Highlights of Southern Sri Lanka

The South Coast is a microcosm of what can be offered across Sri Lanka - home to some of its most idyllic beaches, a handful of incredible national parks, and deep colonial influences. First stop is Galle on the South-West corner, with its beautifully preserved historic Fort area, sea wall, and lighthouse – a delight to stroll around. Just outside of Galle is the popular beach town of Unawatuna, and slightly further east are the equally pristine beaches of Koggala, Mirissa, and Welligama – the latter home to the famous South Coast stilt fishermen. Any of these, plus busy Matara or blissful Tangalle make great bases for exploring the world-famous National Parks at Yala (best chance for seeing leopards), Bundala (a twitcher’s paradise), and Uda Walawe (herds of wild elephants). There is a new international airport at Hambantota, which allows visitors to fly straight to this part of the Island, making the beaches and wildlife of the South coast more accessible.

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Galle is an undeniably charming city on the south coast of Sri Lanka. At the centre of the city is the world famous and UNESCO protected Dutch Fort, around which a modern city has sprung into life providing the visitor with an interesting juxtaposition between new and old.

Sinharaja is Sri Lanka’s best preserved area of rainforest and a fantastic area for bird-watching and more species of tree per square metre than on any other spot on the planet.

Stretching out to the east of Galle lies 170km of magical coastline, dotted all the way along with small fishing towns, golden sandy beaches and fantastic hotels.

Uda Walawe is one of the largest and most well-known national parks in Sri Lanka. It houses some of the best spots in the country for seeing wild elephants and there are some fantastic bird-watching opportunities.

Yala is Sri Lanka's most famous and well established National Park and is also considered to have one of the most abundant and accessible wildlife populations in all of Asia. Visitors stand a good chance of seeing herds of Elephants, a huge variety of bird and reptilian life and the park is one of the best places anywhere for spotting leopards.