Southern Sri Lanka: Whales, Beaches & Colonial Heritage Tour

After an early breakfast, depart for a whale and dolphin watching excursion in Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known destinations for marine wildlife experiences.

Board a shared boat and head into the deep sea, where you may have the opportunity to spot blue whales, sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and several dolphin species, along with sea turtles and other marine life. The main whale-watching season generally runs from November to April, although all wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

After the excursion, continue to Weligama, famous for its traditional stilt fishermen. This distinctive fishing method has become one of the most recognizable cultural sights along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.

Later, visit Unawatuna Beach, known for its golden sand, turquoise waters, palm-lined scenery, and relaxed tropical atmosphere. Spend some free time swimming, relaxing, or simply enjoying the coastal surroundings.

In the evening, return to your hotel in Mirissa and meet with your guide to discuss the following day’s program.

Planned Activities

• Early morning whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa

• Shared deep-sea boat excursion

• Weligama stilt fishermen

• Unawatuna Beach

• Swimming and beach relaxation

• Evening briefing with the tour guide

Overnight: Hotel in Mirissa
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Bentota with several cultural and nature-focused stops along Sri Lanka’s scenic southwest coast.

Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, one of Sri Lanka’s most important colonial heritage sites. Explore its historic ramparts, lighthouse area, cobbled streets, and well-preserved architecture shaped by Portuguese and Dutch influence.

Continue to Meetiyagoda, known for its traditional moonstone mines. Learn about the mining process and the importance of moonstone in Sri Lankan jewelry and local craftsmanship.

Next, visit Ambalangoda, famous for its traditional wooden mask-making culture. Stop at a local mask workshop and museum to discover the techniques and cultural traditions behind this distinctive Sri Lankan art form.

Later, enjoy a Madu River Safari in Balapitiya, cruising through mangrove forests, small islands, and rich wetland scenery. Continue with a visit to a turtle hatchery in Ahungalla, where you can learn about local sea turtle conservation efforts.

After completing the day’s excursions, continue to Bentota and check in at your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the beach or enjoying the hotel facilities.

Planned Activities

• Galle Fort and lighthouse area

• Spice garden visit

• Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine

• Ambalangoda Mask Workshop

• Madu River Safari

• Turtle Hatchery in Ahungalla

• Transfer to Bentota

• Beach relaxation

Overnight: Hotel in Bentota
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the cultural heritage, architecture, and coastal beauty of Bentota.

Begin with a visit to Galapatha Viharaya, one of the ancient Buddhist temples in the Bentota region. Continue to Bentota Palama, the historic bridge crossing the Bentota River and an important local landmark.

Later, visit Lunuganga, the former country estate and landscaped garden of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Explore its distinctive blend of architecture, tropical gardens, and natural scenery.

Continue with a Bentota city tour, where you can discover local attractions and enjoy some time for shopping and souvenir hunting.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on Bentota Beach, enjoying the palm-fringed coastline and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, return to your hotel and meet with your guide to discuss the following day’s program.

Planned Activities

• Galapatha Viharaya

• Bentota Palama

• Lunuganga Estate and Gardens

• Bentota city tour

• Shopping

• Bentota Beach relaxation

• Evening briefing with the tour guide

Overnight: Hotel in Bentota
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel toward Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short Colombo city tour and discover some of the city’s best-known landmarks. Visit Gangaramaya Temple, continue to the scenic Galle Face Green, and see the historic Old Parliament Building and Galle Face Hotel.

After the city tour, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your Sri Lanka south coast journey to an end.

Planned Activities

• Breakfast and hotel check-out

• Transfer to Colombo

• Gangaramaya Temple

• Galle Face Green

• Old Parliament Building

• Galle Face Hotel

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

• Departure flight

Meals: Breakfast
End of Tour