South Coast of Sri Lanka is a region of spectacular variety. You will find many of the beautiful beach resorts, rubber and toddy tapping industries, the city of Galle which was a historic stronghold of Portuguese and Dutch rulers, forests, ancient ruins, large national parks, places of worship and more, the south coast has it all. The scenic road from Colombo to the South Coast takes you along the coastal fringe up to the city of Hambantota.
When you are travelling from Colombo, you will first past the beach resort suburb of Mt. Lavinia and approach the Lake Bolgoda between Moratuwa and Panadura. Lake Bolgoda is a popular holiday destination popular among the lovers of water skiing.
You travel further south to reach the Kalutara which is the home of famous Gangatilaka Vihara. It is dagoba or vihara seen miles ahead on the south of Kalu Ganga Bridge. The dagoba has a hollow interior which is beautifully painted depicting various devas and monks of religious significance during the lord buddhas era. There is a Buddha shrine and a bodhi tree alongside the stupa. It is customary that local travellers stop by Gangatilaka Vihara and make a donation or offering to ensure a safe and happy journey to their ultimate destination.
In the by gone years Kalutara was a major centre for the spice trade, mainly cinnamon. The Portuguese, Dutch and the British have had watch points and fortifications in Kalutara during their times of ruling to guard the river entrance to the inland. Today Kalurata is famous for the exotic fruit “Mangosteens” and for the colourful and finest basketery.
Kalutara is also the centre of the thriving rubber industry of Sri Lanka. Rubber Research Institute is in this district in the suburb of Agalawatta which has a model rubber estate which facilitates various studies and research on all aspects of the rubber industry.
We have just detoured to Agalawatta towards the Rubber Research Institute. Our journey will continue soon…….
Soon we will be looking for a holiday villa, beach resort, hotel or any other holiday accommodation in Sri Lanka, to stay during our holiday, we will have a look at LankaHols to find a suitable vacation rental. When we proceed further south towards Galle one of the Sri Lanka Resort villas such as South Point Villa, South Point Cottage or South Point Abbey offered by LankaHols will be quite luxurious to break journey.
Just a few kilometres south of Kalutara is the starting point of the famous beach stretch of the south coast. Beruwala is the starting point , and you will be amazed by the number of hotels and resorts which have sprung up on either side of Galle Road. There is beach accommodation to suit any budget – accommodation to suit the budget seeker to the five star resorts. The next beach suburb we approach is Bentota which offer calm, safe swimming ocean best for swimming from October through April. The beaches in Bentota are so inviting except during the monsoon rains.
As you travel past Bentota right down to Galle, you will observe the “Toddy Tappers” who are young men moving from one coconut tree to the other high up the coconut trees about 30 – 40 feet above ground collecting the sweet milky sap of the coconut blossom known as “toddy”. Toddy is used by the locals as an alcoholic beverage and distilled to make the more potent local alcohol known as “arrack”.
Our next stop will be the coastal town of Kosgoda…..
As we continue our journey further south we approach the village of Kosgoda which is famous for its Turtle hatchery operated by the Wild Life Protections Society of Sri Lanka. There are several endangered species such as the Hawksbill protected and hatched here in a controlled environment. Hawksbill eggs lay uncovered all over the beaches and the caring fishermen in the area bring those eggs to the hatchery. Now hundreds of thousands of young turtles are hatched and released to the sea though the turtle hatchery.
Past Kosgoda we reach the suburb of Ambalangoda most famous for the “Devil Dancers” and Mask carvers. If you are lucky you could attend one of the folk drama performances (you may have to enquire where one is taking place). You will be amazed by the number of mask carvers and shops on either side of the Galle road exhibiting these immensely colourful carved masks. For those who like to explore a piece of history could visit an old Dutch Church which is beside the Ambalangoda Rest House. If you are in a mood for a dip, there is a bathing beach near the rest house. If you care to travel inland to Meetiyagoda (about 10 minute drive from Ambalangoda), you will be in the primary mining district of the gem stone called the “Moonstone”. Slightly milky white in colour, moonstone is used in many kinds of jewellery.
Venture further south and you will arrive at the famous coastal suburb of Hikkaduwa. This is a more vibrant town with various craft shops and boutiques selling batik clothing , colourful masks and jewellery. The area is scattered with cheap eating places and ideal for budget travellers looking for cheaper accommodation. The low end accommodation is more visible in Narigama the southern end of Hikkaduwa. Now the more luxurious resorts have also found Hikkaduwa to be their home to accommodate the moneyed tourist. The beaches are ideal for surfing and the coral reef area is famous for snorkelling. If you are not the type who enjoy snorkelling, a glass bottom boat will take you on a tour for you to enjoy the underwater marine attractions.
During the journey south you will be amazed by the number of fisherman in the sea who are fishing on stilts. The stretch from Koggala through Ahangama to Weligama is famous for stilt fisherman.
From here we will continue our journey towards Galle the most famous township in the south coast of Sri Lanka…..
The most significant of all is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort in which the central city of Galle is contained. The locality of Galle made it a strategic location for a port and did became a significant port of call for centuries. Thus the city became a trading centre resulting in a wealthy cosmopolitan population. The Galle Fort still retains tell tale signs of the battles among the locals and the invaders which took place during the by gone era. You will no doubt enjoy a walk around the modern city of Galle admiring the old cannon mounts and looking far ahead into the sea watching the fisherman going on with their daily work routine. For those who appreciate a piece of history could visit the “Groote Kerk” the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka. If you happen to explore Galle, you will notice several colonial mansions preserved and used as private residences and guest houses. If you are looking for a place to rest and spend a few days, check out one of the villas in the South Coast, or a resort in Sri Lanka Galle offered by OzeHols. Staying in South Point Villa, South Point Abbey and South Point Cottages will provide you all the luxury you deserve.
From Galle if you travel inland you could reach the low country teal plantations in Deniyaya. About 80 kilometers from Galle inland towards Deniyaya is also the best entry point to Sri Lanka’s best known rainforest “Sinharaja Forest”. The vegetation in the forest is diverse and so are the wild life.
