Joanna James
The south coast of Sri Lanka has gained fame not just for being home to some stunning beaches, but also for the adventures and cultural experiences it has to offer. Here are some of the must-visit destinations in this idyllic part of the island.
On the border of the west and south coasts sits the city of Kalutara which offers a scenic beachside getaway that's within easy reach of the commercial capital, Colombo. An ideal spot to just soak up the sun or try some water sports, this well-known destination provides travellers with plenty of things to do when they travel to Sri Lanka; visit the sacred Kalutara Temple with its hollow stupa and murals, take in the fascinating design of the Edwardian-style mansion known as Richmond Castle and unwind amidst the soothing sight of the Thudugala Waterfall.
If you are looking for some fast-paced and fun activities, then Bentota is the place to go to since it's one of the best spots for water sports in Sri Lanka. One of the main reasons that it is so popular for such activities is the fact, that apart from the sea, there is a river and lagoon ideal for water sports too. Thrill-seekers can look forward to water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, canoeing and banana boat and speedboat rides, while a Bentota River cruise is not to be missed either.
A major city along the south coast, Galle is home to the Old Dutch Fort which is one of the premier tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. In fact, the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications have been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide much to explore. Travellers can walk along the age-old ramparts overlooking the sea, wander around the small lanes within the fort and visit some of the key sites of interest in and around this area; these include the Old Gate with its British coat of arms, the Dutch Reformed Church, Clock Tower and Galle Lighthouse.
Another well-known south coast locale, Hikkaduwa is a place where plenty of adventures await. Local travel sites the likes of Truly Sri Lanka are useful to gain insights into what such destinations have to offer. When it comes to Hikkaduwa, one can enjoy snorkelling at its marine national park; it is home to diverse coral and marine life which can also be seen on a ride on a glass-bottom boat. Surfing is another popular activity that can be tried here, while after sunset, one can look to experience a happening nightlife scene well.
Those continuing their journey along the south coast will come to the town of Mirissa which offers a laid-back hideaway by the ocean. It is also regarded as one of the best places to enjoy dolphin and whale watching in Sri Lanka; from mighty blue and sperm whales to playful bottlenose and spinner dolphins, there's much to look spot! Mirissa is also home to Coconut Tree Hill, a popular vantage point which offers lovely views of the coast and one of the most pictured sites on Instagram of Sri Lanka's south coast.
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