South Coast Holidays

Tangalle
Undisturbed by mass commercialisation, Tangalle’s sands stretch for miles and the area is a nesting ground for marine turtles. On Rekawa Beach you can visit sites that highlight turtle conservation efforts and from April to July, take moonlit strolls to see turtles hatching their eggs. Head into the city for temples and spice markets, kayak and canoe on Tangalle Lagoon and learn to surf at Anantara Peace Haven Resort.

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Weligama
With its huge horseshoe-shaped bay and gentle waves, Weligama is a hip south coast hotspot for surfing, with a dive centre, snorkelling sessions and surf schools all on offer. Whale watching cruises launch off of Mirissa harbour from November to April giving you a chance to see blue whales, killer whales and pods of spinner and bottle-nose dolphins in their natural habitat.

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Hambantota
Scratch a more adventurous itch in Hambantota, a great beach base for exploring Sri Lanka’s nature and wildlife. It’s a two hour drive from the savannas of Yala National Park, an hour from Udawalawe National Park and just 20 minutes from Bundala National Park. Day trips are topped off with luxury resort relaxation. At Shangri-La Hambantota, an exquisite lake-lined golf course meets glimmering pools perfectly angled barefoot steps from the beach.

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South coast beaches
Sri Lanka’s sleepy south coast is largely uncrowded. Stunning golden sands swaddled by palm trees sweep the coastline. Tangalle and Weligama are two of the most popular beaches; the latter is where the island’s stilt fishermen still make rare appearances. Head to Hiriketiya Beach for surfing action, Goyambokka Beach for picture-perfect scenery and Dickwella Beach for seclusion and serenity. Note that the south coast’s waters are often rough and at certain times of the year are a no swimming zone.

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Marine wildlife
Leave the beach behind to see a world of wildlife in southern Sri Lanka’s National Parks. Our handpicked south coast Sri Lanka hotels are within easy reach of Yala, Bundula and Udawalawe where famous residents include leopards, elephants, flamingos, kingfishers and sea eagles. Want to see whales and dolphins breaching and splashing in the Indian Ocean? From November to April, whale watching cruises take off from Mirissa harbour near Weligama, getting you up close with the world’s most breathtaking marine life.

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