South Coast

The South Coast of Sri Lanka is a beautiful region located on the southern tip of the island nation. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and charming coastal towns.

Climate

Shares a climate similar to that of the west coast, temperatures ranging between 27 degrees-32 degrees Celsius.

The South

The southern coast stretches from Galle to Hambantota and beyond and has remained rural and traditional with an easy going feel in the atmosphere and also has remained a leading tourist destination over the years.

The charming cities of the South include Galle, Unawatuna, Hambantota and Mirissa just to name a few, predomimnently these being fishing villages visitors are able to witness the traditional stilt fishing methods engaged in by the local fisherman, the Sothern coast offers an ideal opportunity for visitors to idle, soak up the sun and explore the local traditions apart from the myriad of activities reserved for the more adventurous.

Galle

This former Dutch strong hold and later a British strong hold is home to the UNESCO designated World Heritage site, the well preserved Dutch fortress which now houses a multitude of up market Boutique Hotels. The city also commonly known as the gateway to the South was once a busy port city thanks to it’s natural harbor and now showcases remnants of one of the best colonial towns in the island.

The Dutch Fort

The foremost of all attractions in Galle is also the largest remaining fortress in all of Asia, it is an ideal location to have a leisurely stroll while encountering the many happenings in and around the ramparts.

The Dutch Reformed Church

Showcases a pipe organ and also has underground tunnels leading to the Governors residence, this church was built by a former Dutch army officer.

The Galle Lighthouse

Located in one corner of the fortress, once inside this British built Lighthouse gives a breathtaking view of the surroundings and the beautiful ocean.

The Historical Mansion Museum

This meauseum located on Leyn Bann Street showcases some wonderful British exhibits from artifacts to weapons and even lace among many others.

Great Warehouse

A former place of worship for the Dutch prior to building the Dutch Reformed church this building was also used to store the likes of Cinnamon, salt, pepper and many of the ships provisions and is one of the distinctive buildings around.

Maritime Museum

Features traditional fishing techniques and many a marine life ranging from seaweed, corals, and model s of fish including whales.

Temples and Mosques

Many temples and mosques that strangely resemble churches too could be witnessed in this picturesque city.

The Galle International Cricket Ground

A major test venue of the country built on a former racecourse.

Hikkaduwa

Located 20Km from Galle this vibrant coastal city , is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it offers many a marine activity and showcases a beautiful coral garden, buzzing night life and plentiful shopping for shopaholics consisting of traditional gems, jewellery, masks, antiques and

Madu River

A river journey on this remarkable river affords visitors to witness beautiful mangroves, islets and its breathtaking surroundings complete with aquatic birds and fish.

Turtle Hatchery

Is where the rescued eggs are incubated and once hatched, they are nurtured, fed and trained and finally released back into the sea to live among the safety of the coral reefs and feed themselves.

Thotagamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya

This little known temple is located in a village named Thelwatte to the north of Hikkaduwa, it is home to a myriad of murals, sculptures, and wooden monuments. This temple is believed to hold miraculous powers and is set amidst beautiful scenery.

Coral Sanctuary

This shallow reef area is the popular home of beautifully colored tropical fish and remnants of once plentiful corals. Turtles too could be spotted occasionally specially during the full moon period. A popular spot for snorkeling too.

Unawatuna

A beautiful Golden beach with safe waters to swim in is a popular tourist destination. Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the activities that can be enjoyed in this little piece of heaven. Unawatuna Village is where visitors could indulge in local handicrafts and also offer many guest houses and up-market hotels.

Relaxation

Unawatuna is perfect for working on your tan and ultimate relaxation and to this end there are many who offer ayurvedic herbal massages or yoga classes or even meditation lessons.

Dagoba

A foot path leads to a Dagoba atop rocks above the beach gives phenomenal views of the area all the way up to Galle.

Rummsala

A rocky outcrop believed to have been a bit of rock dropped by Hanuman on his way to deliver some herbs to treat Ramas ailing brother.

Delawela to Midigama

This stretch is popular for sighting stilt fisherman, a method of fishing engaged in by Sri Lankan fisherman holds a truly unique feel.

Kogglala

Located 15km from Unawatuna is Koggala home to the world renowned Martin Wickremasinghe( A famous Sinhalese author) , the Koggala lagoon and a famous temple.

Martin Wickremasinghe Museum

Located in his birth village and his birth home, this museum showcases various artifacts belonging to Sri Lankan culture.

Koggala Lagoon

Popular for boat safaris, this lagoon is home to man groves and many endemic bird species and a medicinal herbal garden.

Kataluwa Purvarama Mahavihara

5km from Koggla is found this temple which showcases Kandyan style murals that illustrate various Jathaka stories (Buddhist tales) and even of Queen Victoria for having extended her support for Buddhism.

Ahangama– Located close to Koggla ais this fishing village where you find the most number of Stilt fisherman.

Midigama

Passing Ahangama a few more kilometers beyond Koggla is this village Midigama which has been identified as a popular surfing site.

Weligama-Also known as Sandy village this is a typical lazy fishing village which is ideal for visitors to stroll around and soak up the sun enjoy the site of the ocean while at it.

Kushta Raja-( Leper King)

A statue believed to be of a Sinhalese king who was afflicted by Leprosy who was cured by drinking naturally sweetened coconut water continuously.

Weilgama Bay

Is famous for it’s Island Taprobane covered with lush green trees on which a beautiful villa still stands, built by a French count.

Snake Farm

Located on the Akuressa road is this snake farm which houses some 15 varieties of snakes and some spiders as well.

Mirissa

To the east of Weligama Bay lies this beautiful village where visitors cold walk around and explore and observe the lives of the local fisherman and their habitat. This is the main seafood market in the South and people from all over gather at this point to purchase some of the freshest of seafood available.

Whale and Dolphin watching

Has become a popular excursion among visitors to Mirissa , many varieties of Dolphins and some whales can be spotted if visited during the season.

Matara

The town at the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, was a former cinnamon and elephant trading point of the Dutch it is also home to a uniquely shaped former fort and Dondra head which is considered the southernmost point of the country is also the last stop of the southern railway line.

Polhena Beach

A quiet beach ideal for snorkeling even night snorkeling which happens to be a seasonal excursion.

Nilwala Ganga

Boat trips along this river would treat visitors to the sights of beautiful birds and occasionally crocodiles.

Werehena Temple

An underground temple home to a very colorful and large Buddha statue is situated just a few km from the city’s center.

Dutch Church

One of the oldest Dutch churches in the country features a rather unusually large roof.

The Fort

This star shaped fortress which is surrounded by a moat is believed to have held crocodiles for security purposes back in the day.

Dondra

The southernmost point of the island houses the famous 40m high Lighthouse which used to guide the naval traffic of the southern route back in the day.

Devinuwara

Famous for it’s shrine dedicated to God Vishnu and has annual celebrations in the months of July and August.

Batik Workshops

Many authentic Batik workshops are found in the new town of Matara, these sell beautiful Batik pieces from garments to a range of other items.

Brassware

To the east of Matara lies a town famous for its brass works and is also a distribution pint to other parts of the island.

Tangalle

A buzzing village with a lovely stretch of beaches is popular for water sports, shopping and it’s vibrant nightlife is a popular tourist destination.

Hummanaya blow hole

Widely regarded as the second largest blowhole in the island this blow hole got its name due to the sound that emanates when water sprouts trough the hole.

Mulkirigala

A series of temples sculpted out of a boulder which houses a reclining Buddha , murals, a Cobra temple and at it’s base a school for monks.

Rewaka

A village where sea turtles opt to nestle particularly during nighttime. The entire process of can be witnessed at this site from the commute from the sea to the beach , digging of holes in the sand, laying of eggs covering of the hole and the long commute back to the sea.

Hambatota

Belonging to the dry zone this town is mainly made up of the Muslim community therefore mosques are a common sight, it is also regarded as the salt capital of the island as it is in Hambantota that salt is produced by capturing seawater in shallow pools and letting the water evaporate which leave behind a salty residue which is then scraped up and sold.

Martello Tower

Built by the British to defend the coastal areas the tower is located to a string of government bungalows which were occupied by the British agents back in the day and also close by is a lighthouse and gallows.

Bundala National Park

Located to the East of Hambantota Bundala is predominantly a birdwatchers paradise it’s home to many endemic and seasonal avian species. Furthermore visitors are also able to witness, turtles, crocodiles, small number of mammals including sloth bears.

Tissamaharama

A former capital of Ruhuna( the south) used as a base for visitors who have planned trips to the likes of Bundala and Yala national parks or the sacred town of Katharagama. This beautiful town is also home to a few dagobas and the pristine Tissa weva.

Yatala Dagoba/Museum

Features beautiful artifacts from the era of the Ruhuna Kingdom and Buddha statues.

Tissa Weva

This pristine lake is the center point of this town its banks are shaded by huge trees and is a popular bathing spot of the locals.

Sandagiri Dagoba

Believed to have been built by the father of King Dutugemunu (King Kavan Tissa) is an impressive structure and the most prominent one in the area.

Yala National Park

Located around 30 km from Tissamaharama is the most famous wildlife reserve in the country it consists of over 1000 square kilometers of land. The west side of this reserve which covers most part of it is a strict natural reserve disallowing visitors, the east side of the reserve is accessible by safari jeeps and is home to big game such as Elephants, Leopard, deer, wild boar, sambur a variety of avian species, reptiles such as crocodiles, close encounters with elephants could be anticipated as sometimes they may cross your path.

Sithulpahuwa Temple

Sitting a top a rock nestled among the jungle below are two dagabos from where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the entire area. The temple complex is believed to have been a meditation center for a large number of monks in the bygone era.

Magul Maha Vihara

Popularly known as the spot where King Kavan Tissa and the Beautiful Princess Vihara Maha Devi tied the knot.

Kataragama

One of the most revered religious sites among all the main religious communities of the island, this shrine believed to have been built by King Dutugemunu is dedicated to Lord Skanda or Kataragama a warrior god who blesses people with worldly gain, worshippers express their devotion to god Kataragama in unique methods such as walking on burning coals, self mutilation and Kavadi dance. The main festival of this shrine takes place in July of every year.

Menik Ganga

Located in the compound is the sacred river where pilgrims bathe before visiting the shrine of God Skanda.

Maha devalaya( The main Shrine)

This compound houses many shrines dedicated to many gods and goddesses along with main shrine dedicated to Lord Skanda. Beside the main shrine are the shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesh the brother of Lord Skanda and the other dedicated to Lord Shiva. Opposite the main shrine and also opposite Lord Ganesh’s shrine are enclosed areas where a trident and a spear are displayed where pilgrims gather to offer coconuts by smashing it into the enclosed area as means of fulfilling their wishes.

Kirivehera

A beautiful white as white large Dagoba which by practice is worshipped beforehand by Buddhists who visit the main shrine of Lord Skanda.

The Town

In the evenings this town is transformed into a colourful and lively atmosphere, myriad of fruit stalls are visible as pilgrims main offering to God Skanda are fruits, garlands and various religious objects are a common site in this city.

South Coast

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