Catch an early flight Pune → Bandaranaike/Colombo to maximize time in Sri Lanka; typical flight time ~2.5–3h. Book a flight arriving before midday for a smooth transfer to Bentota.
Check in at your Bentota hotel (recommend Saman Villas or Centara Ceysands for beachfront comfort). Have a relaxed seafood or rice & curry lunch at the hotel restaurant to recharge after travel.
Take a 1–2 hour guided boat safari through the mangroves and islands of Madu River to see birds, cinnamon island shops and wetlands; recommended times 9:00–17:00, last departures mid‑afternoon.
Dine at your hotel’s beachfront restaurant (or try a popular local seafood spot) for grilled fish and Sri Lankan curries; most hotel restaurants open until 10:00–22:00.
Visit the turtle hatchery to learn about sea turtle conservation and see rescued hatchlings and juvenile turtles; open roughly 9:00–17:00 (confirm opening before you go).
Choose adrenaline with water sports (jet ski, banana boat) available ~9:00–17:00, or book an Ayurvedic treatment for 90–120 minutes at a trusted spa for relaxation.
Early breakfast and check‑out from Bentota hotel to head south to Galle; the drive takes about 45–75 minutes by car or the coastal train (~40–60 minutes) if preferred.
Transfer to Galle and check in at a Fort property (recommend The Fort Printers or a boutique guesthouse inside Galle Fort for walkable access to sights).
Walk the ramparts, visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse and soak in the colonial architecture and ocean views; the Fort is open to the public all day but shops/cafes operate mainly 9:00–18:00.
Dinner at a well‑reviewed Fort restaurant (recommend booking a rooftop table for evening atmosphere) serving fresh seafood and contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine.
Drive ~40–60 minutes to Mirissa harbour; whale‑watching season runs Nov–Apr so December is good. Boats typically depart 6:00–6:30am; arrive early for check‑in and briefings.
3–4 hour sea trip to look for blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins; boats usually operate 6:00–11:00 in the morning — bring motion‑sickness meds and sun protection.
Spend the afternoon at Unawatuna or the smaller Jungle Beach for swimming and snorkeling; both are close to Galle and open all day with small entry/parking fees in some spots.
Dine in the Fort at a recommended restaurant (hotel restaurants and Fort cafes typically open until 21:30–22:30) — try local flavours with a modern twist.
Check in at a lodge near Yala (recommend Cinnamon Wild Yala, Jetwing Yala, or a trusted eco‑lodge) and have lunch; lodges provide packed lunch options if arriving later.
Join a guided jeep safari in Yala — best time for leopard sightings is late afternoon; park safaris typically run 2:30–6:00pm for afternoons. Book a certified driver/guide in advance.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge — many properties serve buffet or set local menus with grilled seafood and Sri Lankan specialties; most lodge restaurants open for dinner service from 19:00–21:00.
If you want another chance for wildlife, take an early short safari (if your lodge offers it) — morning safaris run ~5:30–9:00 and are a good time for active animals.
Breakfast at the lodge, check out and prepare for transfer to Colombo Airport; allow ~4.5–6 hours drive depending on traffic (or consider a domestic flight if available).
Start the transfer to Colombo (approx 5–6h) or to Mattala Airport (closer to Yala but limited international flights); plan arrival at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled international flight.
Arrive at the airport, complete immigration/boarding formalities and have a final meal or coffee before departure; international check‑in suggested 2.5–3 hours prior to departure.