3-Day Nature Itinerary in Galle and Nuwara Eliya

  • Day 1: Galle Fort
    1 hour 45 minutes (85.3 km) from Colombo

    Galle Fort is a historic fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to many attractions such as museums, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can also walk along the ramparts for beautiful views of the ocean.

  • Day 2: Udawalawe National Park
    4 hours 45 minutes (197 km) from Galle Fort

    Udawalawe National Park is known for its large population of elephants, which can be seen during a safari tour. Visitors can also spot other animals such as leopards, crocodiles, and various bird species.

  • Day 3: Horton Plains National Park
    2 hours 15 minutes (64 km) from Udawalawe National Park

    Horton Plains National Park is a beautiful nature reserve featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. A popular attraction in the park is the World's End, a sheer cliff with a view that extends for miles.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Galle Fort (2 hours, free)
  • Udawalawe National Park (4-6 hours, $15-20 per person)
  • Horton Plains National Park (3 hours, $26 per person)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $41-46 per person

Transportation

Travelers can hire a private car or take public transportation to get around the locations. Hiring a car for a day costs around $50-70, while public buses cost less than $5. Taxis are also available, but they are more expensive than public buses.

Useful Tips

For visitors with less time, consider skipping Udawalawe National Park, as it requires a long travel time. Instead, focus on visiting places around Galle such as Unawatuna or Mirissa beach. For visitors with more time, consider adding a visit to Yala National Park for more wildlife encounters.

Airports

The primary airport in the area is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) located in Colombo, which is 160 km away from Galle Fort. Visitors can take public transportation, hire a car or taxi to travel from or to the airport

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