11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYSWILDLIFE & SAFARI
Sri Lanka Big Five Safari
Experience Sri Lanka's ultimate 12-day wildlife safari. Spot wild leopards in Yala, elephants in Minneriya and Udawalawe, blue whales in Mirissa, and trek Kanneliya.
Southern Sanctuary: Historic Galle, Yala Leopards & Tangalle
100% PRIVATE & TAILOR-MADE
PACKAGE STARTS FROM
$3750 USD/ person
Based on 2 travellers sharing · Fully customizable itinerary
Speak with our specialist: +94 779 165 755
Journey Highlights
100% Private Journey with Dedicated Chauffeur-Guide
UNESCO Galle Dutch Fort, Iconic Lighthouse & Rampart Sunsets
Guided Rural Countryside Bicycle Tour Through Galle's Paddy Fields
Dual Dawn & Dusk Private 4x4 Safaris in Yala National Park
Secluded Barefoot Beach Relaxation on Golden Tangalle Shores
Handpicked Boutique & Luxury Heritage Stays (Half Board + 8 Lunches)
About This Journey
Discover the rich heritage and Untamed beauty of the south on the Southern Sanctuary: Historic Galle, Yala Leopards & Tangalle tour. This masterfully paced 9-day journey balances colonial living, thrilling big-game safaris, and secluded beach tranquility across Sri Lanka’s most enchanting coastal landscapes.
Begin inside the ramparts of UNESCO World Heritage Galle Dutch Fort, wandering cobblestone alleys, 17th-century merchant houses, and quiet coastal bastions before pedaling through emerald paddy fields on a guided village cycle tour. Transition from living history to untamed savannah as you journey to Yala National Park, where dual dawn and dusk 4x4 private safaris offer world-class opportunities to track the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, Asian elephants, and sloth bears.
Unwind along the unhurried shores of Tangalle, reveling in barefoot luxury at Buckingham Place, before finishing at a historic colonial country manor near Makandura Lake. Guided throughout by your dedicated private tour guide, this journey combines the comfort of handpicked boutique accommodations with the freedom of an unhurried, authentic Sri Lankan exploration.
What’s Included
Included with Overa
- 8 Nights accommodation in handpicked 4-star and 5-star luxury boutique properties (The Fort Printers, Jetwing Yala, Buckingham Place & The Notary's House)
- Daily Half Board meal plan (Breakfast & Dinner) plus 8 daily lunches included
- Dedicated private air-conditioned executive vehicle with licensed English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout
- All vehicle fuel, highway tolls, parking charges, vehicle insurance & statutory government taxes
- Complimentary daily bottled mineral water during all transfers and sightseeing
- VIP meet, greet, and personalized paging service upon arrival at Colombo Airport (CMB)
- Key sightseeing admissions & excursions: Galle Dutch Fort guided walking tour, rural village cycling expedition, morning and afternoon private 4x4 Yala jeep safaris & Makandura Lake scenic visit
Not Included
- International flights to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka tourist entry visa (Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA)
- Tuk-tuk charges wherever required outside standard itinerary
- Early check-in, late check-out & personal expenses (beverages, laundry, telephone, minibar)
- Discretionary private guide, safari tracker, and hotel porter gratuities
- Anything not expressly stated under 'Inclusions'
Your Itinerary Route
Handcrafted circuit across Sri Lanka's cultural citadel, emerald tea hills, and wildlife savannahs.
Day 01Arrival at Colombo (CMB) · Transfer to Historic Galle & Sunset Ramparts
Arrival at Colombo (CMB) · Transfer to Historic Galle & Sunset Ramparts
Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport by your private tour guide, followed by a comfortable scenic drive south to Galle. Settle into The Fort Printers and take a gentle twilight stroll along the colonial ramparts toward the iconic Galle Lighthouse for panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Day 02Guided Walking Exploration of UNESCO Galle Dutch Fort
Guided Walking Exploration of UNESCO Galle Dutch Fort
Embark on a private city tour of the 17th-century Galle Dutch Fort with your private tour guide. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with Dutch-colonial architecture, vibrant art galleries, and historic bastions overlooking the ocean, experiencing the largest surviving European-built fortress in Asia.
Day 03Galle Countryside Cycling Adventure & Rooftop Twilight
Galle Countryside Cycling Adventure & Rooftop Twilight
Join a guided morning bicycle tour through the tranquil rural villages, emerald rice paddies, and shaded waterways just inland from Galle. Interact with local artisans, soak up pastoral island life, and conclude your evening with sunset drinks and dinner at a charming rooftop setting.
Day 04Southern Coastal Drive to Yala National Park
Southern Coastal Drive to Yala National Park
Journey east along the sunlit southern coastline with your chauffeur-guide, pausing for coastal photography and tropical sea vistas. Arrive on the doorstep of Yala National Park and settle into Jetwing Yala, preparing for two days of deep immersion into Sri Lanka's premier wildlife haven.
Day 05Dawn & Dusk Private 4x4 Safaris in Yala National Park
Dawn & Dusk Private 4x4 Safaris in Yala National Park
Venture into Yala on morning and late-afternoon private jeep safaris to maximize sightings of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear. Watch wild elephants traverse dusty plains, spot herds of spotted deer and wild boar, and marvel at a kaleidoscope of vibrant resident and migratory birds.
Day 06Yala to Tangalle · Secluded Coastal Sanctuary
Yala to Tangalle · Secluded Coastal Sanctuary
Savor a leisurely morning in the wild before taking a scenic two-hour drive along the southern coast to Tangalle. Check into the tranquil Buckingham Place and spend the afternoon unwinding amidst lush lagoon vistas, swaying coconut palms, and peaceful ocean breezes.
Day 07Tangalle Beach Leisure & Pure Relaxation
Tangalle Beach Leisure & Pure Relaxation
Enjoy an unhurried day dedicated to pure relaxation on Tangalle's unspoiled golden shores. Listen to the rhythmic ocean surf, swim in secluded turquoise bays, take barefoot strolls along palm-fringed sands, or indulge in poolside cocktails in complete tranquility.
Day 08Tangalle to Makandura Countryside & Scenic Lake Visit
Tangalle to Makandura Countryside & Scenic Lake Visit
Travel northward through verdant rural landscapes to the tranquil country retreat of Makandura, positioned within easy reach of the international airport. Visit scenic Makandura Lake (Makandura Wewa) and enjoy a quiet, atmospheric farewell evening at your heritage manor home.
Day 09Breakfast & Departure Transfer to Colombo Airport (CMB)
Breakfast & Departure Transfer to Colombo Airport (CMB)
Relish a final breakfast amidst peaceful country gardens before checking out. Your private guide provides a seamless, comfortable transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in good time for your return flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we personalize or extend this 9-day southern tour?
Absolutely. Every journey with Overa Tours is private and fully customizable. You can add extra nights in Tangalle, upgrade to a luxury tented safari camp in Yala, or incorporate whale watching in Mirissa with your personal travel specialist.
How are private guiding and on-ground travel arranged?
You are accompanied by a dedicated, English-speaking private tour guide throughout your entire journey. We provide comfortable private air-conditioned touring transport, seamlessly managing all logistics, route pacing, and on-ground assistance.
How are safaris conducted in Yala National Park?
Your safaris are conducted in private, elevated 4x4 safari jeeps accompanied by an experienced local safari tracker and your private guide, maximizing your chances of spotting leopards, sloth bears, and elephants during the prime morning and late-afternoon activity hours.
What is included in the meal plan?
This package includes daily Half Board (hearty breakfasts and multi-course dinners) at all selected luxury hotels, as well as 8 lunches during your sightseeing and travel days, giving you exceptional dining convenience throughout your stay.
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11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS