South Sri Lanka Coast

Travel 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

While visiting Fort Galle, you might make a stop by sights like Galle Fort and Historical Mansion.

Fort Galle
Sunset at Wijaya Beach

Talpe

Unique features of Talpe include the seaside views and gardens. Make a stop by Mihiripenna Beach or Koggala 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
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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Kalutara South and surrounding area, you can visit Kalutara Bodhiya and Kalatura Beach.

Kalutara South
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Bolgoda

While Bolgoda isn't home to many top sights, Wadduwa Beach and Panadura Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bolgoda
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
700 Matara Road, Pelana Weligama
The price is NT$8,293 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$8,293
NT$11,140 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
Modern, spacious room with a stunning view of Weligama Bay. Very comfortable and perfect for a relaxing beach stay.

Reviewed on 2026/3/14

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 NT$5,466 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
NT$5,466
NT$7,160 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury property in Ahungalla. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ahungalla Beach and Kosgoda Spice Garden ...
Hotel Riu Sri Lanka - All Inclusive
Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Radisson Blu Resort Galle

5 out of 5
523C Galle Road, Ginthota Galle
Fully refundable
The price is NT$4,899 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
NT$4,899
NT$6,582 total
Mar 25 - Mar 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Mahamodara Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (254 reviews)
Clean, amenities, location

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

Radisson Blu Resort Galle
See all 3,014 properties in South Sri Lanka Coast
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
Book a stay at this luxury apartment in Galle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Mahamodara Beach are ...
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 2026/3/10

Oceanfront Galle by ICC
Cozy Sea View Inn

Cozy Sea View Inn

3.5 out of 5
Amarasena Mawatha Hikkaduwa SP
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hikkaduwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hikkaduwa Beach ...
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 2026/2/22

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 WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Galle International Cricket Stadium are ...
Villa Upper Dickson
See all properties in South Sri Lanka Coast
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

Outdoor restaurant at the luxury hotel with a ocean view, Bentota, Sri Lanka

Bentota Beach

4/5(27 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Bentota Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Bentota.

Bentota Beach
Hiriketiya Beach. A surfer’s paradise. Located in the south of Sri Lanka. #LifeatExpedia #SriLanka

Hiriketiya Beach

5/5(3 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Hiriketiya Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Dikwella. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Hiriketiya Beach
The lighthouse at Galle Fort

Galle Fort

4.5/5(72 reviews)

Find out about the history of Fort Galle with a stop at Galle Fort. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Galle Fort
Jungle Beach was a twenty minute walk from Unawatuna. Situated in a clam bay so hardly any big waves and perfect water temperature. Gorgeous little beach with sun beds and a bar with amazing fresh juice. They also do beach parties. Lots of monkeys around from the forest, so mind your belongings. #beach

Jungle Beach

4/5(14 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Jungle Beach during your travels in Rumassala?

Jungle Beach
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Moragalla Beach

4/5(3 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Moragalla Beach during your travels in Beruwala?

Moragalla Beach
At the start of the beautiful Secret Beach

Secret Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Secret Beach during your trip to Mirissa? Stroll along the waterfront or visit the temples while you're in the area.

Secret Beach

Cities near South Sri Lanka Coast

Weligama showing a sandy beach, surf and a sunset

Weligama

Sri Lanka beach and palm trees

Matara

Mirissa

Mirissa