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  • South Coast

South Coast

From untouched beaches to a UNESCO World Heritage site, leopard safaris to lush wetlands, the sun-baked coastline from Bentota to Tissamaharama is home to tropical surrounds, pristine sand dunes, surf spots, sleepy fishing villages, magnificent temples, colonial digs and abundant wildlife.

Here, the visitors will encounter a great variety of attractions and experience the traditional village life that still revolves around coconut farms, paddy fields and fishing.

The glorious shoreline of pristine beaches stretches south of Bentota and boasts one picture-perfect cove after another - including Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle. The atmospheric Dutch Forts in Galle and Matara offer an interesting insight on Sri Lanka’s colonial past, while Tissamaharama and Kataragama have remarkable shrines and ancient religious sites. Here, you will find also Bundala National Park, famous for its impressive birdlife, and Yala, known for high concentration of elephants and leopards.

South and West Coast

Buttala

Located in the Monaragala district in south-eastern part of the island, Buttala is a prime eco tourism destination witch rich cultural and historical heritage. According to the 5th century Buddhist chronicle "Mahavamsa", this area had a great importance as it was situated on the northern border of Ruhunu Kingdom and King Dutugemunu's used it on his way to Anuradhapura.

The landscapes re tremendously varied with abandoned chena fields, irrigation tanks, dense forests, scrub jungles, and the rare tropical woods (such as the protected ebony tree). The region provides also an ideal base for exploring the famous Yala National Park. The park was originally a reserve for hunters, but it was declared a protected area in 1900, a sanctuary in 1909, and a national park in 1938. It is a fascinating agglomeration of protected areas and consists of a variety of different ecosystems - essential for the diverse wildlife that inhabits it.

Galle

The bustling provincial capital and administrative center of the south, Galle, was Sri Lanka's first international commerce and trade center. The ancient port city is famous for Unawatuna Bay, a lovely cove protected by a reef. The Galle Fort overlooking the ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in 1587 and reinforced again by the Dutch. The 36-hectare fortress is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, its ramparts protecting the harbour, old houses, churches, warehouses and the Arab quarter. Even as the city of Galle modernizes, its remarkable collection of ancient structures transports visitors to another time.

 

Hikkaduwa

Situated 100 km south of Colombo, the fun coastal town of Hikkaduwa was the very first beach destination discovered by tourists in the 1970’s. The kilometre-long strip of of mellow beach bars and restaurants, good diving and surf schools and plenty of interesting excursions. The beaches are lovely and wide and swimming is safe (though the currents are stronger in the southern end of Hikkaduwa). The impressive coral reef runs just offshore and is still populated by exotic fish and sea turtles.

 

Kalu Ganga

Kalu Ganga is a relatively slow flowing river that offers an ideal location canoëing. Starting from the town of Ratnapura, the river will lead you through the most peaceful sceneries, a world away from the busy streets and urban life. Here, the only noises you will hear are the birds' calls and the sound of your paddle dipping into the calm water. Every now and then, you will see sand collectors' little houses surrounded by thick vegetation and palm trees. The more adventurous may continue down to the river all the way to Kalutara on the through some fairly easy rapids (we will provide you with the paddling techniques and safety instructions). Located on the west coast, Kalutara is famous for its impressive ‘Gangatilaka Vihara' (Buddhist shrine), fine basketware and the best mangosteens in Sri Lanka!

 

Mirissa

Mirissa, surrounded by rubber and coconut plantations, ancient temples, spice gardens, natural sanctuaries and exotic wildlife, has become famous for its long whale watching season, but it still retains the charm of an idyllic fishing village. And the stunning crescent beach is a real paradise for anyone who loves the sun and the sea !

 

Rekawa

Five out of 7 species of marine turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka, and all five of them can be observed in Rekawa throughout the year in their natural habitat. Unlike the turtle hatcheries on the west coast, here the eggs are left undisturbed in the sand and  protected in site. Even though, there is no guarantee that the marine turtles would come to ashore every night, you can be sure to have an existing night time adventure on one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

 

Tangalle

Tangalle is a small fishing port with gentle reminders of the Dutch days of the 18th century and beautiful villas looking out over the shimmering beach of Seenimodera, the one of the finest and largest bays in the island. Protected from the ocean by an enclosing reef, the the palm fringed bay and pristine coves are a real natural treasure.

ceu ceylon luxury villa at kalametiya sri lanka

 

Weligama

Located 140 km south of Colombo, Weligama is a lively little fishing town with a wide and long sandy beach. The sprawling main settlement and coastal road is a bit scruffy, but you'll find attractive beaches and sandy coves once you're away from the main section. The bay's most prominent feature is the minuscule island of Taprobane. The island is known locally as Yakinnige duwa which means “devil's island” and in the 1930’s it was owned by the exiled French Count de Maunay, who built an exquisite white villa under the luxuriant trees.

 


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Hotline : (+94) 70 222 8 222
Office Address : 20/63, Fairfield Garden, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka

 

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