5 Day Sri Lanka Safari & South Coast Tour: Yala, Udawalawe & Mirissa

Begin the day with an early morning whale and dolphin watching excursion in Mirissa. Travel by boat into the deep sea for the chance to observe some of Sri Lanka’s most impressive marine wildlife.

Depending on the season and sea conditions, you may spot blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, and several dolphin species, as well as sea turtles and other marine life. The main whale-watching season generally runs from November to April, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

After returning to shore, visit Coconut Tree Hill, one of Mirissa’s most iconic viewpoints, known for its palm-lined scenery and panoramic coastal views.

Continue to Weligama to see the traditional stilt fishermen, a distinctive fishing practice that has become one of the most recognizable cultural sights along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach and enjoying the tropical surroundings before returning to your hotel.

Planned Activities

• Morning whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa

• Deep-sea boat excursion

• Coconut Tree Hill

• Weligama stilt fishermen

• Beach relaxation

• Evening briefing with the tour guide

Overnight: Same hotel

After breakfast, depart for Udawalawe, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife destinations and an important habitat for wild elephants, water birds, and diverse native species.

Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center dedicated to caring for orphaned and injured elephant calves before their eventual release back into the wild. Depending on the schedule, you may have the opportunity to observe one of the daily feeding sessions.

In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Udawalawe National Park, exploring open grasslands, reservoirs, and forest areas in search of Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Optional camping experiences may also be available in the Udawalawe area, depending on the selected package.

After the safari, continue to Tissamaharama and check in at your hotel.

Planned Activities

• Transfer to Udawalawe

• Visit to the Elephant Transit Home

• Elephant feeding observation, subject to schedule

• Udawalawe National Park game drive

• Wildlife and birdwatching experience

• Optional camping in the Udawalawe area

• Transfer to Tissamaharama

Overnight: Hotel in Tissamaharama

Depart early in the morning for a full-day safari in Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Yala is known for its diverse landscapes of dry forest, grasslands, lagoons, and coastal areas. The park is especially famous for its Sri Lankan leopards, while elephants, spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys, and many other species may also be seen during the game drive.

The park is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with numerous resident and migratory species including painted storks, herons, eagles, pelicans, hornbills, and peacocks.

Explore the park by safari vehicle with opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat and enjoy the scenic landscapes of southeastern Sri Lanka. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

After the safari, return to your hotel and relax.

Planned Activities

• Early morning departure

• Full-day Yala National Park game drive

• Leopard and elephant spotting opportunities

• Birdwatching and wildlife observation

• Scenic forest, lagoon, and grassland landscapes

• Return to hotel

Overnight: Hotel near Yala / Tissamaharama

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before beginning your journey toward Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short Colombo city tour and visit some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Explore Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s best-known Buddhist temples, then continue to the historic Dutch Hospital precinct and the city’s modern commercial district.

If time permits, enjoy some shopping for souvenirs and local products before continuing to the airport.

All sightseeing activities will be arranged according to your flight schedule to ensure a comfortable and timely airport transfer.

Planned Activities

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Transfer to Colombo

• Gangaramaya Temple

• Dutch Hospital precinct

• Colombo city highlights

• Shopping, depending on available time

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

• Departure flight

End of Tour