Sands of Serendip – A Coastal Getaway (06 Days & 05 Nights)
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 Arrival (Bandaranayke International Airport & Transfer to Benthota)
Day 2 A Day in Benthota
Day 3 Benthota to Galle
Day 4 Galle to Mirissa
Day 5 Galle to Matara
Day 6 Depature – Matara to Bandaranayke International Airport (Via Southern Expressway)
Tour Highlights
➢ Kande Vihara
➢ Madu Ganga River Safari
➢ Brief Garden
➢ Benthota Turtle Hatchery
➢ Hikkaduwa Beach
➢ Jungle Beach
➢ Galle Dutch Fort
➢ Secret Beach
➢ Coconut Tree Hill
➢ Dondra Head Lighthouse
➢ Polhena Beach
Day 1 – Bandaranayke International Airport & Transfer to Benthota
Benthota is a small town on the west coast of Sri Lanka, about halfway between Colombo and Galle. It is a popular tourist destination among foreigners and locals alike. Benthota is a quiet place where you can enjoy water sports, nature, and the sun.
• Proceed to Benthota to joyful day.
• In the evening, it’s time for a good night’s rest.
Day 2 – Benthota
Kande Vihara – Since this temple is located on the top of the mountain, it is called the temple (Kande Vihara). The temple is recognized as an archaeological and heritage site by the Sri Lankan government. There is a Bodhi tree in the middle of the temple that is over 300 years old. The walls and ceilings of the temple are decorated with scenes from Jataka stories and moments from the life of the Buddha. In this way, the place has become a great place in terms of history and spirituality.
Madu Ganga River Safari – Dear all nature lovers, this safari park is a paradise with rich wildlife experience. There are more than one hundred and eleven species of birds. It is also a popular destination for ecologists and biologists. You will also find the Captain’s Boathouse that offers scenic boat tours along the river and many other things to explore while spending time with a local guide.
Bentota Turtle Hatchery – If you visit Bentota Beach, don’t forget to experience the magic of this fascinating place. You will see five species of endangered sea turtles in there. This is considered the most attractive place in Bentota, especially for nature lovers. You can visit this place with your family, and believe me, kids will love it.
• Good morning for the first morning in Sri Lanka.
• After a delicious breakfast, a boat ride along the “Madu Ganga River Safari.”
• In the afternoon visit the “Kande Viharaya”.
• Spend the evening at the Bentota Turtle Hatchery.
• Enjoy a fiery BBQ dinner with calm music at a hotel on Bentota beach.
Day 3 – Benthota to Galle
Galle is a coastal city located 130 kilometers south of Colombo. It’s a perfect combination of beaches and culture. Galle is a gem. It’s a pleasure to explore this historic city on foot. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An old fort full of beautiful Dutch colonial buildings, old mosques, churches, mansions, and museums. Walk along the winding streets and you’ll encounter trendy cafes, quirky boutiques, and beautiful retro hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers, and human design models. It’s a dream destination.
Hikkaduwa is known for its sea turtles and natural coral reefs. Hikkaduwa is a small town located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 100 kilometers south of Colombo, and also it’s located between Colombo and Galle. Its beautiful beaches and many restaurants and hotels make it a top choice for local and international holidaymakers. Swim with sea turtles, watch baby turtles hatch, visit the turtle hatchery, and eat seafood; these are various relaxing and enjoyable activities in Hikkaduwa.
Jungle Beach – Trekking through the jungle can reach this amazing area. That’s why it’s called Jungle Beach. It is located near the charming town of Unawatuna in the southern region of Sri Lanka. The lush vegetation surrounding the beach has given it its name and location. The more adventurous can dive into the shallow waters to enjoy snorkeling, take a boat tour through the water, or go scuba diving to see the vibrant marine life up close and personal. Jungle Beach is home to a rich biodiversity. And it will be a great pleasure for nature lovers to visit this heaven.
Galle Dutch Fort is a 17th-century colonial fort in Sri Lanka. It stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is protected on all four sides by its rocky coast and imposing landside walls. But the real strength of Galle Fort comes from its colonial palace complex, government offices, public schools, commercial establishments, and beautiful churches. All of these are clearly reminiscent of the European past.
• Breakfast, get ready and check out from the hotel.
• Proceed to Galle.
• En route visit “Hikkaduwa Beach”.
• Then check-in hotel inside Galle Fort.
• After a delicious lunch, visit another beautiful beach called “Jungle Beach”.
• Don’t miss the gorgeous white sands & stunning sunset at Jungle Beach.
• Try the world-famous Sri Lankan crab and seafood dishes.
• Take an exciting walk through “Galle Dutch Fort,” which boasts a colorful history.
• Refresh with the sound of the beautiful Indian Ocean.
• Drink Sri Lankan cocktails while watching the sunset in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.
Day 4 – Galle to Mirissa
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beaches. There are actually so many fun things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Visit Secret Beach, Parrot Rock, Climb Coconut Tree Hill, enjoy water sports (wakeboarding, jet skiing, tubing), go surfing in Weligama, and whale watching; these are the most interesting things to do in Mirissa.
Secret Beach Mirissa is a small beach located in the bay area, just around the corner from Mirissa Beach, the city’s main beach. Even though Secret Beach is no longer a secret, it should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Mirissa. Although the beach has grown in recent years, it still doesn’t attract as many tourists as the main beach, so it’s still a hidden gem.
Coconut Tree Hill – Just a 15-minute walk from Mirissa Beach, you will find Coconut Tree Hill, a small coconut tree on top of a hill. The mountain has become Mirissa’s most Instagrammed spot. The mountain is covered with tall coconut trees swaying in the ocean. There is a clearing in the middle of the landscape where you can take a perfect photo of the coconut groves with the sparkling Indian Ocean behind you.
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast in Southern Coastal Sri Lanka.
• Head to Mirissa.
• En route enjoy the beauty of the beautiful Weligama coastal city.
• Collect memories by visiting beautiful scenic beauty in the south coastal area.
• Then check-in beach hotel in Mirissa.
• After a delicious lunch, visit another beautiful beach called “Secret Beach”.
• In the evening visit the world-famous “Coconut Tree Hill”.
• Don’t miss the gorgeous white sands & stunning sunset at Coconut Tree Hill.
• Try the world-famous Sri Lankan seafood dishes.
Day 5 – Mirissa to Matara
Matara is a unique city on the south coast, home to history, culture, and nature. This beautiful coastal city is located 260 miles from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. In Matara, start your tour at Star Castle by visiting the Dondra Head Lighthouse, then relax and watch the sunset there. Head to Matara, a perfect destination for beach lovers looking for sun, sand, and sea.
Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered one of the finest lighthouses on the entire island and also the tallest lighthouse on the island. It is one of the most important lighthouses still operating. The lighthouse has 7 floors, and 196 steps are required to reach the top of the tower. The views from the top are breathtaking, and if you look north you can see Bulutota Mountain Range. However, remember that access to the inside of the Dondra Head Lighthouse is only possible with special permission from the authorities.
Polhena Beach is located 2 kilometers from the center of Matara and has good water for swimming. Coral reefs offshore break the waves and provide beautiful sand for the beach. Polhena Beach has the status of a beautiful honeymoon destination due to its romantic location. It is also a weekend getaway for the locals.
• After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it’s time to visit Matara.
• Then check-in beach hotel in Matara.
• Take a little relaxation.
• After a delicious lunch, visit another beautiful attraction called “Dondra Head Lighthouse”.
• In the evening visit “Polhena Beach” to take a little dip in the Indian Ocean.
• Don’t miss the gorgeous white sands & stunning sunset at Polhena Beach.
• Spend the last night in Sri Lanka with an enjoyable BBQ night.
Day 6 – Departure: Matara to Bandaranayke International Airport (Via Southern Expressway)
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the down south and also Sri Lanka.
Hope you had a great holiday in Sri Lanka.
Proceed to Bandaranayke International Airport. It’s time for the departure flight.