Southern Sri Lanka Getaway: Galle, Yala & Tangalle - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Galle

Welcome to Sri Lanka, a small island nation off the southern tip of India known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." Upon arrival in the capital of Colombo, a driver will take you into the city so you can explore. Don't miss the highlights like Independence Square, the famous Red Mosque, Colombo Fort, and the Old Parliament. For some quiet amid the hustle and bustle, head to the oceanfront Galle Face Green, a favorite hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. Visit the National Museum and Zoological Gardens or walk through the city's commercial center, where grand colonial-era buildings stand alongside modern hotels and office structures.

Then, your driver will pick you up and transfer you 2.5 hours south to Galle. Overlooking the circular cove of Unawatuna Bay, it's known for the atmospheric 17th-century Dutch fort that serves as its Old Town. Check into your hotel, then take some time to browse its Dutch colonial buildings, historic mosques, grand mansions, and museums. See the sunset from Flag Rock Bastion, grab a bite to eat from the street vendors, or visit the National Tea Rooms for local fare and homemade cakes.

Later in the day, you'll visit a sea turtle hatchery. The Galle region is home to many species of turtles, including the Olive Ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherhead, and green turtle. While several hatcheries are in the area, one excellent option is the Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Center. This nonprofit was established in the 1980s to help protect nesting turtles from poachers and other threats, working to safely release sea turtle hatchlings into the sea, as well as running a rescue operation for injured or sick turtles. 

Tour the facility and see the water tanks where the turtles are cared for, as well as the nesting areas where the turtles lay their eggs, while your guides share information on the turtles, their habits, and the importance of protecting them. If you're lucky, you may even get to assist in releasing hatchlings into the ocean. After your tour, you'll be transferred two hours to the wilds of Yala National Park. Check into your rustic lodgings, then get plenty of rest, as you'll wake early tomorrow for a Jeep safari through the park to spot rare wildlife.

Day 3: Morning Safari in Yala National Park, Transfer to Tangalle

Day 4: Explore Hikkaduwa: Beaches, Birds & Rock Temples

Travel west along the coast today to spend the day discovering the town of Hikkaduwa and its surroundings. Head to one of the famous beaches in the area, like Akurala and Narigama, and spend hours relaxing on the golden sands. Or set out on an activity like a boat tour to snorkel at an offshore coral sanctuary. You can also take a day trip to the Sinharaja Reserve to hike through the tropical rainforest. Located in the southwest lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, the reserve is home to incredible wildlife, from rare butterflies to purple-faced leaf monkeys. 

To appreciate some Sri Lankan art, you can stop at the Saffron Robes gallery and pick up paintings and traditional masks. To learn about recent history, visit the Tsunami Museum to see photo representations of the devastation Hikkaduwa suffered during the 2004 tsunami. 

Other highlights of the area include the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Take a catamaran ride around a beautiful lagoon and mangroves, home to 150 species of birds. Or, stretch your legs with a visit to the temples of Mulkirigala, whose magnificent rock-cut caves date to the third century CE. A series of stairways and terraces take you past ancient carvings to a sacred Bo tree. Finally, you can visit the small fishing village of Kudawella to see the Hummanaya Blowhole, which shoots fountains of water into the air due to pressure build-up in a nearby gorge.