South Coast Beaches: From Galle to Yala
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. Not far from Galle Fort, you’ll come to one of Sri Lanka's most famous and lively hangouts, Unawatuna, before passing through the more grown-up Talpe, Kogalla and out to Weligama, famous for surfing and stick fishermen (locals who spend hours fishing, whilst precariously balanced on small platforms in the sea).
Next you will hit the pristine beach of Mirissa, one of the best spots on the island for whale & dolphin watching trips before passing the famous lighthouse at Dondra-Head, Sri Lanka's most southerly point, and the secluded Mawella Beach before arriving in the town of Tangalle. Known as ‘Tangalla' by the locals, Tangalle is one of the most tempting spots along the coast to stop for a few days. There is a relaxed pace of life here reminiscent of long past Dutch colonial times and on which much of the architecture draws influence. The great beaches continue as you move further east past Rekawa Lagoon, famous for its sea turtles and Hambantota and the Bundala National Park, all the way to Yala.