We decided on a last-minute trip to Sri Lanka, which is unusual for me as I usually plan every detail. This time, I only knew I wanted to visit Yala National Park and the southern beaches. I reached out to Sam from Sri Lanka Tours with my general ideas, and he took care of the entire itinerary, organizing each day of our trip perfectly.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by a big smile and garland by our guide and chauffeur, Chamal, who helped us get cash and a local SIM card before we hit the road. We were pleasantly surprised to have a spacious and comfortable Toyota Hiace for our journey, making the long drives much more enjoyable.
Our first night was near Yala in a cozy cottage nestled among paddy fields. The peaceful surroundings were perfect, and we had a restful night. The next morning, Chamal was ready at 5 a.m. with our safari guide. We were treated to a stunning starry sky, a sight rarely visible in the city. The safari itself was thrilling—we were lucky to spot elephants, leopards, peacocks, and a variety of other wildlife. Afterward, we stopped at a local restaurant for Sri Lankan veggie curry, which was fantastic.
The next three nights were spent at 18 Faces Villa in Galle, a beautiful place surrounded by greenery and complete with a pool. Our time in Galle included visiting several beaches and exploring the Galle Fort. One of the highlights was swimming with turtles at Unawatuna Beach. Chamal arranged for a local guide to help us find turtles, as well as other sea life like sharks and urchins.
One day, we visited a turtle hatchery—though interesting, it’s something you could skip if time is short. However, Chamal’s recommendation to go whale watching was unforgettable. Seeing whales up close was awe-inspiring and an absolute must if you're in Galle. After whale watching, we spent some time at a secluded beach near Mirissa, with turquoise water and white sand that gave us Maldives vibes. We could have stayed there forever.
Chamal also treated us to a delicious Sri Lankan buffet, which was a great way to sample the local cuisine. The Galle area has so many amazing food spots with fresh seafood and Sri Lankan dishes; I highly recommend trying as many as you can.
On our last day, we headed back to Colombo to catch our flight and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Tip: buy souvenirs in places like Galle or Yala, as prices in Colombo are steep. The only item I’d suggest purchasing in Colombo is porcelain.
Finally, Chamal dropped us off at the airport, and we bid farewell. This trip was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend Sri Lanka Tours for anyone looking for a guided trip in Sri Lanka.