10 Days in South Sri Lanka: Beaches, Whales & a Yala Safari

Ten days along the whole south coast, from Galle Fort to the quiet beaches of Tangalle, finishing with leopards in Yala.

By Kavin, Travel Writer · Updated October 2026

10 Days in South Sri Lanka: Beaches, Whales & a Yala Safari

Duration10 days

Best monthsDecember – April

PaceBalanced

Best forBeach lovers who also want wildlife

The route

This route covers the full south coast from west to east, with time for a surf lesson, whale watching, turtles and a proper safari. The drives are all short except the last one.

We’ve kept to four bases so you get two or three nights in most places. That’s enough to settle in and avoid the feeling of living out of a suitcase.

Budget guide: LKR 12,000 – 25,000 per person per day (mid-range, excluding safaris and boat trips). Work out your own budget →

Day by day

Day 1
Arrive and head to Galle
Sleep in Galle · Colombo Airport → Galle · about 2 hours by car
Morning
Land and meet your driver. Take the expressway straight down to Galle.
Afternoon
Check in and rest after the flight.
Evening
Sunset on the fort ramparts and dinner inside the fort.
Where to stay
Inside Galle Fort, or a villa just outside it.
Day 2
Galle Fort and Jungle Beach
Sleep in Galle
Morning
Walk the fort early: the lighthouse, the old Dutch church and the cafés on Pedlar Street.
Afternoon
Tuk-tuk to Jungle Beach for a swim and snorkel.
Evening
Rooftop drinks and a long dinner in the fort.
Day 3
Coast road to Mirissa, with a surf lesson
Sleep in Mirissa · Galle → Mirissa · about 1 hour by car
Morning
Drive east, stopping at the stilt fishermen at Koggala.
Afternoon
Take a two-hour beginner surf lesson in Weligama bay on your way to Mirissa — the waves are long, slow and forgiving.
Evening
Fresh seafood on Mirissa beach.
Where to stay
A guesthouse near the beach in Mirissa for three nights.
Day 4
Whale watching
Sleep in Mirissa
Morning
Whale-watching trip from Mirissa harbour (December to April). Boats leave at about 6:30am and return around midday.
Afternoon
Rest and swim.
Evening
Sunset from Coconut Tree Hill.
✦ Pick a smaller operator with good recent reviews, and avoid boats that crowd the whales.
Day 5
Day trip to Hiriketiya
Sleep in Mirissa · Mirissa → Hiriketiya · 35 minutes each way
Morning
Go early to Hiriketiya, a small horseshoe bay with surf on one side and calm water on the other.
Afternoon
Lunch at one of the bay’s cafés, then stop at Dondra Head lighthouse on the way back.
Evening
Easy night in Mirissa.
Day 6
East to Tangalle
Sleep in Tangalle · Mirissa → Tangalle · about 1 hour by car
Morning
Drive along the coast to Tangalle.
Afternoon
Settle into a beach cabana. Tangalle’s beaches are long and empty — perfect for doing nothing.
Evening
Dinner by the sea.
Where to stay
A beachfront cabana or small villa for two nights.
✦ Several Tangalle beaches have strong currents. Ask your hosts where it’s safe to swim.
Day 7
Rock temple and turtles
Sleep in Tangalle
Morning
Visit Mulkirigala, a cave temple carved into a rock about 30 minutes inland. Go early before it gets hot.
Afternoon
Beach and rest.
Evening
Guided turtle-watching walk at Rekawa beach, where green turtles come ashore to nest.
Day 8
Into Yala
Sleep in Tissamaharama · Tangalle → Tissamaharama · about 1.5 hours by car
Morning
Drive east to Tissamaharama.
Afternoon
Afternoon jeep safari in Yala, looking for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.
Evening
Dinner by Tissa Wewa, the old reservoir.
Where to stay
A guesthouse or lodge in Tissamaharama — your safari driver will collect you from here.
✦ Afternoon safaris avoid the 5am start and are often less crowded than morning ones.
Day 9
Birds and Kataragama
Sleep in Tissamaharama
Morning
Bundala National Park for birdlife, or a second Yala safari if you missed the leopards.
Afternoon
Rest at your guesthouse.
Evening
Visit Kataragama for the evening puja, a sacred site for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.
✦ Dress modestly for Kataragama — shoulders and knees covered — and expect to leave your shoes at the entrance.
Day 10
Back to the airport
Tissamaharama → Colombo Airport · about 4–4.5 hours by car
Morning
Leave after breakfast.
Afternoon
Take the expressway back to the airport, leaving plenty of time for your flight.
✦ For an evening flight, stop for lunch in Galle on the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yala open all year?

Most of the year, but the main block of Yala has traditionally closed for several weeks around September and October. Check this year’s dates before you book, and use Udawalawe or Bundala as a backup.

Can I do this itinerary without a driver?

Yes, as far as Tangalle — trains and buses run along the coast. For Yala and the final airport transfer, a private car is much easier.

What is the best time of year for this route?

December to April, when the south coast is dry, the sea is calm and whales are off Mirissa. Yala is good from February to July as the dry season concentrates animals around water holes.