THE SOUTH & SOUTHWEST COAST
This quintessential tropical paradise features a magnificent ribbon of golden beaches, historic colonial architecture, and world-class surfing. It’s the ultimate region for relaxation, water sports, and exploring charming coastal towns with a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
Why Visit The South & Southwest Coast?
Pristine Beaches & Surf: Discover sweeping bays like Mirissa and Unawatuna, offering everything from calm swimming to beginner and intermediate surf breaks.
Galle Fort History: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort, a perfectly preserved colonial town with Dutch-era streets and ramparts.
Whale Watching: The waters off Mirissa are a top global spot for Blue Whale sightings, with the main season running from December to April.
Smart Travel
Peak Season (December–April): This is the dry season and the best time for beach relaxation, water sports, and whale watching, but expect higher prices and larger crowds.
Shoulder Season (November and May): You’ll find better value on accommodation and fewer crowds, with mostly sunny mornings and occasional afternoon showers as the monsoon changes.
Deep Off-Season (May–September): This is the Southwest Monsoon season. Expect heavier rain and choppier seas, though beaches are quiet and prices are lowest—the East Coast is better during this time.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Galle Fort
This fortified city is the cultural heart of the South Coast. Wander its cobbled lanes, browse boutique shops and galleries, and walk the ancient ramparts for sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Your Smart Tip: To fully appreciate its charm, stay inside the Fort for at least one night to enjoy the peaceful early mornings before the day-trippers arrive.
Mirissa & Weligama
Mirissa is the hub for whale watching and has a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach perfect for relaxing. Weligama, right next door, is famous for its gentle waves, making it one of the best spots for beginner surfers.
Your Smart Tip: If you’re a beginner surfer, bypass the busier breaks and book a lesson at one of the many surf schools in Weligama.
Unawatuna & Hikkaduwa
Unawatuna is a curved, sheltered beach ideal for swimming, while Hikkaduwa, further north, is known for its vibrant nightlife, reef snorkeling, and opportunities to swim with large sea turtles right off the shore.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda near Unawatuna for a spectacular, quiet viewpoint and a moment of serenity away from the busy beaches.
Tangalle & Hiriketiya
These areas offer a more secluded and wild coastal experience further east. Tangalle is known for its wide, undeveloped beaches, while Hiriketiya is a beautiful horseshoe bay that has become a favourite with a trendy, laid-back surf crowd.
Your Smart Tip: In Hiriketiya, spend an evening at a local beach bar and try a Wood Apple Raki, a strong local spirit mixed with the distinctive Sri Lankan fruit.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
This region is tropical and experiences high temperatures year-round (around 30°C/86°F). The climate is heavily influenced by the Southwest (Yala) Monsoon from May to September, which brings rain.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Dress Code: Beachwear is fine on the sand, but when walking through towns or visiting temples (even small roadside ones), wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.
Tuk-Tuks: Always agree on the fare before getting into a tuk-tuk, or use a ride-hailing app like PickMe if available in the area for fixed pricing.
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included; otherwise, 10% is standard for good service.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Basic Guesthouse/Hostel ($10–$25), Mid-range Hotel/Boutique Villa ($40–$80), Luxury Resort ($100+).
Food: Local Rice & Curry Meal ($3–$6), Dinner at Mid-range Restaurant ($10–$20 per person), Seafood Platter/Fine Dining ($30+).
Transport: Intercity Bus Ticket ($1–$3), Coastal Train Ticket ($1–$4), Long-distance Tuk-Tuk Ride ($5–$15).
Activities: Surf Lesson ($20–$30), Whale Watching Tour ($40–$60).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$60 (guesthouses, local food, bus travel).
- Mid-range: $70–$120 (mid-range hotels, tourist restaurants, tuk-tuks).
- Luxury: $150+ (boutique resorts, private transfers, exclusive activities).
Getting Around
By Train: The coastal train line is efficient and extremely scenic, connecting many key towns like Colombo, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, and Galle.
By Bus: The public bus network is very cheap, fast, and frequent, but can be crowded and aggressive.
By Tuk-Tuk: The most common form of transport for short distances. They are readily available and should be negotiated before the ride.
Must-Try Food
Fish Ambul Thiyal (Fish Curry – Ahm-bull Tee-yal): A sour and tangy fish curry, typically made with tuna and a blend of black pepper and goraka (Malabar tamarind).
Kottu (Kot-too): Shredded godhuma roti (flatbread) stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and/or meat—a famous street food dish often made with a rhythmic clanking sound.
Seafood Platter: Freshly caught fish, prawns, and squid often grilled on the beach at night, a specialty of the coastal area.
Devilled Dishes: Meat or seafood cooked in a sweet and sour sauce with chilli, capsicum, and onions (a popular bar food).
String Hoppers (Idiyappam): Steamed rice-flour noodles, typically served for breakfast with curry and sambol.
Egg Hopper (Appa): A bowl-shaped rice pancake with a fried egg cooked into the centre, a classic breakfast or snack.
Pol Sambol: A fresh condiment of grated coconut, chillies, lime juice, and spices, served as a mandatory side with most meals.
Watalappam (Wad-ah-lah-pum): A steamed coconut custard pudding made with kithul jaggery (palm sugar) and spices like cardamon.
Curd with Kithul Treacle: Thick buffalo milk curd (like yogurt) drizzled with dark, sticky kithul (palm) syrup—a perfect dessert.
Short Eats: A term for baked or deep-fried savoury snacks (e.g., patties, fish buns) found in bakeries and tea stalls.
Must-Try Drinks
Lion Lager/Stout: The most popular local beers, widely available in beach bars and restaurants.
Arrack: A potent local spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flower (similar to rum). It’s often mixed with soda, ginger beer, or fresh juice.
Coconut Water (King Coconut): A golden-husked coconut, sweeter than the green variety, which is the ultimate natural electrolyte.
Fresh Fruit Juices & Smoothies: Made with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, passion fruit, and wood apple.
Ceylon Tea: World-famous black tea, often served strong, milky, and very sweet.
Iced Coffee: Often served with condensed milk, perfect for a hot day.
Wood Apple Juice: A unique, tangy-sweet beverage made from the distinctive wood apple fruit.
Ginger Beer: A non-alcoholic, spicy and refreshing drink, a colonial legacy.