Roxwell Peterson
What better way to admire the beautiful coastlines that stretch to South of the island of Sri Lanka, than a road trip! While you plan your getaway, here are a few things to keep in mind.
It is unlikely that you will be able to bring your own vehicle down from your home for this vacation. If you are able to, or if you reside in the island, or if you have friends in the island whose vehicle you trust, good for you! If not, there are many places that allow you to rent a car for any period of time. Just make sure that your choice of vehicle is up for the long drive. If you are not familiar with mechanics, it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional. The last thing you want is to be stranded with a broken engine in a land that is unfamiliar.
While you may be tempted to do the ride down South solo, it is suggested that you take at least one other person with you in the case of any emergency. It would be nice to have some company along the way as well, and someone to admire the scenery with you. What needs to be noted, though, is your companion should be a person who is adaptable to the high heat and climatic conditions of the country. If you are to truly enjoy your ride, a whining companion is not the best way to go. If you have made any local friends, all the better – for they will not only be a translator, but also a friendly guide to direct your attention towards things that go unnoticed and tell you of tales of yore.
An itinerary is important so that you know where you are going. But it is equally important that you keep it lose to allow for impulsive trips and relaxation. The drive from Colombo to Galle is about 116km, so you can break it down into phases. Remember that while you will find plenty of places to visit on your way through a simple Google search, you would often be tempted to get out of the vehicle and admire the glorious beaches and get your feet washed by the foamy waves. Make allowances heed to the call of island's beauty.
The down South stretch of the island is famous as a tourist destination. Thus, it has a wide range of accommodation options from Sri Lanka budget B&Bs to Sri Lanka luxury resorts. It is up to you to decide whether you want to bunk at a budget option or enjoy a luxurious sleep-in at an international hotel chain such as Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – for there is no lack of either. But depending on the season of your visit, the accommodation may fill up fast. So, the best thing to do would be to make reservations in advance so you will not have to bunk in the car at night as well.
The stretch of road leading down South from Colombo is pretty straight. If you drive with the sea to your right, you would not be going astray. Nonetheless, it is, of course, useful to use a navigation system, GPS locators or even Google maps would work, the country has full coverage, but one does have to be prepared for emergencies. It is not unheard of for mobile signal to completely vanish at certain points, data to slow down and of course for the phone to die. Always keep a physical map with your route highlighted as a backup. In addition, it wouldn't hurt to learn a few Sinhala phrases on how to get to your choice of accommodation in case you have to stop and ask for directions.
