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5D4N South Sri Lanka Itinerary for Beach Lovers, Surfers & Wildlife Seekers

written by Tahmeed Hasan

If you’re craving a mix of laid-back beaches, hidden viewpoints, epic wildlife, and a touch of surf culture, South Sri Lanka delivers — effortlessly. In just 5 days, you can explore lush coastlines, spot elephants in the wild, sip on coconut water under palm trees, and surf your first wave in warm turquoise water. Here’s the perfect 4 nights, 5 days itinerary to soak in everything the south coast has to offer — with a realistic daily budget.

A perfect Itinerary for your South Sri Lanka Adventure

Land at Negombo (Colombo Airport) and make your way to the laid-back beach town of Mirissa. There are two buses from Negombo — one at 7:30 am and the other at 1:30 pm. The drive from Negombo takes about 2.5–3 hours (via Southern Expressway). You can find information about the bus timetable here. Once you check into your hotel, take it easy — relax, settle in, grab a king coconut, and maybe a rice and curry lunch by the beach.

In the afternoon, head to Coconut Tree Hill — a stunning palm-covered cliff that overlooks the Indian Ocean. It’s especially magical at sunset.

End the night with grilled seafood by the beach or a cocktail at a local beach shack. We recommend staying at Handagedara at Mirissa

Day 1 Budget Summary

Food: LKR 2,500 per meal / LKR 5,000 for 2 meals per person with drinks (USD 17)

Transport: LKR 1,310 (expressway bus) / LKR 28,000 (private transfer) (USD 4 / USD 93)

Hotel: LKR 15,000 (USD 50)

Tickets/Tours/Travel: LKR 2,000 (Roaming around Mirissa) (USD 7)

Total for two: LKR 29,620 (budget) / LKR 50,000 (luxury) or USD 99 / USD 167

Start your day early at Secret Beach Mirissa — a small, peaceful cove with calm waters. It’s perfect for swimming, lounging, or just floating with zero crowds. If you stay near Mirissa beach, you can walk or take a tuk-tuk to reach there. Best if you go by tuk-tuk as you have to climb up a hill and reach by foot. We recommend going early in the morning for the peaceful vibes.

Later, head to Weligama — one of Sri Lanka’s best beginner surf spots. Rent a board or book a lesson and spend your afternoon catching waves. Weligama has plenty of cafés and smoothie spots for post-surf recovery.

If you still have energy, stop by Parrot Rock or visit the famous Doctor’s House in Madiha for sunset drinks and wood-fired pizza.

Day 2 Budget Summary

Food: LKR 5,000 per person/day (USD 17)

Transport: LKR 2,500 (USD 8)

Hotel: LKR 15,000 (USD 50)

Tickets/Tours: LKR 2,500 (surf lesson or board rental) (USD 8)

Total for two: LKR 32,500 or USD 108

Today’s highlight is a full-or half-day safari at Yala National Park, one of the best places in the world to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and peacocks in the wild. Start early — safaris typically begin before sunrise.

You’ll likely leave Mirissa very early (around 3–4 AM) or stay overnight in Tissamaharama (the gateway to Yala). The journey takes around 3.5 hours one-way. My recommendation is to start early from Mirissa, especially if you want to catch the leopards. Enjoy a half day safari and then drop off at Tangalle and spend the night there.

A safari jeep, guide, and park entry usually come as a bundled tour. If not, you can always book separately. Make sure to book through a reliable agency or ask your hotel for recommendations. We can also help you book a trip as well. Personal recommendation is to get a half day safari because let’s face it you don’t wanna spend the entire day on a jeep.

Day 3 Budget Summary

Food: LKR 5,000 per person/day (USD 17)

Transport: LKR 1,000 (Roaming around Tangalle) (USD 3)

Hotel: LKR 15,000 (USD 50)

Tickets/Tours: LKR 30,000 (safari package) + LKR 22,000 (park entry for 2) (USD 100 + USD 73)

Total for two: LKR 78,000 or USD 260

After a wild day in the jungle, unwind on the tranquil beaches of Tangalle. Known for its raw beauty, golden sands, and quiet vibe, it’s the perfect place to slow down.

Visit Silent Beach or Goyambokka, take a long walk along the coast, or chill in a hammock with a book. If you’re up for a little detour, check out Mulkirigala Rock Temple, perched atop a giant boulder inland.

Dinner options here range from boutique restaurants to beach BBQs. Think grilled jackfish, coconut sambol, and chilled Lion beer under the stars.

Day 4 Budget Summary

Food: LKR 5,000 per person/day (USD 17)

Transport: LKR 3,000 (USD 10)

Hotel: LKR 15,000 (USD 50)

Tickets/Tours: LKR 1,000 (optional temple visit) (USD 3)

Total for two: LKR 26,000 or USD 87

Enjoy a lazy breakfast overlooking the ocean. If you have time before heading to the airport, take a final dip or walk the beach one last time.

Depending on your flight time and departure airport, allow at least 2–3 hours to reach Mattala, and then about 3–4 hours for Negombo. There is another way you can do this trip. You can go to Makumbura from Tangalle and then catch the bus from Makumbura to Negombo. In both cases the cost would be similar. You can check all info for buses here

Day 5 Budget Summary

Food: LKR 5,000 for two (USD 17)

Transport: By bus per person is LKR 950 (Tangalle to Makumbura) + LKR 550 (Makumbura to Negombo) = LKR 1,500 (USD 5)/ For luxury option you can rent a car/taxi for LKR 30000 or USD 100

Hotel: LKR 0 (Already checked out. Unless you need to spend a night at Negombo to catch an early morning flight

Tickets/Tours: LKR 0

Total for two: LKR 8,000 or USD 27

Total 4N5D Budget for Two People

Food: LKR 45,000 or USD 150
Transport: LKR 15000 or USD 50 / LKR 40,810 or USD 136
Hotel (4 nights): LKR 60,000 or USD 200
Tickets/Tours: LKR 59,500 or USD 198
Total: LKR 179,500 or USD 598 (budget) or LKR 205,310 or approximately USD 684 (luxury) based on transportation

Final Tips

Book your Yala safari in advance — especially in peak months like December to April.

Tuk-tuks are great for local hops, but book private cars for early transfers or long drives.

Local SIMs are cheap — get one at the airport for smooth navigation and easy WhatsApp bookings.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a scarf for dusty safari rides.

ATMs are easy to find, but small shops and tuk-tuks prefer cash.

Respect local dress codes when visiting temples — carry a sarong or scarf.

Keep some buffer for tips, beach snacks, or souvenir shopping — around USD 25–30 should be enough.

Accomodations we recommend

Handagedara Resort, Mirissa

Hill Top Villas, Mirissa

Green Parrot Beach Resort, Tangalle

Tahmeed Hasan
Hi, I’m Tahmeed — and I’m here to share real, down-to-earth travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trails. I love the ocean more than the mountains. So when I’m not planning the next trip, you’ll still find me obsessing over destinations that I am really broke to travel to. And yet, here’s to hoping that I get to explore the world, one story at a time.

Accomodations we recommend

Handagedara Resort, Mirissa

Hill Top Villas, Mirissa

Green Parrot Beach Resort, Tangalle

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