South Coast: Relax & Explore

See the best of Sri Lanka’s south coast on this relaxing tour of its historic towns and forts, stunning beaches and endemic wildlife, spending 4 nights at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa.

10 Days & 8 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Colombo (N)

Day 2: Colombo

On arrival in Colombo, transfer to the Galle Face Hotel for an overnight stay. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple and enjoy high tea from the terrace of your hotel. (B)

Day 3: Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe for an overnight stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. Take an afternoon game drive to see wild elephants and other animals in their natural habitat. (B, D)

Day 4: Hambantota

Drive to Hambantota, visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home en route. Spend 4 nights at the beachside Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa. (B, D)

Day 5: Hambantota

Day at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Hambantota

Take a 4×4 ride to Yala National Park for a morning safari in search of leopards, sloth bears, deer, water buffalo and elephants. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Hambantota

Visit the Mulkirigala painted caves, a 2,200-year-old site of seven caves with frescoes and Buddha statues complemented by panoramic views of the surrounding lush landscape. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Galle

En route to Galle, visit Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, a quiet rock temple with a 9 metre reclining Buddha where monks have been living for at least 1,500 years. Enjoy a 2-night stay at Galle Fort Hotel. Afternoon tour of the Unesco-listed Galle fort. (B, D)

Day 9: Galle

Optional early morning whale watching excursion with Sail Lanka. Or visit the tea fields and factory of Handunugoda Tea Estate and sample their Virgin White tea. Alternatively, enjoy a boat and cycle ride followed by a cookery lesson in the countryside surrounding Galle.(B)

Day 10: Fly home (B)