From Beaches to Leopards: 5-Day Southern Coast & Yala Adventure
This is a five day travel plan taking you through the Sri Lanka's breathtaking southern coast which has sun kissed beaches to the kindom of wild animals, Yala national park. This is a perfect suit for travelers who prefers both relaxation and adventures.
5-Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Arrival & Relax at Hikkaduwa
Start your journey from Colombo and head to Hikkaduwa (around 1-1.5 hours drive via Southern Expressway). Spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkeling in coral reefs, or visiting the Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery. You can see a wide variety of turtles, from small ones to large ones. You can either go snorkeling in the coral reef park or take a glass-bottom boat ride to see the corals. Boat rides can be arranged at Hikkaduwa Beach through local guides or nearby hotels. When arranging a boat tour, consider safety by asking about their safety measures and cheking reveiws or other available boat services.
Day 2 – Scenic Drive to Tangalle
On the second day, you can start your journey from Hikkaduwa to Tangalle along the beautiful coastal road. During the journey, you must visit Galle Fort, where you can see its magical views and remarkable architecture. Another nearby attraction is Rumassala, located near Galle city. Rumassala is rich in biodiversity and has a small hill from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of Unawatuna Bay. The Unawatuna Jungle Beach will also fill your heart with gratitude and peace.
After visiting Galle, you can continue to Matara, passing through the stunning beaches of Weligama and Mirissa, known for their incomparable beauty. Matara is also a scenic city in the Southern Province. From Matara, you can visit the Blow Hole at Dikwella, one of the largest blow holes in the world. It’s a natural sea feature where water is forced through a narrow rock cavity, creating a powerful jet that can shoot up to 25 meters high.
By evening, you will reach Tangalle after exploring all these places from Hikkaduwa while enjoying the coastal road. It’s a great idea to relax in a beach resort in Tangalle, watching the sunset over the sea.
Day 3 – Travel to Yala National Park
After breakfast, head toward Yala National Park. The journey takes about two hours via the Southern Expressway. There are two main entrances to the park, Palatupana (nearest town: Tissamaharama) and Katagamuwa (nearest town: Kataragama).
You can find a wide range of accommodations on both sides, from cozy local homestays to luxury star-rated hotels.
You can spend the day relaxing in a resort surrounded by a natural, wildlife-inspired atmosphere. If you stay near Palatupana, visit the Kirinda Temple in the evening. It’s located close to a beautiful beach and has a fascinating ancient legend connected to it.
If you stay near the Katagamuwa entrance, you can instead visit the Kataragama Temple (Kataragama Devalaya) and the sacred Kiri Vehera nearby.
Day 4 – Full-Day Safari Adventure in Yala
This is the day to enjoy a full adventure inside Yala National Park. I recommend taking a morning safari from around 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. That’s the best time to spot leopards, elephants, and many other wild animals.
You can arrange a safari jeep through your hotel, or find one near the park entrances. It’s better to book the jeep the previous day, so you can start your safari early in the morning without delays.
At noon, return to your hotel for lunch and some rest. During the hot midday hours, most animals move deeper into the jungle to escape the sunlight, making them harder to spot.
Begin your afternoon safari around 3:00 p.m. Not only will you see wildlife, but you’ll also experience the natural beauty of the park, including stunning sunset views over the jungle lakes.
If you’re lucky, you might spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, eagles, bears, and many other species. You can also visit the beach area of Yala National Park, which offers a peaceful contrast to the wild jungle.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy this remarkable and safe adventure, a day full of unforgettable memories in Yala.
Day 5 – Return Journey
After breakfast, you can relax for a while before starting your return journey to Colombo. The drive along the Southern Expressway takes about 3 to 4 hours.
I’m sure you’ll truly enjoy this travel plan and the unforgettable experiences it offers along the way.
Accommodation
Choose beachfront stays in Hikkaduwa and Tangalle for relaxation, and a cozy safari lodge near Yala for a true wildlife experience.Make sure to check reviews before selecting a hotel. You can easily find a wide range of accommodations from local homestays to high-end luxury hotels.
Travel Tips
- Best travel months: February to April.
- Carry sunscreen, hats, and light cotton clothes for the tropical weather.
- Book your Yala safari in advance to avoid last-minute unavailability.
- Respect wildlife rules, don’t get out of the jeep inside the park.
- Don't go to feed animals
- If you plan to go sea bathing, make sure to choose a safe spot. Check whether there are lifeguard or rescue teams available in the area.
Final Thoughts
From golden beaches to wild jungles, this 5-day southern adventure perfectly captures Sri Lanka’s diversity. Whether you love the calm of the ocean or the thrill of spotting a leopard, this journey offers both of those making it an unforgettable experience.