The South Coast
Overview
There are some spectacular beaches along the South Coast. The best time to visit the South Coast is December to April.
The South Coast beaches stretch about 90 miles East from Galle to Hambantota and are less busy than the beaches on the West Coast, where it becomes even quieter after Matara, a town 30 miles from Galle. Some of the most stunning bays and unexplored beaches are found on the South Coast.
As you start your journey East from Galle on Route A2, you will come across a small beach resort village called Unawattuna , just 4 miles from Galle. It is considered one of the best 100 beaches in the world. The beach and town areas of Unawattuna have several restaurants serving delicious seafood.
One of the largest beaches in Sri Lanka is in a village called Koggala, not far from Galle. There is also a lagoon in Kogalla with rich diversity and an ecosystem. Boats are available to hire to travel across the lagoon There are a wide variety of flora and fauna in the area and several wild birds can be seen here.
Further South of Galle, there is the largest fishing port in the south called Mirrissa and it is one of the island’s whale and dolphin watching locations. There is plenty of evening entertainment in this town.
As you head further east from Mirrissa you will pass through the Southern most point of the island a place called Dondra (British name) also known as Devi Nuwara/Dewundara in Singhalese. Here stood Thondeswaram one of the five Eeswaram temples (all Eeswaram Temples are ancient) on the island dedicated to Lord Siva which was destroyed by the Portuguese colonisers some 500 years ago. It was rebuilt but the locals pray to Lord Vishnu now, it is worth a visit to see the temple and the remaining ruins of the old temple.
Further east is Tangalle, the white sandy beaches are vast, and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer; including turtle sanctuaries, and large lagoons. There is a bird sanctuary at Kalamitiya village with approximately 2,500 hectares including Kalamitiya Lagoon.
As you continue East on route A2 and head slightly inland you arrive at Bundala National Park, which harbours 197 species of birds, from there you could proceed to Yala Nation Park for a wildlife safari.
