Southern Coast Highlights and River Safari from Bentota

This tour offers two of the most unique experiences on the south coast of Sri Lanka. You will tour the Handunugoda Tea Factory, one of the few tea factories in Sri Lanka located near the beach, and enjoy a guided tour of the Fort of Galle, its ramparts, and parts of the original town with historical significance.

Highlights:

• Handunugoda Tea Factory (The only tea factory situated by the sea and producing Virgin White Tea.)
• Picturesque stilt fishermen.
• The old colonial city of Galle.
• Madu River Boat Safari.

Includes:

• Transport in a private vehicle, including fuel, parking, and highway tolls.
• Entrance fees to the respective sites.
• Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout the tour.
• All prevailing taxes and service charges.
• Two 500ml water bottles per person per day.

Excludes:

• Hotel accommodation and meals.
• Chauffeur guide's accommodation.
• Any expenses of a personal nature.
• Visa and related expenses.

Experience:

Your tour will begin at 8:00 am with hotel pickup in Bentota by your chauffeur. The first stop will be the Handunugoda Tea Factory, which you will reach by 9:30 am. Ceylon Tea has been highly sought after for centuries, but this tea factory is known for a unique specialty. The Handunugoda Tea Factory has revived the ancient Chinese tradition of producing Virgin White Tea, which is untouched by human hands during the manufacturing process. During the one-and-a-half-hour tour, you will learn about this fascinating process that creates one of the world's top luxury teas.

Next, you will travel to Balapitiya, a small town located in marshy wetlands. This area is a biodiversity hotspot, relying on the lagoon created by the Madu River as it flows into the Indian Ocean. Your safari will take you on a scenic boat ride through the river, where you will see dense mangrove forests and wildlife that thrive along the riverbanks. Your guide will also take you to some of the larger free-standing islands on Madu River, where you can visit an old Buddhist monastery. Cinnamon harvesting is the main occupation of the local people.