From Bentota: Southern Coast Highlights Private Day Tour

The southern coast of Sri Lanka boasts a wealth of natural and cultural treasures. Exploring this captivating region on a private day tour from Bentota promises an immersive experience. Visitors can explore the art of tea production, marvel at skilled stilt fishermen, and uncover the heritage of Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort. With an expert guide leading the way, this excursion offers a chance to discover the diverse wonders thatline Sri Lanka’s picturesque shoreline.

Key Points

• This private day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, departing from Bentota.
• Key destinations include Handunugoda Tea Factory, Ahangama’s stilt fishermen, Galle’s historic city, and Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
• The tour duration is approximately 10 hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking chauffeur guide.
• Pricing ranges from $91.00 to $81.90 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 from past guests, providing a high-quality sightseeing experience along the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Southern Coast Highlights Private Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coast.

The 10-hour tour departs from Bentota and takes visitors to the Handunugoda Tea Factory, Ahangama, Galle, and the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

The 10-hour tour departs from Bentota and takes visitors to the Handunugoda Tea Factory, Ahangama, Galle, and the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

Priced from $91.00 to $81.90 per person, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, bottled water, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from past guests, this tour promises an unforgettable experience along Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline.

Handunugoda Tea Factory

The first stop on the Southern Coast Highlights Private Day Tour is the Handunugoda Tea Factory.

Guests will embark on a guided tour, learning about the intricate process of manufacturing virgin white tea. They’ll witness the delicate steps involved, from withering and rolling to oxidation and drying.

The factory is renowned for its unique tea cultivation methods, preserving the pristine quality of the leaves. Visitors can browse the on-site tea shop, sampling the fragrant brews and purchasing specialty teas to take home as souvenirs.

This immersive experience provides a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage.

Ahangama

After exploring the tea factory, the tour proceeds to the coastal town of Ahangama.

The group makes a photo stop to meet the iconic stilt fishermen. These skilled fishermen balance precariously on wooden poles planted in the shallow waters, casting their lines and catching fish with remarkable dexterity.

The iconic stilt fishermen balance precariously on wooden poles, casting their lines and catching fish with remarkable dexterity.

Tourists have the opportunity to observe and photograph this unique local tradition. The stop lasts around 30 minutes, providing ample time to capture the picturesque scene and interact with the fishermen.

This cultural experience offers a glimpse into the traditional fishing practices of the southern Sri Lankan coast.

Galle

Next, the tour heads to the historic city of Galle. The group stops for a lunch break, then embarks on a guided city tour.

Highlights include the iconic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Galle Lighthouse, a prominent landmark. The tour also visits the National Maritime Museum, showcasing Sri Lanka’s maritime history and culture.

Guests have the opportunity to explore the charming colonial architecture, wander through the bustling streets, and enjoy the rich heritage of this picturesque port city.

After the tour, the group departs Galle, heading to the final destination on the itinerary.

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Galle Fort

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich colonial history.

This 16th-century fortified city boasts a unique blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ramparts, stroll through the cobblestone streets, and admire the striking architecture, including the iconic lighthouse.

The fort is home to an array of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, offering a glimpse into the local culture.

Guided tours provide insight into the fort’s captivating past, from its strategic role in maritime trade to its transformation into a thriving cultural hub.

Galle Lighthouse

Overlooking the picturesque Galle Harbor, the Galle Lighthouse stands as a prominent landmark, guiding ships through the treacherous waters.

Built in 1939, this iconic structure stands tall at 26 meters, providing a stunning view of the coast.

Constructed in 1939, this iconic 26-meter lighthouse offers breathtaking vistas of the picturesque Sri Lankan coastline.

Visitors can:

1. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic vistas of the historic Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean.

2. Learn about the lighthouse’s history and its vital role in maritime navigation.

3. Capture breathtaking photos of the lighthouse and the surrounding colonial architecture.

4. Explore the nearby National Maritime Museum to delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s rich seafaring legacy.

National Maritime Museum

After exploring the historic Galle Lighthouse, visitors can head to the National Maritime Museum, which offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich seafaring legacy.

The museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, models, and exhibits that chronicle the country’s maritime history, from ancient trading routes to modern-day fishing industries.

Visitors can learn about traditional boat-building techniques, navigate interactive displays, and explore the cultural significance of the sea in Sri Lankan society.

The museum’s knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights, making it an engaging and educational stop on the Southern Coast Highlights tour.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

The final stop on the Southern Coast Highlights tour is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. This facility protects vulnerable sea turtle species by collecting eggs from nearby beaches, incubating them, and releasing the hatchlings into the ocean.

Visitors can:

1. Observe the hatchlings scurrying towards the sea.

2. Learn about the different turtle species and their conservation efforts.

3. See the incubation pens where the eggs are kept safe.

4. Explore the informative displays and exhibits on sea turtle biology and threats.

The guide will provide insights into the hatchery’s important work, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures.

Common Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian/Halal/Kosher Meal for Lunch?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian, halal, or kosher meal for lunch. The tour provider will be happy to accommodate your dietary needs if you let them know in advance.

Do I Need a Camera With a Telephoto Lens for the Tour?

A camera with a telephoto lens isn’t necessary for this tour. The main activities, like visiting the tea factory and turtle hatchery, don’t require specialized photography equipment. A standard point-and-shoot or smartphone camera should suffice to capture the highlights.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks for the Day?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks for the day. The tour overview indicates that only one complimentary bottle of mineral water per person is provided, so bringing additional refreshments is allowed and recommended to enhance the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended, though the cost would increase accordingly. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about options to customize the itinerary and lengthen the tour if desired.

Can I Visit Any Additional Sites Along the Route?

Yes, the tour operator may be able to include additional sites along the route, such as a visit to a local spice garden or a boat ride on the Madu River, upon request and for an additional fee. The itinerary can be customized to suit the traveler’s interests.

The Sum Up

The Southern Coast Highlights Private Day Tour from Bentota provides a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Travelers will visit the Handunugoda Tea Factory, witness stilt fishermen in Ahangama, explore the historic Galle Fort, and conclude at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, all while enjoying the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: