South Coast
Sum up
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.
Highlights
- Sail at Mirissa Water Sports Centre
- Go Whale and dolphin watching off the coast at Mirissa (Dec-Apr)
- Try surfing in AhangamaLearn scuba diving in Dickwella
- Take a turtle night safari in Rekuwa
- Visit Mulkirigala rock monastery: ‘Little Dambulla’
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.
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.
History
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)
Snapshot
Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.
Weather
Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons which generally means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island. Global warming has made weather patterns less reliable, but essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west (including Colombo) and south-west coasts and hill country largely between May and July. The less severe north-east (“maha”) monsoon hits the east coast – including the cultural triangle – predominantly from November to January. There is also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather preceding the Maha monsoon in October during which heavy rainfall can occur anywhere across the island, Colombo very much included.
Art Galleries
Permanent collections & temporary art exhibits of Sri Lankan artists are held regularlyat the National Art Gallery, Sapumal Foundation, the Lionel Wendt, Barefoot Art Gallery and ParadiseRoad Gallery Café.
History
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and lies alongside the present administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Colombo’s port was influential as early as the 5 th century when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels. Many nations fought for the island’s treasures including Arab settlers in the 8C, followed by the Portuguese, the Dutch and, finally, the British who captured Colombo in 1796. This era of western domination ended peacefully with independence in 1948, followed by a separatist war fought by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) that lasted 25 years. Terrorism was eradicated in 2009, bringing hopes of a lasting peace. Throughout it all, the city of Colombo remained relatively stable and, as well as the majority Sinhalese, Moors, Tamils, Burghers, Chinese, and Malay populations contribute towards its colourful fabric.
Food in Colombo
Food is a highlight of Colombo. The city boasts a wide range of fantastic cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, whilst smaller eateries serve local hawker-style favourites like string hoppers, lamprais and biryani, as well as spicy pastries including Chinese rolls, seeni-sambol buns and fish patties which are collectively known as short-eats. Some of the best street food is foundon the seafront at Galle Face Green, including delicious koththu roti and isso wade (prawn dumplings).
For a more in-depth experience of local fare, go on our Colombo Street Food Walk.
For a selection of our favourite cafés, bars and restaurants in Colombo, see our Colombo Restaurants Guide. Further recommendations can be found in our comprehensive Booking Information.
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