Sri Lanka’s Best Beaches

After your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (or from your Colombo hotel), you’ll travel down Sri Lanka’s western coast toward Bentota — known for its calm waters, lush surroundings, and river safaris.

Spend time relaxing at Bentota Beach, where the river meets the sea. If time permits, enjoy optional activities like:

• A boat ride on the Bentota River

• Visit to the Brief Garden or Lunuganga Estate (homes of famous Sri Lankan architects)

• Water sports such as jet skiing or banana boat rides

Next, continue your coastal ride to Hikkaduwa, a vibrant beach town famous for snorkeling, coral reefs, and a youthful vibe. You can:

• Take a glass-bottom boat to explore the reef

• Feed sea turtles near the shore

• Enjoy dinner at a beachside café under the stars

📍 Overnight Stay: Hikkaduwa

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch. Explore:

• Cobblestone streets, historic churches, museums, and ramparts

• Local artisan boutiques, cafés, and seaside galleries

From Galle, head to Ambalangoda, a coastal town famous for its traditional mask carving. Here, visit:

• Ariyapala Mask Museum and workshop

• See how devil masks are handcrafted and learn their cultural significance

Continue south to Mirissa, one of the island’s most beloved beach destinations. Once you arrive, visit the iconic Coconut Tree Hill — a palm-covered red cliff with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, perfect for sunset photos.

In the evening, stroll along Mirissa Beach, enjoy local seafood specialties, or relax in a hammock by the waves.

📍 Overnight Stay: Mirissa

Today begins with a scenic drive across southern Sri Lanka toward the east coast, heading to Arugam Bay — the country’s most popular surf destination.

Along the way, enjoy optional stops at:

• Peanut Farm Beach – quiet, hidden beach ideal for a swim

• Elephant Rock Beach – known for its panoramic lookout and surf waves

Arrive at Arugam Bay by the afternoon. This laid-back village is perfect for unwinding after the long journey. Activities include:

• Renting a surfboard or booking a surf lesson (ideal for beginners too!)

• Exploring beach cafés and smoothie bars

• Taking part in an optional sunset yoga session or Ayurvedic massage

📍 Overnight Stay: Arugam Bay

Wake up early to enjoy a serene sunrise walk along the beach. If you’re an early riser, join a morning surf session or just relax with a coffee and ocean breeze.

Depending on your departure plans:

• You can transfer back to Colombo, Ella, or Bandaranaike International Airport

• Optional quick lagoon tour in Pottuvil Lagoon (if time permits), where you can spot birds, monkeys, and even elephants in the wild

📍 End of Tour