South coast of Sri Lanka is undoubtedly beautiful and the most rewarding place to visit. The island is a small world in itself with gorgeous beaches, colonial townscapes, UNESCO heritage buildings, wildlife parks, fishing pyramids, Buddhist Shrines, temples, and lots of good cafes to munch on. There is a never-ending list to do and see things around the south coast Sri Lanka despite the piecemeal development in the area.

The place has maintained its charm and delicacy. There are several comatose villages nested in the shadow of the palm trees. Galle, a Dutch colonial town located on the south cost of Sri Lanka, offers you beautiful resorts and villas for slothful days and evenings.

How to reach?

From Colombo, Galle is about 120 kilometers. There are regular buses, trains and cabs to reach south coast of Sri Lanka.  Trains are bit crowded and buses are slow. Recently they have started with expressway service or you can hire a direct personal cab. There are two main ways to reach Galle by road – using the highway or riding through the small hidden villages. The former is faster and take almost 3 hours, while the latter will take a bit longer but the scenic views of this ride will be always memorable.

Where to stay?

If you want to take long strolls and explore Galle fort on foot then make a stay inside the Galle Fort. Because of the few accommodation spaces within the walled fort and high tourist demand, prices are doubled then outside.

To experience bliss and essence, you can stay outside the fort. One of the historical and luxuries villas to stay is Apa Villa Illuketia. It offers you a mix of modernization while retaining the ancient flavor. They also have another beachside property Apa Villa Thalpe which too is a must visit.

Also, check Sri Lanka Travel Guide.

What to do on the south coast of Sri Lanka?

There is a lot to do and experience on the south coast of Sri Lanka.

• • Walk and admire the architectural beauty of colonial buildings, Church, Temples, and Mosque at Galle Fort. Also, check out the picturesque cricket stadium and lighthouse anchoring the Galle city. Read also, how to spend a complete day on the cobbled stone streets of Galle, Sri Lanka.

 

• Hire a bike and ride it along the shores to feel the cool and earthy spicy smell of breeze.

• • Drive to the Japanese Peace Pagoda and get fascinated with 360-degree views – the town on one side and eternal ocean on the other

 

• • Explore the golden sandy beaches and party in the nearby sea towns at Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna

 

• Watch corals and sun taking a dip in the sea

• • Do Scuba diving and snorkeling in the fresh turquoise water of the ocean

 

• • Snack on fresh seafood along with great cocktails and mocktails at shacks

 

• • Cycle till the nearby sleepy villages

 

• • Watch magnificent night fire shows at night at the beaches

 

• Hop over to the nearby 300 yr old tea factory and delve into the traditional mechanism used for producing green and white tea

Sri Lanka is full of adventures. So, don’t forget to read what to expect on a Sri Lankan Safari.

Also check the Sri Lanka East Coast Itinerary.