Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Beaches and Wildlife — 10 Days
East coast relaxation and Wilpattu National Park safaris, with accommodation in Passikudah, Big Game Camp, and Negombo
This ten-day itinerary divides between prolonged coastal residence and wildlife observation in Sri Lanka's dry zone. The route begins in Passikudah on the eastern shore—a crescent beach with calm waters—where guests remain for six consecutive days before traveling inland to Wilpattu National Park. The park, a dry-zone forest with natural lakes, supports Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species. The final leg returns to the coast at Negombo before departure. Throughout, transfers are by private vehicle with an English-speaking driver, and accommodation includes a beach resort, tented safari camp, and beachside hotel.
Highlights
- Six days of beachside residence at Passikudah on the calm eastern shore
- Evening and early-morning game drives in Wilpattu National Park, home to Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and spotted deer
- Wetland bird observation at Wilpattu—garganey, pintail, spoonbill, white ibis, painted stork, and endemic jungle fowl
- Two nights in tented accommodation at Big Game Camp within the national park
- Approximately six hours overland transfer from Colombo to Passikudah; two-hour transfer to Wilpattu; three-hour transfer to Negombo
Day by day
1Colombo to Passikudah BeachColombo to Passikudah · Colombo International Airport · Amathyst Resort
Arrival at Colombo International Airport. A representative meets guests in the arrival lounge and arranges transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Passikudah—approximately six hours southeastward along the coast. Passikudah is a sheltered bay with shallow, calm waters. Check-in at Amathyst Resort for the first of six consecutive nights.
2Passikudah: Arrival and Beach RelaxationPassikudah · Amethyst Resort
Breakfast at the hotel. Settle into Amethyst Resort, a coastal gem designed to provide calm and clarity after your journey. The day is unscheduled, allowing you to acclimate at your own pace. Passikudah's waters remain warm and shallow year-round, ideal for swimming and wading. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the resort's facilities. This peaceful setting establishes the tone for your stay, offering the perfect retreat to unwind and recover from travel.
3Passikudah: Beach Daythe resort · the beach
Breakfast at the resort. Continued leisure time on the beach.
4Passikudah: Beach DayPassikudah · the resort
Breakfast at the resort. Continued leisure time on the beach.
5Passikudah: Beach Daythe resort · the beach
Breakfast at the resort. Continued leisure time on the beach.
6Passikudah: Beach DayPassikudah · the resort
Breakfast at the resort. Final day of leisure on the beach before transfer inland.
7Passikudah to Wilpattu National ParkPassikudah to Wilpattu National Park · Wilpattu National Park · the resort · Big Game Camp
Breakfast at the resort, then transfer by private vehicle to Wilpattu National Park—approximately two hours northwestward through the dry zone. Wilpattu encompasses dry-zone jungle, characterized by dense vegetation and dotted with natural lakes called villus. Approximately 30 mammal species inhabit the park, including Sri Lankan elephants, 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 are common; endemic species include the Sri Lanka jungle fowl, little cormorant, and painted stork. Check-in at Big Game Camp, a tented accommodation within the park. Evening game drive to observe wildlife during active feeding hours.
8Wilpattu National Park: Game DrivesWilpattu National Park · camp
Early-morning game drive through the park while wildlife is most active. Return to camp for breakfast. The afternoon remains unscheduled at the campsite. Evening game drive.
9Wilpattu to NegomboWilpattu · Wilpattu to Negombo · the campsite · Goldi Sands
Breakfast at the campsite followed by a morning game drive. Transfer by private vehicle to Negombo, approximately three hours. Overnight at Goldi Sands.
10Negombo to Colombo Airportthe hotel · Negombo to Colombo International Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by private vehicle to Colombo International Airport—approximately 30 minutes northward—for departure.
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 Amathyst Resort - Passikudah on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a tent in Big Game Camp on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 1 night in double room at Goldi Sands on Bed & Breakfast Basis