monument built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by gardens and colonial architecture.
  • Lotus Tower (External View) – Marvel at Sri Lanka’s tallest structure, a colorful and symbolic tower visible from many parts of the city. (Entry requires prior booking and may not always be available.)
  • Pettah Market & Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque) – Dive into the buzzing heart of Colombo with vibrant markets, narrow streets, and the iconic red-and-white striped mosque.
  • Optional Shopping – If time permits, stop at recommended shopping centers or local craft shops for last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
• Drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo hotels, or Negombo

Travel Time:

• Yala to Colombo: ~5.5 hours
• Udawalawe to Colombo: ~4.5 hours