Sri Lanka has attracted travellers from far and wide for centuries for its immense natural beauty and wealth. Gems as large as your fist, sweeping mountains covered in lush tea bushes and fragrant spices, all on an island ringed with swaying coconut trees. Nowadays, there’s been a surge in popularity of the country’s north and east coasts, however, there is something charming about the classic south coast. From surfing the glorious waves in Hiriketiya to watching elusive leopard on the prowl in Yala, here are 5 experiences you must have while on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
1. Surfing
The south coast of Sri Lanka is easily one of the best places for surfing in the world. You will be able to find different swells suited for different levels of surfers. Weligama Bay, whose name literally translates to ‘sandy village’ is a picturesque beach town that is perfect for surfing beginners and intermediates. If you’re a bit more experienced and up for a challenge, you can try the waves of Ahangama and Midigama which are slightly harder to tackle than Weligama but still just as fun. Hiriketiya is another excellent surfing destination, once a hidden gem only known by avid surfers, Hiriketiya has now become very popular and is a must-visit.
Regardless of where you are, sunset is the most magical time of the day. The setting sun bathes the whole world in a golden glow and uses the sky as its canvas, painting it with streaks of pink, lilac, and orange. However, if you want to truly experience the magic of sunset, then you must go on a sunset cruise. Cape Weligama offers their guests an unforgettable experience-- a wine-paired sunset cruise! Perfect for couples or even an intimate group to sail the high seas while indulging in a selection of canapes from the resort’s kitchen paired with four wines whilst enjoying the serene tropical landscape.
If you’re interested in wildlife, you can also go on an ocean safari and witness whales and dolphins.
3. Visit Yala National Park
Listen as a deer lets out a warning cry while a leopard lurks in the shadows waiting to pounce on its prey. Watch a peacock dance, its vibrant feathers shimmering in the sunlight, putting on a spectacle for everyone to admire. Or watch as herds of elephants gather around a watering hole, while some of the calves learn how to spray water with their trunks… experience all this and more when you visit Yala National Park. This park is a must-visit, especially for wildlife lovers. Be amazed by the diversity of wildlife that the park has to offer, from the larger mammals to the smallest insects, Yala is a wonderland and going on safari here is a must!
4. Wander through Galle Fort
Built in 1588, the Galle Fort is quite literally living history. Sri Lanka has been fought over quite a bit and nowhere is this better seen than in the Galle Fort. This ancient bastion with cobblestone streets and 17th-century Dutch villas has been passed through many hands- from the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British. Colonial charm and quintessentially Sri Lankan culture come together inside the fort to create a completely unique atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else in the country. Spend a day here, wandering through the alleyways while stopping to shop and eat at one of the many cafes.
5. Discover a Southern Tea Estate
When you think of tea and Sri Lanka, you immediately think of the country’s tall peaks covered in beautifully manicured tea gardens and swathed in clouds of mist found in the Central Province. However, there is one tea estate that is unlike any other. The Handunugoda Tea Plantation is a low-country tea estate that is famed for its ‘virgin white tea’. The estate is unlike any other as it is only “sniffing distance” from the ocean! Enjoy a great cup of Ceylon’s finest while admiring this interesting tea garden.