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 August travel with 2 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

National museum and old-town district orientation
Protect rest periods after long game-drive blocks
Short hike or viewpoint climb with safety-first pacing

Stay area: Colombo

Transit hotel near Colombo Fort (Budget)

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

Comfortable hotel with easy airport transfer options (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Colombo.

Luxury waterfront hotel with concierge support (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

Priority wildlife and adventure block centered around Udawalawe
Low-effort evening reset after safari block
Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days

Stay area: Udawalawe

Budget eco-lodge near Udawalawe entrance (Budget)

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

Comfort safari hotel near elephant corridors (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Udawalawe.

Premium eco-resort with curated wildlife experiences (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

Sunrise safari with ethical wildlife guidelines
Anchor safari drives in early and late windows
Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing

Stay area: Yala

Affordable eco-stay for safari-focused nights (Budget)

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

Mid-range safari lodge with practical game-drive logistics (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Yala.

Premium wilderness camp with curated drives (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

Protect rest periods after long game-drive blocks
Short hike or viewpoint climb with safety-first pacing
Optional seasonal whale-watching slot

Stay area: Mirissa

Simple surf-friendly rooms near bay area (Budget)

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

Balanced beach property near main activity strip (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Mirissa.

Luxury oceanfront retreat with wellness amenities (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

Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block
Old-town dining shortlist for evening planning

Stay area: Galle

Budget fort-adjacent guesthouse (Budget)

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

Comfortable fort-area property with practical location (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Galle.

High-end coastal estate with curated excursions (Luxury)

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

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Estimated Budget (USD)

USD 3300 - USD 6160

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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