Colombo and the South Coast

Iconic stilt fishermen, coconut-ladened palms and swathes of golden sand make the beaches of the south coast some of the finest in the country. Add in UNESCO-listed Galle, luxurious resorts and the vibrancy of the capital and the appeal of Sri Lanka’s south-western corner is clear for all to see.

Colombo is a melting pot for the many colours, cultures and characteristics that make up this island nation, condensing them into a medley of markets, gardens and historical sites, all set against a sweeping slice of beachfront.

Head south from the capital and the picture soon changes. Radiant-green rice paddies and forests of swaying palm trees contrast with endless beaches and an ocean of rich turquoise. Bentota and Hikkaduwa offer high-end resorts between Colombo and Galle, with the latter’s marine park offering wonderful opportunities to spot turtles in the shallows.

Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort enchants with its walkable ramparts, maze of cobbled streets and evocative Dutch architecture. Weligama’s long sandy beach and gently breaking waves create the perfect conditions to learn to surf. While Dondra Head Lighthouse provides an exclamation mark to Sri Lanka’s southernmost point en route to Tangalle, whose picture-postcard beaches provide nesting sites for turtles.