Kottegoda Surf House - Matara, Sri Lanka.

Mirissa, Midigama, and weligama is a popular surfer hangout (November – March) as well.

 A common sight between Ahangama and Weligama is the fisherman fishing on stilts erected close to the shore at Koggala  they are seen in clusters.

 Off Dondra Head is the migration part of blue whales and sperm whales (December – April), also  the spinner dolphin. Mirissa  is the place to watch them.

 Underwater world of colorful corals and shoals of brightly colored fish can be explored either by snorkeling, diving or taking a trip by glass bottomed boat. Good place for surfing as well.

Unawatuna Beach – among the best 10 beaches  in the world. Rumassala rock in connected with legendary Ramayana.

Weligama Bay – a picturesque bay. Weligama offers uncrowned  beaches and the charm of an idyllic fishing village. The site of stilt fisherman is most  fascinating.

Blow hole – One of the seven found so far in the world. A unique geological formation where a large column of water  rises high up into the air with a loud whistle.


Seenigama Devale (Shrine) –  an islet in the sea with a small shrine. During the season (july/august) fire walking takes palace here.

Light House – Dondar, built by the British in 1894 at Dondra head is the tallest (160 ft) light house in the country.

Hathmal ella – seven tier fall that gives its name is another beautiful  creation of nature.

Mulkirigala cave temple – built at different level on a rocky slope.

Hot srings Madunagala – bubbling hot water, a major attraction for local and foreign visitors.

Sri Vishnu Devale – one of the most venerated historic shrines dedicated to God Vishnu also called Upulvan – guardian deity of Sri Lanka. The surrounding area  takes a carnival  atmosphere during the festival in July and August.

Kataragama devale – one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka venerated by the majority Buddhist, minority Hindu Tamils, Muslims  and Indigenous vedda community.  It is a skanda collection of shrines of which the one dedicated to god is the most important in the long past it was jungle shrine. In close proximity are “Kiri Vehera” a large dagaba, “sella kataragama” shrine dedicated to God Ganapathy, deity for wisdom and “weda hiti kanda’ a peak with a venerable history connected God Skanda.

Wehererahena – famous for the colossal Buddha statue  and underground tunnel with colorful painting.

Deniyaya – Deniyaya , accessible through Hikkaduwa or Matara is the pathway  to southern beauty. One of the most scenic  routes  passing through beautifully landscaped tea plantation, water falls of radiant beauty and crystal clear  sparkling water, historic temples and caves. Wilderness covered with the mist is a natural  phenomenon. Kurulugala falls with which is the highest geographical point in Matara District. Hathmal falls, morning side where one feels its morning all day long. The natural black pool, gongala peak, singharaja forest is one side and the evergreen tea plantation on the other are unequaled.

Singharaja  Rain forest – a tropical evergreen verdant rain forest with rare species of flora and fauna. Of the total  extent (11.330 hectares), approximately 20% is in the southern province.Yala Natinal Park – second largest  national park (97.987 hectares) where elephant, leopard, bear, deer and  a wide variety of birds roam freely. At the end of the park is kumana bird sanctuary which is also the boundary of southern province. Udawalawa National Park – it is  famous for its large population of elephants, it is also known as a good bird watching site in Sri Lanka. You would be able to spot many other species of animals, such as deer’s, spotted deer, water  buffalo, etc. A jeep safari would be a valuable opportunity to observe a huge variety of animals in there natural habitats. How far from the national park? 95km, getting around 2 hour drive there.

Mask caving – is a traditional  art practiced for centuries  in Ambalangoda, masks are carved out of soft wood and painted in attractive colours.

Puppet making – is another handcraft. Originally made for puppet performances they are now made to be sold as souvenirs to tourist as well.

Lace making – was introduced by the Portuguese, it is a popular cottage industry now. Several varieties of rush (pang) are used in weaving mats with beautiful designs and attractive colors.

Southern province –  consisting of Galle, Matara, and Hambantota District is one of the  most fascinating province of sri lanka.With its long history, rich culture and bountiful gift  of nature, the southern province is  avertable treasure trove for those interested in delving into the region’s glorious past savor its cultural miscellany or enjoy its natural beauty. The southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourist and frequented by visitors all year round but the real season kicks off during October to April  when the monsoon moves north east  and  the sea becomes calm with blue skies. This Visitor’s Guide is designed to provide as a quick reference to some of the  most visited places of interest in the region  highlighting history culture, nature and adventure.
We welcomes you to  the  deep south and wish you a pleasant  stay in our island paradise the “Wonder of Asia”.

Visit Galle District – Galle, the capital of the southern province is a city with a colorful history. It had been the European administrative center for over four centuries. Even today most of the government administrative offices are located inside the fort. The Dutch fort a world heritage site is the most popular attraction of the city. The atmosphere of the of the Dutch era is still very much alive around the fort with many historical buildings. The ramparts and the bastions bring to the life the old world. Some of the buildings are converted into beautiful market places or tourist accommodation. Located next to fort is the scenic Galle international cricket stadium.

Visit Matara District – Provincial capital Matara is the southern most major town in Sri Lanka and the terminus of the costal rail line. The sea beach in this region is most beautiful and less crowded closest  to town is the polhena reef. The Dutch fort (1645 AD) star fort build  in the shape of a star  with its moat and drawbridge restored, 25m tall Buddha  statue at weherahena, building of the music training center in nupe with kandyan roof tiles which was a market  during the British era are some of the places of interest. There are several other places of historical , cultural  and  religious  importance within a radius of 20km  that make Matara an ideal destination  down south.

Hambantota District – according to historical evidence  this region  was the center of a flourishing civilization. The region played   a vital role in building the nation and nurturing Budhist culture.
The name Hambantota  has derived from the words “sampans” (large boats used by far eastern  traders in the olden days) and “Thota” (port where the boats were anchored). With huge infrastructure development taking place in the reason past Hamanbantota has already got a new harbor, an international cricket stadium and new road ways. The on an international airport, an open wild life safari park, large hotel complexes and international convention center continue. With its blend of historical  importance and modern infrastructure it is a region to be visited and explored.