Southtern Sri lanka Day Tour from Colombo , Kaluthara or Bentota

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The Madu River Safari in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, offers a captivating journey through one of the country's most pristine wetland ecosystems. This boat tour navigates the serene waters of the Madu Ganga, encompassing 64 islands—many adorned with lush mangrove forests and rich biodiversity. Mangrove Tunnels: Traverse shaded waterways teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including over 300 plant species and 248 vertebrate species. Cinnamon Island: Witness traditional cinnamon harvesting methods passed down through generations. Kothduwa Temple: Visit this historic Buddhist temple situated on an isolated island, believed to have once sheltered the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Fish Therapy: Experience a natural foot massage as small fish nibble away dead skin, a popular and unique attraction.

   2 h

2. The Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles that nest along the southern coast. The center rescues injured turtles, protects nesting sites, and raises awareness about marine conservation. Visitors can learn about different turtle species, witness hatchlings being released into the sea, and support local conservation efforts.

   30 min

3. The Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine, located in the coastal village of Meetiyagoda in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned as one of the world's premier sources of high-quality blue moonstones. These gemstones are prized for their captivating blue sheen, known as adularescence, which is especially prominent in the nearly transparent moonstones found here. The mine sits atop the world's largest pegmatite vein rich in moonstones, making it a significant site for gem enthusiasts and collectors.

   30 min

4. The Galle Dutch Fort, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a historic coastal fort built initially by the Portuguese in the 16th century and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South Asia. The fort features cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, ramparts, and a lighthouse, blending European and South Asian architectural styles. Today, it is a vibrant area with museums, cafes, boutiques, and residences, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

   1 h

5. The stilt fishermen of Koggala, Sri Lanka, are known for their unique and traditional fishing method. Perched on wooden poles embedded in the shallow coastal waters, they balance on crossbars while skillfully casting their lines into the sea. This centuries-old practice, passed down through generations, is not only a means of livelihood but also a striking cultural symbol of the southern coast.

   30 min

6. Handunugoda Tea Estate is a distinguished, family-owned plantation situated in Ahangama, near Sri Lanka's southern coast. Spanning approximately 200 acres, the estate cultivates tea on 150 acres, with the remaining land dedicated to rubber, cinnamon, pepper, and coconut. The estate is renowned for producing the exclusive Virgin White Tea, a brew that remains untouched by human hands throughout its production. This meticulous process involves harvesting the youngest tea buds using sterilized scissors and gloves, ensuring unparalleled purity. Visitors to Handunugoda can embark on guided tours that delve into the intricate tea-making process, from plucking to processing. The estate also houses a museum showcasing vintage British-made tea machinery, some over 150 years old, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Sri Lanka's tea industry.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Colombo

• Its from-price is 44% below the median of the 469 day trips we list in Colombo.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 107 of 469.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Colombo

Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, where colonial landmarks, Buddhist temples, busy markets and a seafront promenade meet.

Galle Face Green, a long seafront lawn, fills with families, kite flyers and street-food stalls as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Nearby, the Fort district keeps colonial buildings such as the Old Dutch Hospital, restored as shops and restaurants, and the red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque rises over the crowded market streets of Pettah.

Top-ranked sights in Colombo: Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Independence Square.

See all 2908 experiences in Colombo