Surfing, Safaris & Scenery in Southern Sri Lanka - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kandy, Guided Royal Palace Tour

Welcome to Sri Lanka's judicial capital and largest city, Colombo! Meet your driver outside the airport for a 3.5-hour transfer to Kandy, a vibrant city nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka. Check-in and freshen up at your hotel, then join your guide on a tour of the Royal Palace, once the residence of the Kandyan kings before the British colonization in 1815. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the Kandyan era. Wander through the complex and admire the intricately carved wooden pillars and traditional designs. 

The stone pathway will lead you through the audience hall, where the king once held court amid ornately decorated columns and a throne. The surrounding structures, like the queen's chambers and baths, give you a better understanding of the royal lifestyle with their finely crafted details. Stop at Sri Dalada Maligawa, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, as it houses a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. If you want to enter the temple, make sure you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, and remove your footwear before stepping inside. 

Day 2: Transfer to Wellawaya, Train Ride on the Nine Arch Bridge

After a restful night in Kandy, hit the road again on a four-hour transfer south to Wellawaya, a serene town surrounded by greenery and rolling hills in the Monaragala District. When you arrive, you'll embark on a scenic train journey through verdant tea plantations, dense forests, and rolling hills. The journey will take you across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, known for its elegant stone arches and lush surroundings. After the one-hour train ride, return to your hotel and enjoy some free time by the pool before sitting down for dinner at the on-site restaurant overlooking the paddy fields.

Day 3: Ride the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline, Trek to Ellewala Waterfall

Start your day with an adrenaline rush as you transfer one hour to the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline. At 1,500 feet (457 m), it's the longest zipline in Sri Lanka. Complete a safety briefing, don your gear, and ascend to the launch platform overlooking the lush hills, verdant tea plantation, and distant waterfalls. When you're ready, step off the platform and glide along the zipline, reaching a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 kph). It's worth braving a look down as the zipline's height offers an extraordinary vantage point of Sri Lanka's hill country. 

On your way back to Wellawaya, stop for a 30-45-minute trek to Ellewala Waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is moderate, with paths winding through lush forests, tea plantations, and some uneven terrain. Your efforts will be rewarded when the waterfall, cascading gracefully down a series of rugged rocks, comes into view. The gentle falls plunge into a natural turquoise swimming pool, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing swim. Dry off on the shore before trekking back to the car and returning to your hotel in Wellawaya.

Day 4: Transfer to Arugam Bay, Bird-Watching in Kumana National Park

Trade the rolling hills and tea plantations for coastal charm and laid-back surf culture as you meet your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer to Arugam Bay. When you arrive, choose between a free day by the pool or beach or a bird-watching tour in Kumana National Park. The park, just one hour away, is home to over 200 bird species, with more than 250 more migratory birds making an appearance throughout the year. As you explore the park's diverse habitats, ranging from wetlands and lagoons to dense forests and grasslands, you'll encounter species like the rare Sri Lankan junglefowl and the vibrant purple heron. 

The park is also home to several pools and Kumana Villu, a 494-acre (200 ha) mangrove swamp that attracts water birds during the wet season from May to June. If you're visiting during this time, you may see the black-crowned night heron or white ibis. During the dry season, there are still plenty of birds to see, like the great egret, Eurasian spoonbill, and black-headed ibis. While you traverse the park, you may also spot mammals including elephants, sloth bears, and wild boar. After three hours immersed in the park's wildlife, transfer to your hotel in time for predinner drinks on the terrace.

Day 5: Surfing at Pottuvil Point, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

Change into your bathing suit and get ready to go surfing at Pottuvil Point, renowned for its consistent, high-quality waves that cater to various skill levels. Jump in a tuk-tuk for one hour, then take in the palm-fringed beach and clear turquoise waters. When you're ready, grab your board and paddle out to the lineup. Wait for the right wave to approach and ride it all the way out to the shallows of the bay before doing it all over again.

If you don't have a lot of experience surfing, don't worry. The beach's right-hand break and sandy bottom are ideal for beginners. But, those with more experience won't be bored as waves can range from one to six feet (0.3 to 1.8 m) in height. After two hours of surfing, relax on the beach or return to the hotel for a break from the salt water.

Day 6: Surfing at Main Point

Spend another day conquering the waves, this time at Main Point, the most popular surf spot around Arugam Bay. It's renowned for its consistent right-hand breaks that offer a 165-500-foot (50-150-m) ride. The waves also range from moderate to large, offering excellent opportunities for both long rides and dynamic maneuvers. The picturesque setting, with its golden sands and clear blue waters, enhances only adds to the experience. If you're a beginner, try to stick to the nearby Mini Point, where there are soft sandy bottoms with no coral.

Day 7: Transfer to Yala National Park, Afternoon Safari 

Say goodbye to Arugam Bay this morning as you transfer two hours to Yala National Park, the second-largest in Sri Lanka, known for its high density of leopards. When you arrive, check-in at your hotel on the edge of the park. Then, if you're not too tired, set off on an afternoon safari through various terrains, from open grasslands and dense jungle to picturesque lagoons.

The park spans 378 square miles (978 sq km), so there's plenty of ground to cover. The cooler afternoon temperatures often reveal elephants grazing, leopards moving stealthily through the underbrush, and herds of deer and buffalo roaming freely. The park's birdlife is also more active, with colorful species such as the Sri Lankan junglefowl and peafowl making frequent appearances. After two hours of searching for wildlife, return to your hotel for a relaxed buffet dinner.

Day 8: Morning Safari in Yala National Park

Your penultimate day in Sri Lanka begins with a pre-dawn safari. It's an optimal time for wildlife viewing as the cooler temperatures and gentle light make animals more active and visible. The early hours offer the best chance to spot elusive leopards as they conclude their nocturnal activities and retreat into the shade. Herds of elephants, spotted deer, and wild boar, are also more likely to be seen as they forage for food before it gets too hot. 

Don't forget the various bird species, including the vibrant Sri Lankan peacock and sharp-eyed eagles soaring above. After the safari, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day enjoying its amenities, with a dip in the outdoor pool or a sundowner on the rooftop bar.

Day 9: Transfer to Colombo, Depart

Wake to the gentle rustling of the surrounding jungle and the distant sounds of wildlife for the last time as you head home today. Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, then start the 3.5-hour transfer back to Colombo. Watch the southeastern countryside transition to picturesque rural areas, bustling market towns, and scenic coastal stretches. As you approach Colombo, the high-rise buildings will slowly come into view. When you arrive, head straight to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Sri Lanka Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other Sri Lanka itineraries, explore different ways to spend nine days in Sri Lanka, or discover the best time to visit Sri Lanka.