Welcome to the south
A coastline packed full of cultural gems and world class beaches.Discover the South of Sri Lanka
Galle Fort
Habaraduwa
Ahangama
Weligama
Mirissa
Talalla
Hiriketiya
Tangalle
Galle Fort
The Fort is both unique and enchanting, in 1988 was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status as one of the best examples of a Dutch-built fortified city in South Asia. It is a harmonious hybrid of colonial European and South Asian architectural styles.
The narrow but numerous streets are packed with delights, and its easy-going yet bustling atmosphere is thanks to the blend of commerce and culture. While the opportunities to shop and eat increase seemingly every week, it continues to retain an air of lives little-changed for centuries. Prominent landmarks include the National Maritime Museum, Reformed Dutch Church, Mosque, Amangalla Hotel, library and lighthouse.
The Fort’s population is both Buddhist and Muslim so please keep this in mind when walking around by being sensitive to local customs and attitudes. The ramparts are a beautiful place for a dawn or sunset walk – the regulars will be pleased to see you and will seek to exchange greetings and at the weekend or on public holidays it’ll be crowded with local tourists from all over the country.
Habaraduwa
Habaraduwa boasts one of the best beaches on the South Coast, this picture perfect stretch of coast comes complete with hanging palms and perfect sand. Unless your staying at one of the luxury villas, most tourists come to the area for Koggala Lake. This unspoilt lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and dotted with rocky outcrops. The lake is a bird lover’s paradise and sunsets can be spectacular.
Ahangama
Ahangama is a busy fishing town famous for its stilt fishermen and surf breaks. The beach scene – at this seasonally wide, unspoilt, sandy beach – continues to emerge. Two surf breaks either side of Ahangama have brought development, bars, coffee shacks and delicious food to this stretch of coastline.
Weligama
As you emerge around the corner into this this large but pretty bay you’ll notice the unique Taprobane Island, a 1920’s private mansion perched atop a small islet, some 50metres off shore. It’s private so you cannot enter but still makes for a instaphoto opportunity. Weligama is a surf bay, perfect for beginers; you’ll notice a sea of seal like heads bobbing up and down in the waves and there are a handful of worthy restuarants and activities in town and close by.
Mirissa
A popular half-moon bay with a sweeping sandy beach, Mirissa is also a renowned surfer’s paradise thanks to its large waves; enjoy the sea with caution as the waves have been known to dump near the beach. Never turn your back to them! Recent tourism developments mean this area is not as relaxed as it once was, but still there are great places to visit and things to do when not sunning yourself on the beach.
Talalla
Talalla is a small town, 10km east of Matara along the southern coastal road. It is known mainly for its one mile long pure gold sandy beach. Despite being considered one of the best beaches along the south coast most of the development that currently exists is subtle and behind the tree-line making it a lovely picturesque beach walk. Fleets of local fishing boats are most often the sole occupants at the west end to complete the idyllic tropical beach scene. For an amazing view, walk up the steps of the Panorama Hotel at the east corner.
Insider tip: 15 minutes from the resort is a secret surf spot for advanced surfers… Expect A-frame waves up to 8 high, especially between April – September!
Hiriketiya
When we first discovered this stunning crescent bay its only habitants were cheerful fishermen and their colourful boats on the eastern shore. Now the beach and rolling waves are shared with a growing number of surfers and sun seekers. The beach still appears relatively undiscovered and undeveloped in comparison to other ‘surf spots’, but its popularity is growing rapidly.
East of Dickwella town, the beach is accessible along the Hiriketiya Road from the main coast road – look out for the Nilwella 1.6km turn off.
Tangalle
Tangalla (also pronounced Tangalle) with its white sandy beaches of Sri Lanka’s Deep South, is fast becoming the destination of choice for travelers. The town itself doesn’t have a great deal to offer in terms of shopping or culture, but its position puts it at the epicentre of some of the country’s finest landmarks.
Tangalla’s beaches are the ones you see in magazines; picturesque palm trees lazily droop over the soft white sands while turquoise waters gently lap against the shore. Tiny crescent bays and undiscovered gems dot the coast west of Tangalle, and to the east are the vast largely deserted beaches favoured by nesting sea turtles.
As with all beaches – especially deserted ones – take care in the water. Ask the locals or fisherman before swimming or surfing as the rip tides and currents are extremely strong. There are no lifeguards so if the locals say don’t swim then, however alluring that morning break looks, don’t!
Call us
+94 (0) 91 223 2568
Find us
485 Matara Rd,
Dalawella, Unwatuna
Sri Lanka
Email us
jack@edenvillas.com