Galle and the south coast: fort walls, beaches and whales

Why go

The south coast combines the island's best known beaches with real history. You can walk the ramparts of a living fort town in the morning, surf a gentle break after lunch and watch the sun set from a palm fringed bay, all in the same day.

Galle Fort

Inside the walls of **Galle Fort**, people still live, work and pray. Walk the ramparts from the **lighthouse** past Flag Rock, where locals jump into the sea, to the clock tower and the old gate. Inside, look for the **Dutch Reformed Church**, the **Meeran Mosque**, the old Dutch warehouses and the **National Maritime Museum**. Streets such as Pedlar Street and Church Street are lined with cafés, jewellers and galleries. Sunset on the western ramparts is a highlight, with cricket matches on the green below.

Unawatuna and Jungle Beach

Just east of Galle, **Unawatuna** has a sheltered bay that is usually swimmable in season. A short walk over the headland leads to **Jungle Beach**, and the **Japanese Peace Pagoda** sits on the hill above. Snorkelling off the rocks can show turtles and reef fish.

Koggala and stilt fishermen

Between Koggala and Weligama you will see the famous **stilt fishermen**. Many now pose for tips, so ask before photographing. **Koggala Lake** has islands with a cinnamon farm and a temple, and the **Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum** honours one of the island's great writers.

Weligama and Mirissa

**Weligama** has a long sandy bay with gentle waves, ideal for beginner surfers, with many surf schools. **Mirissa** is the base for **whale watching**: blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins are often seen from December to April. Choose an operator that follows the national guidelines and does not chase whales. Coconut Tree Hill and Secret Beach are popular viewpoints.

Tangalle and the far south

Further east, **Tangalle** has long quiet beaches and eco stays. **Rekawa** beach has a community turtle conservation project with night watches when turtles come ashore to nest. **Mulkirigala** rock temple is an older, quieter version of Dambulla.

Safaris inland

**Udawalawe National Park** is excellent for elephants, and **Yala National Park** is known for leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles. Both are within a few hours of the coast. Yala Block 1 can get busy, so consider an early start or another block.

The sea

The southwest coast is calm from about December to April. From May to October the monsoon brings big waves and strong currents, and many beaches become unsafe for swimming. Even in season, swim where locals swim, watch for rip currents and look out for red flags.

Where to stay

Inside **Galle Fort** you can stay in restored colonial houses. Unawatuna and Mirissa have guesthouses and beach hotels in every style. Tangalle and the coast around it suit people wanting space and quiet.

Getting there

The **Southern Expressway** links Colombo and the airport to Galle in under two hours. The coastal train from Colombo Fort is slower but scenic, running past beaches all the way.

How long to stay

Three days lets you explore Galle Fort and one or two beaches. Five days or more allows whale watching, surf lessons, a turtle watch and a lazy day or two, which is the real point of the south coast.