Palm trees and pastel skies. Welcome to the south coast of Sri Lanka.
In case you missed it, in my last post I talked about how to choose where to travel to in Sri Lanka, so make sure to check that out. As part of my recent trip to Sri Lanka with two friends, we decided to take it easy and spend some lazy time on the beach on the South Coast. We only had a few days and the lapping of the waves and sway of the palm trees was just way too enticing. So we spend 4 glorious days touring the beaches, drinking cocktails, eating our weight in delicious Sri Lankan curries and swimming in the ocean. Bliss!
A Guide To Sri Lanka’s South Coast Beaches
Stay
As a bit of background, the whole of the south coast is worth exploring, but it’s a good idea to pick a spot to base yourself and then do day trips to different beaches with a driver. This is what we chose to do and it worked really well. We stayed at an absolutely gorgeous hotel called The Owl and the Pussycat. Located near Talpe and just a short drive down the road from Unawatuna, it felt like the perfect retreat with amazing food and really fun design. We could have stayed forever!
Eat & Drink
Have sundowners and then a yummy curry dinner at The Runcible Spoon.
Settle in for margaritas, pizza and reggae tunes at Wijaya Beach… We loved this place!
Have a casual lunch at gorgeous quaint beachside resort Palm Villa in Mirissa.
On your way down the coast, stop in at Salty Swarmis in Hikkadua for surf chats and lunch.
Have afternoon tea at The Sun House.
See & Do
On your way down the coast, make sure you stop at Lunuganga, the gorgeous home of late Bevis Bawa, an internationally renowned architect.
Chances are you’ll want to spend most of your time at the beach, and my favourite ones are Midigama, Dellawella and the Eastern side of Mirissa.
Visit the Hundunugoda Tea Factory (great if you dont plan to head into tea country).
Head to Dellawella Beach for sunset, you won’t be able to miss the instafamous swing.
Visit the Turtle Hatchery.
If you’re not staying in Galle, you will no doubt head up there for a few day trips. Guide to the fort coming soon!
Another version of the map we created for this series. Pin it for later!
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Such pretty tiles at The Owl and The Pussycat. - Such pretty tiles at The Owl and The Pussycat.
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Colonial style. - Colonial style.
The Sri Lankan king coconut.
Mornings on the beach.
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Transport of choice (I love them but my friends weren't so sure!). - Transport of choice (I love them but my friends weren’t so sure!).
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Drinks at Wijaya Beach - Drinks at Wijaya Beach
Colourful corners at The Owl & The Pussycat
Pretty Mirissa
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Dellawella Beach at sunset. - Dellawella Beach at sunset.
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Where the villas meet the sea. - Where the villas meet the sea.
Found a friend!
Beachtime.
Frangipani canopy at Palm Villas
Say cheese!
A calm little bay.
Not a bad place to while away a day! At The Owl & The Pussycat.
Must come back asap.
Stay tuned for my guide to Galle!
