Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Beach Retreat and Wildlife Safari — 10 Days
Tangalle's coastal rest, whale watching from Mirissa, and game drives through Yala and Udawalawe National Parks
This ten-day journey balances extended beach time at Amanwella Resort in Tangalle with two multi-day safari camps in Sri Lanka's major wildlife reserves. The itinerary begins with five nights on the southern coast, broken by a morning excursion to Mirissa for seasonal whale and dolphin observation. The second half moves inland to Yala National Park, where two full days of game drives target Sri Lanka's largest animals — elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild buffalo — before concluding with an evening and morning drive through Udawalawe National Park. A final night in Colombo precedes departure. All transfers include air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking drivers.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa by boat during December–April season
- Two full-day game drives through Yala National Park, including Butuwe and Mahaseelawa reservoirs
- Elephant herds, sloth bears, leopards, and wild buffalo sightings in Yala's dry-season concentrations
- Evening and morning game drive through Udawalawe National Park
- Five nights at Amanwella Resort on Tangalle Beach with direct ocean views
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to TangalleColombo International Airport · Amanwella Resort · Colombo to Tangalle
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your representative. Transfer south along the coast to Tangalle—approximately three and a half hours—arriving at Amanwella Resort. Settle in and rest.
2Tangalle Beach RestAmanwella
The first full day at Amanwella unfolds at leisure. The resort overlooks a coconut-fringed bay accessed by a winding track through dense jungle, with no scheduled activities. Beach time and the property's facilities compose the day's focus.
3Whale and Dolphin Watching from MirissaMirissa · Tangalle
An early-morning transfer moves to Mirissa, a fishing village approximately thirty kilometers north, where seasonal cetacean tours depart by boat. Between December and April, pods of spinner dolphins regularly accompany vessels within a few kilometers of shore, while blue whales and sperm whales migrate through deeper waters off the coast. Local guides coordinate the outing and identify species during the journey. Guests should bring sun protection — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The tour typically spans several hours before a return to Tangalle and an afternoon and evening at the resort.
4Amanwella Beach, TangalleAmanwella · Amanwella Beach, Tangalle
Breakfast at the hotel precedes a day of unhurried leisure at Amanwella, where the crescent beach of golden sand and coconut palms fronts the Indian Ocean. Reached via a winding jungle track, this peaceful setting invites complete relaxation. Overnight at Amanwella.
5Amanwella Beach, TangalleAmanwella · Amanwella Beach, Tangalle
Breakfast at the hotel before settling into your day at Amanwella. Reached by a winding track through jungle, this peaceful retreat overlooks a crescent of golden sand fringed with coconut palms, where the Indian Ocean laps gently at the shore. Rest and swim as you wish.
6Transfer to Yala National Park and Evening Game DriveYala National Park · Yala Junction · Ruhunu Safari Camp · Tangalle to Yala National Park
A two-hour drive inland from Tangalle leads to Yala National Park's entrance. Guests meet the safari crew at midday at Yala Junction and are transported to Ruhunu Safari Camp, located within the park's boundaries. Lunch is served at the camp. An evening game drive follows, departing in late afternoon to observe wildlife during active feeding hours. Dinner and overnight accommodation occur at the camp.
7Full-Day Game Drive Through Yala National ParkYala National Park · Uraniya reservoir · camp · Butuwe and Mahaseelawa reservoirs
A complete day of game driving through Yala targets the park's largest species. Dry-season congregations occur at small-scale reservoirs, particularly Butuwe and Mahaseelawa, where elephant herds gather in visible numbers. Uraniya reservoir is known for aquatic birds, wild buffalo, and mugger and saltwater crocodiles. Sloth bears, more solitary and nocturnal, are harder to spot and sightings tend toward seasonal timing. Leopards, though present throughout the park, remain elusive and sightings depend on guide expertise and patience. Picnic meals are provided during the drive. A barbecue dinner concludes the evening at camp.
8Transfer to Udawalawe National Park and Evening Game DriveUdawalawe National Park · Udawalawe Safari Camp
A drive of approximately an hour and a half proceeds northwest to Udawalawe National Park. Guests meet the safari team at the park entrance at midday and are driven into Udawalawe Safari Camp. Lunch is served at the camp, followed by an evening game drive. Overnight accommodation and dinner occur at the camp.
9Transfer to ColomboColombo · Cinnamon Red hotel
Following breakfast, a four-and-a-half-hour drive westward returns guests to Colombo. The evening and night are spent at Cinnamon Red hotel in the city.
10Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
After breakfast, a twenty-minute transfer to Colombo International Airport precedes departure.
Where you go
- 1Mirissa
- 2Tangalle
- 3Yala National Park
- 4Udawalawe National Park
- 5Colombo
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 Amanwella Resort 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