Winter sun, December–April
A week along the south-west coast in its best season: river safaris at Bentota, Galle Fort, calm bays and whale watching from Mirissa.
This beach-hopping week follows the coast south from Bentota to Mirissa, with two nights in each place. It suits repeat visitors who have already done the Cultural Triangle, or anyone who simply wants sun, sea and a little light exploring.
Each stop has its own character: Bentota for river trips and Bawa gardens, Unawatuna for a sheltered bay close to Galle Fort, and Mirissa for whale watching and sunsets. Drives between them are short.
Bentota – Galle / Unawatuna – Mirissa
Airport welcome and drive down the coast to Bentota.
A morning boat trip through the mangroves of the Madu river, and an afternoon visit to Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga or Bevis Bawa’s Brief Garden.
Continue south, perhaps stopping at Hikkaduwa to see turtles in the shallows. Afternoon on the beach.
Morning snorkelling at Jungle Beach, afternoon exploring Galle Fort and sunset on the ramparts.
Drive to Mirissa past the stilt-fishing coast; sunset at Coconut Tree Hill.
An early-morning whale-watching trip, then a lazy afternoon.
Transfer to the airport.
We suggest hotels at the level you choose — good-value, comfortable, boutique or premium — and explain why each one suits the route. You can swap any hotel before anything is booked.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group and luggage, with the same driver or chauffeur guide throughout. Licensed site guides can be added at major heritage sites.
Designed for December to April, when the south-west coast is calm and dry.
Availability depends on season and your dates — we confirm before adding anything. Tick the ones you like in the form below.
The south coast is Sri Lanka’s best-known base for whale watching and beginner surf.
Mirissa harbour · 4 – 6 hours
Bentota combines river backwaters with established Ayurveda resorts.
Balapitiya, near Bentota · 1 – 2 hours
West and south coast · 1 hour to multi-day programmes
A few special moments make a honeymoon itinerary.
Colombo and selected regions · From about 30 minutes
You have free beach days — these fit easily between lazy mornings.
Pigeon Island (summer) or south-west reefs (winter) · 2 – 4 hours
From May to September the south-west coast is rough and rainy; we recommend the East Coast Summer Escape instead.
Adjust anything below, or just tell us your dates. A consultant replies personally — this is not a booking and nothing is charged.
Updated . Travel conditions change — we confirm details when we plan your trip.
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Two weeks to see Sri Lanka properly: both great ancient capitals, Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country, a Yala safari, quiet southern beaches and Galle Fort.
Private tour · price on request
15 days · Relaxed pace, long beach stay
A relaxed fifteen-day journey with three nights in the Cultural Triangle, two in Kandy and Ella, an elephant safari and three unhurried nights on the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
10 days · Culture, hills, safari & beach
Ten days that add breathing space and a beach finish to the classic route: two nights each in Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country train, a Yala safari and the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
Day tours that fit around this itinerary.
Full day · from Colombo
A full-day trip from Colombo on the Southern Expressway to walk Galle Fort’s ramparts and enjoy a south-coast beach.
Full day · from Colombo
A coastal day from Colombo with a Madu river boat trip, a Bawa garden and lunch by the beach at Bentota.
Full day · from Galle
A morning whale-watching trip from Mirissa harbour, followed by lunch and beach time.
