Galle
The first references of Galle port is during King Solomons times which is believed to be “Tarish” in the Bible, and cinnamon has been the main export of Sri Lanka starting around 1400 years BC. Southern port of call for many ancient silk route bound ships, the Galle harbour or then known as “Gimhathitha” but the ancient mariner Ibn Battuta referes to it as “Qali” is located 119 kilometers from Colombo. The town reached its peak during the Dutch colonial period remnants’ of it lies today in the form of the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle For...
Mirrissa
The BBC documentary titled “Ocean Giants” featuring the mesmeric world of Whales and Dolphins, and the scientist’s effort to shed light on their habits and why they grow so large were filmed around Mirissa Sri Lanka and according to them 30 Blue Whales were sighted in a single day! One of the best places in the world to see one of the only recorded resident blue whale colonies in their natural habitat. Dolphins are regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa and Dondra head on the south coast.
Weligama
The Chronicles gives an interesting account of “Mahavalukagama” meaning big sandy city, today known as Weligama, where King Parakramabahu I sent his general, Rakkha to suppress the southern province, and the city has always been a port city with its half moon bay where many a ship anchored from time immoral. When approaching this picturesque Baytown in the Southeast of the island from Colombo, you will notice a curious little island with turquoise blue water around it called Taprobane on map but with many other local names which we leave for yo...
Tangalle
The resort township of Tangalle, lying in the Deep South with nothing between it and Antarctica has some of the most beautiful un-crowded beaches in the island from Pallikkudawa to the famous pigeon bay with a small rocky islet off to a side to which one could walk over, where on one side a reef guards a rock pool with a myriad of marine life. The surf breaks here with the sound of gunfire at times and a little further off is the fisheries harbour of Tangalle where deep sea fishing vessels anchor.
Ranna
A sleepy off the track hamlet, famous as a secluded beach and ideal as a honeymooner’s getaway with strolls down almost six kilometres of beach hand in hand, famous for turtle landings, it is known that adjoining Rekawa beach is frequented by four of the six known types of turtles in the world. We suggest you to take a stroll down this pristine beach during the months of January to April & full moon “poya” days of the year to see these ancient wonderers of the sea labour onto the shore to lay eggs and disappear into the night, a amazing sig...
Bentota
Bentota, a mere 45 minutes away from Galle along the Southern express way, hails as a premier resort town with no less than 15 Star class Hotels clustered together plus numerous other less than 10 rooms boutique style hotels with Sun, surf and sand. This gives the visitor an ideal chance to stay in one and savour many different above water activities, Bentota has always been renowned as the water sport capital of Sri Lanka with the hoteliers in the area actively promoting water sports from adrenaline filled speed boat and jet ski riding, wind s...
Induruwa
Nestled along a small ravine in the west coast, was once a sleepy fishing village today however it has turned into a major hotspot for tourists looking for white sandy beaches with perfect surf to relax in. The town caters for all types of accommodation facilities from star class to beach villa style accommodation.
Kalpitiya
The starting point of the Sinhalese chronicle Mahavamsa, states that prince Vijaya landed in a place not too far from the present day Kalpitiya. A sandy headland which keeps the Kalpitiya lagoon sheltered from the Indian Ocean, the blue water with a calm surface beacons the kite surfers to try the breeze coming across the peninsular towards the land and enjoy a trouble-free ride without the hassle of a sudden guest, which as every kite surfer knows can be a trifle more than tricky to handle on a board. Kalpitiya is also the best place to see D...
Negombo
Negombo, Situated six kilometres, a mere stones throwaway from the International airport of Sri Lanka, is a characteristic predominantly Christian fishing town with narrow streets and small boutiques and many a historic churches to visit and see, with its routes running back to the arrival of the Portuguese. Negombo is an ideal place to enjoy the traditional fishing methods of Sri Lanka, the out-rigger canoe, the swifter catamaran and the lagoon famous for its promfret, lagoon crab & lobster during season. A resort town dotted with many hot...
Arugamabay
Hailed as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, many events are held each year under the patronage of Sri Lanka Tourism Authority to promote this beach, the ones to watch are regional championships held each year in May – June. Arugambay is located on southeast corner of the island in close proximity to Kumana, which is one of the best places for birdwatchers, and Lahugala another destination to observe elephants in Sri Lanka. Further inland rising out of the line of trees in the distance one spots the lonely rock, standing above t...
Nilaweli
Is a stretch of beach which is situated approximately 16 kilometres North of Trincomalle, passing a thriving lagoon on either side and lush coconut palm groves and hordes of cattle, note that the people in the area are predominantly Hindu and consider the cows sacred. Arriving at the hamlet of “Errakkandy”, a sharp right turn will take you down a gravel road to Nilaweli beach, almost a kilometre of in lenght, white sandy beach with gentle surf. Across the beach about two kilometres into the ocean you will see the famous pigeon island, named due...
Pasikuda
Pasikuda, meaning “green-algae-bay” is situated in Eastern seaboard of Sri Lanka between Kalkuda and the Indian Ocean, approximately 35 kilometers from Batticaloa Town. The turquoise blue water of the bay attracts local and foreign tourist to this wide sandy place under the hot tropical sun to surf, swim or just frolic in the water. Many other activities are available from kite surfing, boogie boarding to surfing and sailing across in a canoe. Long out of reach due to the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, is now re-emerging as a tourist hot spot in ...
Trincomalee
One of the finest natural deepwater harbours in the world, located in the eastern seaboard of Sri Lanka approximately 245km from Colombo. There is an account of “Gokanna”, as it was known during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa period, attracting great sea fares in the calibre Marco Polo and Ptolemy. Then the arrival of the Western empires saw this harbour turn into a battleground of empire building, first the Portuguese, then the Hollanders and finally the British in succession came into being here along with the brief attack and capture of Fo...
