Regions in The South Coast | Timbuktu Travel

Galle

A cosmopolitan colonial town on the sultry south-west coast stuffed with hipper-than-hip eateries, hotels and cafes.

Sri Lanka’s south coast might be all surf, sea and sunshine but step away from the sand and into Galle’s higgledy-piggledy streets for something a tad different. The fortified town is one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and in its heart is a jaw-dropping fortress crammed with centuries of colonial influence from Portuguese to Dutch to English. It might be a cliché, but watching the sun rise or set over the thick castle walls will be a highlight of any trip. Beyond the ramparts, you’ll find an eclectic mix of art galleries, cafes and chic hotels all watched over by a jumble of entirely elegant architecture. Get into the nooks and crannies on a walking tour – the best ones will take you past local restaurants serving tuna salads and tasty hoppers, through the flea market to pick up antiques and decorative bunting, and ending at the sweeping seaside for a pineapple shake.

Weligama

Liven up a beach break with spot of whale-watching or take to the water with a kayak or snorkel.

On the southern section of the Sri Lankan mango, the Weligama coast is another highlight of any beach-comber’s handbook, although in this case there’s another reason to visit: whales. The coastline (and in particular the fishing town of Mirissa) is one of the best places in the world to spot both blue and sperm whales as well as frolicking dolphins, and if the denizens of the deep top your wishlist, time your visit from December to April. If not, there’s still plenty to captivate, from the pretty bays and coconut groves to the gentle ocean swell that will have you reaching for a surfboard in the flash of a flipper. Other water-based activities include sailing, kayaking, surfing, diving and snorkelling, and then there’s the iconic stilt fisherman and their colourful fishing boats, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights and a beautiful one at that.

Tangalle

A sexy southern getaway for barefoot strolls and beautiful, breezy beach pads to lay your head.

It is said that the further east you head from Galle, the more beautiful, blissed-out and rustic the beaches become. Tangalle is about as far east as you can get and the silky sands that line this little stretch of coastline and frame its pretty villages certainly are supreme. Coast-side, you’ve got your pick of tranquil coves and coconut-lined bays and the gentle swells couldn’t be better for a morning swim or an afternoon surf. The Deep South has upped its style game in recent years and the crop of cool-as-a-cucumber hotels and villas (spot the Geoffrey Bawa) will appeal to loved-up ‘mooners, young families and yoga bunnies. If you tire of lounging (you never know, it might happen), head inland to the patchwork rice paddies for hidden villages, Buddha statues and the increasingly well-known Mulgirigala rock temples, or venture further afield for a day trip into one of the island’s wildlife-strewn national parks.

Lake Koggala

A heady, cinnamon-scented lake near Galle where modern stresses take a firm back seat.

A hop, skip and a jump from Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s finest cities, lies Lake Koggala, one of its finest lakes. The freshwater lagoon and its village namesake are peaceful, inviting and totally unhurried; places where Technicolour butterflies flitter in the sky and digital detoxes don’t sound like something to be achieved – they just are. The lake itself is the main attraction and its glassy waters are punctuated with small, temple-sprinkled islands that can be explored by boat. A highlight is always a visit to one of the cinnamon farms where you can watch farmers packaging the sweet-smelling spice into long quills before being painstakingly dried into the papery bark recognised the world over. Then there’s the jungle-clad shoreline, a paradise for wildlife including larger-than-life lizards and electric kingfishers, and a couple of lowland tea plantations nearby that complete the Sri Lankan experience.

Bentota

Head south of Colombo for superb beaches, jungle-scapes and chic hotels to make your heart sing.

In an island of idyllic, palm-fringed beaches, it's the Bentota area, between Colombo and Galle on the south-west coast, that’s home to just about the very best. Bentota town itself is pretty enough (and a great place to shop, slurp smoothies and people-watch), but it’s a few steps further to the south where the magic really happens. First up are beaches ripe for waterskiing, windsurfing and even horse-riding, alongside exquisite Geoffrey Bawa-designed hotels. Then, head towards sleepy Balapitiya and discover a jungled landscape strewn with wetlands and mangrove forests ripe for boating, as well as inland Buddhist temples that are well worth an exploration. This southern section is also home to world-famous turtle hatcheries where you can play your part in conservation and release baby turtles into the wild. Struggling to choose a spot? Rest assured that wherever you end up, the south coast is a lesson in in forget-about-everything relaxation...

Mirissa

Coconut-fringed hideaway where magical ocean encounters and laid-back beach life create paradise perfection.

Tucked along the southern coast, this once-sleepy fishing hamlet has blossomed into a beachside haven without sacrificing its authentic charm. Golden shores curve around a tranquil bay, protected by a rocky headland that keeps the madness of neighboring beaches at arm's length. By day, dive into crystalline waters for a dance with gentle giants – blue whales breach the horizon while dolphins play in frothy wakes. As twilight descends, the shoreline transforms with twinkling fairy lights and barefoot restaurants serving just-caught seafood. Inland, emerald rice paddies and cinnamon plantations offer fragrant escapes, while secret coves await discovery from those willing to venture beyond the hammock. Neither overdeveloped nor completely untouched, this coastal gem strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and serenity.

The South Coast

Where to go in The South Coast