Sri Lanka Safari & the South Coast

Yala · Galle · Bentota · 7 nights

Seven nights from Yala to Bentota, paced around the days that matter.

The Journey

Seven nights across three stops: Yala for three nights, Galle for two and Bentota for two. Every transfer between them is private and timed around the day's plan.

The days are built around Dawn Game Drive, Galle Fort, River Safari and Mangroves and Full Day in the Park and Kataragama. Each one is set out below with what you will see, how you get there and which meals are included.

The defining moment of this route: leopard tracking in Yala with a private naturalist, then slow days inside Galle Fort. Your travel specialist can add a night, swap a day or change the order before you book.

Signature Highlights

Leopard tracking in Yala with a private naturalist, then slow days inside Galle Fort
Dawn Game Drive, Yala
Full Day in the Park and Kataragama, Yala
Galle Fort
River Safari and Mangroves, Bentota

Your Experiences

Moments shaped just for you

Dawn Game Drive, Yala

Yala Block 1 holds one of the world's densest leopard populations, though sightings are never guaranteed. Also elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and a long bird list.

Galle Fort

The UNESCO-listed Dutch fort, still lived in: ramparts, the Dutch Reformed church, the lighthouse and the mixture of Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher communities inside the walls.

River Safari and Mangroves, Bentota

A boat up the Bentota river through mangrove tunnels, with monitor lizards, kingfishers and a small island temple stop.

Day by day

Your Itinerary

8 days

01
Day 1 · Yala
Arrival in Yala
Arrive at Colombo, around five hours by road, or Mattala airport 90 minutes away and transfer privately to your base. Time today to settle at a camp or lodge on the park edge and listen for the first calls.
- Private transfer via Colombo
- Settle at a camp or lodge on the park edge and listen for the first calls
- Time to settle in before dinner
Meals:
D
02
Day 2 · Yala
Dawn Game Drive
Yala Block 1 holds one of the world's densest leopard populations, though sightings are never guaranteed. Also elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and a long bird list.
- Dawn jeep safari
- Leopard and sloth bear tracking
- Coastal lagoons and birdlife
Meals:
BL
03
Day 3 · Yala
Full Day in the Park and Kataragama
Morning and evening drives with the middle of the day at camp, and a visit to the multi-faith pilgrimage town of Kataragama nearby. The park usually closes in September for drought.
- Morning and evening game drives
- Kataragama temple complex
- Bird watching at the waterholes
Meals:
BLD
04
Day 4 · Galle
Yala to Galle
Drive west along the south coast to Galle, about three hours. On arrival, walk the ramparts of the fort at sunset with the lighthouse ahead.
- Drive west along the south coast to Galle, about three hours
- Walk the ramparts of the fort at sunset with the lighthouse ahead
- Timings reconfirmed locally the day before
Meals:
B
05
Day 5 · Galle
Galle Fort
The UNESCO-listed Dutch fort, still lived in: ramparts, the Dutch Reformed church, the lighthouse and the mixture of Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher communities inside the walls.
- Rampart walk
- Dutch Reformed Church and maritime museum
- Fort lanes and craft shops
Meals:
BL
06
Day 6 · Bentota
Galle to Bentota
Drive down the west coast from Colombo or up from Galle. On arrival, walk the river mouth where the Bentota Ganga meets the sea.
- Drive down the west coast from Colombo or up from Galle
- Walk the river mouth where the Bentota Ganga meets the sea
- Timings reconfirmed locally the day before
Meals:
B
07
Day 7 · Bentota
River Safari and Mangroves
A boat up the Bentota river through mangrove tunnels, with monitor lizards, kingfishers and a small island temple stop.
- Bentota river mangrove safari
- Island temple visit
- Water sports at the river mouth
Meals:
BL
08
Day 8 · Bentota
Departure from Bentota
A last beach morning before the drive out. Private transfer to Colombo in good time for your onward flight.
- A last beach morning before the drive out
- Late check-out arranged where the hotel allows it
- Private departure transfer
Meals:
B

Inclusions

Handpicked luxury accommodations across the journey
Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as noted
Private airport transfers and inter-city ground movement
Curated experiences and reserved access as listed
24×7 on-trip concierge from our India desk

Not included

International airfare unless explicitly mentioned
Visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses
Meals and experiences not listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Anything of a personal nature (spa, minibar, laundry)

Transfers

Private arrival and departure transfers with a named driver
Moves between stops by private car, rail, ferry or domestic flight, as shown day by day
Timings reconfirmed with you the evening before each transfer

Visa & Documentation

Visa guidance provided by our documentation desk
Recommended to hold passport valid for 6+ months
Digital pre-arrival forms handled on your behalf where possible

Common Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?+

You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is currently free for Indian passport holders and valid for 30 days. Apply only on the official ETA website.

When can we see whales?+

Off Mirissa from December to April, when blue whales are often seen. Off Trincomalee on the east coast from about March to August.

Is Sri Lanka good for families?+

Very. Short drives, safaris, beaches and friendly hotels suit children, and the food can be made mild.

Can we combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives?+

Yes. Malé is a one-hour flight from Colombo, which makes Sri Lanka and the Maldives a popular honeymoon pairing.

Is vegetarian food easy?+

Very easy. Rice and curry is often vegetarian, and South Indian food is widely available.

How far in advance should we book?+

Three to four months ahead gives the widest choice of rooms and guided days, and more for school holidays, festivals and peak season. Shorter notice is often possible; ask and we will check live availability.