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Why Visit the South Coast of Sri Lanka?

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Why Visit the South Coast of Sri Lanka?
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  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
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Experience Travel Group

The south coast of Sri Lanka covers the area from the beaches just east of Galle down to the port of Hambantota. The beaches here are generally far less touristy than those of the busier west coast; it's not unusual to find yourself alone on long, dreamy stretches of palm-fringed sand, especially east of Matara. Broadly speaking, as you get further east, it becomes more remote and less busy. Some of the prettiest bays in the country are found on this stretch of coast, and the region is regarded as truly Sri Lankan and a bastion of Sinhala patriotism.

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    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
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    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The South Coast
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North

We have covered Galle itself in a separate section and will concentrate here on the beaches and other attractions further to the east in what is known as the 'deep south' of Sri Lanka. Although it is far less visited than the Galle region, the south coast has some of the very best boutique hotels and luxury resorts in the country. 

Mirissa is one of the prettiest bays on the coast and retains some of the ambiences of a sleepy fishing village. Further along the coast is Thalaramba: this long stretch of beach is home to several small resorts and is close enough to Mirissa to provide options for evening entertainment. 

Just beyond Matara, with its pleasant walled Dutch fort, there are several quiet beaches with a selection of peaceful places to stay. 

Skimming across many interesting spots, the next concentration of hotels are in and around Tangalle. Four main beaches and several smaller coves make up one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas in Sri Lanka. There is plenty to see and do in the area and several good restaurants. Experience Travel Group have several exclusive experiences in the region - ask our consultants for more details - and the rock monastery at Mulgirigala is a must-visit. Beware, though, that this area is very spread out and moving around takes time. 

The deep south of Sri Lanka is also home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. You have access to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, whilst Bundala National Park and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary are close to Tangalle.

 

Popular Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas:

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

This holiday is ideal for those who love nature, especially birdlife. Visit the beautiful rainforests, coast, and wetlands of Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

Calling wildlife enthusiasts. Travel off-the-beaten-track with expert guides in search of elephants, leopards, whales and far more.

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Enjoy the incredible wildlife of animals without missing the astonishing scenery, glorious beaches and local life.

Nature & Wildlife Explorer

Nature & Wildlife Explorer

Gorgeous scenery, birdlife, and the varied animal population that Sri Lanka has to offer, staying in tucked away hotels.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The South Coast
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Search
  • Contact Us
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