Being an island, Sri Lanka is encircled with pristine beaches and it is customary to spend the last few days of your tour in Sri Lanka in a beach location, particularly in the South. The best season to cover Southern beaches is during the peak season from November to April. These beach cities amalgamate culture, nature, adventure, history, and nightlife thereby making this area a mandatory component in any tour to Sri Lanka.
Some of the activities available in the area include whales and dolphins watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, lagoon boat rides and a multitude of water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, flyboarding, surfing. If you’re looking for less adventurous fun games, you can enjoy banana boat rides, sofa rides, donut rides and other many mini water games as well.
Galle fort – is one of the best places to visit for a wowing historical and cultural experience. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sri Lanka. The fort initially established by the Portuguese in 1588 was heavily fortified later by the Dutch hence up to this day it is recognized as one of the well preserved Dutch forts of which its earliest inhabitants still own some of the properties inside of it. Galle fort illustrates early European architecture, multi religious and multi ethnic influence, chic cafes which best represents mouthwatering Sri Lankan and international cuisine. Strolling through the pebbled old streets on a perfect evening will be a one of a kind experience that cannot be gained anywhere else in the country.
Unawatuna – This is one of the most popular beaches usually packed with tourists. The turquoise water, palm tree lines and small boutiques lined up in the narrow alleys creates a perfect beach energy. The city is active both day and night allowing the travelers to enjoy their beach stay ardently.
Jungle beach and Rumassala Forest Reserve – Hidden in a dense forest, is another pristine blue water beach. As the name suggests, Jungle Beach is accessible through Rumassala forest reserve which is also of historic importance. The legend of Rumassala is closely linked with the epic tale of Rama and Sita; A kidnapped princess, a heroic battle to save her, a fallen warrior, a flying demi god carrying a holy mountain of herbs from Himalaya to Lankapura to save him. It is believed that five pieces of this mountain were scattered in different places in Sri Lanka, of which Rumassala is one.
A trek in the forest reserve would also be a wonderful experience. It’s also known as the Himalayas in Sri Lanka as it is home for herbs which can only be found in the Himalayas. There is a fake lighthouse built by the British to thwart the enemy ships from reaching galle fort. Guided by the light of this pillar, enemy ships sailed towards Jungle beach believing it to be the Galle harbor but were demolished by the natural rock beds close to the beach. These shipwrecks are still being discovered by divers from the ocean bed in close waters to the Jungle beach. Do not forget to visit the temple and the statue of the demi-god Hanuman, who is believed to be the reason why Rumassala stands in its place today.
Madu River boat ride – – This is one of the most popular activities available in the South. The ride comprises a mandatory stop at the cinnamon island where you can see the process of extracting cinnamon while enjoying a cup of cinnamon tea. Next you will stop for a fish foot therapy for another fun-filled experience. The boat circles around Madu river allowing you to spot a variety of wading birds while appreciating the mangroves. They take you through a mangrove tunnel which would be a bewildering moment which gives you plenty of photo opportunities. Sit back and enjoy a good hour or two in the Madu river during your stay in the South.
Neluwa Doowili Ella Falls and Sinharaja Forest Reserve – – Sinharaja Rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot which has international recognition as a Biosphere reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located mere 2 hours away from Galle, this excursion will take you to a completely different part of Southern Sri Lanka which is more like the Amazon. Waterfall trekking, birthwatching, hiking and photography tours are quite popular in this forest which gets rainfall throughout the year. Doowili Ella is a waterfall located at the South West of the reserve which can be easily accessible through Galle. You can climb uphill and enjoy the beauty of the cascading waters from different viewpoints. ‘Doowili’, meaning ‘dust’ symbolizes the misty atmosphere the water creates around the waterfall when pouring down. There are two artificial pools built by diverting the water from the waterfall for the visitors to enjoy a swim.
Hirikatiya beach – This is a stunning beach location in Sri Lanka perfect for surfing or swimming. The small bay outlined by coconut trees and vibrant cafes adds more colour and diversity to your time spent here.
Thalpe beach – Thalpe too is a relatively quiet beach which is most popular for its square shaped small pools cut in the corrals. It is said that these pools were created approximately 50 years ago to soak coconut husks to extract coir. This is another #viral photography location which offers a beautiful setting for great pictures for your honeymoon album. This beach is a good place to learn about the ordinary lifestyle of locals in a fishing village. Stilt fishermen are a frequent sight in the area. Feel free to hop onto a stilt to experience an authentic and traditional practice of fishing, which can only be seen in Sri Lanka.
Secret beach, Mirissa – This beach is comparatively difficult to reach but worth all effort. This secluded beach is one of the best places to capture insta-worthy sunset pictures. It is popular for the small bay that looks stunning for drone captures. Be aware that the beach is not fine sand, but is rich in crushed sea shells. This beach is a perfect place for snorkeling.
Yala , Udawalawe and Bundala National Parks – Surprisingly, all three of these national parks are easily accessible from Tangalle. We personally prefer Udawalawe national park over the most popular Yala National park as it might be too crowded in Yala during the peak season. However Yala is more well known for leopard sightings. Bundala is the least popular of the three among locals and foreigners, but one of the best places to have a short safari to cover fauna living close to wetlands.
Mulkirigala Ancient Temple – Nestled on top of a huge natural rock, this temple is one of the ancient sites constructed by a king and later received royal patronage by numerous successive kings. This is one of the Raja Maha Viharas (Temple of Great Kings) in Sri Lanka which is recognized as an important archeology site. Its most extraordinary location, cave temple complex, murals and monuments, granite steps to access each chamber and the ancient architecture makes the visit to this temple much worthy of your time.
Ariyapala Mask Museum – The art of Sri Lankan Masks was existing from time immemorial. Mask carving is a local tradition in the southern coastal region in Sri Lanka.This skill is passed on from one generation to another. Currently Ariyapala bloodline is passing its 7th generation of mask making, puppetry and traditional low country dancing. Visit their museum, showroom and the workshop to experience this colorful, eerie and fascinating traditional industry.
Birds park and research center – This is one of Asia’s largest Birds Parks and Research Centres. This is home to over 3200 birds of around 180 exotic varieties. The park consists of a bird breeding center to conserve and protect Asia’s endangered species. Enjoy the great opportunity to feed macaws and conures while they rest on your head, shoulders and arms. This is another great place to capture beautiful memories for your honeymoon tour in Paradise.
