Southern Province is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and scenic regions in the world. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences and exciting adventures. This incredible province has everything that you would want for a holiday- from the golden sandy beaches to the rolling hills, wildlife and ancient ruins. If you’re planning a trip to Southern Province, be sure to set aside some time to explore the incredible day trip destinations. In this post, we’ll be sharing with you the 3 best day trips in Southern Province that are sure to make your visit unforgettable. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery!

The 3 Best Day Trips in Southern Province

1. Yala National Park: Private Safari at Golden Hours
2. From Tangalle: Shuttle to Ella with Yala Safari
3. Galle/Unawatuna/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari

The 3 Best Day Trips in Southern Province

1. Yala National Park: Private Safari at Golden Hours

For wildlife enthusiasts, a private safari at Yala National Park during the golden hours of the day is a must-do activity. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will get a chance to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and many other animals in their natural habitat. The tour includes transportation in a private 4WD Jeep with a maximum of six passengers per jeep, hotel pickup from the Yala area including Kirinda, Palatupana, Tissamaharama, Weerawila, and Kataragama, park entrance fee, and food and drinks. The morning tour begins at 5am, allowing you to capture stunning images of the sunrise as the park opens at 6am. The afternoon option starts at 2pm and continues until sunset, when the park closes at 6pm. Yala National Park is home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species, making it a perfect destination for wildlife lovers.

2. From Tangalle: Shuttle to Ella with Yala Safari

Combine a transfer from Tangalle to Ella with a Day Trip to Yala National Park and experience the immense biodiversity on this Sri Lankan animal safari. The tour includes hotel pickup from the Tangalle area and drop-off in Ella, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a jeep safari at Yala National Park, a local guide, food and drinks, and entrance fees. Once you arrive at Yala National Park, you’ll board an open-topped jeep with your guide to get the best views and photo angles. You’ll have the chance to see and hear the wonderful array of wildlife in their native environment, take pictures of animals like elephants and monkeys, and possibly even spot a leopard in the wild. Learn about the wildlife and the park from your local guide as you relax in convenient door-to-door transportation. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

3. Galle/Unawatuna/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari

This day trip offers a thrilling safari adventure through the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Visitors will be picked up from their hotels in Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, or Mirissa areas and taken to the park in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival, participants will embark on a jeep safari, where they’ll get the chance to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, buffalos, and an array of bird species in their natural habitat. As the most visited park in Sri Lanka, Yala is also an important nature reserve preserving 50 species of butterflies and many animals. The tour includes all entrance fees, highway tolls, and a guide to make the most of the safari adventure. After the adventure, participants will be returned to their point of origin – either Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, or Mirissa – to be safely dropped off at their accommodation.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Province

Located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Southern Province is a popular region among tourists due to its stunning beaches, scenic landscapes, rich wildlife, and historical landmarks. If you’re planning a trip to Southern Province, you might have some questions about the region, its attractions, and its people. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Southern Province:

1. What Are the Best Beaches in Southern Province?

Southern Province boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Some of the best beaches in the region are Unawatuna Beach, Mirissa Beach, Hikkaduwa Beach, and Tangalle Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and some of the best surf spots in the country. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or an adventurous place to catch some waves, Southern Province’s beaches won’t disappoint.

2. What Are Some Popular Tourist Attractions in Southern Province?

Aside from its beaches, Southern Province is home to several popular tourist attractions. One of the must-visit landmarks in the region is the Galle Fort. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features well-preserved colonial architecture, museums, art galleries, and boutique shops. Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve are also popular tourist spots in Southern Province, as these parks offer adventurous safaris, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities.

3. What Are Some Traditional Dishes to Try in Southern Province?

Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its delicious curries, rice dishes, and seafood. In Southern Province, you shouldn’t miss out on trying some of the region’s signature dishes such as seafood curry, kottu roti, and hoppers. Kottu roti is a street food favorite that consists of chopped roti mixed with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat. Hoppers, on the other hand, are crispy bowl-shaped pancakes that you can enjoy as a snack or a meal. Lastly, you can’t leave Southern Province without trying some fresh seafood. From prawns to crab and lobster, the region’s coastal waters offer a variety of mouth-watering seafood dishes.

4. When Is the Best Time to Visit Southern Province?

The best time to visit Southern Province is from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny. During this season, the beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. If you’re planning to go on a safari or explore the region’s wildlife reserves, the best time to visit is from May to September when the animals are more active due to the monsoon season.

5. What Should I Know About the Culture and Customs in Southern Province?

Sri Lanka is known for its rich culture and history, and the same is true for Southern Province. In this region, you’ll encounter friendly locals who are proud of their heritage and customs. To show respect for the locals, you should dress modestly when visiting temples or other sacred sites. It’s also important to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Lastly, it’s customary to greet people with a smile and a friendly “Ayubowan” which means “may you have a long life” in the local language.

Conclusion

Southern Province is a beautiful region that offers a diverse range of attractions, experiences, and culinary delights. By knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions, you’ll be better equipped to plan your trip and make the most out of your visit to this stunning part of Sri Lanka.

Have more questions about Southern Province? Leave them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer them!

The 3 Best Day Trips in Southern Province

Southern Province in Sri Lanka is a region blessed with breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and amazing coastal towns. It’s no surprise that this region is one of the most visited places by tourists in Sri Lanka. Although there are countless places to visit in the Southern Province, in this blog post, we will be discussing the three best day trips in Southern Province.

1. Galle Fort

Galle Fort is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. Located in the southern coastal city of Galle, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The fort is shaped like a half-moon and is surrounded by a wall that is over three kilometers long. The fort has an old-world charm, with narrow streets lined with Dutch-style buildings that have been converted into cozy boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants.

One of the highlights of Galle Fort is a visit to the iconic lighthouse. This lighthouse is over 80 feet tall and offers spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding town. Another must-see attraction in Galle Fort is the Dutch Reformed Church, which is the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka.

2. Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka and is located in the southeastern region of the island. It is renowned for its wildlife, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. The park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and a wide variety of bird species. Yala National Park has five blocks, but only two are currently open to the public.

The best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season, which is from February to June. During this time, the water levels in the park are low, and the animals gather around the remaining water sources, making it easier to spot them. A jeep safari is the most popular way to explore the park, and there are many tour operators in the surrounding towns that offer these safaris.

3. Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is a small coastal town located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, famous for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach or to go on a whale-watching tour. Mirissa Beach is particularly famous for its surfing, with waves that are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.

One of the highlights of a day trip to Mirissa is taking a whale-watching tour. These tours usually leave early in the morning and last for a few hours. During the tour, it’s possible to spot several species of whales and dolphins, including blue whales, humpback whales, and spinner dolphins.

Conclusion

Southern Province is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in Sri Lanka, and there are plenty of places to explore. The three day trips mentioned above are some of the most popular and are well worth a visit. From the cultural wonder of Galle Fort to the wildlife paradise of Yala National Park, and the laid-back vibe of Mirissa Beach, Southern Province truly has something for everyone.

The 3 Best Day Trips in Southern Province: All Your Questions Answered

Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, has many fascinating places to visit. It is a small island nation, but it is known for its diversity, history, and culture. The southern province of Sri Lanka is one of the most enchanting regions of the island, with its palm-lined beaches, serene countryside, and historic landmarks. This region has a lot to offer, which might make it difficult for travelers to decide on what to see and do. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the 3 best day trips in the southern province of Sri Lanka.

1. What is the best time to visit the southern province of Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit the southern province of Sri Lanka is from December to March. During these months, the weather is dry, sunny, and warm, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, trekking, and swimming. The monsoon season hits this region from June to September, which means there can be heavy rainfall and strong winds, making travel difficult.

2. What are the three best day trips in the southern province of Sri Lanka?

The southern province of Sri Lanka is home to some of the best tourist attractions in the country, including pristine beaches, ancient monuments, and picturesque landscapes. Here are the three best day trips in the southern province of Sri Lanka:

a. Galle Fort and Unawatuna Beach

Galle Fort is an iconic landmark located in the historic city of Galle. This fortress was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was later expanded by the Dutch. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. In addition to exploring the Galle Fort, visitors can also head to the nearby Unawatuna Beach. This golden-white beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

b. Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most popular national park in Sri Lanka, located in the southeastern part of the island. It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and various bird species. Visitors can take a jeep safari in the park to see these animals up close and experience the breathtaking landscape of the park.

c. Mirissa Beach and Whale Watching Tour

Mirissa Beach is a serene and secluded beach located in the southern province of Sri Lanka. The beach is known for its stunning sunsets, clear waters, and soft sand. Additionally, visitors can take a whale watching tour from the Mirissa harbor. This tour provides a unique experience of observing the largest mammal in the world, the Blue Whale, along with other whale species like Sperm Whales and Dolphins, in their natural habitat.

3. How should I plan my day trip itinerary?

Itinerary planning is important to make the most out of your day trip to the southern province of Sri Lanka. Here is a sample itinerary for the three best day trips in Southern Province:

Day 1: Galle Fort and Unawatuna Beach

• 09:00: Depart from your accommodation in Colombo to Galle Fort
• 11:00: Arrive at Galle Fort and explore the fortress
• 12:30: Lunch break in the fort or in Unawatuna Beach
• 14:00: Head to Unawatuna Beach and explore the area, swimming, snorkeling or relaxing in the sun
• 17:00: Depart from Unawatuna Beach and return to Colombo

Day 2: Yala National Park

• 05:00: Depart from your accommodation in Colombo to Yala National Park
• 08:00: Arrive at Yala National Park and start the jeep safari
• 12:00: Lunch and a short break
• 14:00: Continue the safari and explore the park
• 16:00: Depart from Yala National Park and return to Colombo

Day 3: Mirissa Beach and Whale Watching Tour

• 05:00: Depart from your accommodation in Colombo to Mirissa Beach
• 08:00: Arrive at Mirissa Beach and relax on the beach or explore the area
• 11:00: Start the Whale Watching Tour from the harbor
• 13:00: Lunch aboard the Whale Watching Tour
• 14:00: Continue the Whale Watching Tour
• 17:00: Depart from Mirissa Beach and return to Colombo

4. What should I pack for my day trips?

It is advisable to pack light and smart for your day trips to the southern province of Sri Lanka. Here are some essentials to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Swimsuit (if you are planning to visit beaches or take a dip)
• Insect repellent
• Camera or smartphone (to capture priceless memories)

5. How do I get to the southern province of Sri Lanka?

The easiest way to get to the southern province of Sri Lanka is by road. The journey from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, to the southern province takes approximately 2-3 hours. You can take a taxi, bus or rent a car to get there. If you prefer to fly, you can take a flight to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport or Hambantota International Airport, which are the closest airports in the southern province.

6. Conclusion

The southern province of Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Galle Fort and Unawatuna Beach, Yala National Park, and Mirissa Beach and Whale Watching Tour are the top 3 day trips that you should not miss. With proper planning, you can explore all of these places and make the most out of your trip to this enchanting region of Sri Lanka.