Why Visit the South Coast of Sri Lanka

Ranked among the island's most popular holiday destinations, the southern shoreline of Sri Lanka is home to some of the best beaches in Asia. Apart from the sun-kissed beaches and the water sports facilities, a trip to the southern coast can also be a culturally rich experience thanks to the many landmarks occupying the beach towns. From iconic national parks to some of the country's finest conservation hubs, here are compelling reasons to head Down South during a trip to Sri Lanka.

The Beaches

As the main reason most travellers visit the southern reaches of the island in the first place, the area's white, sandy beaches remain the best natural attribute of this particular coastline. In fact, the southern shoreline is home to Sri Lanka's most popular beach holiday destinations and tourists have a wide variety of seaside hamlets to choose from. Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are perhaps the two most well-known beach paradises in the south owing to their pristine beachfront and underwater marine heritage. Bentota, Beruwala and Koggala, on the other hand, are more tranquil beach hotspots for those in search of a hideaway by the sea. What makes south coast beaches so popular is their convenient location and proximity to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, which is just an hour away thanks to the Southern Expressway.

The Gardens

Tipped to be among the most underrated attractions on the south coast, the breathtaking gardens in Bentota by none other than the Bawa brothers are reason enough to head to this part of the island. The Lunuganga Estate is perhaps the best-known among the two as it was the passion project and country home of architectural icon Geoffrey Bawa. Bevis Bawa's Brief Garden, however, is no less spectacular, especially for those with a love of horticulture as the grounds of this charming residence also feature signature sculptures, outdoor bathrooms and water features similar to Lunuganga. Those based at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala or any other Beruwala resort will find both venues within easy driving distance from most hotels.

The Low Altitude Tea Estates

Although tourists visit Nuwara Eliya and the hill stations of Sri Lanka to explore the island's tea country, few are aware that the low-altitude tea estates are concentrated along the southern coast. Famed for producing White Tea or Silver Tip Tea, Galle and its neighbouring towns are lined with tea estates that look drastically different from those that are found in the cool mountains of the country. Low-grown tea has its own distinct flavour and visitors can tour Galle's tea estates and factories to understand more about producing the perfect cup of Ceylon Tea.

The Water Sports Possibilities

Having been a water sports Mecca for the masses for decades, the south coast beaches also offer holidaymakers the chance to engage in a wide range of water-bound activities. Surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and jet skiing are the top water-based sports accessible in this area although there are water sports centres that also organize water skiing, kite surfing and parasailing excursions. Whale and dolphin watching tours are another compelling reason to spend time Down South as the period between December and March is ideal for spotting not only the world's largest mammal in Mirissa but also countless dolphin species and sea turtles.

The Cultural Landmarks

Although most beachgoers may miss out on touring some of the southern coast's staggering cultural sites and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these cultural landmarks are another reason why culture buffs often venture Down South. The Dutch Galle Fort is the largest and most impressive heritage site in the region and is a veritable city within a city. The Mulkirigala Rock Temple, the Kande Viharaya and other Buddhist temples with illustrious histories are also found in southern beach towns where museums dedicated to maritime history and even Sri Lankan ceremonial masks are found.

The Wildlife Adventures and Conservation Hotspots

Sri Lanka's top national park for safari adventures, Yala National Park, is also located on the southern coast alongside several sea turtle conservation centres dedicated to safeguarding these nearextinct species from human and natural threats.