Itinerary overview

5-Day Safari and South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary

Wildlife-first route with park gateways and a recovery-focused beach finish. Designed for July travel with 4 traveler(s), 5 days, and a luxury budget style. The plan keeps transfer pacing realistic while emphasizing wildlife and adventure.

Safari-first tripsNature photographyCoast plus parksWildlifeAdventureTea country

Day 1

Arrive and settle in Colombo

Arrival -> Colombo | Approx drive: 0.5-1 hrs

Activities

Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block
Urban food circuit focused on local specialties

Stay area: Colombo

Simple city rooms with good transport access (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Colombo activities.

Boutique city hotel near key dining districts (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Colombo.

Premium Colombo city hotel with spa access (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Colombo stay.

Day 2

Transfer to Udawalawe with focused highlights

Colombo -> Udawalawe | Approx drive: 3-5 hrs

Activities

Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block
Conservation center stop with family-friendly learning

Stay area: Udawalawe

Simple safari rooms with transport support (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Udawalawe activities.

Balanced nature stay with guide coordination (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Udawalawe.

Luxury safari retreat with premium drive options (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Udawalawe stay.

Day 3

Transfer to Yala with focused highlights

Udawalawe -> Yala | Approx drive: 1.5-2.5 hrs

Activities

Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing
Priority wildlife and adventure block centered around Yala
Naturalist briefing for habitat awareness

Stay area: Yala

Budget safari camp near park gate (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Yala activities.

Comfort wildlife hotel near key access routes (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Yala.

High-end parkside retreat with all-inclusive planning support (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Yala stay.

Transfer to Mirissa with focused highlights

Yala -> Mirissa | Approx drive: 2.5-3.5 hrs

Activities

Photography-focused golden-hour planning block
Relaxed coastal dining and walkable evening route
Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days

Stay area: Mirissa

Affordable coastal stay with local cafe access (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Mirissa activities.

Mid-range coastal hotel with pool (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Mirissa.

Premium Mirissa resort with curated dining (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Mirissa stay.

Day 5

Transfer to Galle with focused highlights

Mirissa -> Galle | Approx drive: 0.5-1.5 hrs

Activities

Galle Fort heritage walk with flexible shopping breaks
Anchor safari drives in early and late windows
Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing

Stay area: Galle

Simple heritage area rooms with walkable access (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Galle activities.

Balanced coastal city stay for mixed itineraries (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Galle.

Luxury colonial-style hotel inside heritage zone (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Galle stay.

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Estimated Budget (USD)

USD 6732 - USD 12566

Budget range is directional guidance and changes by travel dates, inventory, and transport style.
Room categories and transfer method can materially change final totals.
Confirm live supplier availability before making payment decisions.

Important Disclaimers

Drive durations are estimates and can vary with traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Accommodation options and inclusions are examples for planning, not guaranteed inventory.
Use this itinerary as planning guidance and validate final logistics before booking.

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