27/06/2025
🌊 Explore, Wander, Connect**
While the heart of this retreat is rest and renewal, Sri Lanka’s southern coast offers moments of magic for those who wish to explore gently. These optional activities invite you to deepen your connection to this vibrant land—through nature, culture, and quiet adventure.
🐋 Whale Watching in Mirissa
Just off the coast of Mirissa, a deep oceanic trench draws some of the world’s most magnificent creatures—blue whales. Join a local boat tour at sunrise and witness these gentle giants, along with s***m whales, Bryde’s whales, and playful pods of dolphins.
🐢 Turtle Hatchery Visit
In nearby Habaraduwa, the Sea Turtle Hatchery has protected and released over a million turtles since 1986. Visit to learn about their conservation efforts, meet recovering turtles, and maybe even join a beach clean as part of their monthly care work.
🛕 Sacred Temples
The landscape here is dotted with centuries-old white stupas and Buddhist temples. One of the most beautiful is Kataluwa Purwarama—quietly nestled inland and filled with intricate frescoes, colonial-era stories, and one of the island’s oldest printing presses.
🍃 Tea Plantation Tour
Step into the world of Ceylon tea with a visit to the Handunugoda Tea Estate near Koggala. Walk the fields, tour the factory, and enjoy a tasting of their world-renowned white tea—served in some of the finest hotels and tea salons across the globe.
🏄♀️ Surf the South Coast
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned surfer, this coastline offers gentle waves and more challenging breaks alike. Weligama and Dewata are great for new surfers, while Kabalana Beach—just a short walk away—offers powerful, consistent waves.
🌿 Sinharaja Forest Walk
This UNESCO World Heritage rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic wildlife. Take a guided hike with a naturalist and immerse yourself in birdsong, ancient trees, and the forest’s quiet, humid magic.
📖 Martin Wickramasinghe Museum
A beautiful tribute to one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved authors, this museum offers a glimpse into rural southern life through the lens of Wickramasinghe’s writings, photographs, and preserved home.
🛶 Koggal
