5 days · from $720
Leopard & Ocean
A 5-day private tour combining thrilling dawn and dusk leopard safaris in Yala National Park with relaxing downtime on Sri Lanka's southern beaches. Includes a dedicated chauffeur-guide.
The Leopard & Ocean tour is designed for travellers who want to experience Sri Lanka's famous wildlife without committing to a long, exhausting circuit. Over five days, you will trade the busy roads for the rugged scrubland of Yala National Park, followed by the quiet rhythm of the southern coastline. Travelling in a private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide, this short trip focuses on quality sightings and genuine relaxation. It is ideal as a standalone short break or as an extension to a longer stay in the hill country.
Highlights
Two private 4x4 game drives in Yala National Park with experienced local trackers.
A high chance of spotting the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, alongside elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Unwinding on the golden sands of Sri Lanka's southern beaches.
Enjoying fresh, local seafood by the Indian Ocean.
Travelling comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Yala
Your chauffeur-guide will meet you at the airport (or your current hotel) and drive you south towards Yala National Park. Settle into your accommodation near the park boundary and rest ahead of an early start.
Day 2: Dawn & Dusk Safaris in Yala
Wake before sunrise for your first game drive. Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, and early morning offers the best light and activity. Return to your hotel for lunch and a rest during the midday heat, before heading back into the park for a late afternoon safari as the wildlife becomes active again.
Day 3: Yala to the South Coast
After breakfast, leave the dry zone behind and drive west along the scenic southern coastline. Arrive at your chosen beach destination—perhaps Tangalle, Mirissa, or Unawatuna—and spend the afternoon relaxing by the Indian Ocean.
Day 4: Coastal Downtime
A full day at your leisure. Swim in the warm waters, read under a palm tree, or explore the local area. In the evening, enjoy a dinner of freshly caught local seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 5: Departure
Enjoy a final morning on the beach before your chauffeur-guide drives you back to Colombo or the airport for your onward journey.
What's included
Private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide for 5 days.
Fuel, tolls, and driver's expenses.
Two private 4x4 safari jeep hires in Yala National Park.
Park entrance fees for Yala.
Meals only where the itinerary names them. Hotels are not included in your final custom itinerary.
Good to know
Best time to go: Yala is best visited between February and July when water is scarce and animals gather at waterholes. The park usually closes for a month in September or October for maintenance. The south coast is sunniest from December to April.
Pace: Relaxed. The early morning safari requires a 5:00 AM start, but the rest of the trip is slow-paced with minimal driving.
Customisable: This is a private tour. You can change the beach location, upgrade your hotels, or add activities like whale watching in Mirissa. Use our free AI itinerary planner to adjust the details before you book.
Gallery
Inclusions
- Coastal downtime
- Local seafood
Exclusions
- hotels not included (we can book them for you on request)
- Safari jeep and park fees
Day-by-day route
Day 1
Arrival & Transfer to Yala
Meet your private driver and travel to your accommodation near Yala National Park.
Day 2
Dawn & Dusk Safaris in Yala
Two private 4x4 game drives in Yala National Park, focusing on leopard and elephant sightings.
Day 3
Yala to the South Coast
Drive along the scenic southern shoreline to your chosen beach destination.
Day 4
Coastal Downtime
A full day at leisure to relax by the Indian Ocean and enjoy local seafood.
Day 5
Departure
Transfer back to Colombo or the airport for your onward journey.
Google Maps route