Explore Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Top places and hidden gems in Southern Province, ready to drop into your itinerary.

Places to visit

A famous coconut-palm cliff viewpoint over Mirissa Bay, one of the most photographed spots on the south coast.

A fortified historic city on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, with Portuguese and Dutch-era fortifications and a living urban community.

A popular sandy beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast, known for swimming, surfing conditions in parts of the bay, and whale-watching trips…

A major protected area in southeastern Sri Lanka known for wildlife safaris and diverse habitats including dry-zone forest, grassland and…

A broad southwest-coast beach and resort area associated with beach recreation and water-based activities.

A mangrove-lined river behind Bentota town, explored by boat safari to spot birdlife and monitor lizards.

A coastal national park of lagoons, wetlands and dry-zone habitats important for resident and migratory birds.

Housed in the oldest surviving Dutch building inside Galle Fort — a single-storey colonnaded commissariat store built in 1656 — the Galle…

A southwest-coast beach destination known for surfing, marine activities and access to the Hikkaduwa coral reef area.

A white peace pagoda on Rumassala overlooking the coast near Unawatuna.

A historic coastal settlement with a historic complex on rocky ground above the sea.

A long beach on the southern coast near Koggala, with a wide sandy shoreline and access to the wider Koggala coastal area.

A long-running turtle conservation centre on the south coast with egg pits, recovery pools, and sometimes a hatchling release.

A coastal wetland system known for mangroves, waterways and boat excursions.

A small tidal rock at the edge of Mirissa Beach with a short climb to a 360-degree coastal view.

A cove near Mirissa Harbour with calmer water than the main beach, popular for swimming and snorkelling.

A long stretch of south-coast shoreline around Tangalle, with sandy beaches, rocky sections and nearby coves.

A large ancient stupa on the edge of Tissamaharama, free to visit.

A sheltered beach near Galle known for its sandy bay and coastal tourism.

A broad bay on Sri Lanka's south coast known for its beach and surf conditions, including beginner-friendly areas in suitable conditions.

A major temple complex near Dikwella, known for its giant seated statue.