Highlights
- Pedal through pineapple and tea plantations outside of Galle
- Visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, the second-largest blowhole in the world
- Enjoy a private barbecue dinner on the beach at your hotel in Pasikudah
- Explore the ruins of Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed ancient capital, Polonnaruwa
- Walk along the colonial-era "Dutch Canal" on a city tour of Negombo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Galle, Tour the Japanese Peace Pagoda | Galle |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Galle Fort, Cycle Through the Southern Countryside | Galle |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Tangalle, Visit Turtle Watch Rekawa | Tangalle |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a Free Day in Tangalle | Tangalle |
| Day 5 | Explore Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya | Tangalle |
| Day 6 | Visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole | Tangalle |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Arugam Bay, Bird-Watching at Kumana National Park | Arugam Bay |
| Day 8 | Surfing at Pottuvil Point | Arugam Bay |
| Day 9 | Surfing at Main Point | Arugam Bay |
| Day 10 | Surfing at Whisky Point | Arugam Bay |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Pasikudah, Dinner Under the Stars | Pasikudah |
| Day 12 | Tour the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa | Pasikudah |
| Day 13 | Bicycle Tour of Batticaloa's Lagoons | Pasikudah |
| Day 14 | Transfer to Negombo, Guided City Tour | Negombo |
| Day 15 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Galle, Tour the Japanese Peace Pagoda
Welcome to Sri Lanka! After touching down in the country's biggest city, Colombo, meet your driver at the airport for a 2.5-hour transfer to Galle, a picturesque coastal city where cobblestone streets wind through well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant cafés, and charming boutiques. Check in at your hotel, then set off on a two-hour guided tour of the Japanese Peace Pagoda perched atop Rumassala Hill. On arrival, take a short trek up the hill to reach the striking white stupa and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding lush greenery.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Galle Fort, Cycle Through the Southern Countryside
Start your day with a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch. It's now one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia, housing ancient churches, historic mosques, eateries, and shops within its walls. Step through the main gate and wander the cobblestone streets before climbing the fort's ramparts. Look over the Indian Ocean on one side and the red-tiled roofs of colonial-era buildings on the other. Along the way, you'll also pass several bastions, cannons, and the iconic Galle Lighthouse.
After the tour, leave the city for a two-hour scenic bicycle ride through the countryside. Pedal through small villages, where you can observe locals going about their day-to-day lives, weaving baskets, tending to crops, or visiting local temples. Outside of the villages, pineapple plantations, coconut palms, and tea plantations accompany your ride. Complete the seven-mile (12 km) route or opt for a slightly longer ride with a break to enjoy a refreshing king coconut. Then, end with a scenic meal at Kahanda Kanda Galle, a boutique hotel nestled amid rolling tea estates and verdant jungle, or transfer back to the city.
Day 3: Transfer to Tangalle, Visit Turtle Watch Rekawa
Discover more of Sri Lanka's southern coast today as you meet your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer to Tangalle, a seaside town known for its golden-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. When you arrive, head to Turtle Watch Rekawa, a nature preserve dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles and their nesting sites. See the adorable hatchlings, learn about their journey from egg to sea, and if you're lucky, you may get to watch newly hatched baby turtles make their way to the ocean.
After the one-hour tour, the rest of your day is free. You could transfer to the hotel to relax by the pool or go for a swim at Tangalle Beach. When darkness falls, make your way to one of the many beachfront restaurants for dinner and a drink overlooking the water.
Day 4: Enjoy a Free Day in Tangalle
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. Head to one of the area's pristine beaches, like Tangalle Beach or the nearby Pallikaduwa Beach. Or, to explore the area from the water, book a boat tour of Tangalle Lagoon, surrounded by lush mangroves and vibrant greenery. As you glide across the tranquil waters, look out for colorful birds, like herons and egrets, and the occasional monitor lizard basking on the banks. You may also see local fishermen casting their nets or tending to traditional fish traps.
Those who want to go sightseeing can visit Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya, an ancient temple in the village of Wewurukannala, just 30 minutes away. As you approach the seventh-century temple, you'll be greeted by its enormous 164-foot-tall (50 m) Buddha statue, the largest in Sri Lanka. Continue through the temple grounds past intricately adorned halls, monastic living quarters, and white stupas. As is the Buddhist custom, you may see worshippers walking around the main stupa three times. After exploring, wander the village's lively markets before returning to your hotel in Tangalle.
Day 5: Explore Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya
After breakfast, transfer 30 minutes to Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya, a sacred Buddhist temple complex believed to date back over 2,000 years. Climb 500 steps to the rock-cut cave temples, passing ancient carvings, statues, and inscriptions along the way. When you reach the top, explore the seven caves, each adorned with artistic and spiritual treasures. Admire the reclining Buddha statues and colorful well-preserved frescoes with inscriptions depicting scenes from Buddha's life.
Then, climb to the highest point of the temple complex, where you'll find a historic stupa. Marvel at the striking white structure and take in the view of the surrounding forests, paddy fields, and distant hills. Following the tour, the rest of the day is free, so you can soak up some sun on the beach or return to the hotel to relax.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole
After breakfast, head off with your guide to the small fishing village of Kudawella to visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, the second-largest blowhole in the world. As you approach, listen to the thunderous sound of water being forcefully ejected into the air, sometimes reaching heights of over 98 feet (30 m). Watch the waves funnel into a submerged cavern and then burst through a narrow opening in the rocks, creating powerful jets of water. Then, enjoy far-reaching views of the rocky cliffs and the Indian Ocean before transferring back to enjoy your final night in Tangalle.
Day 7: Transfer to Arugam Bay, Bird-Watching at Kumana National Park
Trade one coastal town for another this morning as you transfer four hours to Arugam Bay, one of the world's top surfing destinations due to its consistent waves and warm waters. Check in and grab a bite of lunch, then head to Kumana National Park. The park, just one hour away, is home to over 200 bird species, with more than 250 more migratory birds making an appearance throughout the year. As you explore the park's diverse habitats, ranging from wetlands and lagoons to dense forests and grasslands, you'll encounter birds like the rare Sri Lankan junglefowl and the Indian pond heron.
Follow your guide to several water holes and a 494-acre (200 ha) mangrove swamp, Kumana Villu, that attracts water birds during the wet season from May to June. If you're visiting during this time, you may see the black-crowned night heron or white ibis. During the dry season, there are still plenty of birds to see, like the great egret, Eurasian spoonbill, and black-headed ibis. While you traverse the park, you may also spot mammals like elephants, sloth bears, and wild boar. After three hours of wildlife spotting, return to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.
Day 8: Surfing at Pottuvil Point
You're in for some epic surf sessions over the next three days. Arugam Bay is known for its prime surfing conditions, and you'll be shredding the waves at three different locations. First up, hop on a tuk-tuk and cruise an hour over to the palm-lined sands of Pottuvil Point. Once you're there, wax up your board, paddle out to the lineup, and wait for that perfect set to roll in. When you see it, drop in, carve it up, and ride it all the way into the shallows. Then, paddle back out and do it all again.
If you're still learning to surf, no problem—the right-hand break and soft sandy bottom make it a perfect spot for beginners. But, if you're already an experienced pro, you'll still get a run for your money with waves anywhere from one to six feet (0.3 to 1.8 m). After a couple of hours of surfing or bodyboarding, kick back on the beach or grab a tuk-tuk back to the hotel to chill and rinse off all that salt water.
Day 9: Surfing at Main Point
Today, you'll be hitting up Main Point, the go-to surf spot in Arugam Bay. This place is legendary for its consistent right-hand breaks, giving you a ride of 165 to 500 feet (50-150 m). The waves here range from moderate to large, so you may be in for some long rides and be able to bust out some slick moves. Plus, the view's picturesque—golden sand and crystal-clear blue water totally enhance the surfing experience. If you're still learning the ropes, swing by Mini Point nearby, where the waves are chill, the bottom's all sandy, and there's no coral to worry about. Perfect for getting your feet wet.
Day 10: Surfing at Whisky Point
Enjoy one last day of surfing, this time at Whisky Point, a haven for beginners, as it features easy-going right-handers that break off a boulder point. Swells here can rise over 13 feet (4 m) during heavier storms, but that's almost unheard of during the regular surfing season (from May to September). You're more likely to expect long, smooth rides as the waves peel beautifully along the sandy bottom. Seasoned pros can use the mellow surf conditions to refine their skills and practice advanced techniques like cutbacks and bottom turns.
Day 11: Transfer to Pasikudah, Dinner Under the Stars
Move on to Sri Lanka's southeastern coast today as you transfer 3.5 hours to Pasikudah, a tropical paradise with turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches. Check in at your beachfront hotel and take advantage of its amenities until tonight's dinner. You can relax by the pool, book a treatment at the on-site spa, or go for a leisurely stroll on the beach. When darkness falls, enjoy a private barbecue dinner on the beach right in front of your suite. Indulge in a fresh seafood feast while you listen to the sound of the waves and feel the sand under your feet.
Day 12: Tour the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Step back in time with a visit to Polonnaruwa, the island's ancient capital during the 11th and 12th centuries. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site of well-preserved ruins. Wander past the remnants of palaces, shrines, and statues, like the iconic Gal Vihara, where three colossal Buddha figures are carved into a single granite rock. As you explore, you'll come across plenty of religious structures, like Vatadage, a circular relic house surrounded by a colonnade of stone pillars, and Lankatilaka, with its enormous image house and towering walls.
Be sure to see the Royal Palace, once a grand structure with seven stories that have been reduced to ruins over the centuries. One of the most intact structures within the palace complex is the audience hall, featuring a series of large, intricately carved stone pillars and a spacious hall that once accommodated the royal court and its visitors. You'll also see the king's private quarters and the extensive bathing pools, both illustrating the former opulence of the palace, before returning to your hotel in Pasikudah.
Day 13: Bicycle Tour of Batticaloa's Lagoons
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's verdant countryside today as you cycle along the coast to Batticaloa, a picturesque city known for its serene lagoons. Pedal past emerald rice fields, local fishermen going about their daily tasks, and various animals like buffalo and water birds. Along the way, you'll pass the city's three lagoons: Batticaloa Lagoon, Valaichchenai Lagoon, and Pottuvil Lagoon. Stop to observe the tranquil waters, towering coconut palms, and traditional fishing boats. You'll also come across small villages, where you can pause to chat with the locals and learn about their culture.
Day 14: Transfer to Negombo, Guided City Tour
Your penultimate day in Sri Lanka takes you on a six-hour transfer to Negombo, a seaside town that blends coastal charm and cultural richness. When you arrive, hit the ground running on a two-hour city tour, starting with a leisurely walk along the Hamilton Canal. Better known as the "Dutch Canal," this waterway was constructed during the colonial era for trade and transport. See the traditional fishing boats docked along the canal as you make your way to the Negombo Dutch Fort, built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century before the Dutch East India Company later fortified it.
Although much of the original structure has been lost to time, you can check out the remaining gateway and ramparts to imagine the fort's former grandeur. Next, discover a selection of centuries-old churches, like the nearby St. Stephen's Church or St Mary's Church, both enduring symbols of the town's deep-rooted Christian heritage. Pass through small fishing villages as you head inland to visit some fascinating temples tucked away in the countryside, like Angurukaramulla Temple, known for its large Buddha statue and intricately painted murals.
Day 15: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
Even though it's your last day, you may be able to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing before your flight home. You could head to Negombo Beach to relax on the sand or visit the Negombo Fish Market to observe the fishermen bringing in the day's catch and selling it directly to consumers. For another look at the Hamilton Canal, opt for a leisurely boat ride along the serene waterway surrounded by lush greenery on either side. Glide through quaint villages and past local fishermen casting their nets before meeting your driver for a 40-minute transfer to the airport in Colombo. Safe travels!
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