Beaches, Leopards & the Wild East

Trip idea · 9 days / 8 nights

Colombo → Hikkaduwa → Galle → Yala → Arugam Bay → Kumana → Anuradhapura → Wilpattu

Based on a real route from a Sri Lankan trip organiser: south-coast beaches, Galle Fort, three national parks and the surf coast of Arugam Bay.

from €1,500 – €2,400 per person (estimate)

Length
9 days / 8 nights
Best time
Apr–Sep (east-coast season)
Suits
Couple, Family, Friends / group
Style
Beaches, Wildlife

Overview

Based on a real route from a Sri Lankan trip organiser: south-coast beaches, Galle Fort, three national parks and the surf coast of Arugam Bay.

  • Snorkelling at Hikkaduwa (or Unawatuna)
  • Galle Fort, a UNESCO site
  • Yala safaris and the Sithulpawwa rock temple
  • Full-day safari in quiet Kumana
  • Leopard country at Wilpattu

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive, down to the south coast

    Welcome at the airport and about 1.5–2 hours down the expressway to Hikkaduwa (or Unawatuna, if you prefer a quieter bay).

    Overnight: Hikkaduwa

  2. Day 2

    Reefs and Galle Fort

    Morning snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat over the coral. After lunch, Galle Fort's ramparts and lanes.

    Overnight: Hikkaduwa

  3. Day 3

    To Yala

    About 2.5 hours east to a jungle lodge near Yala. Evening bush walk or birdwatching.

    Overnight: Yala

  4. Day 4

    Sithulpawwa and safari

    Early visit to the ancient Sithulpawwa rock monastery, back before the heat, then an afternoon jeep safari.

    Overnight: Yala

  5. Day 5

    Dawn safari, east to Arugam Bay

    Early safari with a packed breakfast, then a 5-hour drive past Lahugala (watch for elephants) to the surf coast.

    Overnight: Arugam Bay

  6. Day 6

    Kumana full day

    Full-day safari in Kumana, a peaceful park famous for birds and leopards, with a picnic lunch.

    Overnight: Arugam Bay

  7. Day 7

    Across to Anuradhapura

    A long but scenic day (about 6 hours) across the island, with a village tea stop.

    Overnight: Anuradhapura

  8. Day 8

    Wilpattu

    Full day in Wilpattu, the largest and leafiest national park, known for leopards and sloth bears.

    Overnight: Anuradhapura

  9. Day 9

    Back to Colombo

    About 4 hours to Colombo for shopping and your flight; a Colombo night can be added.

Usually included

  • Private vehicle with guide (car, van or luxury coach for groups)
  • 4–5-star hotels, 2 sharing, with breakfast
  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • Local taxes and the driver's costs

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka ETA (visa)
  • Entrance and park fees unless listed
  • Lunches, most dinners and drinks
  • Tips and personal spending
  • Travel insurance

Best months

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr(good time)
  • May(good time)
  • Jun(good time)
  • Jul(good time)
  • Aug(good time)
  • Sep(good time)
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

About the price

Estimate per person, 2 sharing, 4–5-star hotels with breakfast, private vehicle (car, van or coach by group size) with guide; jeep safaris extra.

Estimate last checked: 13/11/2026

Arranged by: A licensed tour partner based in Sri Lanka

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