10 Top Attractions in South of Sri Lanka - A mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation

A brief tuk-tuk ride away from Weligama to Mirissa, one of the calmest beach hideaways along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The laid-back atmosphere of the beach will draw your heart to spend more time at this beach. Mirissa is extra popular as a whale-watching hotspot among travellers. If you are staying at one of the many hotels in Ahangama the likes of Tri Koggala, you can plan a whale-watching excursion to Mirissa as it is a 36-minute drive.enter link description here

What better way to start the day than going on a hiking trip with your friends? Just because it is called 'Little' Adam's Peak it does not imply that this place is less amazing. It will take about an hour to reach the summit and if you wish to take some time off the hike, consider hiring a tuk-tuk up to starting point of the trail at Ravana Zipline.

This is undoubtedly a bucket list attraction among many leisure travellers. As a word of advice, do consider visiting this place at sunrise to catch its hidden glory and you will also be lucky to catch a glimpse of the train railing the tracks. It is a popular Instagram-worthy picture! There are two main viewpoints, and it does not really matter what you take first.

Despite its appealing biological endemism, Sri Lanka is one of the world's top five biodiversity hotspots. Sri Lanka is home to one of the three types of Asian elephants. Due to its largest concentration of elephants, leisure travellers from all around the world spare time to go on an elephant-watching safari to Yala. Your safari tour will be incomplete if you are unable to spot a Sri Lankan leopard.

Horton plains, its adjoining Peak Wilderness and surrounding forests speak volumes of Sri Lanka's most important catchment area. The plains serve as natural habitats for diverse endemic wild animals of both wet and montage zones. Its flora has a high level of endemism. You will not regret making a visit here!

Your holiday in Sri Lanka will be incomplete if you don't visit a tea factory. There are quite a few tea factories in Ella, but the Halpewatte Tea Factory is a popular choice among them. It is one of the largest tea factories in the country with amazing tea-tasting experiences and English-speaking tour guides.

Spending time near a cascading waterfall is always a treat. Ravana Falls is huge and impressive and obviously, it can be easily reached from Ella. Apart from having a leisurely swim, adventure seekers have the opportunity to climb nearby rocks offering awe-inspiring views of Ella's treasured surroundings.

One of the most talked-about things to do in Sri Lanka! As the sunrise, the viewpoint at Lipton's Seat looks amazing with its stunning views. Do not forget to capture a photo with Thomas Lipton (statue) who was known as the pioneer of tea.

The train ride between Kandy and Ella is popular as one of the top ten scenic train rides in the world! This route will take you through vast and never-ending tea plantations in the country. The journey will take around four hours. Another option to consider will be to stop for a day or two in the small town of Haputale without going all the way to Kandy.

Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Wijaya Beach is not too far from Unawatuna. The laid-back beauty coupled with serene natural surroundings makes it a top spot among tourists, expats, and locals alike. You will not get disappointed as the beach is clean with its eye-catching backdrop of coconut trees leaning over the blue turquoise waters.