Galle, Yala National Park & beach holiday in Mirissa

Today marks the start of your adventure to Sri Lanka. Your journey begins from your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the emerald jewel of the Indian Ocean! 

Arriving just north of the capital, Colombo, you’ll proceed through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will be waiting with a TourCompass sign and a warm dose of the famed Sri Lankan hospitality.

You’ll then travel south to one of Sri Lanka’s most vibrant cities, Galle. Here, you can look forward to exploring Sri Lanka’s historic roots, while the idyllic beaches of the south coast offer a taste of a relaxing beach holiday. 

After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. If you still have the energy, why not begin exploring within the walls of Galle Fort? It’s easy to be captivated by this atmospheric town, with its charming little shops, cosy cafés, and tempting restaurants, all beautifully framed by the air of history that lingers at every corner.

In the late morning, you’ll meet your guide at your hotel and set out on a guided walk through the cobbled streets of Galle.

Galle is steeped in colonial charm, clearly marked by the influence of various great powers throughout its history. Since the 16th century, the city has been occupied several times, beginning with Portuguese seafarers who constructed a fort around the town centre. The Dutch later took control and expanded the fort, creating what you can now experience as Southeast Asia’s best-preserved fort of European origin, earning Galle Fort a place on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Your city tour will begin inside the walls of Galle Fort, which also encloses the city’s Old Town. The moment you enter through the main gate, you can feel a vibrant atmosphere and are soon swept away by the city’s sense of history as you stroll past classical colonial-era buildings. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about Galle—a city that in many ways reflects the colourful history of Sri Lanka itself.

Of course, you’ll also have the chance to see Galle’s iconic lighthouse and the fort’s many bastions, each offering spectacular views of the sea and the nearby beaches—perfect spots for you to enjoy at your leisure tomorrow morning.

After the guided city tour, you may choose to wander the charming narrow streets at your own pace. Here, you’ll find perhaps the finest selection of boutique shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés anywhere in Sri Lanka.

The day is free for you to spend exactly as you wish, giving you the chance to make the most of your experiences in Galle.

You can take it easy as you soak up the many impressions from the city, relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches surrounding Galle. If you’ve chosen to upgrade to one of our seaside hotels, you won’t need to go further than the water’s edge. Alternatively, if you’re staying within the walls of Galle Fort or simply want to explore some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches, several of them are less than a 35-minute drive away.

To the west, you might visit Hikkaduwa, known for its golden sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, and seas frequented by curious fish and large sea turtles. The same goes for Unawatuna Beach and Jungle Beach to the east, both just 15 minutes from Galle’s historic centre.

You can also set off on new adventures as a guest on one of our exciting optional tours, where you could, for example, get a close look at life in a traditional Sri Lankan village or head out on a whale watching excursion if you’re travelling between December and April.

In the evening, enjoy a walk along the old city walls and take in the shimmering sea views before settling in at one of Galle’s colourful restaurants, reflecting on your many memorable experiences you’ve gained.

The morning is yours to spend as you wish, giving you ample opportunity to browse the charming little shops and galleries of Galle Fort. Or perhaps you’d prefer to sit down in a cosy café and savour a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee in these atmospheric streets.

Towards the afternoon, your guide will collect you and drive you to your hotel outside Yala National Park. Here, you can refresh yourself with a dip in the pool while you prepare for tomorrow’s safari adventures, before dinner is served in these tropical surroundings.

Enjoy a relaxing morning making the most of the hotel’s excellent facilities, giving yourself time to recharge ahead of the coming days, which are all about discovering Sri Lanka’s awe-inspiring wildlife.

After lunch, your guide will collect you from the hotel for the short drive to Yala National Park. As you step into the four-wheel drive jeep, an experienced ranger will lead you on a safari across Yala’s strikingly varied landscape of forests, bushland, wetlands, and open grass plains. The park boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, wild boar, and more than 200 species of birds.

What truly sets Yala apart, however, is its reputation for having one of the world’s highest densities of leopards. While sightings can never be guaranteed, the thrill of possibly spotting this elusive big cat draws wildlife enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. It’s a great chance to see one of nature’s most majestic predators that adds an extra dash of excitement to your safari, keeping you alert to everything that moves in the wilderness. Your ranger will, of course, help you spot the wildlife and share fascinating insights about their behaviour and movements along the way.

After nearly three hours spent in the company of Sri Lanka’s captivating wildlife, you’ll head back to your hotel, where you can look forward to enjoying your evening meal in idyllic tropical surroundings.

You’ll wake up early for another game drive in Yala, Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park, before the day’s heat sends the animals into the shade.

By heading out on another game drive, you’ll greatly increase your chances of witnessing the very best of Sri Lanka’s exotic wildlife. Travelling in an open jeep, you’ll enjoy a safari led by your guide and an experienced ranger, who knows the park inside out. He’s an expert in tracking animal movements and reading their signs.

After nearly three hours, you’ll return to your hotel, where a deliciously prepared breakfast awaits in a tranquil setting. Afterwards, your guide will drive you to Mirissa, at the southern tip of Sri Lanka, where you’ll settle in at a beachside hotel for the next few days of your beach holiday.

Upon arrival at your hotel, you’ll check in and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Mirissa enjoys a relaxed vibe and sprawls across three small bays, fringed by swaying coconut palms and stretches of dazzlingly beautiful, near-paradisiacal beaches. Despite being one of Sri Lanka’s most popular seaside destinations, Mirissa retains a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind and let your cares drift away.

There are no planned activities during your stay in Mirissa, so you are free to spend your days exactly as you wish.

The beaches in Mirissa are perfect for lazy, relaxing days, but please be aware that the waves and currents can be strong throughout the year. Each beach has its own character: you can go snorkelling at Turtle Bay or Parrot Rock, or enjoy a peaceful swim at the secluded Secret Beach, sheltered by large rock formations. If you’re interested in surfing, the western part of Mirissa Beach is ideal for learning the basics, while a short 10-minute tuk-tuk ride will take you to Weligama – one of Sri Lanka’s best beginner surf spots.

The waters off Mirissa are also famous as one of the finest places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. The warm Indian Ocean provides an excellent habitat for these magnificent creatures, with a good chance of spotting blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins.

Scattered along the shoreline, you’ll find a selection of good restaurants, perfect for enjoying a refreshing coconut drink at lunch or tucking into delicious seafood dishes while the waves lap gently against the shore just a few metres away.

As evening approaches, make your way to the ever-popular Coconut Tree Hill – the perfect spot to watch the sun set behind the hilltop’s swaying coconut palms. Here, you’ll also find a local bar where you can sip a cold drink as the sky is painted with stunning colours.

Your Sri Lankan adventure is drawing to a close, but you’ll carry the memories with you for a lifetime.

In good time before your flight, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport, where your journey home to Europe begins, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport with wonderful experiences to look back on, and perhaps a longing to return one day.