Relax on Sri Lanka's Southern Coast | Experience Travel Group

This holiday includes less travel than the typical Sri Lanka tour and focuses solely on the south coast of the island. You’ll travel with your chauffeur-guide and days will be balanced with immersive cultural experiences and time relaxing on the beach — a laid-back way to explore the country’s variety.

Highlights include

Cruising along the Madu Ganga on a river safari, watching out for life along the banks
Discovering the countryside villages around Galle by boat and tuk-tuk
Heading out to watch dolphins and whales frolicking in the waters off the shores of Mirissa
Spending several days at your leisure relaxing on the beautiful south coast beaches

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, get in touch with us today.

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
£4,450pp
and include*:

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500pp
and include*:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

*Price dependent on destination, flights & dates. See more:

ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart London Heathrow on your direct flight to Colombo.

DAY 2-5 BENTOTA

Transfer in a chauffeur-driven vehicle to Bentota where you will spend the next four nights. Bentota is a thriving resort with plenty of water sports, nightlife, bars, great dining, and peaceful beaches.

Take a beautiful boat trip along the Madhu Ganga, lined with mangroves. Watch out for river life including lizards, birds of prey, and the odd crocodile.

DAYS 6-8 THE GALLE COAST

Galle is the capital of southern Sri Lanka and a cosmopolitan cultural highlight. A history rich with diverse cultural influences and plenty of sights (such as the 17th-century Dutch fort) makes Galle a popular stop for those seeking to learn about Sri Lanka’s colourful past. There are fabulous beaches close by, such as Thalpe, Koggala, and Unawatuna.

During your stay there will be a day spent on a tour of the local countryside. Explore the Kapu Ela river with a naturalist guide watching birdlife, water monitors, and the endangered purple-faced monkey. This is followed by a tuk-tuk ride or a leisurely bike tour to traditional villages where you can learn how to make a traditional Sri Lankan egg hopper breakfast.

DAYS 9-13 THE DEEP SOUTH

The south-east coast of Sri Lanka extends from Matara to Hambantota, and it’s the perfect destination for rest. This part of our tour is all about enjoying the "deep south" beaches with their lush vegetation, idyllic villages, and palm-fringed white stretches of sand.

During your stay, there will be time to explore the Bundala National Park biosphere with 200 species of birds and nesting grounds for four species of marine turtle. You will also have time to take an exciting whale watching safari off the shore of Mirissa.

We also include some low key experiences in which you explore the forgotten crafts and skills of inland Tangalle. We don't want to tell you more here, but this is a very special experience and only for a very select few!

DAY 14 & 15 COLOMBO

You’ll transfer back to Colombo, a vibrant city with Portuguese, English, and Dutch influence. Start your exploration with a sunset through Colombo’s suburbs and the countryside beyond. Pass paddy fields and waterways and finish off with a puja ceremony at the Kelaniya temple. The following day, a unique tea excursion at the Dilmah Tea Lounge includes a tour and gourmet high tea. Learn about tea mixology and don’t forget to try a tea-inspired cocktail before you leave. In the afternoon, a 3-4 hour Colombo city walk will reveal Colombo’s cultural highlights: explore heritage 17th-century buildings from the time of Dutch and British reign. Avoid the crowds of tourists and head to the marketplace at Pettah.