Incredible South Tour
Colombo · Bentota · Hikkaduwa · Galle · Weligama · Mirissa · Yala · Tangalle
About this journey
Five days following Sri Lanka's golden southern coastline, where palm-lined beaches meet historic fort towns and one of Asia's best safari parks.
This route is well suited to travellers who want to slow down: time on the sand, sunset whale watching, fresh seafood by the sea, and the option of an early-morning Yala safari.
All transfers are in a private vehicle with a driver who knows the southern roads and beaches intimately — we'll suggest the right stops based on weather and your pace.
What you'll experience
Madu Ganga Mangroves
Glide through a maze of brackish backwaters and 64 islets aboard a traditional boat — monitor lizards, kingfishers, and a floating cinnamon farm along the way.
Hikkaduwa Reef Snorkelling
Slip into one of Sri Lanka's oldest marine sanctuaries — bright coral gardens, sea turtles, and shoals of parrotfish just metres from the beach.
Galle Fort Ramparts
Walk the 17th-century Dutch fortifications at golden hour, with the lighthouse, mosque, and Indian Ocean spread out below the bastions.
Mirissa Whale Watching
Set out in the early morning from Mirissa harbour in search of blue whales, sperm whales, and spinner dolphins on one of the world's deepest continental shelves.
Weligama Stilt Fishermen
Photograph the iconic silhouettes perched on slender poles above the surf — a centuries-old technique unique to this stretch of coast.
Yala Safari at Sunrise
Track leopards, sloth bears, and wild elephants on a dawn jeep safari through the highest predator density in Asia.
Your route
Colombo → Bentota → Galle → Mirissa → Yala → Tangalle
A coastal sweep along Sri Lanka's golden southern shore — palm-lined beaches, the colonial fort of Galle, whale-rich waters of Mirissa, and the leopard country of Yala.
- Distance
- 700 km
- Daily Drive
- 75 min avg between stops
Itinerary
Arrival in Bentota
Welcome at Bandaranaike Airport (BIA). Private transfer south to Bentota. Evening on the beach or river boat ride through the Madu Ganga mangroves.
Bentota → Galle
Stop at Hikkaduwa for snorkelling. Afternoon inside Galle Fort — Dutch architecture, ramparts, lighthouse and boutique galleries.
Galle → Mirissa
Optional whale-watching trip from Mirissa harbour. Afternoon at Coconut Tree Hill and the famous stilt fishermen of Weligama.
Mirissa → Yala → Tangalle
Early morning safari in Yala National Park (leopards, elephants, sloth bears). Continue to quieter Tangalle for a beach evening.
Tangalle → Airport Departure
Beach morning, then private transfer back to Colombo or directly to Bandaranaike Airport (BIA) for departure.
Inclusions
Included
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- ✓Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- ✓Fuel, parking, road taxes and driver expenses
- ✓Bottled water during transfers
- ✓Airport pickup and drop-off
Not Included
- ×International flights
- ×Hotel accommodation (we can recommend partners)
- ×Meals and beverages
- ×Entrance tickets, safari jeeps and whale-watching boats
- ×Personal expenses and tips
From our travellers
"Thanks to Krishan, we had a great tour that immersed us into the culture, temples, beaches and museums. He personalized to fit our needs."
Book the Incredible South Tour
We'll come back within 24 hours with a personalized quote and any adjustments to suit your dates.