Coastal Wonders & Cultural Highlights of Southern Sri Lanka - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Bentota, Explore at Leisure

Welcome to Sri Lanka's vibrant capital, Colombo! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer for two hours to Bentota, a picturesque coastal town known for its golden sandy beaches and tranquil turquoise waters. Check in at your hotel and stay in to enjoy its amenities, like the outdoor pool or spa and wellness center. It's also a beachfront hotel, so you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sand. Those who want to explore the area can go for a walk along the pristine coastline or visit landmarks like the Ketchchimalai Mosque, one of Sri Lanka's oldest Islamic sites.

Perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean, the mosque's striking white structure contrasts beautifully with the blue waters. It's also an important cultural site, as it's said to mark the place where the first Arab trades landed in Sri Lanka over a thousand years ago. Admire the mosque from the outside, or remove your shoes and discover the interior's blend of traditional and colonial influences. In the evening, return to the hotel for a delicious buffet dinner featuring Sri Lankan and Continental cuisines. Then, grab a drink at the oceanfront lounge before returning to your room to fight off jet lag.

Day 2: Visit Lunuganga, Boat Safari on the Madu River

Start your day with a visit to Lunuganga, the country house and garden estate of the acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Originally a rubber plantation, Bawa purchased the estate in 1949 CE and meticulously crafted it into a space that reflected his distinct tropical modernist style. His use of open communal areas and pavilions has become an iconic part of Sri Lanka's identity. Tour the estate and admire the blend of Italian Renaissance gardens, English landscaping, and traditional Sri Lankan elements as you take in the hidden pavilions, serene water features, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

After lunch, head to the Madu River and hop on a boat for a cruise along the calm waters surrounded by lush mangrove forests. The river is dotted with small islands that are home to traditional villages, herb gardens, cinnamon farms, and ancient temples. You'll also see plenty of wildlife, like long-tailed macaques in the mangroves or water monitors sunning themselves on the riverbanks. Look up in the trees for birds like kingfishers, cormorants, or herons, as the region is home to over 300 bird species. After the boat tour, return to your hotel to relax by the pool or grab dinner.

Day 3: Visit a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, Partake in Water Sports in Bentota

Head down the coast this morning to Kosgoda, a quiet, laid-back town renowned for its turtle hatcheries. Visit one of these hatcheries dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtle species, like the leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead, and their nesting sites. During your visit, you can observe the various stages of turtle conservation, from the eggs laid on beaches (and collected by local fishermen) to the incubation process in carefully controlled environments. If you're lucky, you might witness baby turtles as they hatch and are gently released into the ocean. 

In the afternoon, return to Bentota and take advantage of its favorable wind and wave conditions by choosing from an array of water sports. From adrenaline-pumping Jet skiing, surfing, and windsurfing to more serene pursuits like kayaking and the fun banana ride, there's an aquatic activity for everyone. You could also go snorkeling or diving to see the colorful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. When you get tired, relax on the golden sands of Bentota Beach and wait until the sun sets, lighting up the sky with brilliant orange, pink, and purple hues.

Day 4: Transfer to Mirissa, Guided Tour of Galle

Trade one picturesque coastal town for another this morning as you set off on a two-hour transfer south along the coast to Mirissa, known for its pristine, crescent-shaped beach with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Check in at your hotel and freshen up before heading to the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Galle, just 15 minutes away. Follow your guide through the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a well-preserved 16th-century fortress built by the Portuguese and later extended and fortified by the Dutch, to see the coral and limestone walls that encircle the city. 

Stroll along the fort's ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the city's charming streets. Inside the fort, the narrow lanes are lined with colonial-era buildings, vibrant shops, and art galleries that reflect a blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British styles. Enjoy some free time to wander the streets, passing landmarks like the Galle Lighthouse and the Dutch Reformed Church. Stop for a coffee at one of the stylish cafés or pop into some of the boutiques to search for souvenirs before returning to your hotel. 

Day 5: Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa

Today's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you set off on a half-day whale watching tour early in the morning. The prime season for whale watching in Mirissa runs from November to April when the ocean conditions are favorable, but there's a chance you'll spot some species year-round. Board the boat and let the excitement build as you keep a lookout for the largest animal on Earth—blue whales, as well as orcas, sperm whales, and Bryde's whales. 

You may also see pods of playful dolphins, including common, bottlenose, and spinner dolphins frolicking in the waves. Throughout the tour, expert guides and naturalists provide fascinating insights into these gentle giants and their behaviors. Keep your cameras ready at all times, as you never know when a fin, tail, or entire whale may breach. After 3-5 hours on the water, return to shore and enjoy a free afternoon. Head to Mirissa Beach to soak up the sun and go for a swim or transfer back to the hotel to unwind at the infinity pool or spa. 

Day 6: Optional Surf Lesson on Weligama Beach, Enjoy a Free Day

Your day is free to spend as you wish. While away the hours relaxing on the sand or opt for a surf lesson on Weligama Beach, known for its gentle, consistent waves that are perfect for beginners. Meet your instructor and head to a secluded part of the beach to start your one-hour lesson. You'll learn the essentials of paddling, balancing, and riding the waves safely on the sand. When you're ready, head into the water, paddle out, and try to catch a wave. Your instructor will be in the water with you to offer feedback and help you improve your skills. 

If surfing isn't your thing, spend the day sightseeing instead. A good place to start is Kushta Raja Gala, a Buddhist temple complex dating back to the eighth century. Wander past rock-cut ruins featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions, stopping to admire the site's centerpiece, a prominent seated Buddha statue showcasing the artistic and religious styles of the time. Then, head to Mirissa Fisheries Harbour to watch the fishermen coming back with their daily catch. Snap a picture of the colorful fishing boats and wait for the sun to set over the Indian Ocean.

Day 7: Guided Tour of the Handunugoda Tea Estate

Spend your penultimate day in Sri Lanka at the Handunugoda Tea Estate, just 40 minutes from Mirissa. This verdant plantation, nestled between a lush rainforest and the Indian Ocean, is where Herman Teas' Virgin White Tea is made. Tour the estate and witness the traditional tea-growing and processing methods of this white tea firsthand. Produced entirely untouched by human hands, workers wearing delicate gloves pluck the tea leaves with golden scissors at dawn, then set them out to dry in filtered sunlight. 

You'll also learn about the estate's history, the intricacies of tea cultivation, and the unique characteristics of white tea, which is known for its delicate flavor and high quality. The picturesque landscape, with its rolling fields of tea bushes, adds to the allure of the visit. Admire the views overlooking the plantation as you end your visit with a sample of freshly brewed white tea, which only requires one teaspoon to make at least three to four cups, before returning to Mirissa to enjoy more free time on the beach.

Day 8: Transfer to Colombo, Depart

Since it's your last day in Sri Lanka, consider waking up early to soak up more sun and go for one last dip at Mirissa Beach. When it's time, meet your driver and leave the golden sands and turquoise waters behind as you set off on a 2.5-hour transfer back to the airport in Colombo. The route takes you through lush, verdant countryside and picturesque coastal villages. Along the way, you may also get glimpses of the Indian Ocean and verdant paddy fields, so keep your eyes peeled. Once you arrive, head straight to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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