Sri Lanka is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, water sports, or wildlife encounters, Sri Lanka’s beaches provide it all. Here’s a detailed itinerary for a few days focusing on the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Bentota
Morning:
- Arrival in Colombo:
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
- Meet your guide/driver and transfer to Bentota, a popular beach destination on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast (approximately 2 hours’ drive).
Afternoon:
- Check-In and Relaxation:
- Check into your beachfront resort or hotel in Bentota.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on Bentota Beach, known for its golden sands and calm waters. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the serene environment.
- Bentota River Safari (Optional):
- If you’re interested, take a river safari on the Bentota River. Explore the mangroves, spot water monitors, and see a variety of bird species.
Evening:
- Dinner by the Beach:
- Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant, with fresh catches like prawns, crabs, and fish.
- Overnight stay in Bentota.
Day 2: Bentota – Galle – Unawatuna
Morning:
- Breakfast and Departure to Galle:
- After breakfast, drive to Galle, a historic coastal city known for its colonial architecture and fortifications (approximately 1 hour’s drive).
- Galle Fort Exploration:
- Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit the lighthouse, explore the old Dutch buildings, and enjoy the views of the ocean from the ramparts.
- Visit the Galle Maritime Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church for insights into the history of the area.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Galle:
- Have lunch at one of the charming cafes or restaurants within the fort, many of which offer a mix of local and international cuisine.
- Transfer to Unawatuna:
- After lunch, drive to Unawatuna, a vibrant beach town just 15 minutes from Galle.
- Unawatuna Beach:
- Check into your accommodation in Unawatuna.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on Unawatuna Beach, known for its palm-fringed shoreline and turquoise waters. Unawatuna is great for swimming, snorkeling, and trying out beachside cafes.
Evening:
- Jungle Beach (Optional):
- If you’re up for a short hike, visit Jungle Beach, a secluded spot surrounded by forest, just a 10-15 minute walk from Unawatuna. The beach is peaceful and less crowded, offering a more intimate experience.
- Dinner and Overnight in Unawatuna:
- Enjoy a beachside dinner with a view of the sunset.
- Overnight stay in Unawatuna.
Day 3: Unawatuna – Mirissa
Morning:
- Breakfast and Departure to Mirissa:
- After breakfast, drive to Mirissa, a beautiful beach town known for its whale watching and vibrant nightlife (approximately 45 minutes’ drive).
- Mirissa Beach:
- Spend the morning relaxing on Mirissa Beach. This crescent-shaped beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Afternoon:
- Whale Watching (Seasonal):
- If you’re visiting between November and April, go on a whale-watching tour. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
- After the tour, return to your hotel for lunch and relaxation.
- Parrot Rock:
- In the late afternoon, visit Parrot Rock, a small island just off the coast of Mirissa. You can reach it by walking through the shallow water. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the beach and ocean.
Evening:
- Dinner and Nightlife in Mirissa:
- Enjoy dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants and bars, which often feature live music and bonfires.
- Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Day 4: Mirissa – Tangalle
Morning:
- Breakfast and Departure to Tangalle:
- After breakfast, drive to Tangalle, a more secluded beach destination on the southern coast (approximately 1.5 hours’ drive).
- Tangalle Beach:
- Check into your beachfront accommodation in Tangalle.
- Spend the morning relaxing on Tangalle Beach, known for its vast stretches of sand and tranquil waters. The beach is less commercialized, offering a peaceful retreat.
Afternoon:
- Lunch and Relaxation:
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at your resort or a local restaurant.
- Continue to relax on the beach or explore the nearby coves and smaller beaches, such as Silent Beach and Goyambokka Beach, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Rekawa Beach and Turtle Watching:
- In the late afternoon, visit Rekawa Beach, located just outside Tangalle. This beach is famous for its turtle conservation project. If you’re lucky, you might witness sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs (best seen at night).
Evening:
- Dinner and Overnight in Tangalle:
- Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local seafood restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Tangalle.
Day 5: Tangalle – Colombo
Morning:
- Breakfast and Morning at Leisure:
- Spend your last morning enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Tangalle. Take a final swim, walk along the beach, or simply relax with a book.
- Departure to Colombo:
- After breakfast, begin your drive back to Colombo (approximately 3.5-4 hours’ drive).
- Alternatively, you can opt for a domestic flight from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (close to Tangalle) to Colombo, if available.
Afternoon:
- Arrival in Colombo:
- Arrive in Colombo and check into your hotel.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Colombo’s highlights, such as Galle Face Green, the Old Dutch Hospital, or shopping for souvenirs.
Evening:
- Farewell Dinner:
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Colombo, sampling local Sri Lankan cuisine.
- Overnight stay in Colombo.
Day 6: Departure
Morning:
- Breakfast and Departure:
- After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you can relax or do some last-minute shopping in Colombo.
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
Additional Notes:
- Accommodation: Stay in beachfront hotels or resorts for easy access to the beaches. Options range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Transport: A private vehicle with a driver-guide is recommended for convenience. Taxis or tuk-tuks can be used for short distances.
- Timing: The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s south and west coast beaches is from November to April, when the weather is sunny and the seas are calm.
This itinerary offers a mix of relaxation, exploration, and adventure, allowing you to experience some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches and coastal towns.
