• Meetiyagoda - Meetiyagoda is renowned for its unique blue moonstones, found only in this southwestern Sri Lankan village. Historically, Sri Lanka was so synonymous with this enchanting gem that moonstones were once called Ceylon opals. Local folklore suggests that the area is blessed by the moon, which is fitting given that beneath this quaint village lies the world’s largest deposit of moonstone-bearing pegmatite rock. Despite the abundance of this beautiful gemstone, the area remains unscarred by machinery. Miners carefully excavate by hand, using coconut wood scaffolding and fern leaves to support the shafts. Upon reaching the pegmatite layer, they tunnel using coconut beams to prevent collapses. The moonstone-laden gravel is then manually hoisted up the mine shaft in buckets.
• Ariyapala Mask Museum - This museum aims to showcase the rich mask tradition of Ambalangoda and preserve this cultural heritage. It includes a museum, workshop, and a small library. The Karava people, a fishing community from Sri Lanka’s western and southwestern coasts, have developed diverse social customs. The southwest coast, particularly Ambalangoda, is famous for its mask plays and rituals performed on various occasions. Notable performances include the Kolam Maduwa and rituals to expel evil spirits causing illnesses. For decades, these masks have been prized by collectors and experts. However, economic factors have led to the decline of Kolam Dances over the past 30 to 50 years, though mask carving has evolved into a cottage industry.
• Balapitiya - Madu Ganga Lake, along with the smaller Randombe Lake, connected by two narrow channels, forms the Madu Ganga wetland. This estuary and its numerous mangrove islets create a complex coastal wetland ecosystem. It holds significant ecological, biological, and aesthetic value, hosting around 303 plant species from 95 families and 248 vertebrate animal species. The islet inhabitants produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.
• Bentota Beach - Bentota is a resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Its expansive Bentota Beach extends northward, transforming into a sandy stretch known as Paradise Island, running parallel to Bentota Lagoon. Dive sites rich in coral, such as Canoe Rock, are popular attractions. On the Bentota River, the historic Galapota Temple features a large Buddha statue. To the southeast lies Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa, while to the northeast is his brother Bevis’s Brief Garden.
• Passenger Terminal - Port of Colombo பயணிகள் முனையம் - Return via the southern expressway to Colombo port.

• Lunch
• Driver
• All entrance tickets
• Transport by air-conditioned car

• Dress code is smart casual

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.