Tour 9

Surf, Wellness and Southern Island Escape

  • Duration10 Nights / 11 Days
  • RouteColombo - Kandy - Ella - Arugam Bay - Yala or Kumana - Hiriketiya - Mirissa - Galle - Colombo
  • Best forSurf and wellness travellers, active coastal lovers, boutique comfort seekers
Swimming With Turtle
  1. Day 01

    Arrival - Colombo

    Private transfer to Colombo for a relaxed first night. Evening coastal walk at Galle Face Green or a curated local restaurant experience. Overnight in Colombo.

  2. Day 02

    Colombo to Kandy

    Colombo to Kandy, approximately 3 to 3.5 hrs. Afternoon visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake. Evening at leisure in a heritage or hill-view hotel. Overnight in Kandy.

  3. Day 03

    Kandy to Ella - Scenic Train

    Kandy to Ella by scenic train, approximately 6 hrs depending on train timing, through tea estates, tunnels and misty highland valleys. Arrive in Ella and settle into a hilltop boutique lodge. Overnight in Ella.

  4. Day 04

    Ella - Hiking, Bridge and Waterfalls

    Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak. Visit Nine Arch Bridge for photography and train-crossing views. Optional Ravana Falls, zipline, tea estate walk or a local cooking class. Overnight in Ella.

  5. Day 05

    Ella to Arugam Bay

    Ella to Arugam Bay, approximately 4 hrs via Monaragala, through rural landscapes and forest edges toward Sri Lanka’s best-known surf coast. Overnight in Arugam Bay.

  6. Day 06

    Arugam Bay - Surf and Lagoon

    Morning surf lesson or guided session depending on skill level. Afternoon Pottuvil Lagoon boat safari for mangroves, crocodiles and waterbirds. Sunset beach photography. Overnight in Arugam Bay.

  7. Day 07

    Arugam Bay to Yala or Kumana - Safari

    Arugam Bay to Yala or Kumana, approximately 1.5 to 3 hrs depending on park base. Morning free for a second surf session or beach recovery. Afternoon jeep safari focused on elephants, leopards and wetland birds. Overnight near Kumana or Yala.

  8. Day 08

    Safari Region to Hiriketiya - Surf Coast

    Safari region to Hiriketiya, approximately 2.5 to 3 hrs. Optional dawn safari or a relaxed breakfast at the lodge. Continue to Hiriketiya, a horseshoe bay known for surf and yoga-friendly coastal energy. Afternoon surf, swim or wellness treatment. Overnight in Hiriketiya.

  9. Day 09

    Hiriketiya to Mirissa

    Hiriketiya to Mirissa, approximately 1 to 1.5 hrs with stops. Morning yoga, surf or coastal cycling around Hiriketiya. Continue west with optional stops at Dondra Lighthouse or Weligama surf bay. Overnight in Mirissa.

  10. Day 10

    Mirissa - Ocean and Beach Day

    Optional whale watching, November to April. Afternoon beach relaxation, beginner surf in Weligama, snorkelling or a Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint. Evening farewell seafood dinner. Overnight in Mirissa.

  11. Day 11

    Mirissa - Galle - Colombo - Departure

    Morning coastal drive to Galle Fort for a guided walk through the lighthouse, ramparts and boutique stores. Continue to Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport via the Southern Expressway. Departure.

Tour Highlights

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Scenic Kandy to Ella train journey
  • Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge
  • Arugam Bay surf sessions and Pottuvil Lagoon safari
  • Yala or Kumana wildlife safari
  • Hiriketiya surf and wellness coast
  • Mirissa beach and optional whale watching
  • Galle Fort heritage finale

Where You’ll Stay

  • Colombo: Cinnamon Grand or Shangri-La
  • Kandy: The Kandy House or Cinnamon Citadel
  • Ella: 98 Acres Resort or Zion View
  • Arugam Bay: Stardust Beach Hotel or Siam View Hotel
  • Yala/Kumana: Chena Huts by Uga or Cinnamon Wild
  • Hiriketiya: Dots Bay House or Hiriketiya Hideaway
  • Mirissa: Mirissa Hills or Lantern Boutique Hotel
  • Galle: Fort Bazaar or The Bartizan

Inclusions

  • All accommodation as listed on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout
  • Safari jeep and national park entrance fees for Yala or Kumana
  • Scenic train tickets for the Kandy to Ella segment, subject to availability
  • Surf instruction in Arugam Bay
  • Pottuvil Lagoon boat safari
  • Welcome briefing and 24-hour in-country support

Not Included

  • International flights and Sri Lanka ETA visa
  • Meals not specified above
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Whale watching excursion and wellness treatments
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended and effectively required given the surf and safari content)

Practical Notes

  • Best season for the east coast leg: May to October - the remainder of the route works year-round
  • Fitness level: moderate to active
  • Yala or Kumana is selected based on season and current wildlife movement, confirmed at booking

What to Pack

  • A rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen
  • Quick-dry clothing for the surf days
  • A light layer for the Ella evenings
  • Swimwear for Mirissa
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