Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Beaches and Wildlife — 10 Days
Passikudah's coral reefs and Wilpattu National Park safaris, with coastal relaxation and dry-zone game drives
This ten-day itinerary divides between extended beach time in Passikudah — a horseshoe bay on Sri Lanka's east coast known for calm waters and proximity to offshore reefs — and a two-night wildlife camp in Wilpattu National Park, the island's largest protected area. The first six days center on the hotel at Uga Bay, with access to snorkeling, scuba diving at nearby World War II wreck sites, and reef fishing from the shore. Days seven and eight move inland to Wilpattu's dry-zone jungle, where natural lakes (locally called villus) concentrate resident and migratory wildlife across approximately 30 mammal species and various bird species. The journey concludes with a night in the western coastal town of Negombo before departure. Throughout, private air-conditioned transfers and an English-speaking guide connect each segment.
Highlights
- Snorkeling and scuba diving at coral reefs and World War II wreck sites off Passikudah
- Sri Lankan Elephant, Leopard, and Sloth Bear sightings during Wilpattu National Park game drives
- Wilpattu's natural lakes (villus) and associated wetland birds including Painted Storks and Purple Herons
- Early morning and evening game drives through dry-zone jungle habitat
- Six days of beach-based relaxation with swimming pool and sand access at Uga Bay
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to PassikudahColombo International Airport · Uga Bay hotel · Colombo to Passikudah
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your representative. Transfer to Passikudah (approximately 6 hours). Settle into Uga Bay hotel and relax for the remainder of the day.
2Passikudah: Reef and Water Activitiesthe hotel · the beach · a coral reef system · deeper water · the shallow bay
The first full day at Passikudah introduces the hotel's waterfront setting. The beach itself offers direct access for swimming and sunbathing. The hotel sits only a few dozen meters from a coral reef system — a site for snorkeling that does not require boat access. Beyond the reef, deeper water holds World War II wreck sites frequented by scuba divers. For those seeking more active engagement, the hotel rents jet skis by the hour, and the shallow bay supports fishing for Trevally jack and grouper. The pace of activity is optional; many guests choose to remain poolside or on the sand.
3Passikudah: Uga Bay Beach RelaxationUga Bay · the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel, then settle into the sheltered waters and sandy shores of Uga Bay for unhurried beach time.
4Passikudah: Beach DayPassikudah
Another full day at Passikudah with beach access and hotel facilities available.
5Passikudah: Beach DayUga Bay
Continued beach time at Uga Bay, maintaining the relaxed pace established over the first five days.
6Passikudah: Beach Day
The final beach day in Passikudah before the inland transition to Wilpattu.
7Transfer to Wilpattu National Park and Evening Game DriveWilpattu National Park · Passikudah · Wilpattu National Park campsite
After breakfast, the group departs Passikudah for Wilpattu National Park, a drive of approximately two hours westward into the island's dry zone. The crew meets guests at the park entrance at noon and transports them to a campsite adjacent to the park boundary. Wilpattu — Sri Lanka's largest national park — spans dry-zone jungle with scattered natural freshwater lakes (known locally as villus). Except for two exceptions, these lakes collect rainwater and function as critical water sources for both resident wildlife and migratory waterfowl. The park supports approximately 30 mammal species, including Asian Elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards, Sloth Bears, Spotted Deer, Buffalo, Sambar, and Mongoose. Wetland birds include Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret, and Purple Heron. Gulls, Terns, Owls, Kites, and Eagles inhabit the broader habitat. Endemic species such as the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Little Cormorant, and Painted Stork also occur within the park. Following lunch at camp, the first evening game drive departs before dinner.
8Wilpattu: Morning and Evening Game DrivesWilpattu · campsite
An early morning game drive precedes breakfast at the campsite. The balance of the day is unstructured at camp. A second game drive takes place in the evening, followed by a barbecue dinner.
9Wilpattu to NegomboWilpattu to Negombo · Suriya Resort in Waikkal · Wilpattu National Park
Morning game drive and breakfast at camp precede the three-hour drive to Negombo's coast. Evening at Suriya Resort in Waikkal.
10Departure from Negombothe hotel · Negombo to the airport
After breakfast at the hotel, guests transfer to the airport for departure — a journey of approximately thirty minutes.
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)
- 6 nights in double room at Uga Bay - Passikudah on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a Premium tent in Wilpattu Safari Camping on all Inclusive Basis
- 1 night in double room at Suriya Resort on Bed & Breakfast Basis