The coastal belt just beyond Galle and up to Hambantota is commonly referred to as the south coast. More secluded and less-developed than the west coast, the area is famous for its cove-like beaches, turquoise seas, rural fishing villages, untouched wilderness and a mix of ethnic nationalities and cultures. The south coast offers an attractive mix of beaches, history, wildlife and adventure. The new SriLankan Air Taxi service has made this area far more accessible for those on shorter stays.

The beautiful Indian Ocean beaches are undoubtedly the main appeal here. The jagged geography of the coastline, which includes several coral-protected bays and headlands, provides for a greater diversity of beaches than the west coast. The wide and long beaches of Bentota and Induruwa are perfect during the peak season from Dec to April, but during the rest of the year the sea can be choppy. Further south, though, you can find safe swimming and turquoise seas throughout the year – although not all beaches offer safe swimming.

The most famous beaches are Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, Dickwella and Tangalle. But there are many other smaller lesser-known beaches that are also fabulous. You might like Wijeya Beach, for example, which is just south of Unawatuna and is popular with European expatriates because it is protected by a reef and suitable for children. Surfers will like the beaches around Ahangama and Midigama. Closer to Matara, you could explore Polhena and Talalla, a gorgeous crescent-shaped bay. Closer to Tangalle, seek-out Seenimodera (Sugar Bay) which will one day become famous.

Much adventure can be had in the seas surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing and sea-kayaking.  Note, however, that sadly the quality of most coral reefs is poor due to environmental degradation and consequently the scuba diving and snorkeling is not as good as other islands in the Indian Ocean. Experienced scuba divers, though, have the compensation of excellent “wreck diving” right along the coast. Boating trips are also possible along many inland rivers, lakes and lagoons, all teeming with tropical birdlife.  The southern coast also serves as an ideal base to explore the south’s wildlife parks.

• Tissamaharama - Tissa, short for Tissamaharama, is located in the Hambantota district and was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C. A scenic backdrop to Tissamaharama town is provided by the sprawling Tissa Weva (lake), built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago. The scenic Debarawewa Lake is also located near by. The town's landscape is dominated by gigantic semi-circle shaped ancient Buddhist Dagobas (temples) such as the Maha Stupa, Sandagiri dagoba and monestry complex, Yatala and the Menik Dagoba. An Archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom is also located nearby. The serene and tranquil lotus filled lakes attract many species of water birds including cormorant, purple heron, Caspian tern and the painted stork.
  
• Yala National Park - Yala, a nature reserve and national park with a total protected area of 126,768 hectares, is one of the best places to see a wide variety of Sri Lankan wildlife because of its scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections. It also boasts one of the world's densest leopard populations. Sightings have increased in recent times but remain rare. Other game includes elephant, sloth bear, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and buffalos.
  
• Bundala National Park - Bundala is an important and beautiful wetland sanctuary that combines 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub to provide a habitat for over 150 species of birds. The lagoons prove popular with crocodiles while on dry elephants roam. Civets and giant squirrels are also among the more interesting native fauna to Bundala. From October to January also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles who lay their eggs on the parks beaches.
  
• Rekuwa Turtle Conservation Camp - All seven species of marine turtle are endangered and five of them lay their eggs on Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, especially in the far south. We offer a simple night safari in conjunction with turtle conservation authorities in Rekuwa which allows you to learn more about these wonderful creatures and, if you are lucky, observe them coming ashore to lay their eggs.
  
• Scuba Diving - Scuba diving is available in Sri Lanka and around Dickwella, an area with the best coral reefs, there are some of the island’s best dive locations. Spotting bright corals and exotic fish is easy and there is also the opportunity to explore the wrecks of old ships for more experienced divers. There is a PADI dive centre at Dickwella Village Resort. Water visibility is best from Dec to April.
  
• Personal Yoga Instruction - There are a growing number of guesthouses, hotels and retreats offering Yoga now in Sri Lanka. However, some of our clients prefer private tuition and we’re happy to organise this. The easiest area to do this is around Galle but private yoga teachers can also be employed in Bentota and Tangalle. We do not charge for this service and you would need to pay your Yoga teacher direct.
  
• Mirissa Water Sports - Based at Mirissa Harbour, Mirissa Water Sports offers watersports such as sailing, deep sea fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkeling and boating activities for visitors to the south coast.  The centre is a charity working in conjunction with the Belgium government to generate employment for the youth from the tsunami affected coastal areas.
  
• Kataragama - Kataragama, located in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka, is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. It is believed that King Dutugemunu, a warrior king and Sinhala folk hero, built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. During July and August, Kataragama holds a colourful two-week Perehara (festival) in honour of Skandha, the warrior god of Kataragama.  The Perehara depicts Hindu folklore, music and dance forms, as well as fire walking in sacrifice and devotion to God Kataragama.
  
• Ruhuna University - Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka most influential architect, was responsible for linking the ancient architecture of this island with that of the modern world. The Ruhuna University in Matara is an inspiring creation by Bawa for the younger generation of Sri Lanka.  This project enabled him to explore his style of integrating working spaces into a natural landscape.  Built between two hills, this university campus consists of pavilions and courtyards with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.