South coast beaches: Bentota, Galle and Mirissa

Day 1: Arrive in Bentota

Bentota

• Bentota beach day · 3 h. Swimmable Nov–Apr; red flags are common May–Sep.
• Kosgoda turtle hatchery · 1 h. Choose a hatchery that releases hatchlings promptly rather than keeping turtles in tanks for photos.

Local tip: Swimmable Nov–Apr; red flags are common May–Sep.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Bentota

Bentota

• Madu River boat safari (Balapitiya) · 2.5 h. Mangrove tunnels, a cinnamon island and an island temple; 30 min south of Bentota.
• Brief Garden (Bevis Bawa) · 1.5 h
• Lunuganga estate (Geoffrey Bawa) guided tour · 1.5 h. Tours run at set times; book a slot ahead.

Local tip: Mangrove tunnels, a cinnamon island and an island temple; 30 min south of Bentota.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Bentota → Galle

Galle · Bentota to Galle, Private car ~1.25h (coastal train ~1h)

• Galle Fort heritage walk & ramparts · 3 h. Lanes in the morning, ramparts from the clock tower to the lighthouse for sunset.
• Stilt fishermen at Koggala · 1 h. Most stilt fishermen now pose for visitors and charge for photos; agree the fee first.

Local tip: Lanes in the morning, ramparts from the clock tower to the lighthouse for sunset.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Galle

Galle

• Unawatuna beach · 3 h. Sheltered, swimmable bay Nov–Apr.
• Koggala Lake boat ride & cinnamon island · 2 h

Local tip: Sheltered, swimmable bay Nov–Apr.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Galle → Mirissa

Mirissa · Galle to Mirissa, Private car ~1h

• Coconut Tree Hill · 1 h. Short walk from the east end of the beach; sunrise and sunset get crowded.
• Secret Beach · 3 h. Small cove 10 min by tuk-tuk; a natural rock pool forms at low tide.

Local tip: Short walk from the east end of the beach; sunrise and sunset get crowded.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Mirissa

Mirissa

• Whale watching boat trip (Nov–Apr) · 5 h. Boats leave ~6:30am; blue whales are likely but not guaranteed. Take seasickness tablets and pick an operator that keeps its distance from the whales.

Local tip: Boats leave ~6:30am; blue whales are likely but not guaranteed. Take seasickness tablets and pick an operator that keeps its distance from the whales.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Mirissa

Mirissa

• Surf lesson at Weligama bay · 2 h. Weligama's sandy bay suits beginners; Nov–Apr.
• Parrot Rock & Mirissa beach sunset · 2 h. Wade across only at low tide.
• Dondra Head lighthouse (southernmost point) · 1.5 h

Local tip: Weligama's sandy bay suits beginners; Nov–Apr.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Mirissa

Mirissa

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.