day | Location/Route | duration | Overnight |
---|---|---|---|
Day 01 | Arrival and Transfer to Negombo (40 minutes) | Negombo | |
Day 02 | Morning: drive to Galle (2.5 hours). Evening: explore the Galle Dutch Fort | Galle | |
Day 03 | Morning: drive to Yala | Yala | |
Day 04 | Morning: Safari at the Yala National Park. Evening: at leisure | Yala | |
Day 05 | Day at leisure on the beach | Tangalle | |
Day 06 | Day at leisure on the beach | Tangalle | |
Day 07 | Return to Colombo with a visit to a Mask Museum en route (2.5 hours). Evening; tour the city’s highlights with dinner at the Ministry of Crab. |
Colombo | |
Day 08 | Departure |
Needless to say, one of the prime features of the island, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, are its beaches of golden sand that surround the island and have gained popularity over the years with visitors. These include the beaches of Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Pasikudah, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle.
Sri Lanka is an island that is teeming with flora and fauna with a large number of endemic species. This island will truly delight nature lovers. There are currently 61 sanctuaries which include Maduganga, Wilpattu North, Yala, Minneriya, Udawatta Kele and Rummassala.
The Sinharaja Rainforest is one of Sri Lanka’s only remaining pristine forest. It has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many species of endemic birds can be spotted here in mixed breeding flocks. It also holds a rich variety of trees, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Indulge the ornithologist or bird watcher in you, with a serene catamaran cruise during sunrise or sunset along the Habarana Reservoir. Our naturalist will escort you on a scenic stroll along the bund of the reservoir from where you will embark on a leisurely cruise.
The tank is home to a plethora of waders you may observe, as the boatman paddles you along. Keep an eye out for birds such as the Large-Billed Leaf Warbler, Forest Wagtail and Blue-Tailed Bee Eater, to name a few. This activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, and we recommend starting the journey at 06:30am or 04:30pm in order to avoid the glare of the midday sun.
Did you know? The waters off Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts are along the annual migration route of the Humpback, Sperm and colossal Blue Whale. Towns such as Mirissa, where our excursion begins, are considered global hotspots for whale sightings. The best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is between December and March.
Set off on your whale watching adventure at 06:00am in the morning with a snack of a selection of nibbles and beverages while you scan the waters for your prize. Keep an eye out for playful Spinner Dolphins, a common sight. You will be out at sea for around four to five hours. An onboard washroom will be available for your use.
Ayubowan!!!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your guide from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
For convenience sake, you may want to change your currency before departing the airport. Banks are open 24/7
A short drive from the airport will take you to Negombo (30 minutes)
Settle in rest and relax from your journey.
Overnight in Negombo.
This morning after breakfast we will be heading to Galle (2.5 hours). Feel free to speak to your chauffeur should you wish to make a pit stop en route.
Settle in to your hotel, rest and relax this afternoon. Set out in the evening, to explore the Galle Dutch Fort with your chauffeur guide.
This morning after breakfast we will proceed further into the deep south towards Yala (3.5 hours).
Settle into the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Perhaps a spa experience if you wish to unwind and relax from your days travelling.
You may choose to opt for 2 game drives into the Park - early morning and early afternoon or one of two.
Depending on your sightings the previous day, you may choose how you wish to spend your morning.
This afternoon, a leisurely drive will take you to Tangalle (2.5 hours).
Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Spend your day at leisure or opt to visit any of the attractions in the area.
This morning after breakfast you will make your way to Colombo via the Southern Expressway (2.5 hours). Do feel free to speak to the chauffeur if you wish to make a comfort stop at the service area, located midway on the highway.
Option: Perhaps a visit to the crafts village to watch deft hands weaving intricate lace patterns and the pottery wheels in action en route to Colombo.
On reaching Colombo, settle into your hotel, and rest and relax from your journey.
This evening explore the busy streets of Colombo with your chauffeur.
You will leave for the airport in time for your departure flight.
Location | Accommodation | Meal Plan |
---|---|---|
Negombo | Jetwing Beach | Bed & Breakfast Basis |
Galle | Le Grand | |
Yala | Cinnamon Wild | |
Colombo | Galle Face Hotel |
What to Pack!
Notes: