Sri Lankan Surf and Turf (13 days)

In this 13-day itinerary you will have the chance to experience what Sri Lanka is most famous for – the sun, the sand, the sea and the surf! Explore Sri Lankan culture through a wide range if in-depth excursions. Enjoy unique, intimate resorts and accommodations that will really add to the authenticity of your experience. Discover new passions such as “snuba” diving and stand-up paddling!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

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Arrive in Galle, Sri Lanka

Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse

Your guide will warmly welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Galle. Once you are checked into the Jetwing Lighthouse, you can relax on the beach.

Day 2

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Galle:

  • Optional excursions: surfing, diving/”snuba” diving or stand-up paddling.

Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse

Meals: B, D

Choose from any of the following optional excursions to spend your day:

  • Surfing: The waves in the southern part of Sri Lanka are famous for their swells of 1 to 2m (4 to 7ft) and the wind conditions, making it ideal for surfing. The A-frame reef at Hikkaduwa can get very good, with a barrelling left and right wave.
  • Diving/”Snuba” diving: Try out “Snuba” diving, which is a cross between snorkelling and scuba diving. This fun sport allows swimmers to reach depths that wouldn’t be possible with a snorkel, but with a higher degree of safety and comfort than scuba diving.
  • Stand-Up Paddling: Already a big trend worldwide, take advantage of your time here to learn the latest sea sport to reach Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Day 3

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Galle:

  • Surfing

Madu Ganga:

  • Boat safari down the Madu Ganga River

Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse

Meals: B, D

In the early morning, try out the waves as the first swells break. The right point at Unawatana is relatively sedate, nonetheless it’s a good experience sitting in the water right next to the Buddhist temple on the point. You can get waves here in monsoon season too.

After lunch take a boat safari down the Madu Ganga River, which is a lagoon with hundreds of islands and is one of the few remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forest in Sri Lanka. You will see many species of birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Don’t forget your camera!

Stop by a small island to participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration, which will give you insight into the preparation of southern Sri Lankan cuisine. Sample the flavourful food you have prepared and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 4

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Galle:

  • Day at leisure
  • Optional: Elpitiya Plantation visit

Accommodation: Jetwing Light House

Meals: B, D

Today you can enjoy a day at leisure, or there is an optional visit to the Elpitiya Plantation. The Elpitiya Plantation is set amidst the lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka, surrounded by rubber and tea plantations. You’ll get to savour traditional Sri Lankan dishes and a variety of sweet meats, and choose to hike or walk in the forest.

Day 5

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Galle:

  • Bicycle tour and visit Galle Fort

Transfer: Luxury catamaran to Mirissa

Mirissa:

  • Deep-sea fishing
  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking

Accommodation: Luxury catamaran

Meals: B, D

Galle is more commonly known as the ‘gateway to the south’. This once-busy port is now one of the best-preserved colonial towns on the island, with Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. You will tour Galle by bicycle and visit Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This historical 16th century Dutch fortress now houses a collection of up-market boutique hotels.

In the afternoon, board a luxury catamaran to sail from Galle to Mirissa, stopping to try deep-sea fishing, snorkeling or kayaking.

Day 6

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Mirissa:

  • Whale watching

Transfer: Sail to Dondara

Dondara:

  • Check in to Mandara Resort

Accommodation: Mandara Resort

Meals: B, D

In the morning, head out to sea for whale watching to marvel at the leviathans of the deep. Your boat will negotiate through whitecaps and swell to bring you close to the largest animal on earth, the Blue Whale.

Disembark in the afternoon and transfer to Mandara Resort in Dondara.

Day 7

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Dondara:

  • Day at leisure
  • Optional: surfing, yoga class, spa session

Accommodation: Mandara Resort

Meals: B, D

Enjoy your day at leisure. In the morning you can do some surfing; join other surfers during the wait for the best wave. Dondara has good right points. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a yoga class or indulge in a spa session.

Day 8

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Dondara:

  • Visit the Mulkirigala rock temple and cave monastery
  • Rekawa Beach turtle hatchery

Accommodation: Mandara Resort

Meals: B, D

Start your day with an early morning yoga session, then relax or enjoy some surfing.

In the afternoon, visit the Mulkirigala rock temple and cave monastery, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. This monastery is reminiscent of the more famous Golden Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, and is one of the 64 temples built by King Kavantissa. Admire the intricate wall paintings and bold statues adorning this important historical site.

At night visit the relaxing Rekawa Beach. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see turtles laying their eggs on the sand, as they have done for millions of years.

Day 9

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Dondara:

  • Day at leisure
  • Optional: surfing, full-body massage

Accommodation: Mandara Resort

Meals: B, D

Spend the morning surfing, taking advantage of the first few swells of the day. The rest of the day is to be enjoyed at leisure. You can also enjoy a relaxing full-body massage if you wish.

Day 10

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Transfer to Kalametiya

Kalametiya:

  • Watch different bird life

Accommodation: The Yala Adventure

Meals: B, L, D

In the early hours of the morning, transfer to Kalametiya to watch the long-legged birds feed at the shoreline. This area is full of bird life as this time of the year coincides with the migratory season.

In the afternoon, check into The Yala Adventure at Yala. Once you’re settled in, spend the evening on a safari at Yala National Park, which is renowned for its high population of leopards and many other species of flora and fauna such as the Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan sloth, bear, deer, and many types of birds and crocodiles.

Day 11

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Kataragama:

  • Experience the pooja (a Hindu prayer ceremony)

Yala:

  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Safari through Yala National Park in the evening

Accommodation: The Yala Adventure

Meals: B, L, D

At 06:00, visit Kataragama, a sacred pilgrimage town for Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim people. Experience the pooja (a Hindu prayer ceremony), which takes place at 06:00. People from across Sri Lanka visit Kataragama to praise the deity Skanda with bells, flutes, conch shells, and offerings of fruits, gold and jewels–a very colourful event. At times you will see devotees whose skin is pierced by hooks or who walk on fire. These gestures are meant as a mark of respect to Skanda, who blessed them by bringing good fortune.

Spend the afternoon at leisure in your hotel or exploring areas of archaeological interest that are located around the ancient city of Magama (Tissa, Yala, Kirinda).

In the evening, take a safari through Yala National Park and see nocturnal animals rarely spotted in daylight. Sightings may include the grey slender Loris, a critically endangered primate, or even the cuddly golden palm civet cat.

Day 12

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Transfer: Flight to Mattala Airport then flight to Bandaranaike Airport,  transfer to Ja-Ela

Ja-Ela:

  • Rest of the day at leisure
  • Farewell dinner

Accommodation: The Walawwa

Meals: B, D

Transfer to Sri Lanka’s second and newest international airport, Mattala, for a short flight to Bandaranaike International Airport. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to Ja-Ela, a suburb north of Colombo. Rest of the day at leisure and a farewell dinner.

Day 13

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Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure

Meals: B

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

Accommodation

Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle, Sri Lanka

Jetwing Lighthouse is full of elegance and minimalism. It’s located on the fringe of Galle. Guests can experience both adventure and relaxation at Jetwing Lighthouse using the facilities that they offer.


Mandara Resort, Dondara, Sri Lanka 

Mandara Resort is located along the southwest coast of the country. This resort offers luxury and comfort. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities such as whale watching excursions and lazy days by the pool.


The Yala Adventure, Kalametiya, Sri Lanka 

At The Yala Adventure, guests get a genuine Sri Lankan experience and they get to understand the culture and environment. The Yala Adventure is a unique “glamping” experience.


The Walawwa, Ja-Ela

The Walawwa is located close enough to Dambulla, Kandy and Galle to go on a day trip. It’s located within three acres of beautiful private gardens and is very secluded.

Sri Lankan Surf and Turf (13 days)