Collect baggage and clear immigration; short drive (~15–25 minutes) to Negombo beach which is closest to the airport for an easy first day. Good if you want to recover from the flight and start with a calm beach.
Check into beach hotel in Negombo; most hotels allow early check-in with a small fee if available — otherwise leave bags. Rest and change into beachwear.
Choose a beachfront place serving Sri Lankan vegetarian rice & curry (dhal, mallung, jackfruit curry). Popular, simple and filling to introduce local flavours without fish. Open typically 11:00am–9:00pm.
Gentle walk on the sandy Negombo beach and the canal-lined lagoon to unwind; beaches are open daily (public). Great for sunset photography and to sample toddy vendors (non-veg).
Browse shops for sarongs, seashell jewellery and spices. Expect sarongs INR300–700, shell necklaces INR150–500, small spice packs INR120–300 per 100g. Markets open 8:00am–6:00pm.
Many eateries in Negombo cater to Indian veg palates — dosa, thali, chana masala. Open until ~10:00pm. Good way to get comfortable with Sri Lankan/Indian veg options.
Simple hotel buffet with eggs, toast, fresh fruit and Sri Lankan style string hoppers or roti — start early for the drive. Breakfast typically served 7:00am–10:00am.
Bentota offers banana boat, jet-ski and guided snorkeling; vendors operate roughly 8:00am–5:00pm. Good adrenaline and underwater visibility near reefs.
Short drive to Kosgoda turtle hatchery (open ~8:30am–5:00pm) to see conservation work and baby turtles — not a beach per se, but coastal and educational. Great for souvenirs from on-site shops.
Short scenic boat cruise on Madu River (~9:00am–5:00pm). Although more riverine than beach, it’s a relaxing coastal-mangrove experience and often offered from Bentota. Expect stops for cinnamon island gifts.
Enjoy a quiet dinner at your resort; many prepare Indian vegetarian dishes on request. Good opportunity to try local milk-halva or sweet coconut desserts.
Browse local boutiques for sarongs, batik dresses and beachwear. Expect batik garments INR800–2500 depending on quality; bargaining is common. Shops open 9:00am–9:00pm.
Many cafes in Hikkaduwa host live music nights; choose a veg-friendly spot for laid-back dinner and drinks (non-alcoholic juices and mocktails available).
Whale watching typically runs early morning (first boats 5:30am–9:00am) and is best Nov–Apr for blue and sperm whales; late Oct can be transitional — book with a reputable operator. Expect sea conditions and wildlife sightings to vary.
Short walk or tuk-tuk to nearby coves like Secret Beach or small islets for quieter swim spots and photos; access is public 24/7 but paths may be uneven.
Short drive (~30–40 minutes) to Unawatuna; you can stop at Galle Fort for a quick walk and some shopping before beach time. Galle Fort shops open from ~9:00am.
While not a beach, Galle Fort is a compact historic area with boutiques selling batiks, linen and handicrafts (open 9:00am–6:00pm). Ideal for souvenir shopping: batik dresses INR1000–2500, linen shirts INR900–1800.
Unawatuna has several vegetarian-friendly small restaurants serving curries, wraps and salads with ocean views. Great for a relaxed final evening on the Galle stretch.
Spend the morning at tranquil coves like Silent Beach or Goyambokka — these smaller beaches are scenic and much quieter than Mirissa or Hikkaduwa. Public access all day.
Early breakfast at Tangalle hotel and check-out; prepare for the drive north to Colombo or directly to Bandaranaike Airport depending on your flight schedule. Breakfast service typically 7:00am–10:00am.
Drive time Tangalle → Colombo ~3h30m–4h depending on traffic; allow extra time if you must reach Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) — Colombo to airport is ~1h from city center. Plan flights with at least 3 hours arrival before international departure.
Check-in for your flight to Bangalore, complete security and pick up any final souvenirs at duty-free (tea, chocolates). Duty-free shops are open with flight schedules.