South Coast
The South Coast of Sri Lanka is one of the major key
players of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. This reason which stretches
from Galle to Hambontota, blessed with widest range of island’s virgin
beaches, vast tea estates, fragrant spice gardens, numerous cultural
centres, and biodiversity zones.
From small fishing villages of Unawatuna to the colonial port of Galle, the
South Coast is a region to cherish. This region is an ideal for those
vacationers who are on the lookout for a fantastic beach holiday with a
distinct difference.
Galle:
Historic city of Galle is the pride of South coast region of
Sri Lanka and remains the highlight of Sri Lanka tourism. Colorful history
of Galle exhibits its strong connection with Portuguese and Dutch, who has
invaded this main port city of Sri lanka. Galle reached its height of
development during the 18th century, when Dutch took over the city from
Portuguese and turned Galle into one of the best fortified city of
South-east Asia. Thanks to its Dutch Fort, Galle is designated as a World
Heritage City. Other striking landmarks of Galle city are Natural Harbour,
the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral established by
Jesuit Priests, a Lord Shiva Temple and Galle International Cricket Ground,
Amangalla, the historic luxury hotel.
This amazing city is the capital of Southern Province and is just 116 km
from Colombo. And is connected to Colombo and Matara by railways. The most
suitable time to visit Galle is from October to April.
Unawatuna:
Another precious gem of Sri Lanka’s South Coast is
Unawatuna. Positioned in the Galle district, Unawatuna is a coastal fishing
hamlet and a major tourist attraction of the country for its curving golden
beach and coral reefs. However, the beach is very narrow; it is acclaimed
amongst 12 best beaches in the world. There is a reef protecting the beach,
which makes it safe for bathing. Other activities in which vacationers can
engage themselves are sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
Unawatuna is a rich biodiversity zone and developed as an eco-tourism
destination. It houses the marsh land or mangrove called Kadolana and over
sixty species of endemic birds, including Terns, Egrets, Herons, Sandpipers,
Kingfishers, as well as rarer species such as the Lesser Whistling Duck, the
Asian Palm Swift, the White Breasted Waterhen, the Turnstone Loten's
Sunbird, the Black Bittern and a Great Variety of Fish and Turtles.
Apart from its natural beauty, Unawatuna also has mythological significance.
According to Ramayana Epic, it is the very piece of land which ‘fell-down”
when the monkey-warrior Hanuman lifted the entire mountain from Himalayas
and carried it to battle field to save wounded Lakshman, as this mountain
have the medicinal herbs like mritasanjeevani, vishalyakarani,
suvarnakarani, and sandhani. So, an edifice is being built in honour of
Hanuman on the harbour end of Rumassala Hill by Japanese monks of the
Mahayana sect of Buddhism near the Peace Pagoda that they built. Buildings
of Dutch architectural design are also worth visiting.
Matara:
The scenic town of Matara is one of the largest cities of
South coast region of Sri Lanka. Matara is easily accessible from Colombo as
it is the terminus of coastal rail line. Matara is very popular among the
holidaymakers due to its natural treasures such as white sandy beaches, lush
paddy fields, verdant tea estates, and aromatic spice gardens
Apart from these natural wonders, this town still exhibits the Portuguese
and Dutch touch as it was ruled by both these European countries. Matara
Fort is the best example of Dutch architecture. It is a star shaped
structure fort, which is very unique and unusual. This fort houses an old
Dutch church and some Dutch and British era monuments. Matara town also has
some nearby attractions like Dondra Point and Wewurukannala Vihara.
Dondra Point means “the city of gods” and is located about 6 km
east of Matara. It is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka facing the Indian
Ocean and has a 54m high lighthouse which provides guidance to ships.
Located just 2km from Matara town, Wewurukannala Vihara is famous for its 50
high statue of Lord Buddha. It was built in 1960.
Weligama:
Literally mean as “Sandy village”, Weligama is
a picturesque beach resort, located in South coast of Sri Lanka. It lies in
the Matara district at a distance of 143 km from Colombo city and ideal for
leisure holiday. Weligama is idyllic fishing villages where one can also see
the famous stilt fishermen engage in their work. Weligama is more than a
beach destination. Its serene surrounding which is dotted with ancient
temples, spice gardens, natural sanctuaries, and rubber and coconut
plantations will surely charm you at the very first glimpse. Another
attraction of this quiet fishing village is its traditional devil dance.
Devil dances are mainly organized to treat illness of a person.
Tangalle:
Last but not the least; Tangalle is also a coastal town,
located in South Coast of Sri Lanka. Lies in the Hambantota district,
Tangalle is famous golden sandy beaches, turquoise lagoon and Udawalawe
National Park. This national park is home to several thousands of elephants
and other wildlife species. It is the only town in Sri Lanka which has a
ship shape hotel known as Tangalle Bay Hotel.
