Sri Lanka by the Coast
Overview
A relaxed coastal journey combining beaches, local food, history and time by the ocean.
Day 1 is the arrival day and the final day is the departure day. Depending on international flight times, additional sightseeing can be added on either of these days.
Itinerary
Arrive and settle into a beach town close to the airport, with an easy first night by the sea.
Overnight Stay: NegomboHighlights:
- - Beach town settle-in, seafood dinner
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Fish market
- - Dutch canal
- - St. Mary's Church
Break the journey south with a tour of Colombo's colonial and religious landmarks before continuing to the beach resort of Bentota.
Overnight Stay: BentotaHighlights:
- - Colombo highlights (Galle Face, Pettah market, Gangaramaya Temple) en route south
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Independence Square
- - National Museum
- - Viharamahadevi Park
A slower day based at the beach, with the option of a mangrove river safari and water sports on the Bentota River.
Overnight Stay: BentotaHighlights:
- - River safari through mangroves
- - Water sports
- - Relaxed beach day
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Turtle hatchery
- - Brief Garden
- - Kosgoda beach walk
Continue to the fortified city of Galle, its ramparts and cobbled streets a legacy of Dutch and Portuguese colonial rule.
Overnight Stay: Galle or UnawatunaHighlights:
- - Galle Fort: ramparts, boutiques, colonial architecture
- - Local food tasting
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Dutch Reformed Church
- - Galle Lighthouse
- - Maritime Museum
Move further along the coast to Mirissa's beach and reef, with time for a hands-on introduction to local cooking.
Overnight Stay: MirissaHighlights:
- - Beach time
- - Coconut and seafood cooking experience
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Jungle Beach
- - Unawatuna snorkelling
A dedicated beach day built around a morning whale-watching excursion (seasonal) and easy exploring along the coast.
Overnight Stay: MirissaHighlights:
- - Whale watching (seasonal)
- - Coconut Tree Hill
- - Weligama surf beach
- - Hiriketiya day trip
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Surf lesson at Weligama
- - Stilt fishermen photo stop
- - Polhena reef snorkel
A final beach morning before the transfer back to Colombo for departure; a stop can be added along the way depending on flight time.
Highlights:
- - Final beach morning
- - Transfer to Colombo airport
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Bentota turtle hatchery
- - Kalutara Temple — subject to flight time