Tangalle

Mirissa is a beach town in the Matara District, approximately 150 kilometers south of Colombo. It is primarily known as a starting point for whale watching tours, where blue whales are sighted during the season, and for its bright sandy beach with bars.The Mirissa boat harbor is considered the largest fishing port on the south coast, where tuna, mullet, and snapper, among other fish, are landed. On the beach lies the small rocky island Parrot Rock, and at its eastern end is the palm-covered Coconut Tree Hill.The main beach, with most restaurants and bars, lies between the A2 and the sea. Slightly off the beaten path, Secret Beach is reachable via a short walk.

Sri Lanka's south coast stretches from Hikkaduwa, about 100 kilometers south of Colombo, through Galle and the bays of Weligama and Mirissa, all the way to Tangalle. It connects a UNESCO-protected colonial city with surf beaches, fishing ports, and, further inland, some of the island's most renowned national parks.Most coastal towns are located along the coastal railway from Colombo to Matara and the A2 highway, making travel between them easy. Further inland lie the Sinharaja rainforest and the dry forests of Udawalawe and Yala, all of which can be visited from the coast as day or overnight excursions.

Weligama is situated on a wide sandy bay about 144 kilometers south of Colombo, between Galle and Mirissa. The sheltered bay is considered one of the best beginner spots for surfing in Sri Lanka, with surf schools lining the central beach.The name means "sandy village". Off the western part of the bay lies the tiny island of Taprobane with a single villa, and on the outskirts of the village is the Kusta Raja Gala relief carved into the rock. West of Weligama, along the coast near Ahangama, Kathaluwa, and Koggala, the famous stilt fishermen sit on their poles.Besides simple surf camps, a variety of cafés and restaurants have established themselves in and around Weligama, ranging from brunch spots to the gourmet offerings of the Cape Weligama resort on the headland to the west.

Udawalawe National Park is situated on the border of Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, approximately 165 kilometers from Colombo and north of the South Coast. It is renowned for excellent year-round elephant sightings and makes for a perfect day trip from the coast.The park was established on June 30, 1972, partly to protect animals that lost their habitat due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. It covers approximately 308 square kilometers; a herd of an estimated 250 elephants lives here permanently, though tour guides often cite significantly higher total numbers.With 184 documented bird species, including 33 migratory birds, the park is also appealing to birdwatchers. Located at its edge is the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are raised. The nearest town is Embilipitiya.

Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's most famous lowland rainforest, located in the hinterland of the south coast, approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Colombo. Since 1988, the area has been protected as a UNESCO Natural Heritage site and is a destination for birdwatchers and nature hikes.Over 60 percent of the trees are endemic, and 19 of Sri Lanka's 20 endemic bird species are found here. The wildlife also includes leopards and the endemic White-bearded langur. The protected area extends across the districts of Ratnapura, Galle, and Kalutara and is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.Visitors enter the forest through several access points. The most frequently used is the North Entrance near Kudawa, with the Kudawa Conservation Centre; from the south coast, the Southeast Entrance near Deniyaya and Mederipitiya is closer.