SouthCoast Galle SriLanka
5
Day Itinerary •
Sri Lanka
Five days along Sri Lanka's south coast gives you the full extraordinary depth of the finest coastal safari and heritage circuit in Asia, from the remarkable Galle Fort UNESCO ramparts and the extraordinary Mirissa Blue Whale watching to the finest leopard viewing in the world at Yala, the remarkable nesting sea turtles at Rekawa and the extraordinary Udawalawe elephant herds. This extended route covers the south coast completely. Galle and Unawatuna on Day 1, Mirissa whales and Weligama stilt fishermen on Day 2, Yala leopard safari and Bundala flamingos on Day 3, the remarkable Tangalle turtles, Mulkirigala cave temple and Hambantota flamingos on Day 4, and the extraordinary Udawalawe elephants and baby elephant feeding on Day 5.
Best Time To Visit
November to April for whales, turtles April to September
Getting There
Fly into Colombo (CMB)
Getting Around
Hired car with driver essential for the full circuit
Budget Per Day
Approx 8,000 to 35,000 LKR per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, all wildlife from vehicles
DAY 1
GALLE
MORNING
GALLE FORT UNESCO WALKING TOUR
The extraordinary Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the finest example of a European fortified trading city in Asia, built by the Dutch in the 17th century on a peninsula first fortified by the Portuguese in 1589. The remarkable ramparts walk around the extraordinary 3km perimeter gives the finest combined sea view, architectural heritage and birdwatching experience in Sri Lanka. The fine lighthouse, the remarkable All Saints Anglican Church from 1871 and the outstanding Dutch Reformed Church from 1755 within the fort are the finest colonial heritage in Sri Lanka. Entry free. 20 min drive
MIDDAY
GALLE FORT INTERIOR BOUTIQUES AND CAFE CULTURE
The extraordinary Galle Fort interior with its remarkable transformation into the finest boutique hotel and artisan culture destination in Sri Lanka, where the outstanding Barefoot Gallery, the fine Stick No Bills colonial poster shop and the remarkable independent jewellers and textile designers within the extraordinary Dutch-era buildings create the finest shopping and cafe culture on the island. The remarkable rooftop views from the fort wall cafes are the finest in Galle. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
UNAWATUNA BEACH AND JUNGLE BEACH
The extraordinary Unawatuna, the finest crescent beach near Galle, with the remarkable shallow turquoise bay, the fine coral reef snorkelling and the outstanding beachfront restaurants directly on the sand. The remarkable Jungle Beach 1km east of Unawatuna, accessible only by a fine 15-minute forest path, is the finest hidden beach on the south coast with the extraordinary clear water and the remarkable privacy entirely absent from the Unawatuna main beach.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rumassala Hill at the western end of Unawatuna Bay, the remarkable jungle hill associated in the Ramayana with the extraordinary episode of Hanuman bringing healing herbs to Lanka, has the finest biodiversity in the Galle area and the outstanding Japanese Peace Pagoda at the summit with the most remarkable view of the Galle bay and the extraordinary Unawatuna crescent. The fine forest walk to the extraordinary pagoda is the finest short hike near Galle.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Galle Fort hotel Outstanding breakfast inside the extraordinary Galle Fort. Fine fresh tropical fruit and remarkable Sri Lankan hoppers. | Lunch: Fort Printers or Ministry of Crab Galle The finest lunch options in the extraordinary Galle Fort. Outstanding Sri Lankan seafood. | Dinner: Closenberg Hotel, Galle The finest dinner view in Galle at the remarkable Victorian colonial hotel above the extraordinary bay.
DAY 2
SOUTH COAST
MORNING
MIRISSA WHALE WATCHING AND BLUE WHALES
The extraordinary Mirissa, the finest whale watching destination in Asia and one of the best in the world, where the remarkable Blue Whale, the largest animal on earth, feeds in the extraordinary deep waters off the south coast of Sri Lanka between November and April. The fine whale watching boat from Mirissa harbour gives the most extraordinary close encounters with Blue Whales, the remarkable Sperm Whales and the outstanding spinner dolphin pods that escort the boat. Tours approx 3,500 LKR. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
MIRISSA BEACH AND COCONUT TREE HILL
The extraordinary Mirissa Beach, the finest surf beach on the south coast, with the remarkable crescent bay, the fine surf break and the outstanding Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint above the extraordinary beach where the fine palm trees lean over the cliff edge and the remarkable Indian Ocean stretches to the horizon. The extraordinary rock island offshore from Mirissa is accessible by swimming and gives the finest elevated view of the fine beach crescent. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
WELIGAMA BAY AND STILT FISHERMEN
The extraordinary Weligama Bay, the finest traditional fishing bay on the south coast, where the remarkable traditional stilt fishermen perch on their fine crosses above the surf in one of the most extraordinary human fishing traditions in the world. The remarkable Weligama surf school and the fine Taprobane Island in the middle of the extraordinary bay, a private estate with the most remarkable elevated Indian Ocean view in Sri Lanka, are the finest sights in Weligama.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Parrot Rock in Mirissa, a remarkable rock island 200 metres offshore accessible at low tide by wading, is the finest hidden viewpoint on the south coast with the extraordinary 360-degree panorama of the Mirissa Bay, the remarkable Coconut Tree Hill and the outstanding open Indian Ocean. The remarkable resident sea eagle nesting on the extraordinary Parrot Rock is the finest wildlife sight near Mirissa.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Mirissa guesthouse Good breakfast before the whale watching boat. Boats depart at 7am from the remarkable Mirissa harbour. | Lunch: Mirissa beach restaurant Outstanding fresh grilled tuna and remarkable Sri Lankan devilled prawns at a fine Mirissa beach restaurant. | Dinner: Weligama bay hotel Outstanding dinner at a fine Weligama bay hotel. Extraordinary fresh crab and remarkable Sri Lankan toddy.
DAY 3
YALA
MORNING
YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI
The extraordinary Yala National Park Block One, the finest leopard-viewing wildlife reserve in the world with the remarkable highest density of leopards in any national park on earth. The fine dawn jeep safari gives the most extraordinary leopard sightings in Asia, along with the outstanding sloth bear, the remarkable elephant herds, the fine saltwater crocodile and the extraordinary birdlife including the fine painted stork and the remarkable Indian peafowl in the finest dry zone ecosystem in Sri Lanka. Entry approx 4,000 LKR plus jeep. 1 hour drive
MIDDAY
BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK FLAMINGOS
The extraordinary Bundala National Park east of Yala, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and the finest birdwatching destination in Sri Lanka, where the remarkable greater flamingo flocks, the outstanding painted stork colonies and the extraordinary variety of migratory waders create the finest bird watching on the south coast. The fine Bundala lagoon system is the most extraordinary wetland in southern Sri Lanka. 1 hour drive
AFTERNOON
TISSAMAHARAMA TANK AND TEMPLE
The extraordinary Tissamaharama, the finest ancient tank city on the south coast, where the remarkable Tissa Wewa ancient reservoir, the outstanding Dagoba stupa visible from the tank bund and the fine white-washed Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara temple create the most extraordinary sunset scene on the south coast. The remarkable elephants that come to bathe in the extraordinary Tissa Wewa at dusk are the finest free wildlife spectacle in southern Sri Lanka.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kataragama, the most important multi-religious pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka 20km north of Tissamaharama, where the remarkable Maha Devalaya Hindu shrine, the fine Buddhist dagoba and the outstanding mosque are visited simultaneously by Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim pilgrims in the most extraordinary example of multi-faith worship in Asia. The remarkable Kataragama Esala festival in July and August with the extraordinary fire-walking is the finest religious spectacle in Sri Lanka.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Tissamaharama hotel Good substantial breakfast before the Yala dawn safari. | Lunch: Tissamaharama after safari Fine rice and curry at a remarkable Tissa town restaurant after the extraordinary Yala safari. | Dinner: Tissamaharama farewell Outstanding fresh lagoon fish at a fine Tissamaharama restaurant. Extraordinary crab curry and remarkable rice.
DAY 4
TANGALLE
MORNING
TANGALLE AND REKAWA TURTLE BEACH
The extraordinary Tangalle, the finest unspoiled beach town on the south coast, with the remarkable Tangalle Bay, the fine colonial Dutch fort ruins and the outstanding Rekawa turtle conservation beach where the remarkable five species of sea turtle nest nightly on the extraordinary beach from April to September. The fine Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project guided night tours give the most extraordinary close encounter with nesting Olive Ridley, Green and Leatherback turtles in Sri Lanka. Tours approx 1,000 LKR. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
MULKIRIGALA CAVE TEMPLE
The extraordinary Mulkirigala Rock Temple, the finest hidden cave temple complex in southern Sri Lanka, a remarkable 2nd-century BCE cave monastery carved into a 205-metre granite rock with extraordinary painted cave temples at seven levels rising to the fine dagoba at the summit. The remarkable 18th-century Pali manuscripts discovered here in 1826 helped decode the Mahavamsa chronicle of Sri Lankan history. Entry approx 500 LKR. 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
HAMBANTOTA SALT FLATS AND PINK LAKE
The extraordinary Hambantota salt flats, the finest flamingo and wading bird habitat on the south coast, where the remarkable pink-tinged brine shrimp pools attract the outstanding flamingo flocks and the fine painted storks that are the finest waterbird spectacle between Bundala and Tissamaharama. The remarkable salt harvesting tradition in Hambantota and the extraordinary old Dutch colonial salt warehouse are the finest industrial heritage on the south coast.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project is the finest community-based sea turtle conservation programme in Sri Lanka. The remarkable local fishermen who once collected turtle eggs now guide visitors on extraordinary night tours to watch nesting turtles. The fine community conservation model and the outstanding close-range turtle encounters are unlike any wildlife experience on the Sri Lankan coast.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Tangalle guesthouse Good breakfast before the Mulkirigala Cave Temple. | Lunch: Tangalle beach restaurant Outstanding fresh lobster and extraordinary grilled kingfish at a fine Tangalle beach restaurant. | Dinner: Tissamaharama on return Outstanding curry dinner near the extraordinary Tissa tank before the Yala morning.
DAY 5
UDAWALAWE
MORNING
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK ELEPHANTS
The extraordinary Udawalawe National Park, the finest elephant-viewing national park in Sri Lanka and the best place in Asia for guaranteed close-range elephant encounters. The remarkable resident elephant herd of over 400 animals that has become habituated to vehicles gives the most extraordinary daylight elephant experience in Asia, with the fine elephant families, the outstanding breeding herds and the remarkable bull elephants all visible on the fine jeep safari tracks. Entry approx 3,500 LKR plus jeep. 1.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME FEEDING
The extraordinary Elephant Transit Home adjacent to Udawalawe, the finest elephant orphan rehabilitation centre in Sri Lanka, where the remarkable twice-daily feeding of the orphaned baby elephants with milk bottles creates the most extraordinary and accessible elephant encounter in the country. The outstanding conservation programme has released over 150 rehabilitated elephants back into the Udawalawe park. Entry approx 1,000 LKR. 1.5 hours drive
AFTERNOON
RETURN TO COLOMBO VIA SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY
The extraordinary return to Colombo along the remarkable Southern Expressway, the finest road in Sri Lanka, with the outstanding views of the remarkable Sri Lankan countryside through the extraordinary Western Province hills and the fine Colombo suburbs on the approach to the capital. The remarkable transformation of the extraordinary south coast from the fine colonial Galle to the outstanding Yala and Udawalawe wildlife on this extraordinary 5-day circuit is the finest single coastal and safari combination in Asia.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kataragama, the most important multi-religious pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka 20km north of Tissamaharama, where the remarkable Maha Devalaya Hindu shrine, the fine Buddhist dagoba and the outstanding mosque are visited simultaneously by Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim pilgrims in the most extraordinary example of multi-faith worship in Asia. The remarkable Kataragama Esala festival in July and August with the extraordinary fire-walking is the finest religious spectacle in Sri Lanka.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Udawalawe hotel Good breakfast before the extraordinary Udawalawe elephant safari. | Lunch: Udawalawe town Simple fine Sri Lankan lunch near the outstanding national park. | Dinner: Colombo farewell Outstanding farewell Sri Lankan dinner in Colombo. The remarkable Ministry of Crab flagship restaurant.
Where To Stay
Galle Fort Amangalla or The Fort Bazaar. Approx 20,000 to 80,000 LKR per night. South Coast Mirissa Hills, Amanwella Tangalle. Approx 8,000 to 60,000 LKR per night. Budget Guesthouses throughout the south coast. Approx 2,000 to 6,000 LKR per night.
Top Tips
1. Book Amanwella Tangalle and Amangalla Galle months ahead. The finest hotels on the south coast.
2. Yala Block One leopard sightings are finest in the first hour after park opening at 6am.
3. Mirissa whale watching is season-dependent. November to April gives the finest Blue Whale probability.
4. Rekawa turtle tours are nightly from April to September. Book the evening before through local guides.
5. Udawalawe is the finest elephant park in Sri Lanka. Better than Minneriya for close-range encounters.
6. The Ministry of Crab in Colombo is the finest Sri Lankan restaurant. Book ahead for the farewell dinner.
Total Budget
7,500 to 104,000 LKR/day