South Sri Lanka Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

We were a bit fearful of being washed out by the monsoon rains when we arrived in Mirissa during August. And then we were greeted by this.....! Beautiful sand, monster waves and windswept coconut trees combine to make this the perfect stop en route from Galle to Sri Lanka's east coast.
Off the grid. On a tree top. Built with local materials. Dry decomposting toilets. Surrounded by rice paddies. 20 minute bicycle ride to the Hikkaduwa beach... A serendipitous find in Sri Lanka! 

#theshootingstar #srilanka #offthegrid #hikkaduwa #offbeat
Loved our stay in Koggala Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka. The beach was dreamy. #beach
Just fewmoments befor the storm came we had discovered this small island near to the beach, where you have to go trough the ocean and go upstairs.
#BeachBound
Ritipanna is the Sinhalese term for stilt fishing, which is a traditional method for fishing practiced by most fishermen along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This art is popularly seen in areas such as Ahangama, Koggala, Welipenna, Kathaluwa and Thalarambe. A narrow pole is tied to a stick that is anchored on the sea bed. Fisher folk climb onto this stick and settle on the pole for a few hours in an effort to catch some fish.

Fishermen found on stilts are those who do not have access to sophisticated equipment for fishing. These men can make a living simply with the help of two wooden poles to make a stilt. One pole is nailed onto the sea bed and the other is placed like a cross bar and acts as a plank for the fishermen to sit on. Each stilt can accommodate only one fisherman. For catching fish, they create a rod made of Kithul, and a small plastic bag is tied around their waist to hold the fish that they catch. With one hand they hold onto the stilt and with the other they hold the rod that catches fish. The tradition of stilt fishing will always be practiced by those who cannot afford to invest in modern fishing equipment.

#likealocal

Where to stay in South Sri Lanka Coast

The lighthouse at Galle Fort

Fort Galle

If you're spending some time in Fort Galle, Galle Fort and Historical Mansion are top sights worth seeing.

Fort Galle
Sunset at Wijaya Beach

Talpe

Unique features of Talpe include the seaside views and gardens. Make a stop by Koggala Beach or Mihiripenna Beach while you're exploring the area.

Talpe
Unesco site, Galle Fort, in Sri Lanka

Cheena Kotuwa

If you're spending some time in Cheena Kotuwa, Galle Fort and Galle International Cricket Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Cheena Kotuwa
Beach hopping

Habaraduwa

If you're spending some time in Habaraduwa, Koggala Lake and Eagles' Catalina Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Habaraduwa
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Bolgoda

While Bolgoda may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wadduwa Beach and Panadura Beach.

Bolgoda
Boy with king coconuts at roadside, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. King coconuts or thembili are sweeter than normal coconuts and can also be used in ayurveda. We visited the island of Sri Lanka in 2017.

Kalutara South

While Kalutara South isn't home to many top sights, Kalutara Bodhiya and Kalatura Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kalutara South
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
700 Matara Road, Pelana Weligama
The price is ฿7,861 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
฿7,861
฿10,561 total
7 Apr - 8 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (257 reviews)
Brilliant property with amazing sea view rooms. good surfing at the beach. very good staff.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Hotel Riu Sri Lanka - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Sri Lanka - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Galle Road Ahungalla Southern Province
The price is ฿5,615 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿5,615
฿7,355 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Ahungalla. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Ahungalla Beach and Kosgoda Spice Garden are ...
Hotel Riu Sri Lanka - All Inclusive
Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Radisson Blu Resort Galle

5 out of 5
523C Galle Road, Ginthota Galle
The price is ฿5,625 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
฿5,625
฿7,557 total
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Galle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Mahamodara Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (254 reviews)
Clean, amenities, location

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Radisson Blu Resort Galle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceanfront Galle by ICC

Oceanfront Galle by ICC

4.5 out of 5
463 Colombo - Galle Main Rd Galle SP
Stay at this luxury apartment in Galle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Mahamodara Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
Rooms were very clean and very roomy. Pool was lovely but cool built on shaded side of buildings. Little further out than I thought. Restaurant was handy and okay for food or drinks.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Oceanfront Galle by ICC
Cozy Sea View Inn

Cozy Sea View Inn

3.5 out of 5
Amarasena Mawatha Hikkaduwa SP
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hikkaduwa Beach and Hikkaduwa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Vi blev uppgraderade till ett större rum helt utan kostnad. Rummet var jättefint och välstädat. Gillade att det fanns balkong och minikyl. God mat på restaurangen och mysig miljö. Personalen, framförallt en kille va supertrevlig och hjälpte oss ringa runt när min mobil gått sönder för att få tag ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Cozy Sea View Inn
Villa Upper Dickson

Villa Upper Dickson

3 out of 5
7, Upper Dickson Road Galle
Stay at this villa in Galle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Galle International Cricket Stadium are ...
7.8/10 Good! (27 reviews)
Everything was good Manager very helpful for tuk tuk and restaurants

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Villa Upper Dickson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near South Sri Lanka Coast