Tuktuk Itinerary Route 1 - Coastal Exploration

Explore Sri Lanka’s South Coast with a Tuktuk

Are you looking for a fun and adventurous way to discover the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka’s south coast? Do you want to experience the local culture, cuisine, and wildlife at your own pace and comfort? If yes, then you should consider renting a tuktuk from tuktukSL.com, the best tuktuk rental service in Sri Lanka.

A tuktuk is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle that can accommodate up to three passengers. It is easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly. It is also a great way to explore the scenic roads, beaches, and villages of Sri Lanka, as you can stop anywhere you want and enjoy the views, the breeze, and the sounds.

In this blog post, we will show you how you can plan a short trip with a tuktuk along the south coast of Sri Lanka, from the airport to Mirissa or Yala, depending on your preference and time. You will visit some of the most popular and beautiful destinations in the country, such as Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, and Dikwella. You will also have the opportunity to see some of the amazing wildlife, such as turtles, whales, dolphins, and elephants, that Sri Lanka is famous for.

How to Rent a Tuktuk from tuktukSL.com

Renting a tuktuk from tuktukSL.com is very easy and convenient. You can book your tuktuk online through our website, where you can choose your pick-up and drop-off locations, dates, and times. We have flexible options for pick-up and drop-off, so you can start and end your trip wherever you want. You can also choose the accessories and extras that you need, such as a cooler, a Bluetooth speaker, or a surfboard.

Once you book your tuktuk, we will deliver it to your pick-up location, where we will give you a brief orientation on how to drive and maintain it. We will also provide you with a map, a guidebook, and a phone with a local SIM card, so you can stay connected and informed throughout your trip. We will also give you a 24/7 emergency number, in case you need any assistance or support.

When you finish your trip, you can drop off your tuktuk at your chosen location, where we will pick it up and check it for any damages or issues. We will also refund your security deposit, if everything is in order.

How to Plan Your Short Trip with a Tuktuk

A short trip with a tuktuk along the south coast of Sri Lanka can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days, depending on how much time you have and how many places you want to visit. You can customize your itinerary according to your interests and preferences, but we will give you a sample route that covers some of the highlights and attractions that you should not miss.

Day 1 – Start Your Tuktuk Adventure Straight from the Airport or our Office in wadduwa.

The first day of your trip will begin at the airport, where you have two options for picking up your tuktuk and starting your adventure. You can either:

Pick up your tuktuk directly from the airport, where we will deliver it to you and give you a brief orientation on how to drive and maintain it. You can then head to Colombo, the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, where you can spend the day exploring its attractions and enjoying its food and nightlife. You can stay overnight in Colombo, where you can find a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. (but we are not recommended you start your first day at Colombo, a capital city of sri lanka)
Come to our office in Wadduwa, where you can prepare everything for your trip and get to know us and our service. Wadduwa is a small and peaceful town that has a nice and quiet beach, a lively and colorful fishing harbor, and a range of cozy and affordable accommodation and dining options. You can also choose the accessories and extras that you need, such as a cooler, a bluetooth speaker, or a surfboard. You can then spend the rest of the day in Wadduwa or travel to Kalutara or Bentota., where you can visit some of the landmarks and attractions of the city. You can also enjoy some of the best food and nightlife in the country. You can stay overnight in Wadduwa or Bentota, where you can find a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts.

Whichever option you choose, you will be ready to start your tuktuk adventure along the south coast of Sri Lanka the next day. You will also have a guidebook so you can stay connected and informed throughout your trip. You will also have a 24/7 emergency number, in case you need any assistance or support.

We hope you have a great first day of your trip, and we look forward to seeing you on the road. 😊

Day 2 – Drive from Wadduwa to Hikkaduwa, Enjoying the Beach and the Reef

The second day of your trip will take you from Wadduwa to Hikkaduwa, a lively and colorful beach town that is famous for its coral reef and its surfing scene. Hikkaduwa is about 55 km south of Wadduwa, and you can reach it in about an hour and a half by driving along the scenic Galle Road. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the sea, the palm trees, and the fishing boats.

You can spend the day exploring and enjoying the underwater world, where you can snorkel or dive among the coral reef and the marine life that inhabit it. You can also surf or paddle board on the waves, or simply relax on the sandy beach. You can also visit some of the attractions and places that are worth seeing, such as the Hikkaduwa National Park, the Seenigama Temple, the Moonstone Mine, and the Tsunami Museum.

You can stay overnight in Hikkaduwa, where you can find a variety of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels and villas.

Driving a tuktuk can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also takes some practice and patience. It may take you at least two days to get comfortable and confident with driving a tuktuk, so you should be careful and cautious, especially on the first day of your trip. You should also ask us or your accommodation for advice and assistance, if you have any questions or difficulties. We are always here to help and support you. 😊

Day 3 – Explore Hikkaduwa’s Village Life, Nature, and Beaches, and Travel to Galle or Unawatuna

The third day of your trip will be dedicated to exploring Hikkaduwa’s village life, nature, and beaches, and then traveling to Galle or Unawatuna, where you can stay overnight. Hikkaduwa is a lively and colorful beach town that is famous for its coral reef and its surfing scene. You can spend the morning and the early afternoon discovering the hidden gems and the local culture of Hikkaduwa, and then drive to Galle or Unawatuna, where you can enjoy the evening and the night.

How to Explore Hikkaduwa’s Village Life and Nature?

Hikkaduwa is not only a beach destination, but also a place where you can experience the authentic and rural side of Sri Lanka. You can visit some of the places and attractions that showcase the village life and the nature of Hikkaduwa, such as:

The Hikkaduwa National Park, which is a marine sanctuary that protects the coral reef and the marine life that inhabit it. You can snorkel or dive among the coral reef and see some of the colorful and exotic fish, turtles, and other creatures that live there. You can also take a glass-bottom boat ride and enjoy the views of the underwater world without getting wet.
The Seenigama Temple, which is a unique and sacred temple that is located on a small island off the coast of Hikkaduwa. You can reach the temple by taking a short boat ride from the shore. The temple is dedicated to Devol Deviyo, a local deity who is believed to have the power to curse or bless people. You can make an offering to the deity and ask for a favor or a protection, or you can simply admire the architecture and the atmosphere of the temple.
The Moonstone Mine, which is a place where you can see and learn about the mining and the processing of the moonstones, which are precious and semi-precious stones that are found in the area. You can also buy some of the moonstones or other gems that are sold at the mine, or you can watch the craftsmen who make jewelry and ornaments from them.
The Tsunami Museum, which is a place that commemorates and educates about the devastating tsunami that hit Sri Lanka in 2004. You can see some of the photos, videos, and artifacts that document the impact and the aftermath of the tsunami, as well as some of the stories and the testimonies of the survivors and the victims. You can also donate or volunteer to support the ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

You can explore these places by driving your tuktuk along the village roads, where you can see and appreciate the natural beauty and the rural charm of Hikkaduwa. You can also stop at some of the local shops, cafes, and restaurants, where you can taste some of the delicious and fresh food and drinks that are made from the local ingredients. You can also interact with some of the friendly and hospitable villagers, who can share some of their insights and experiences with you.

How to Travel to Galle or Unawatuna and Stay Overnight?

After you have explored Hikkaduwa’s village life and nature, you can drive to Galle or Unawatuna, where you can stay overnight. Galle and Unawatuna are two very different but equally attractive destinations that you can visit from Hikkaduwa. Galle is a historic and charming city that is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort. Unawatuna is a beautiful and serene beach town that is famous for its whale and dolphin watching tours. Both places are about 20 km south of Hikkaduwa, and you can reach them in about half an hour by driving along the Galle Road.

You can choose to stay in either Galle or Unawatuna, depending on your preference and budget. You can find some of the most elegant and stylish hotels and guesthouses inside or outside the Galle Fort, as well as some budget-friendly options near the city center. You can also find some of the best and most luxurious hotels and resorts in Unawatuna, as well as some cozy and affordable hotels and guesthouses near the beach or the town.

Whichever place you choose to stay, you can enjoy the evening and the night there, where you can find some of the best and most diverse dining and entertainment options in the country. You can also visit some of the landmarks and attractions of the place, such as the Galle Fort, the Unawatuna Beach, the Japanese Peace Pagoda, and the Jungle Beach.

We hope you have enjoyed your third day of your trip, and we hope you have discovered some of the hidden and authentic aspects of Hikkaduwa. We also hope you have a comfortable and relaxing stay in Galle or Unawatuna, and we look forward to seeing you on the road the next day. 😊

Day 4 – Galle and Unawatuna Exploration

The fourth day of your trip will be dedicated to exploring Galle and Unawatuna, two of the most popular and beautiful destinations on the south coast of Sri Lanka. You can stay overnight at the same hotel that you stayed on the third day, either in Galle or Unawatuna, depending on your preference and budget.

How to Explore Galle and Unawatuna?

Galle and Unawatuna are two very different but equally attractive destinations that you can visit from Hikkaduwa. Galle is a historic and charming city that is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort. Unawatuna is a beautiful and serene beach town that is famous for its whale and dolphin watching tours. Both places are about 20 km south of Hikkaduwa, and you can reach them in about half an hour by driving along the Galle Road.

You can choose to explore either Galle or Unawatuna, or both, depending on your time and interest. You can find some of the best and most diverse dining and entertainment options in the country, as well as some of the landmarks and attractions of the place, such as:

The Galle Fort, which is a 16th-century fortification that was built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch and the British. The fort is a living and breathing museum, where you can see and experience the history, culture, and architecture of the colonial era. You can walk along the ramparts, visit the museums, churches, mosques, and lighthouses, shop at the boutiques and galleries, and dine at the cafes and restaurants. You can also enjoy the sunset and the ocean views from the fort walls.
The Unawatuna Beach, which is a long and sandy beach that offers some of the best swimming and sunbathing opportunities in the country. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the views, the breeze, and the sounds of the waves. You can also try some of the water sports and activities that are available on the beach, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking
The Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours, which are the main attraction of Unawatuna, and which run from November to April, when the sea is calm and the visibility is high. You can book a tour with one of the many operators in the town, who will take you on a boat to the deep waters where the whales and dolphins are found. You can expect to see blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, humpback whales, killer whales, and Bryde’s whales, as well as spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphins. You can also see other marine animals, such as turtles, flying fish, and seabirds .
The Japanese Peace Pagoda, which is a white and elegant stupa that was built by the Japanese Buddhist monks as a symbol of peace and harmony. The pagoda is located on a hilltop near the Unawatuna Beach, and it offers a stunning view of the bay and the ocean. You can also see some of the statues and paintings of Buddha and other religious figures that adorn the pagoda. You can also join the

Day 5 – How to Travel to Mirissa and Stay Overnight?

The fifth day of your trip will take you from Galle or Unawatuna to Mirissa, a beautiful and serene beach town that is famous for its whale and dolphin watching tours. Mirissa is about 40 km south of Galle or Unawatuna, and you can reach it in about an hour by driving along the Galle Road. Along the way, you can visit some of the attractions and places that are worth seeing, such as:

The Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center, which is a place that rescues and rehabilitates injured or sick sea turtles, and releases them back into the ocean. You can see and learn about the different species of sea turtles that are native to Sri Lanka, and you can also help the conservation efforts by adopting or releasing a turtle
The Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya, which is an ancient Buddhist temple complex that is built on a rock hill. You can climb the 500 steps to the top of the hill, where you can see some of the impressive cave temples, statues, paintings, and relics that date back to the 2nd century BC. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the ocean
The Mirissa Beach, which is a long and sandy beach that offers some of the best swimming and sunbathing opportunities in the country. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the views, the breeze, and the sounds of the waves. You can also try some of the water sports and activities that are available on the beach, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking ⁵ ⁶.

You can stay overnight in Mirissa, where you can find some of the best and most luxurious hotels and resorts in the country, as well as some cozy and affordable hotels and guesthouses near the beach or the town.

We hope you have enjoyed your fifth day of your trip, and we hope you have seen some of the amazing attractions and places that are along the way to Mirissa. We also hope you have a comfortable and relaxing stay in Mirissa, and we look forward to seeing you on the road the next day. 😊

Day 6 – Whale Watching

The sixth day of your trip will be a memorable one, as you will go whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa, one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent creatures. You will also explore Mirissa and its surroundings, and see the traditional stilt fishing and the beautiful beaches.

How to Go Whale and Dolphin Watching in Mirissa?

Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is a must-do activity for any nature lover. Mirissa is a paradise for whale and dolphin lovers, as it offers some of the best opportunities to see blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, humpback whales, killer whales, and Bryde’s whales, as well as spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphins. You can also see other marine animals, such as turtles, flying fish, and seabirds.

Whale and dolphin watching tours in Mirissa run from November to April, when the sea is calm and the visibility is high. You can book a tour with one of the many operators in the town, who will take you on a boat to the deep waters where the whales and dolphins are found. The tours usually last for about 4 to 5 hours, and they start early in the morning, around 6 or 7 am. You will be provided with breakfast, snacks, drinks, and life jackets on the boat. You will also be accompanied by a guide, who will explain the behavior and characteristics of the whales and dolphins, and a spotter, who will help you locate them. You will also be given a certificate of participation at the end of the tour.

The tours are safe and ethical, as they follow the guidelines and regulations of the International Whaling Commission and the Sri Lankan government. They also respect the welfare and privacy of the whales and dolphins, and they do not disturb or harm them in any way. You can enjoy the tours without any guilt or worry, and you can take some amazing photos and videos of the whales and dolphins as they swim, jump, splash, and communicate with each other.

How to Explore Mirissa and Its Surroundings?

After you have seen the whales and dolphins, you can explore Mirissa and its surroundings, and see some of the attractions and places that are worth visiting, such as:

The Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center, which is a place that rescues and rehabilitates injured or sick sea turtles, and releases them back into the ocean. You can see and learn about the different species of sea turtles that are native to Sri Lanka, and you can also help the conservation efforts by adopting or releasing a turtle.
The Stilt Fishing, which is a traditional and unique method of fishing that is practiced by some local fishermen in Sri Lanka, especially on the south coast. The fishermen sit on a cross bar called a petta tied to a vertical pole and driven into the sand a few meters offshore. They cast their line from a high position and wait for their catch. You can see and admire this skillful and patient way of fishing, and you can also try it yourself if you want.
The Mirissa Beach, which is a long and sandy beach that offers some of the best swimming and sunbathing opportunities in the country. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the views, the breeze, and the sounds of the waves. You can also try some of the water sports and activities that are available on the beach, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking .

We hope you have enjoyed your sixth day of your trip, and we hope you have had an unforgettable experience of seeing the whales and dolphins in Mirissa. We also hope you have explored and appreciated some of the attractions and places that Mirissa and its surroundings have to offer. We look forward to seeing you on the road the next day. 😊

Day 7 – Yala National Park: The Adventure for Leopard and Elephant Fans

If you are more into wildlife and want to see some of the most elusive and impressive animals in the land, then you should head to Yala, the adventure for leopard and elephant fans. Yala is a huge and diverse park that covers an area of over 900 square kilometers, and it consists of five blocks, each with its own landscape, vegetation, and fauna. Yala is home to over 200 species of birds, 44 species of mammals, 46 species of reptiles, and 21 species of amphibians, as well as many plants and trees.

But the main attraction of Yala is its leopard and elephant population, which is the highest in the world. You can book a safari with one of the many operators in the nearby towns, such as Tissamaharama or Kataragama, who will take you on a jeep to the park, where you can see the leopards and elephants in their natural habitat. You can expect to see leopards of different ages, sizes, and colors, as well as elephants of different genders, groups, and behaviors. You can also see other animals, such as sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, buffaloes, and peacocks.

The safaris usually last for about 3 to 4 hours, and they start early in the morning, around 5 or 6 am, or late in the afternoon, around 3 or 4 pm. You will be provided with water, snacks, and binoculars on the jeep. You will also be accompanied by a driver, who will navigate the park roads and trails, and a guide, who will identify and explain the animals and plants that you see. You will also be given a map and a checklist of the park’s wildlife at the end of the safari.

The safaris are thrilling and educational, as they give you a chance to observe and learn about the leopards and elephants, as well as the other inhabitants of the park. They also respect the environment and the ecology of the park, and they do not interfere or damage them in any way. You can enjoy the safaris without any fear or trouble, and you can take some stunning photos and videos of the leopards and elephants as they hunt, rest, play, and interact with each other.

How to Drop Off Your Tuktuk and Return to the Airport?

After you have visited either Mirissa or Yala, you will have to drop off your tuktuk and return to the airport for your departure. You can drop off your tuktuk at any of the locations that we offer, such as Mirissa, Yala, Colombo, or the airport itself. You can choose your drop-off location when you book your tuktuk online, or you can contact us and change it later. We will arrange for someone to pick up your tuktuk and check it for any issues or damages. We will also give you back your security deposit, if everything is fine.

To return to the airport, you can take a bus, a train, a taxi, or a private car, depending on your budget and preference. You can find the schedules and fares of the buses and trains online, or you can ask us or your accommodation for assistance. You can also book a taxi or a private car online, or you can ask us or your accommodation for recommendations. The journey to the airport can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic and the mode of transport. You should plan your trip accordingly, and leave enough time for your check-in and security procedures.

We hope you have enjoyed your tuktuk trip along the south coast of Sri Lanka, and we hope you have made some unforgettable memories and experiences. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions, and we would love to see your photos and videos of your trip. You can share them with us on our website, our social media, or our email. You can also leave us a review or a rating on our website, or on any of the online platforms that we are listed on. Your feedback and support are very important and valuable to us, and they help us improve our service and quality.

Thank you for choosing TukTukSL, the best tuktuk rental service in Sri Lanka. We hope to see you again soon, and we wish you a safe and pleasant flight. 😊

Tuktuk Itinerary Route 1 – Coastal Exploration