Activities

Whale watching from Mirissa

13 March

In recent years, Sri Lanka has become known as one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. Thirteen nautical miles off the coast of Mirissa there is a deep oceanic trench which the world’s largest mammals travel along. On a trip from Mirissa harbour, it is also possible to see sperm whales, Bryde’s whales and dolphins.

Activities

Turtle Hatchery

28 March

Located in Habaraduwa, 20 minutes from Kiripalu, the Sea Turtle Hatchery has released over 1,000,000 turtles into the ocean since it began in 1986. Five types of turtle are found along the southern coast: Oliver Ridley, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherhead and Green. During a visit you can see turtles which are being cared for, learn about the hatching project and even take part in the monthly beach clean.

Activities

Temples

17 August

The majority of the southern population of Sri Lanka is Buddhist and almost every village is home to a white-washed stupa. Thought to date back to the thirteenth century, the Kataluwa Purwarama temple is a particularly impressive one inland from Koggala. The shrine room is decorated with beautifully restored narrative fresco paintings, some of which show Dutch colonials in Sri Lanka. Unusually, one of the oldest printing presses in Sri Lanka also resides here.

Activities

Tea plantation visit

14 March

The south of the island is home to numerous tea estates, including the Handunugoda White Tea Plantation, close to Koggala. Tea from the estate appears on menus of famous establishments around the world including Mariage Frères in Paris. A visit includes a tour of the estate, as well as a comprehensive tasting experience.

Activities

Surfing

14 March

For all levels, the stretch of coast between Galle and Matara has some excellent surf spots. For beginners, Weligama and Dewata are ideal, while for experienced surfers Kabalana Beach, which is within walking distance, has some more challenging breaks.

Activities

Sinharaja Forest Hike

28 March

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, Sinharaja is home to 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals, butterflies, insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. A rainforest walk with a naturalist is a must for keen bird watchers and nature lovers.

Activities

Martin Wickramasinghe Museum

14 March

Often celebrated for writing the first novel in Sinhala, Martin Wickramasinghe once lived in this small house turned museum. It is worth a visit to gain an insight into his life, as well as a glimpse into southern Sri Lankan culture and history.

Activities

Koggala Lake boat trip

14 March

Particularly for bird watchers, a morning or afternoon boat trip on Koggala Lake is a memorable experience. Some trips include visiting an island where cinnamon is grown. Here you can watch how the sweet-smelling branches are peeled to make the sticks used in cooking.

Activities

Galle Fort

17 August

The peninsula where Galle Fort now sits has been occupied by different powers over the centuries. A Sinhala king once had spice warehouses here, then in the 16th century the Portuguese built the first Fort which the Dutch took over and re-built in the 17th century. It fell into British hands in 1796 until Independence in 1948. Today the impressive rampart walls date mainly from the Dutch period with only a small Portuguese section remaining. It well-worth taking a walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a vibrant, multi-faith community.

Activities

Fishing Trip

28 March

The waters off the south coast are rich with fish including marlin, sailfish, tuna, mackerel, barracudas, groupers and snappers. Trips can be organised from Unawatuna or Mirissa. The best time of year for fishing is between November and May when the ocean is at its calmest.

Activities

Diving and snorkelling – Mirissa and Unawatuna

17 August

There are some excellent diving and snorkelling spots (both reefs and wrecks) off the coast of Unawatuna and Mirissa. There are diving centres in both places which offer half day or full day trips. The ocean is at its clearest between January and April.

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ACTIVITIES

Activities

Whale watching from Mirissa

13 March

Activities

Turtle Hatchery

28 March

Activities

Temples

17 August

Activities

Tea plantation visit

14 March

Activities

Surfing

14 March

Activities

Sinharaja Forest Hike

28 March

Activities

Martin Wickramasinghe Museum

14 March

Activities

Koggala Lake boat trip

14 March

Activities

Galle Fort

17 August

Activities

Fishing Trip

28 March

Activities

Diving and snorkelling – Mirissa and Unawatuna

17 August

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