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South Coast

Snapshot

Sri Lanka’s cove-like south coast, which Red Dot defines as a long stretch from Weligama to Kelamitiya, consists of delightful coral-protected bays and headlands and offers a greater diversity of beaches than the west coast. Stunning tropical sandy beaches, rural fishing villages, untouched wilderness and a vibrant cultural heritage makes the southern coastal belt an ideal holiday experience for those wishing to escape the larger tourist centres.

Weather

Traditionally, the best time to visit the south coast is from December to April, with similar weather patterns to the Galle Coast. Between May and September, however, travel east beyond Galle along the south coast and you can be rewarded with more settled weather than further west. Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons which generally means that there is good weather somewhere. October to mid-December can see heavy rain brought in by the north-east monsoon, with the south-west monsoon bringing heaviest downpours from mid-April to mid-June. There is also an unsettled inter-monsoonal period in October.

Getting There

The south coast towns can be easily reached by heading directly south past Uda Walawe game park or from the bottom of the west coast motorway near Matara. The southern railway can also take you from Colombo as far as Matara (second-class seats only). Air Taxis provide air transfers from Colombo to Dickwella. Hambantota Airport, based 18kms from the town in Mattala, also offers transfers from Colombo\'s international airport.

Highlights

Sail at Mirissa Water Sports Centre
Go Whale and dolphin watching off the coast at Mirissa (Dec-Apr)
Try surfing in Ahangama
Learn scuba diving in Dickwella
Take a turtle night safari in Rekuwa
Visit Mulkirigala rock monastery: \'Little Dambulla\'

Mirissa:

At Ahangama, Midigama and Weligama, surfers prowl the shores in search of some of the best waves in Sri Lanka. No beach is more magnificent than Mirissa, which is popular for surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing and sea-kayaking. During the migration season in December and April, large pods of Dolphins and Blue Whales can be seen just a few miles offshore from Mirissa. Mirissa Water Sports, based in the Mirissa Harbour offers boat excursions which can take up to three hours.

Dondra Head:

Dondra Head, with its octagonal lighthouse, marks Sri Lanka\'s most southerly tip. Close-by, lie the beaches of Polhena and especially Talalla, a gorgeous beach that remains relatively unknown. Next up is the bay of Hiriketiya, now an achingly cool destination for a younger clientele.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary:

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest bird sanctuaries and is home to many species of resident as well as migratory shorebirds. From kingfishers to flamingoes inhabit this extensive wetland area of mangrove swamps and lagoons. Best time to visit is from November to April.

Mulgirigala Rock Temple:

Mulgirigala Rock Temple is perched on an enormous boulder more than 200m high. According to ancient inscriptions carved on the rock, Mulgirigala dates back almost 2,000 years when it was a site of a Buddhist monastery. The serene white Dagoba stands at the peak of the rock with magnificent coastal views.

Turtle watch in Rekuwa:

Globally, all seven species of marine turtles in the world are endangered. Out of these seven, five species of sea turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born and swimming back to sea is a remarkable ritual that is fascinating to observe. The Rekuwa Turtle Conservation Project is an ideal way to learn and observe this endangered species without interfering with its natural breeding habits.Turtle watch in Rekuwa: Globally, all seven species of marine turtles in the world are endangered. Out of these seven, five species of sea turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born and swimming back to sea is a remarkable ritual that is fascinating to observe. The Rekuwa Turtle Conservation Project is an ideal way to learn and observe this endangered species without interfering with its natural breeding habits.

Yala:

The southern coast also serves as an ideal base from which to explore the south’s wildlife parks including Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks and Bundala.

The south coast is part of the ancient Ruhuna kingdom. In 1826, a British administrator, George Turnour, discovered palm-leaf manuscripts at Mulkirigala Temple containing the key to translating the Mahawamsa, or the ‘Great Chronicle.’ This enabled scholars worldwide to study the eventful history of the island from 543BC to comparatively modern times. Along the coast, stilt fisherman, cinnamon peelers and Beeralu lace weavers continue with their age-old traditions whilst alongside them villas and boutique hotels caters for tourists eager to escape the main holiday centres.

Ceylon Sliders

Beautiful sea views, great service and delicious healthy dishes – a coveted spot for lunch, dinner and drinks (9 New Galle Road, Weligama, 0763 594 734)

Ceylon Curry House

A simple, relaxed restaurant that specialises in traditional rice and curry that even the locals rave about (1st Floor Buds & Beans Café, Galle Road, Mirissa 81740, 0773 822 024)

Citra

A garden restaurant with an idyllic ambience that’s often fully booked – we recommend making a reservation in advance (Matara Road, Ahangama 80650, 0705 944 849)

DelTano’s Woodfired Pizza & Pasta

Fantastic Italian food – the pizzas are cooked in a woodfire oven to give them an authentic flavour and crispness (271A Udupila, Matara Road, Mirissa 81740, 0774 441 452)

Aloha Coffee Gallery

This busy café is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of healthy dishes including vegetarian and vegan options – and the coffee is pretty good too (7 Sunanda Road, Mirissa 81740, 0768 074 123)

Zephyr Restaurant & Bar

This atmospheric restaurant sits on the edge of Mirissa Bay, and diners can enjoy beautiful sea views whilst indulging in great cocktails, delicious fish dishes and mouthwatering desserts – vegetarian and vegan options are also available (7 Bandaramulla, Matara Road, Mirissa 81740, 0777 502 222)

Dots Bay House

For live music, friendly staff and beautifully presented, high-quality dishes and drinks (Hiriketiya Bay, Hiriketiya Road, Dikwella 81200, 0784 815 670)

The Lounge Tangalle

An amazing location right on the beach and delicious seafood dishes – widely regarded as the best independent restaurant in Tangalle (Madilla Beach, Madilla Road, Tangalle 82200, 0773 424 723)

Il Mare

Anantara Peace Haven Resort Tangalle’s fine-dining Italian restaurant, perched on a hilltop overlooking a rugged private bay (Goyambokka Estate, Tangalle (0477 670 700)

Amanwella

A sensational setting with glorious sea views and exceptionally high-quality cuisine (Bodhi Mawatha, Wella Wathuara, Godellawela, Tangalle, 0472 241 333)

A truly exceptional experience