As you journey through Sri Lanka, the southern region’s unique charm awaits discovery. This part of your adventure will take you to stunning beaches, wildlife reserves and historic towns. The itinerary outlined in this two-part article can be tailored to suit your preferences and schedule, allowing for a personalized Sri Lankan adventure.
Get ready to unwind on tranquil beaches, spot majestic wildlife in their natural habitats and immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. In part one, I explored the island’s beauty and rich cultural heritage, visiting Colombo, Jaffna, Anuradhapura District, Sigiriya (including the thrill of a safari), Kandy, and Hatton.
Now, in part two, you will discover the island’s southern charm, visiting Ella, Yala National Park, Tangalle, Weligama Bay, and Galle and returning to Colombo for your flight home.
Now, in part two, you will discover the island’s southern charm, visiting Ella, Yala National Park, Tangalle, Weligama Bay, and Galle and returning to Colombo for your flight home.
My sample itinerary includes a curated selection of exceptional and great-value accommodation options, each chosen for its unique character and comfort. From luxurious villas and resorts to charming hotels and guesthouses, each provides refined style and finesse. In Sri Lanka, a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication is evident in the work of proprietors, architects and designers. Many excel in balancing cultivated style, elevated service and comfort to create truly unforgettable hospitality and shopping experiences.
As you explore the southern coast of Sri Lanka, indulge in the local cuisine, a delicious blend of traditional Sri Lankan flavors and fresh seafood. Try some of the local specialties, such as fish ambulthiyal (sour and spicy fish curry) or seafood rice and curry.
This is not a boring island! Enjoy vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Sri Lankan dance and music. Check online for jazz, rock and classical music concerts, beach parties, DJ nights and casino nights.
Sri Lanka is also home to a rich music scene, with popular local bands and musicians like Bathiya and Santhush, Yohani, and Ashanthi, who have gained recognition for their unique sounds and styles.
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Ella
Depart from Hatton’s charming hill country railway station and embark on a breathtaking 90-minute train journey through the lush, tea-covered central highlands to the picturesque town of Ella. This scenic route is renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning railway journeys. As you wind past emerald tea estates blanketing the mountains, the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea envelops you.
Ella is a nature lover’s and adventure seeker’s paradise. Take a scenic hike to Ella Rock, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, or explore the nearby Ella Gap, where the mountains part to reveal a stunning vista of the southern plains.
Yala National Park
Next, venture into the wilderness of Yala National Park. The drive from Ella to Yala takes approximately two hours. Although Yala is known for its leopards, elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles, I recommend focusing on the rich and diverse flora and birdlife in the less visited areas of the park away from the tourists.
Yala is a birdwatcher’s paradise with about 255 species. Embark on a guided safari, exploring the park’s diverse habitats, from grasslands and forests to wetlands and beaches.
As the sun sets, relax in your luxurious lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. The Hilton Yala Resort is surprisingly elegant, with a great spa, pool and fitness facilities.
Tangalle
The southern coast of Sri Lanka is dotted with picturesque beach towns, each with its own unique charm. From Yala, drive 1.5 hours to Tangalle, a tranquil seaside escape with pristine beaches, rocky coves, fresh seafood and lovely, relaxed accommodations. A visit to the Tangalle Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich maritime past.
Near Tangalle, I recommend hiking up to the Mulkirigala Ancient Cave Temple. It is perched on a 600-foot rock boulder with stunning panoramic views of the valley. This temple complex is a sacred Buddhist site boasting seven cave temples, preserved paintings and sculptures of great archaeological significance. This pilgrimage site is for Buddhists who come to worship, meditate and seek blessings.
Weligama Bay
Just 30 minutes from Tangalle is Weligama Bay, a picturesque fishing village famous for its stilt fishermen and stunning sunsets. Take a leisurely boat ride along the coast and around Taprobane Island. Watch the fishermen at work and spot dolphins and whales, or enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling.
Visit the bustling fish market to see the daily catch and try some of the freshest seafood in the area. As the sun sets, enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach, with the sound of the waves and the warmth of the tropical evening.
For fellow elephant lovers, I recommend a day trip to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, despite the six to eight-hour round-trip drive. This excursion offers a chance to observe wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat. The adjacent Elephant Transit Home, established in 1995, provides a unique opportunity to witness the care and rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild.
Note: For a surreal experience for design and architecture enthusiasts who share my passion for the work of the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, DavidTravel can arrange for you to stay in the original bedroom that Bawa occupied at his beautifully restored country estate, about a 1.5-hour drive from Weligama.
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Galle
After pampered days at the beach, drive an hour from Weligama Bay to Galle, a historic fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander and explore the narrow cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings, quaint shops and restaurants, and visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress. Take a leisurely walk along the ancient fort walls, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
You can also admire the stunning architecture of the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. Nearing the end of your journey, Galle is a great place to shop. While perusing local boutiques, markets and the work of artisans, you will discover a range of unique items, from local crafts and art to chic fashion pieces, while supporting the local economy and helping preserve traditional crafts, skills and emerging local design talent.
Colombo
Conclude your ICONIC journey through Sri Lanka with a 2.5-hour drive south towards Colombo for your flight home. Go directly to the airport, have an overnight stay booked near the airport, or spend your last days in Sri Lanka exploring more of Colombo’s many attractions and shopping.
As you depart this enchanting island, treasure your memories of its stunning landscapes and beaches, rich and captivating culture, diverse ecosystems and warm, earnest hospitality. In the context of Sri Lankan culture, hospitality is deeply ingrained and is often referred to as “Atithi Devo Bhava,” which translates to “Guest is God.” This philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of treating guests with the utmost respect, kindness and generosity, will be experienced throughout your visit.
NOTE: The page with the map and Sample Itinerary should remain almost exactly the same as you beautifully laid it out for Part 1 of the Sri Lanka article, but see the text below in red.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
A “Best of the Best” recommended itinerary:
Look for locations 1-6 discussed in Part 1 of Journey to Sri Lanka in the Holiday 2024 edition of ICONIC LIFE.
2 – 3 nights in Colombo
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
https://paradiseroadhotels.com/tintagel/
Shangri-La Colombo
https://www.shangri-la.com/colombo/shangrila/
Uga Residence
https://www.ugaescapes.com/residence/
ITC Ratnadipal, a Luxury Collection Hotel
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cmblc-itc-ratnadipa-a-luxury-collection-hotel-colombo/overview/
https://www.watergardensigiriya.com/
Jetwing Vil Uyana
https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingviluyana/
Taru Villas – Maia
https://www.taruvillas.com/maia/
W15 Hanthana Estate
https://hanthana.w15.lk/
The Kandy House
https://www.manorhouseconcepts.com/our-spaces/kandy-house/
The Kings Pavilion Kandy
https://www.kingspavilion.com/
Ceylon Tea Trails
https://www.resplendentceylon.com/teatrails/
Camellia Hills
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/camellia-hills/
Uga Halloowella
https://www.ugaescapes.com/halloowella
Stafford Bungalow
https://www.staffordbungalow.com/
Locations 7-12 are discussed here in Part 2 of Journey to Sri Lanka.
Walaa Kulu
https://www.walaakulu.com
Nine Skies
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/nine-skies
Hilton Yala Resort
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kdwyahi-hilton-yala-resort/
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
https://www.resplendentceylon.com/wildcoastlodge-yala/
Amanwella Tangalle, an Aman Resort
https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanwella
Anantara Peace Heaven Tangalle Resort
https://www.anantara.com/en/peace-haven-tangalle
Taru Villas Mawella
https://www.taruvillas.com/mawella-tangalle/
Last House Mawella
https://www.manorhouseconcepts.com/our-spaces/last-house/
Amangalla, an Aman Resort
https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla
Taru Villas Rampart Street
https://www.taruvillas.com/rampartstreet-gallefort
Fort Bazaar
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/fort-bazaar/
Shorter options: The duration of an itinerary for your stay can be customized to fit your timeline and preferences.
THE GIFT OF GIVING
A donation to the SOS Children’s Villages in Sri Lanka helps their mission to keep families together, provide alternative care and advocate for children’s rights. They care for thousands of Sri Lankan children in need in six villages across the country. Their Family Like Care program provides a nurturing environment for children who have lost parental care. The Family Strengthening Program supports struggling families through counseling, skills training and community-based programs. Throughout their work, SOS prioritizes the safety and well-being of children, protecting them from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Additionally, they empower young people to become independent through vocational training, education and internship opportunities.
https://www.soschildrensvillages.lk/
To Plan and Book Your Travel
To book your business and leisure travels worldwide, call on David Rubin and his team at DavidTravel. In 1996, David moved from a successful law practice, followed a deep passion for travel, and launched his travel company. For more than a decade, David has been on both the Travel + Leisure Magazine “A-List” and the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine “Specialist List” of the best travel advisors in the world. DavidTravel delivers unparalleled style, attention to detail and insider access, uniquely responding to each client’s goals, budget, interests and dreams.
DavidTravel
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