Things To Do In The South Coast Of Sri Lanka

In many ways, the south coast encapsulates Sri Lanka at its most traditional. Stretched out along a great arc of sun-baked coastline from Galle in the west to Tissamaharama in the east, the area remains essentially rural: a land of a thousand sleepy villages sheltered under innumerable palms, where the laid-back pace of life still revolves around coconut farming, rice cultivation and fishing (the last still practised in places by the distinctively Sri Lankan method of stilt-fishing). Culturally, too, the south remains a bastion of Sinhalese traditions exemplified by the string of temples and giant Buddha statues which dot the coast, and by the colourful festivals celebrated throughout the region, which culminate in the exuberant religious ceremonies enacted nightly at the ancient shrine of Kataragama.

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The region’s varied attractions make it one of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding areas to visit. Gateway to the south – and one of its highlights – is the atmospheric old port of Galle, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial town, while beyond Galle stretch a string of picture-perfect beaches including Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalla. Nearby, the little-visited town of Matara, with its quaint Dutch fort, offers a further taste of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, while ancient Tissamaharama makes a good base from which to visit two of the country’s finest national parks: the placid lagoons and birdlife-rich wetlands of Bundala, and Yala, famous for its elephants and leopards. Beyond Tissamaharama lies the fascinating religious centre of Kataragama, whose various shrines are held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.

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Hambantota is a coastal city in the south of Sri Lanka just a few kilometres away from Tangalle. It is fairly developed and have a number of major development projects, including a new sea port, international airport and an international cricket stadium. It is most famous for its salt flats and intensely hot arid zone climate. With sweeping sandy beaches on the side and majestic views on the vast, glittering ocean, it is also a convenient base for exploring the flora and fauna enjoying a thrilling wildlife experience of the nearby Yala National Park and the temples at the religious town of Kataragama. Besides sun bathing, swimming and various other water sports the area also attracts tourists with its great natural beauty and cultural heritage.