Southtern Sri lanka Day Tour from Colombo , Kaluthara or Bentota
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Southtern Sri lanka Day Tour from Colombo , Kaluthara or Bentota

Active
(2 reviews)
6h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a marvelous day of adventure and discovery on the Madu River, cruising through lush mangroves and soaking in the scenic beauty. Explore the famous Moonstone Mine at Meetiyagoda and visit the Community Tsunami Museum to understand the impact of the 2004 disaster. Discover the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its charming colonial architecture. Afterwards, visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate for a photo stop, learn about the tea-making process, and shop for fresh tea products. Finally, unwind at Hikkaduwa or Jungle Beach—perfect spots for relaxation and capturing beautiful memories. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Available options

Southtern Sri lanka Day Tour from Colombo , Kaluthara or Bentota

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Water Bottle
English-speaking chauffeur/Guide
Customization Tour
Private Transportation Air-conditioned vehicle (Car/Van)

Detailed 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

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.

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.

4
Stop 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.

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.

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.

What's not included

Food and drinks
Entress fee Madu river Boat fee Solo traveler $35 or two more than $20 per person
Entress fee Ahungalla sea turtle conversation $10 per person
Entress fee Handungoda Tea State $3 per person

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo
By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy
115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle
120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo
35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

  • Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
  • Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
  • Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
  • Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-90
1
Childs
Age 0-10
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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