Sri Lanka, also known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush landscape, and rich cultural legacy. The island nation is also well-known for its rolling green tea plantation terrain. From the biodiverse rainforests of Kandy to scenic driving routes and a coastline with innumerable beaches and coves, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer to the discerning traveller. The country's coastline entices visitors with its numerous beaches, coves, and bays, which attract sunbathers, thrill seekers, and surfers all year. The South Coast is particularly stunning and attracts many travellers between December and April when the weather is pleasant and not too hot. Here is a list of things to do and places to see along the South Coast of Sri Lanka.
The horseshoe-shaped Hiriketiya Bay was once a sleepy fishing town. It has transformed into a hipster haven with beautiful palm-fringed golden sands, surfers, cafes serving bowls with incredibly fresh ingredients, and lots of yoga studios. Explore the neighbouring southern town of Dickwella and explore colourful local markets.
This Dutch colonial city has historically been one of the biggest draws for travellers in Sri Lanka. Located on a vast harbour, this mediaeval city and port is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle demonstrates the confluence of European architectural forms and South Asian customs. We recommend that you book a stay at the iconic heritage hotel, the Galle Fort Hotel. Apart from the history and heritage elements attached to the property, what makes it unique is its location. This luxury boutique hotel finds its home inside a Dutch mansion that dates back to 300 years.
Yala was named a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and a national park in 1938. The park, which is divided into five blocks, protects about 130,000 hectares of terrain. Currently, two blocks are open to the public. Yala is probably one of the most spectacular national parks with an attractive mix of landscapes: a combination of lush thickets, dry grasslands, freshwater ponds and brackish lagoons. It is home to 44 animal species and 215 bird species, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles. Although the Sri Lankan elephant has been declared an endangered species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), their numbers have slowly been increasing over the last few years. And Yala, with its semi-arid climate, presents a perfect home for these mammoths. Yala National Park is open throughout the year except for six weeks during peak rainy season—between early September and mid-October. More info here.
This coastal town is known for its coral reef sanctuary, surfing, and great diving spots. The PADI dive schools here are great for beginners. Enjoy free diving, swimming with huge sea turtles, or exploring shipwrecks at varying depths. A number of shipwrecks can be found along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The British tanker "Conch" and the Earl of Shaftesbury are located along the coast of Hikkaduwa and attract more visitors than the others. Several souvenir and curio shops line the beach strip, as do eateries serving fresh seafood and innovative fusion cuisine.
It takes you around two hours from Colombo airport to reach this popular beach town with beautifully restored older buildings and new hotels, restaurants and spas. The name translates to 'sandy village'. Weligama Bay's waves are ideal for learning to surf, supported by near-perfect water conditions all year. This has resulted in a frenzy of surfing schools setting up camp along the beach. You can also sign up for yoga classes here. Check out the traditional pottery workshops in the villages here. Of particular interest is the statue of Kushtarajagala, believed to have existed from the period of 7-9th century. A unique experience to witness is stilt fishing, a traditional fishing method where fishermen perch on stilts driven into the sea bed. This unique sight is often photographed in Sri Lanka.
Bentota, on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is frequently included in lists of the world's top beaches. The long golden beach finishes in a sand spit between the Indian Ocean and a big lagoon. It is great for families since it has water sports, nice swimming options, and plenty of lifeguards. Take a river cruise through mangroves and spot crocodiles. Bentota is also known for its efforts to conserve sea turtles, and you can visit one of the hatcheries to view the conservation work firsthand.
