10 days
From £1889
Southern Sri Lanka
The tour showcases the best of Sri Lanka's lush highlands and invites you to explore its captivating tea culture, before encountering the wild elephants of Udawalawe.
Combinations
Combine your trip
3 nights
Beach holiday extension in Mirissa
From £339 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £229
Single room supplement from £149
On Sri Lanka’s southern coast lies the picture-perfect town of Mirissa, a veritable haven for those seeking laid-back beach life. Here, you’ll be greeted by gently swaying coconut palms, sparkling blue seas, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where life naturally moves at a slower pace.
Mirissa’s stunning beaches and warm sea breezes are the perfect recipe for pure holiday bliss. Stretch out on the sand with your toes in the surf, or unwind in the shade of a palm with a good book. If you’re feeling adventurous, the area boasts excellent snorkelling, particularly around Parrot Rock, where the reef shelters you from currents and waves, and colourful fish and sea turtles are regular visitors. If calm waters are more your thing, make your way to Secret Beach – a hidden treasure where rocky outcrops offer protection from the powerful ocean, creating an inviting natural lagoon for swimming.
Another of the area’s highlights is its extraordinary marine life. From the neighbouring town of Weligama, you can join a whale-watching tour and, with a bit of luck, spot majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins frolicking in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The bay here is also ideal for surfing, with gentle waves that make it a fantastic spot for beginners to catch their first ride.
In the evenings, both locals and travellers gather at Coconut Tree Hill, where the sight of swaying coconut palms and the warm colours of the sunset create the perfect ending to another wonderful day in this coastal paradise.
Where you’ll stay
Hotel upgrade
3 nights
Beach holiday extension in Hikkaduwa
From £289 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £219
Single room supplement from £99
Nestled in the south-western corner of Sri Lanka lies the delightful seaside town of Hikkaduwa, where adventure and relaxation effortlessly blend together for the perfect beach holiday.
The vibrant main street, Galle Road, runs through the heart of the town, lined with welcoming eateries, dive schools, and charming little shops. To the front, you’ll find the area’s tropical beaches sweeping out to sea, while just behind lies a lush, authentic countryside, dotted with small houses and roadside stalls offering fresh fruit and refreshing coconuts.
Hikkaduwa’s biggest draw is without doubt its golden sandy beaches, where fine sand and swaying coconut palms create a true holiday atmosphere. Look forward to lazy days unwinding on Hikkaduwa and Turtle Beach, both protected by natural stone breakwaters, making them the perfect spots for calm swims. There’s also a vibrant coral reef just off the shore, inviting you to explore the underwater world, home to harmless reef sharks and five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle.
If you’re after something a little more exhilarating, head to the crashing waves at Narigama Beach, where you’ll find surf schools and can hire all the gear you need. It’s the ideal place for keen windsurfers or anyone wanting to experience the thrill of riding the waves.
During the day, you can tuck into a delicious meal at one of Hikkaduwa’s many restaurants. The menus here brim with freshly caught fish and the area’s renowned lobster.
Where you’ll stay
3 nights
Beach holiday extension in Bentota
From £249 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £179
Single room supplement from £99
Bentota boasts long stretches of fine sandy beaches that create a true holiday atmosphere, perfect for lazy days and offering plenty of opportunities for memorable experiences.
Bentota is a charming beach town on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. The atmosphere here is laid back, and the coast is lined with beautiful beaches stretching like pearls on a string from Beruwala in the north to Induruwa in the south. All the beaches share the same wonderful qualities: broad and covered with light, golden sand. Here, you can bask in the sound of the rolling waves and the shade of the palm trees, creating the ideal setting for days dedicated to relaxation—whether you fancy a refreshing dip in the sea or simply want to bask in the warmth from a sun lounger with a front row seat to the Indian Ocean.
For the adventurous, Bentota offers an excellent range of activities. The lagoon is a hotspot for water sports, where you can try everything from windsurfing and parasailing to jet skiing, or enjoy exciting river safaris through the mangrove forests, where curious monkeys and rare birds hide among the branches. Along the coastline, you'll also find turtle conservation centres working to protect the region's sea turtles—and if you’re lucky, you might even witness tiny hatchlings making their first journey towards the ocean.
Bentota is also renowned for its wide array of restaurants and bars, most of which specialise in local delicacies such as freshly caught fish and flavourful curries. In many places, you can enjoy your lunch or a refreshing drink with your feet in the sand and a breathtaking view of the sea. As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and soak up the vibrant colours of the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
