Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Beach and Safari — 10 Days
Bentota's coastline, Indian Ocean whale watching, and dual-park safaris at Yala and Udawalawe
This ten-day itinerary divides evenly between coastal relaxation and wildlife viewing, beginning with five nights based in Bentota on the south-western coast, followed by three nights across two safari camps in the dry zone. The sequence takes in beach time during the south-west monsoon's calmer months, whale and dolphin viewing in open ocean, and morning and evening game drives across Yala and Udawalawe national parks—both reserves known for large elephant herds, leopards, sloth bears, wild buffalo, and varied birdlife. Accommodation ranges from a beachfront villa to all-inclusive safari camps, with air-conditioned transfers and English-speaking guides throughout.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin observation from Mirissa, December through April, in the Indian Ocean
- Bentota Beach swimming and coastal walks along the south-western shore
- Yala National Park game drives targeting elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild buffalo
- Udawalawe National Park safaris with large elephant populations at seasonal water reservoirs
- Evening and morning game drives across both parks with local naturalist guides
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to BentotaColombo International Airport · The Villa Bentota · Colombo to Bentota
Arrival at Colombo International Airport with hotel representative meeting at the arrival lounge. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Bentota, approximately two hours south-west along the coast. Check-in at The Villa Bentota. Overnight accommodation.
2Bentota Beach — Swimming and Coastal RestBentota Beach
The beach at Bentota offers protected swimming during the south-west monsoon season (December to March), with calm water in designated zones a short walk along the shoreline. The wider sandy beach remains suitable for walking and sunbathing throughout both seasons. The day is unscheduled, allowing independent time at the beach or nearby. Overnight at The Villa Bentota.
3Mirissa — Whale and Dolphin WatchingMirissa · Bentota · The Villa Bentota
Early morning transfer to Mirissa, situated an hour south-east of Bentota. The whale and dolphin season runs December through April, when sperm whales and blue whales migrate along the Sri Lankan coast in large numbers. Dolphin pods are frequently sighted accompanying small boats a few kilometres offshore during these months. Local guides lead the viewing excursion, offering insight into the marine life and optimal spotting techniques. Bring sun protection—lotion, hat, and sunglasses are essential given the exposure on the water. Following the tour, return to Bentota for the afternoon, where you can rest and relax by the beach at your own pace. Evening transfer back to The Villa Bentota for overnight stay.
4Bentota Beach — Coastal RelaxationBentota Beach · The Villa Bentota
Begin with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the beach. The shores of Bentota rank among Sri Lanka's finest, with December to March offering ideal swimming conditions. A short walk down the sand reveals calm spots suited to various preferences, while the sandy expanse itself provides ample room for lounging, sunbathing, or coastal walks throughout the day. Overnight at The Villa Bentota.
5Bentota Beach — Swimming and Coastal RelaxationBentota Beach · Bentota's sandy shores · The Villa Bentota
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at Bentota's sandy shores. The beaches here rank among Sri Lanka's finest, with calm dipping spots within a few hundred metres of the main beach, depending on your preference. December through March offers ideal swimming conditions. During low season, the beach remains perfect for lounging, sunbathing, or taking unhurried walks at any time of day. Return to The Villa Bentota for the night.
6Transfer to Yala National Park and Evening Game DriveYala National Park · Yala Junction · Ruhunu Safari Camping
After breakfast, transfer to Yala National Park, approximately two hours inland to the south-east. Meet the guide crew at Yala Junction at noon and proceed to Ruhunu Safari Camping. Lunch at the camp. Evening game drive commences in the late afternoon, targeting the park's large herbivore populations and resident big cats. Dinner and overnight at the camp in a premium tent on an all-inclusive basis.
7Yala National Park — Full-Day Game DriveYala National Park · the camp · Butuwe and Mahaseelawa · Uraniya zone
Full day of game driving with picnic meals provided by the camp. Yala National Park contains four primary wildlife species: Asian elephants, sloth bears, Indian leopards, and wild buffalo. During dry periods, elephant herds gather at smaller reservoirs including Butuwe and Mahaseelawa. The Uraniya zone holds concentrations of waterfowl, crocodiles (both mugger and saltwater species), and wild buffalo. Sloth bears, predominantly nocturnal and solitary, are sighted less frequently. Park entrance and activities are included. BBQ dinner and overnight at the camp.
8Transfer to Udawalawe National Park and Evening Game DriveUdawalawe National Park · Udawalawe Safari Camping
After breakfast, transfer to Udawalawe National Park, approximately one and a half hours south-west. Meet crew at the park entrance at noon and proceed to Udawalawe Safari Camping. Lunch at the camp. Evening game drive begins in the late afternoon. Udawalawe is known for substantial elephant populations concentrated near seasonal water sources during dry months. Dinner and overnight at the camp in a tent on an all-inclusive basis.
9Udawalawe to ColomboUdawalawe to Colombo · Cinnamon Red in Colombo city
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo, approximately four and a half hours north-west. Check-in at Cinnamon Red in Colombo city. Overnight accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
10Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Colombo International Airport, approximately 20 minutes drive. Departure.
Where you go
- 1Mirissa
- 2Bentota
- 3Yala National Park
- 4Udawalawe National Park
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 5 nights in double room at The Villa Bentota on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a Premium tent in Ruhunu Safari Camping on all Inclusive Basis
- 1 night in a tent in Udawalawe Safari Camping on all Inclusive Basis
- 1 night in double room at Cinnamon Red on Bed & Breakfast Basis