South Coast

Sri Lanka's South Coast is one of the most seductive coastal strips in tropical Asia, stretched over 200 kilometres between Bentota and Tangalle, lining up white sand coves, plunging coconut groves, stilt-fisher villages and beach resorts with very diverse atmospheres. It is here, on these shores caressed by the Indian Ocean, that the country's essential beach offering is concentrated, from the international surfers of Hikkaduwa to the luxury retreats of Tangalle, via the backpackers of Mirissa and the couples on a getaway in Unawatuna.

The region is also home to the Galle Fort, one of Asia's colonial masterpieces. Built by the Portuguese in 1588, considerably extended by the Dutch from 1640 and transferred to the British in 1796, this granite and coral fort encloses a perfectly preserved old town — cobbled streets, whitewashed colonial mansions, churches, mosque, Buddhist temple, iconic lighthouse and continuous 3 km ramparts where everyone strolls at sunset. UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 1988, Galle Fort is one of Asia's largest still-inhabited colonial forts, a truly living small town where antique shops, specialty cafés and art galleries sit alongside houses inhabited for generations.

Mirissa, once an anonymous fishing village, has become the world capital of blue whale watching. Between December and April, the deep waters off Cape Dondra (the southernmost point of the island) attract these ocean giants that can reach 30 metres long and 200 tonnes — the largest animals ever to have existed on Earth. Morning trips leave at 6.30 a.m. and last 4 to 5 hours, with a sighting rate above 90 % in peak season. Further east, Tangalle and Goyambokka Beach offer a wilder, more confidential face of the South Coast, with preserved coves and boutique hotels hidden in coconut groves — the contrast with Mirissa's intensity is striking.