Southern Sri Lanka experience

Take a walk through historic Galle

Day 1–3 in Galle

The historic fort town of Galle is best explored on foot, allowing you to take in its grandiose colonial buildings, ancient temples and mosques and many quirky side streets. Make sure to take a walk on the ramparts of the fort, with views out over the ocean.

Explore the lesser-visited tea country of Haputale

Day 4–6 in Haputale

The hillside town of Haputale is a little-visited stop on the train route into tea country from Kandy to Ella.

Surrounded by tea plantations, this is the perfect place for a hike through Sri Lanka’s countryside away from the crowds. Take a side-trip to Diyaluma Waterfall to see the country’s second-highest waterfall, complete with three sets of pools to soak in.

Go leopard spotting in Yala National Park

Day 7–8 in Yala National Park

Southeast Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is the country’s most visited wilderness reserve.

Home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles, the park’s trails can get crowded during the high season.

Relax on the low-key beaches of Tangalle

Day 9–12 in Tangalle

Laidback Tangalle in Sri Lanka’s south is one of the region’s more relaxed beach destinations, combining simple guesthouses and some upmarket hotels.

What really sets it apart from the other resorts along the coast are the nearby attractions, including turtle-watching at Rekawa and the rock temples of Mulkirigala – both a half-day trip away.

Historic markets and modern malls in Colombo

Day 13 in Colombo

Cosmopolitan Colombo is more than just the gateway to Sri Lanka.

Here, you can learn about Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic history, with churches, mosques and temples all in a line, street food with influences from around the world, and shopping in a mix of ancient markets and huge malls in Pettah.