Golden Sands of the Southern Coast

Approximate travel time 02-03 Hours Helanka Vacations representative will meet you at the arrival lounge and transfer to Bentota. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean on the Bentota Beach. This stretch of tropical coastline on the west coast of Sri Lanka offers pristine beaches fringed by a string of resorts, well hidden in the tropical foliage bordering the beach. Water sport activities are on offer for adrenalin seekers, otherwise head to the Bentota River to explore the mangrove waterways, where you'll find a plethora of colourful birds and a variety of small reptiles. If you’re looking for the ‘Riviera’ of Sri Lanka, this is it. Arrival time to be update. Arrive and check into the hotel in Bentota. Overnight at the hotel. Bentota Beach by Cinnamon 5* / Centara Ceysands 4*

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day leisure at the beach or by the poolside.

Optional – Watersports Activities (Banana Boat Ride – USD 15 pp / Tube Ride – USD 15 pp / Canoeing – USD 35 pp)

Optional - proceed to experience the mangrove boat ride along the Madu river- Balapitiya. During the river safari, visit uninhabited islands and a cinnamon plantation where you can get an insight into typical rural life. (USD 14 pp)

Optional – Visit Lunuganga Site. (USD 14 pp)

The Lunuganga Estate was the country house of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

The estate had been used as a cinnamon estate during the Dutch era and then a rubber plantation under the British. In 1948, the small house in the estate was given on rent to the local tax collector. In 1949 newly qualified lawyer Geoffrey Bawa bought it from its owner intending to convert the estate bungalow into a weekend house and create a tropical version of a European renaissance garden. The 6.1 ha (15 acres) property is located on the banks of the Dedduwa Lake, in Bentota. Bawa named the estate Lunuganga, which in Sinhala means Salt River. Recognizing his lack of architectural knowledge Bawa returned to England to study architecture. After qualifying as an architect he returning to Ceylon in 1958 and joined the architectural practice of Edwards, Reid and Beggs.

Bawa continued to develop the house and gardens at Lunuganga for forty years, until his death in May 2003. Bawa was cremated on the Cinnamon Hill and ashes buried there.

Overnight accommodation. Bentota Beach by Cinnamon 5* / Centara Ceysands 4*

Approximate travel time 02-03 Hours   After breakfast proceed to Mirissa. Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara District of the Southern Province and is situated at an elevation of 4 metres (13 ft) above sea level. Mirissa's beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination. It is also a fishing port and one of the island's main whale and dolphin watching locations. En route vist a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda. Set on a city tour in Galle. Galle is the best example of a fortitude city built by the Portuguese in the South, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions.  The 300- year-old Galle fort is a world heritage site. A remarkable site paved with cobblestone streets and reminiscent buildings now occupied by boutique shops and fine dining restaurants that enhance the ever so vivid setting of the town. A Sightseeing tour of Galle includes a visit to the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the Shiva Temple. Arrive and check into the hotel in Mirissa. Overnight accommodation. Mandara Resort 4* / Paradise Beach Club 4*

Leave hotel at 05.45am.

You will be taken to Mirissa to embark on a voyage of unforgettable sights while whale watching. (Seasonal).

Blue whales, Bryde's whales, Sperm whales, Orcas and various types of dolphins have all been spotted within the crystal waters of Mirissa. Bare witness to pods of over 100 dolphins majestically soaring across the water and whales sprout water through their blowhole as they slowly emerge through the water’s horizon all in one breath-taking boat ride.

Enjoy breakfast on board while returning back.

After boat safari, return to the hotel.

Rest of the day leisure at the beach or by the poolside.

Overnight accommodation.

Approximate travel time 02-03 Hours Breakfast at the hotel.   Check out and leisurely proceed to Colombo.

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial hub.

Arrive and start your city tour and shopping. A drive through the city will take you to Fort and Pettah – the commercial area of the city and tree-lined Colombo 7 – Cinnamon Gardens.  Colombo 3, 4, 5 & 8 are the prime residential areas of the City. The Hindu Temple at Sea Street – lined with goldsmith shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, Independence Square, BMICH, Gangaramaya Temple and Colombo Museum are but some of the many attractions in Colombo. Sri Lanka is renowned for Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Blue Sapphires spices, precious and semi-precious gems and jewellery in silver, gold and white gold.

Free time to Shopping.

The nightlife here is lively at a number of clubs, pubs and dining venues.

Check into the hotel.

Overnight in Colombo. (Ramada Colombo 4* / Cinnamon Grand 5*)

Approximate travel time 1 Hour Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter you will be transferred to the Airport to connect with your departure flight. Departure flight time and hotel leaving time to be update.

Rates on request (based on 3* / 4* / 5* / Boutique hotels)

Included

• 05 nights’ accommodation on Bed and breakfast basis.
• Transport in an air conditioned Car/Micro Van with an English speaking Chauffeur. (Above 6pax – English Speaking National Guide).
• Arrival & Departure transfers.
• Entrance fees for the sites as per the program.
• Water bottle on Arrival.
• All applicable taxes (Subject to change without any prior notice).

 

Excluded

• Lunch / dinner during the tour.
• Early check in & late check out not included.
• Tips and Porterage’s.
• Other extra expenses of personal nature.
• Camera & Video permits (for tourist sites mentioned).
• All extra expenses at Hotels.
• Visa fee charges.