10-day Sri Lanka itinerary, day 8: Yala to Mirissa

Day 8 of the 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary has two versions. The active version takes a second Yala safari at dawn before driving to the coast. The easy version sleeps in, has a proper breakfast and leaves mid-morning. Both arrive in Mirissa by mid-afternoon.

Which one to choose depends on how the first safari went, how tired you are and how much wildlife matters to you. There is no wrong answer, and it can be decided the evening before.

A second Yala drive is worth it for anyone who did not see a leopard on day 7, or who simply loved the first one. Animals are active in the cool of the early morning, the light is soft, and two drives in Yala roughly double the time spent looking, which is what most improves the odds.

It is less worth it for families with young children, travellers who struggle with early starts, or anyone who saw a leopard on the first drive and is content. In that case, a slow breakfast and a longer stop at Tangalle make day 8 far more restful.

The drive from Tissamaharama to Mirissa runs roughly two and a half to three hours west along the southern coast road, through Hambantota's outskirts, Tangalle, Dikwella and Matara. Much of it is flat and straight, a welcome contrast to the mountain roads of the previous days.

Tangalle, roughly halfway, has long, wide beaches and a small, attractive harbour town, and is the natural lunch stop. The blowhole at Hummanaya near Dikwella is a short detour that is most impressive in rougher seas, often from roughly May onwards.

Mirissa is a small, lively bay with a curve of golden sand, a fishing harbour at one end and a rocky headland with coconut palms at the other. From roughly December to April the sea is usually calm enough for swimming, and most visitors spend the first afternoon doing very little.

Sunset is best from Coconut Tree Hill, a short walk from the beach, or from Parrot Rock at the western end. In the evening, restaurants set tables on the sand. Swim only where locals swim, as currents can be strong in places even in the calm season.

Mirissa is the default south-coast base on the 10-day route because it is sociable, has the whale-watching harbour and sits roughly an hour from Galle. It is not the only choice, and the right beach depends on the kind of ending you want.

Tangalle is quieter and more spacious, with boutique hotels and villas. Weligama, next to Mirissa, suits beginner surfers. Unawatuna, close to Galle, shortens the final drive to the airport on day 10.

Decide on the dawn safari the evening before and let both the jeep driver and your hotel know, since breakfast and check-out times may need to move. Book the whale-watching boat for day 9 on arrival in Mirissa, if you have not already.

Lankan Stays & Trails times day 8 so you reach the coast with plenty of daylight, whichever version you choose. Day 9 of this series covers whale watching and the beach day.