Wildlife and beaches, Sri Lanka, 5-day itinerary
This five-day trip emphasizes the amazing fauna and immaculate beaches in the central and southern provinces of Sri Lanka. Safari trips in Yala National Parks and Udawalawe will allow you to start your journey by seeing wild leopards and elephants. You next travel down the coast to the beautiful dunes and blue waves of Mirissa and Bentota before spending your last day in the energetic metropolis of Colombo.
Highlights
On safaris in Yala National Parks and Udawalawe, spot unusual species.
At Elephant Transit Home, see newborn elephants left orphaned.
Track whales and dolphins off Mirissa’s coast.
Lay back on Bentota’s gorgeous beaches.
Discover Colombo, the capital, customs, and culture.
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, Go on Safari in Udawalawe National Park | Udawalawe |
| Day 2 | Visit the Elephant Transit Home & Yala National Park | Yala |
| Day 3 | Explore the Beautiful Beaches of Mirissa | Mirissa |
| Day 4 | Wander the Old Town of Galle & Relax in Bentota | Bentota |
| Day 5 | Sightsee in Colombo & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Salutations from Sri Lanka! Day one leads straight into the heart of the amazing Udawalawe National Park. Nestled on the edge of Sri Lanka’s rainy and dry zones, the park’s topography and temperature make it a refuge for uncommon species. Huge herds gather at waterholes to feed and wash, making Udawalawe one of the best places on Earth to view wild elephants.
Though elephants are the main draw, you will also see water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, and monkeys, as well as an amazing array of unusual wildlife. After a safari in the park, retreat to your accommodation to recover before the events of the next day.
Day 2: Visit the Elephant Transit Home & Yala National Park
The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home provides early morning feeding. The transit home, which was established to save juvenile elephants orphaned by elephant-human conflicts in Sri Lanka, provides food and medical treatment until the calves are well enough for wilderness release. See the joyful newborn elephants bottle-fed and cared for during their daily ritual; learn about the work involved in nurturing and preserving these amazing animals.
Day 3: Explore the Beautiful Beaches of Mirissa
The greatest time for leopard-spotting is sunrise; hence, utilize your last morning in Yala National Park to set out on another early safari search for these elusive animals. Yala, with one of the densest populations on Earth, is a wonderful opportunity for close-up viewing of leopards—especially young, self-assured males prowling the dirt paths of the park.
You’ll say goodbye to Yala after breakfast and head south toward Mirissa along the seashore. Nestled among coconut farms and historic temples, this perfect fishing community is a heaven of immaculate beaches and azure water. Spend the afternoon whale watching; blue, Bryde’s, and sperm whales call the temperate seas home; then, unwind at one of the resort’s several beachside eateries as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Day 4: Wander the Old Town of Galle & Relax in Bentota
Today, you will continue west along the coast, first stopping at Galle, the bustling provincial capital. Ignoring the magnificent circular cove of Unawatuna Bay, it is well-known for the evocative Dutch fort from the 17th century that was used as the ancient town. Then continue on to Bentota, a laid-back beach resort. This former fishing community on the west coast of Sri Lanka is a favorite tourist playground with calm waves and kilometers of immaculate golden sand. On the Laccadive Sea, Bentota is well-known for its watersports, including windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving. Then, on your trip’s last night, have one last seafood feast.
Day 5: Sightsee in Colombo & Depart
Spend the morning touring Colombo, the vibrant capital. Spaced around the city, Buddhist and Hindu temples reflect the many beliefs and practices of Colombo’s population. Wander around the Fort, the commercial core of the city, where modern office buildings coexist with magnificent colonial-era buildings. Discover the lively markets and bazaars in Pettah, and take some time to visit the National Museum, which has an exquisite collection of antiquities and art. It’s then time to head to the airport and catch your flight back home. Good travel!
