The West Coast · The South
7-Day Sri Lanka Southern Beaches, Coastal Adventures & Whale Watching Escape
Bentota / Unawatuna / Weligama
The shape
Ninety kilometres of coast, and a week to do it in. Three bases, two nights at each, and never more than an hour between them - so the vehicle is barely part of this one.
The Madu River through the mangroves, and the turtle hatchery at Ahungalla, which we run. Galle Fort at sunset when the heat has gone. The stilt fishermen at Koggala. And whales off Mirissa at first light, between November and April.
It suits couples, honeymooners, and anyone who would rather stay put than move - the days here are built to be left alone as much as filled.
The Peacock Standard
Always included
- Private vehicle and chauffeur guide throughout
- Every property booked and confirmed
- Breakfast daily, dinner most nights
- Park and site entrances arranged in advance
- Airport meet-and-greet on arrival and departure
- Cold towels and chilled king coconut in the vehicle
- A number answered at any hour
What each day holds
Day by day
Days 1–2 · Bentota · two nights
7-Day Sri Lanka Southern Beaches & Coastal Escape
Met at the airport and driven south down the coast road to Bentota. The evening is the beach and nothing else. The second day is the hatchery at Ahungalla - rescued turtles, the nests above the tide line, and a hatchling release after dark if the timing falls right. Snorkelling at Hikkaduwa if you would rather be in the water.
Days 3–4 · Unawatuna · two nights
Into the mangroves
The Madu River by boat - an hour through mangrove tunnels where the branches close overhead, with stops at Kothduwa temple on its island and a cinnamon smallholding where the bark is still peeled by hand. Fish therapy if you can sit still for it. Then south to Unawatuna. The next day is the beach, Jungle Beach around the headland, and Galle Fort in the evening for the ramparts at sunset.
Days 5–6 · Weligama · two nights
The stilt fishermen, then the surf
East along the coast, stopping at Koggala for the stilt fishermen, and on to Weligama - a wide shallow bay and the easiest place on the island to stand up on a board for the first time. The last morning is early: out of Mirissa harbour before six, looking for blue whales. Coconut Tree Hill on the way back.
Day 7 · Departure
North up the coast, then the expressway - three hours from the far south to the airport.
3 hrs