6 Nights / 7 Days
Not every holiday needs an itinerary. This one is six nights on the beach on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, with transfers taken care of and day trips available if you get restless.
Where you stay
The south-west coast between Kalutara and Hikkaduwa has long, golden beaches, warm sea and plenty of mid-range hotels right on the sand. We usually book The Palms, Tangerine Beach Hotel, Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa, Citrus Hikkaduwa or Coco Royal Beach Resort, or similar. If you would rather go five-star or boutique, we can upgrade.
The drive from the airport, or your address in Colombo or Negombo, is up to about two and a half hours.
Days 2 to 6: your time
Most days you will probably spend by the pool or on the beach. If you want to get out, popular trips include:
- Galle Fort, the walled Dutch town and World Heritage Site.
- The stilt fishermen of the south coast.
- A turtle hatchery, where eggs are protected until the young are released.
- A boat trip through the mangroves of the Madu River.
- Water sports at Bentota, or snorkelling and beginner surfing at Hikkaduwa.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast you are driven to the airport, or anywhere in Colombo or Negombo. If your flight time allows, you get a free two-hour Colombo city tour and some time to shop before you leave.
When to go
The south-west coast is at its best from about November to April. From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas, and swimming can be unsafe. If you are travelling then, look at beach stays in Trincomalee on the east coast.
Making it yours
We can add or remove nights, change the hotel or add excursions and transport days. See our hotels in Bentota for ideas.
Beach safety
Currents on the south-west coast can be strong, even on calm-looking days. Swim where your hotel or local lifeguards say it is safe, and avoid swimming after dark or after drinking.
Day 1: Airport to the south west coast (up to 140 km, about 2.5 hours by road)
We collect you from the airport or your address in Colombo or Negombo and drive south to your beachfront hotel on the south west coast. The rest of the day is for the beach.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: The Palms, Tangerine Beach Hotel, Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa, Citrus Hikkaduwa, Coco Royal Beach Resort or similar
Entrance tickets and excursions included: None
Other inclusions: Airport transfer in an air conditioned vehicle
Days 2 to 6: South west coast at leisure
Days on the sand, in the sea or by the pool. If you want to explore, good options include Galle Fort, the stilt fishermen, a turtle hatchery and a boat trip on the Madu river with a fish spa.
From November to April you can go whale watching from Mirissa. Closer by there are water sports at Bentota and Kalutara, and diving and snorkelling at Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa suits beginner surfers, while Hiriketiya, about two and a half hours south, has bigger waves.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: The Palms, Tangerine Beach Hotel, Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa, Citrus Hikkaduwa, Coco Royal Beach Resort or similar
Entrance tickets and excursions included: None
Other inclusions: None
Day 7: South west coast to the airport (up to 140 km, about 2.5 hours by road)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or anywhere in Colombo or Negombo. If your flight time allows, we include a free two hour tour of Colombo and time for shopping.
Hotels are as listed, or a similar class if one is not available.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Short Colombo city tour, depending on flight time
Other inclusions: Airport transfers and city tour in an air conditioned vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur, meet and assist on arrival, two 500 ml bottles of water per person per day in the vehicle and two in each room, 24 hour emergency support