Wildlife & Beaches — 7 Days

Met at the airport with a traditional welcome, transfer directly south to Udawalawe — the gateway to wild elephant country. Approximately 4-hour drive through coconut plantations and rice paddies. Settle into your safari lodge. Evening at leisure with sundowners overlooking the wilderness.

Early morning half-day jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park — wild herds of 100+ elephants are common, alongside water buffalo, jackals, peacocks, eagles and crocodiles. Late morning drive to Yala via Tissamaharama. Afternoon at leisure at your safari lodge near Yala.

Full day exploring Yala — Sri Lanka's most famous national park and home to the highest density of leopards in Asia. Morning safari (5:30 AM start) when animals are most active, returning for breakfast. Afternoon safari for sunset spotting. Look for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and over 200 bird species.

Drive west along the south coast to Mirissa — the famous whale watching base. Stop at a turtle hatchery en route to learn about conservation. Visit Coconut Tree Hill at sunset for photos and the iconic stilt fishermen at Weligama. Mirissa beach evening.

Early morning whale watching boat trip (Nov–Apr) — strong chances of seeing blue whales, the largest animals on Earth. Spinner dolphins by the hundreds are common. Mid-morning drive to historic Galle. Afternoon exploring Galle Fort — the perfectly preserved 17th-century Dutch colonial town. Sunset on the ramparts.

Leisurely drive north to Bentota — Sri Lanka's premier beach resort. Optional Madu River boat safari through mangroves with kingfishers and water monitors. Afternoon at leisure on golden Bentota beach or by the pool. Sunset cocktails by the sea.

Final morning on the beach. Drive to Colombo for a brief city highlights tour — Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Pettah market and Barefoot for shopping. Lunch at a recommended restaurant before your departure transfer to the airport.