Itinerary overview

12-Day Safari and South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary

Wildlife-first route with park gateways and a recovery-focused beach finish. Designed for March travel with 2 traveler(s), 12 days, and a luxury budget style. The plan keeps transfer pacing realistic while emphasizing wildlife and adventure.

Safari-first tripsNature photographyCoast plus parksWildlifeAdventureTea country

Day 1

Arrive and settle in Negombo

Arrival -> Negombo | Approx drive: 0.5-1 hrs

Activities

Lagoon-side boat session with village context
Anchor safari drives in early and late windows
Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing

Stay area: Negombo

Budget beach guesthouse near Negombo shore (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Negombo activities.

Comfortable coastal boutique stay (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Negombo.

Elegant oceanfront stay with curated experiences (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Negombo stay.

Day 2

Transfer to Wilpattu with focused highlights

Negombo -> Wilpattu | Approx drive: 3-4 hrs

Activities

Leopard and birding-focused safari pacing
Anchor safari drives in early and late windows
Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing

Stay area: Wilpattu

Affordable eco-lodge for wildlife-focused travelers (Budget)

Check safari lodges near Wilpattu

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Wilpattu activities.

Mid-range safari lodge with guided drive support (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Wilpattu.

High-end wildlife lodge with private naturalist access (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Wilpattu stay.

Day 3

Transfer to Anuradhapura with focused highlights

Wilpattu -> Anuradhapura | Approx drive: 3-5 hrs

Activities

Evening local food stop in town center
Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block

Stay area: Anuradhapura

Simple cyclist-friendly rooms (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Anuradhapura activities.

Boutique heritage-style property with calm pacing (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Anuradhapura.

Premium heritage retreat with curated excursions (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Anuradhapura stay.

Transfer to Sigiriya with focused highlights

Anuradhapura -> Sigiriya | Approx drive: 1.5-2.5 hrs

Activities

Sunset viewpoint block with flexible evening return
Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block

Stay area: Sigiriya

Budget safari lodge near Sigiriya access road (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Sigiriya activities.

Boutique Sigiriya stay near heritage sites (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Sigiriya.

High-end wilderness stay with curated dining (Luxury)

Check safari lodges near Sigiriya

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Sigiriya stay.

Day 5

Transfer to Yala with focused highlights

Sigiriya -> Yala | Approx drive: 5.5-7 hrs

Activities

Anchor safari drives in early and late windows
Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing
Priority wildlife and adventure block centered around Yala

Stay area: Yala

Affordable eco-stay for safari-focused nights (Budget)

Check safari lodges near Yala

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Yala activities.

Mid-range safari lodge with practical game-drive logistics (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Yala.

Premium wilderness camp with curated drives (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Yala stay.

Day 6

Explore Yala at a comfortable pace

Yala local exploration | Approx drive: 0.5-1 hrs

Activities

Protect rest periods after long game-drive blocks
Short hike or viewpoint climb with safety-first pacing
Sunrise safari with ethical wildlife guidelines

Stay area: Yala

Simple wildlife lodge with early departure support (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Yala activities.

Balanced nature stay with local guide links (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Yala.

Luxury safari lodge with private guide options (Luxury)

Check safari lodges near Yala

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Yala stay.

Day 7

Transfer to Udawalawe with focused highlights

Yala -> Udawalawe | Approx drive: 1.5-2.5 hrs

Activities

Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block
Conservation center stop with family-friendly learning

Stay area: Udawalawe

Budget eco-lodge near Udawalawe entrance (Budget)

Check safari lodges near Udawalawe

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Udawalawe activities.

Comfort safari hotel near elephant corridors (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Udawalawe.

Premium eco-resort with curated wildlife experiences (Luxury)

Check safari lodges near Udawalawe

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Udawalawe stay.

Day 8

Explore Udawalawe at a comfortable pace

Udawalawe local exploration | Approx drive: 0.5-1 hrs

Activities

Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing
Priority wildlife and adventure block centered around Udawalawe
Low-effort evening reset after safari block

Stay area: Udawalawe

Affordable nature camp for short wildlife stays (Budget)

Check safari lodges near Udawalawe

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Udawalawe activities.

Mid-range wildlife lodge with pool and dining (Mid)

Check safari lodges near Udawalawe

Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Udawalawe.

High-end wilderness lodge with private host support (Luxury)

Check safari lodges near Udawalawe

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Udawalawe stay.

Day 9

Transfer to Mirissa with focused highlights

Udawalawe -> Mirissa | Approx drive: 2.5-3.5 hrs

Activities

Photography-focused golden-hour planning block
Relaxed coastal dining and walkable evening route
Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days

Stay area: Mirissa

Simple surf-friendly rooms near bay area (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Mirissa activities.

Balanced beach property near main activity strip (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Mirissa.

Luxury oceanfront retreat with wellness amenities (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Mirissa stay.

Day 10

Explore Mirissa at a comfortable pace

Mirissa local exploration | Approx drive: 0.5-1 hrs

Activities

Beach recovery block and sunset viewpoint timing
Anchor safari drives in early and late windows
Early safari timing window with ethical wildlife viewing

Stay area: Mirissa

Budget beach guesthouse in Mirissa (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Mirissa activities.

Comfortable boutique bay stay (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Mirissa.

High-end coastal villa stay with private services (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Mirissa stay.

Day 11

Transfer to Galle with focused highlights

Mirissa -> Galle | Approx drive: 0.5-1.5 hrs

Activities

Sunset lighthouse and rampart route
Protect rest periods after long game-drive blocks
Short hike or viewpoint climb with safety-first pacing

Stay area: Galle

Affordable city stay near transport nodes (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Galle activities.

Mid-range heritage boutique hotel (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Galle.

Premium fortside retreat with concierge service (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Galle stay.

Day 12

Transfer to Bentota with focused highlights

Galle -> Bentota | Approx drive: 1-2 hrs

Activities

Family-friendly downtime and sunset planning
Use coast nights as buffer and recovery days
Photography-focused golden-hour planning block

Stay area: Bentota

Simple riverside stay with practical access (Budget)

See beach resorts in Bentota

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Bentota activities.

Balanced coastal property for family pacing (Mid)

See beach resorts in Bentota

Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Bentota.

Luxury beach resort with spa and private dining (Luxury)

See beach resorts in Bentota

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Bentota stay.

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Estimated Budget (USD)

USD 8237 - USD 15375

Budget range is directional guidance and changes by travel dates, inventory, and transport style.
Room categories and transfer method can materially change final totals.
Confirm live supplier availability before making payment decisions.

Important Disclaimers

Drive durations are estimates and can vary with traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Accommodation options and inclusions are examples for planning, not guaranteed inventory.
Use this itinerary as planning guidance and validate final logistics before booking.

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