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Galle & South Coast holidays
The South Coast of Sri Lanka and Galle Is the perfect blend of golden beaches, luscious landscapes, and vibrant culture. Read on to discover the ultimate guide for Sri Lankan South Coast holidays, as there is so much more to see here...
- Flight time
- 10h30
- From London
- Currency
- Rs
- Sri Lankan Rupee
- Time zone
- GMT +5h30
Package holidays to Galle and South Coast
Getting to Galle & the South Coast
Galle is located on the lively South Coast of Sri Lanka. The nearest airport to Galle is Koggala, approximately 13km west of Weligama and about 7.7 miles east of Galle, equating to 60 minutes of driving downtown. Other alternative airports include Ratmalana (RML), Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) and Weerawila Airport (WRZ).
Traveling down the South Coast you’ll find many luminous, beachfront towns within this district such as Tangalle, Mirissa, Hambantota, Unawatuna plus many more. Most hotels offer their own service transport from the airport which could be included in your package.
Average weather in Galle and South Coast
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Holidays in Galle & the South Coast
Whether you want to party or spend the night in a trendy bar, there are plenty of options on the south coast. From the Lady Hill DJ bar, which serves delicious appetisers and rainbow cocktails in Galle, to Wiyaya Beach Talpe, where you can enjoy a lively soundtrack late into the evening as the tangerine sun descends behind Frog Rock.
To round off the evening in style, head to the Tamarind Hill Bar, located in an inn with a familiar name. Drink in a warm atmosphere, surrounded by lush cocktails and classic spirits, in an elegant and melodious lounge.
The Tiki Cliff Bar in Weligama promises a majestic cliff-top evening of purple and pink sunsets, followed by Friday night dancing under the stars. The party starts at 11am and DJs are on deck with a great mix of RNB, Hip-Hop, Disco, Reggaeton, and more. Expect a cross between the Caribbean and Vegas in a laid-back atmosphere.
Inside the famous Galle Fort Square, you'll find restaurants and cafes that will give you a taste of Sri Lankan flavours. The Tuna & the Crab restaurant offers mouth-watering seafood dishes, such as locally sourced crabs served in a creamy garlic and chilli sauce, accompanied by kade paan (bread).
For elegant dining overlooking the pristine Indian Ocean, Wiyaya Beach Restaurant boasts a magnificent golden beach surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon. Curries, pastas, pizzas, seafood and salads are graciously served on a glistening pavilion. After this exquisite meal, admire the colours of the sunset or take your family for an after-dinner swim in the sea!
The shopping centres and markets of Sri Lanka's south coast have an undeniable charm. Galle has a multitude of shopping centres, boutiques and tourist shops that line the colourful harbour. Kotuwe Kade and Weligama Shopping Complex offer all kinds of shops selling clothes, jewellery, food and cosmetics.
Activities in Galle & South Coast
Galle and the south coast is a playground of breathtaking natural scenery and rustic golden beaches. You'll find a perfect blend of vibrant culture and bohemian lifestyle, as well as plenty to see and experience on land or in the sparkling Indian Ocean.
Watersports
Diving in Galle & South Coast
With its clear turquoise waters and magnificent marine life, Sri Lanka's south coast offers some of the best diving in the country! In Unawatuna alone, you can choose from 16 dive sites to suit your level of experience. Expect rock dives, reef dives, night dives and wreck dives on prestigious rainbow reefs home to a multitude of tropical fish such as rays, eels, napoleons and whale sharks; if you're lucky, you'll encounter them on the island between January and March!
Dive the famous Galle wreck at a depth of 18 metres, located near Galle harbour, or if you fancy a deeper adventure, discover the Rangoon wreck, lying at 30 metres!
Surfing in Galle & South Coast
Sri Lanka is a famous surfing destination that caters for everyone. Here on the south coast, you hit the jackpot by combining wild waves with clear, sapphire waters, creating idyllic weather conditions for a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer.
The best beaches for surfing are Weligama, Unawatuna, Kabalana, Mirissa or Hikkaduwa. With easy access to the waves, you'll find a wide choice of surf camps, and don't be surprised to see some snorkellers! The beaches are vast and public. Surf a long stretch of pristine coastline, then relax under the emerald palms.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Galle & South Coast
Head to Bentota for an exhilarating cruise on blue seas tinged with the silhouette of coconut palms and mangroves. The calm waters offer an idyllic start for beginners on the Bentota River. We recommend sailing and embarking on the south-west coast between November and April, before the monsoon season.
Sailing in Galle & South Coast
Sailing is an extraordinary opportunity to observe the world's largest mammal, the blue whale, amongst a plethora of other species such as dolphins and turtles! With numerous beaches lining the coastal arc between Kirinda and Hambantota, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to hiring sailing trips. Set sail from Jungle Beach, Tangalle, Unawatuna, or a beach of your choice, and experience unforgettable pastel sunsets or sunrises.
Fishing in Galle & South Coast
Luckily for you, Sri Lanka offers a multitude of fishing spots throughout the country. Master the art of luring your catch with bait by sitting on bamboo stilts, a technique handed down from generation to generation (or Ritipanna in Sinhalese), or head for the deep, azure waters teeming with a variety of marine residents such as tuna, mackerel, barracuda or Wahoo linefish.
Canoeing & kayaking in Galle & South Coast
You won't be able to resist the calm, clear waters that surround the south coast and Galle. With a sublime location, picturesque landscapes and a reflecting sea, spread over 103 rivers and ancient canals, you'll discover a serene peace surrounded by natural beauty. The best places for kayaking are Bentota, Ahungalla and Galle.
Land activities
Golf in Galle & South Coast
The Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa on Sri Lanka's south coast offers a truly unique golfing experience that is not to be missed. With only six golf courses in the entire country, this is the sole option on the southern side of the island, and it certainly does not disappoint.
The majestic 18-hole golf course is set against a stunning backdrop, nestled between a powder-soft, dazzling beach and exotic gardens. Designed by Rodney Wright, the course features an ecological layout that transitions between emerald fairways, coconut plantations, and dramatic golden sand dunes - a legacy of the site's former use as a sapphire mine.
Cycling & mountain biking in Galle & South Coast
One of the most rewarding ways to explore Sri Lanka's beautiful seascapes and cultural sites is by bike. Start at the iconic Galle Fort, stop off at the Colonial Museum to discover ancient artefacts, or park your bike and explore the magnificent architecture on foot. Or opt for a visit to the graceful All Saint's Church and the Meeran Mosque.
Once you've soaked up all the city's historic gems, take a serene bike ride along one of the many beaches on the south coast. There's something serene about hearing the waves of the sea glide peacefully ashore as you pedal in the gentle breeze, shaded by lush green palm trees.
Walking & hiking in Galle & South Coast
Sri Lanka is blessed with sparkling waterfalls, endless mountain peaks and endless, majestic vistas ready to reconnect you with Mother Nature. Unfortunately, the south coast doesn't offer many hiking trails. Travel a little further north, towards the centre of the country, and you'll be surrounded by lush landscapes, rocky outcrops and mangrove gardens home to mystical flora and fauna.
