Matara is a fantastic base for exploring Sri Lanka’s southern highlights. Unlike more touristy spots, Matara offers a genuine glimpse into local life with easy access to wildlife safaris, cultural sites, and scenic landscapes. One of our favorite experiences nearby is the Ella: Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle & Yala Tour, which combines a thrilling safari with a scenic drive through some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful coastal towns. It’s perfect if you want a mix of adventure and relaxation, especially since it supports eco-friendly practices and local communities.
Other tours on our list include cultural day trips, wildlife safaris, and artisan experiences, all offering authentic insights and memorable moments. Whether you’re after a wildlife encounter, culture, or a bit of local craftsmanship, you’ll find a tour that suits your style in this list.
1. Ella: Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle & Yala Tour
Starting from Ella, this 9-hour safari adventure offers one of the best chances to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and sloth bears in Yala National Park. The tour includes a 2-hour guided game drive where your guide, Naja, will expertly locate wildlife. You’ll see a variety of bird species and enjoy the thrill of spotting these animals in their natural habitat. The excursion is scheduled during the early dawn or dusk hours, prime times for leopard sightings.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on eco-friendly and sustainable safari operations, supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and smooth transfers, making it a hassle-free experience. The tour drops you off in popular coastal towns like Mirissa and Galle, perfect for continuing your beach holiday.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers who want a reliable, well-rated experience with a focus on conservation. The $20 price tag offers great value, especially considering the wildlife you’ll encounter.
2. From: Hiriketiya/ Tangalle – YALA Safari Tour
For around $56, this 7-hour safari from the Hiriketiya or Tangalle area provides a convenient way to see Yala’s wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. The tour begins with a 30-minute jeep ride into the park, followed by a guided game drive during the best times of day for spotting big cats and diverse birdlife.
A key feature here is the flexibility—you can pick a morning or afternoon safari, and the tour includes a 30-minute break at Patanangala. Reviews praise the professionalism of guides and the richness of wildlife sightings. The transfer vehicle, air-conditioned and comfortable, makes the journey relaxing.
This tour is perfect for travelers staying in the southern coast who want a shorter, yet comprehensive, safari experience. It’s especially good if you are based in or near Tangalle or Dikwella, making logistics easy.
Bottom Line: Great for those on a budget or with limited time, this tour balances price with the chance to see Yala’s iconic wildlife in a manageable day trip.
3. Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Orphanage
At number 3, this 7-hour tour focuses on the Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, giving you a chance to see wild elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife, plus feed orphaned baby elephants. The safari jeep tour takes you through the park’s rich landscape, where wildlife is abundant and sightings frequent.
What makes this experience particular is the chance to feed baby elephants, which is both touching and memorable. The tour includes round-trip transfer from Tangalle or Hiriketiya hotels, making logistics straightforward. The wildlife options also include wild boars, crocodiles, and buffalo, so you get a comprehensive view of the local ecosystem.
While reviews note the relatively lower rating of 3.8, most travelers appreciate the opportunity to interact with elephants and see wildlife up close. It’s a good choice for families or animal lovers who want a mix of safari and a close encounter at the Elephant Transit Home.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you’re interested in elephants and wildlife, and don’t mind a slightly smaller rating, this tour offers both fun and meaningful animal experiences.
$86 per person
4. From Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle/Hiriketiya w Udawalawe Safari
This 7-hour transfer plus safari combines transportation with wildlife viewing, offering a comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle from Ella to Tangalle or Hiriketiya, with a 3-hour safari in Udawalawe along the way. The tour is praised for its punctuality and friendly guides, especially guide Pathum, who actively seeks out animals and shares his knowledge.
The safari includes a visit to Udawalawe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and scenic landscapes. The flexibility of combining travel with wildlife viewing makes it especially appealing for travelers with tight schedules who want to maximize their time.
While the entrance fee is extra (around €70 for two people), most reviews highlight the value of this seamless transfer and sightseeing combo. It’s an excellent choice for those who want an effortless way to see wildlife en route to their coastal destination.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking convenience and value, this tour minimizes hassle while offering a memorable safari experience.
$89 per person
5. Discover Ella: All-Inclusive Day Tour to 7 Iconic Landmarks
For those wanting a cultural and scenic taste of Ella, this full-day tour covers Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Demodara Loop, and more. The tour includes hotel transfers and lunch, making it a comfortable way to see Ella’s top sights in one day.
What sets this tour apart is its balanced itinerary, blending nature, culture, and adventure. Guests enjoy scenic walks, spectacular views, and a chance to explore local tea factories. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing insights into Ella’s history and landscape.
Reviews note the value of this tour at $62 per person, especially with meals included. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a structured day with lots of photo opportunities and light hiking.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for those who want an immersive day in Ella without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. Perfect for first-timers or those with limited time.
$62 per person
6. From Galle: Hidden Temples, Snakes & Coastlines Tour
Number 6 offers a 8-hour cultural and nature tour starting from Galle, visiting two sacred Buddhist temples, Martin Wickramasinghe’s ancestral home, and exploring snake farms. The tour provides a window into Sri Lankan spiritual life and local traditions.
The visit to Wewurukannala and Weherahena temples offers insight into Buddhist practices and religious art, while the snake farm adds a touch of local folklore. The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum gives a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s literary heritage.
Guests praise the tour for its in-depth cultural visits and friendly guides. The price of $95 reflects the full day of sightseeing, and the stops are well-paced for a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers interested in culture, religion, and local crafts, this tour offers a meaningful culture outside of the typical beach scene.
$95 per person
7. Sri Lanka: Nature Design Handmade Product Manufacturing Tour
This one-day tour visits Nature Design, a small, woman-owned Sri Lankan enterprise. Here, you’ll learn how natural, handmade products are created using local raw materials, supporting local women artisans.
The tour includes a visit to Matara, where you see the production process of five different Nature Design products, gaining insight into sustainable, local craftsmanship. Guests can purchase items directly from the workshop, making it a practical souvenir shopping experience.
Reviews highlight the value of supporting small businesses and the opportunity to see authentic manufacturing processes. The $30 price makes it accessible and educational, especially for those interested in local crafts and fair-trade products.
Bottom Line: Perfect for craft lovers and eco-conscious travelers, this tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sri Lanka’s artisanal scene.
$30 per person
8. Authentic Cinnamon Tour with Cinnamon Tea Tasting Experience
Last but not least, this 2-hour tour takes you through a working cinnamon plantation in Weligama. You’ll participate in a cinnamon peeling session, learn about sustainable harvesting, and enjoy a cup of cinnamon tea at a hilltop ambalama.
The tour provides a hands-on experience of Sri Lanka’s famous spice, with insights into its distillation and production. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how Ceylon cinnamon is harvested and processed, making it a flavorful and educational activity.
Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the interactive nature of the experience. The price of $50 offers good value for a unique, intimate tour that combines culinary and agricultural insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for spice enthusiasts and those wanting an authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s spice trade, this short tour makes a tasty souvenir of your trip.
$50 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and schedule. Wildlife lovers should look at the Yala safaris, which offer reliable leopard sightings and eco-friendly practices. Cultural travelers might prefer the Hidden Temples and Snake Farm, while families or animal advocates may enjoy the Elephant Orphanage.
Budget-conscious travelers will find excellent value in the Ella day tour, while others looking for a hands-on experience might opt for the Cinnamon Tour. Timing is also key—if you prefer early mornings, the Yala safaris excel, but if you want a relaxed cultural day, Ella’s sightseeing fits well.
Final Thoughts
Matara and its surroundings offer a diverse array of tours and experiences. Wildlife safaris in Yala provide unforgettable chances to see leopards and elephants, while cultural excursions reveal Sri Lanka’s religious and artisanal traditions. Scenic adventures like Ella’s landmark tour or the cinnamon plantation visit cater to travelers seeking hands-on activities.
For the best experience, book your preferred tour early—especially the popular safaris and cultural outings. Whether you’re after breathtaking wildlife encounters, cultural insights, or artisan crafts, these tours show you just how much Sri Lanka’s southern coast has to offer.