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Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle & the South Coast

Visit Galle & the South Coast

Introduction

Sri Lanka's south coast is lined with some stunning bays and beaches. The sweeps of sand are punctuated here and there with picturesque fishing villages, making this a perfect beach holiday destination. The area is generally more attractive to travellers on tailor-made itineraries than the package crowd, and there are myriad options to choose from or to combine.

Surfers head for Mirissa, or Ahangama and Midigama, where the breaks are uncrowded. In Weligama, fishermen employ the stilt-fishing technique, beautiful to watch. Rekawa beach is home to one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Sri Lanka, and whale and dolphin watching is another draw along the scenic south coast.

The laid-back beach lifestyle is complemented perfectly by city life in Matara and Galle. Matara, the southernmost major town in Sri Lanka is surrounded by white sandy beaches, emerald paddy fields and fragrant spice and tea plantations. The town itself is busy, but has a rich history, most tangible in the attractive old town with atmospheric narrow streets and colonial buildings, including two Dutch forts.

For historic ambience however, a visit to Galle is a must. The old town - perfectly preserved within the walls of Galle Fort - is a World Heritage Site and full of character. European architecture and South Asian influences mingle to create an extraordinary living museum, where local people still live and engage in business and life amid historical buildings. Some of these have been converted into luxury boutique hotels, perfect bases from which to explore Sri Lanka's beguiling south coast.

 

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Top itineraries in Galle & the South Coast

Local fishermen at Unawatuna, near Galle

Sri Lanka’s West Coast Highlights

10-day tailor-made holiday from £3,390 pp incl. flights

In the company of your own driver-guide, you’ll explore the Dutch-colonial gems and stunning Indian Ocean beaches of Sri Lanka’s southwest corner, taking in Colombo, Galle and Bentota.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Best of Sri Lanka

15-day tailor-made holiday from £5,260 pp incl. flights

From sweeping tea plantations to UNESCO-listed treasures and the wildlife of the Yala National Park, spend two memorable weeks exploring the history, culture and beaches of this Indian Ocean gem.

Elephants in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Wildlife and Whales

9-day tailor-made holiday from £3,175 pp incl. flights

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's natural world as you explore the Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park, and go whale and dolphin watching off the palm-fringed south coast.

Top places to stay in Galle & the South Coast

Pool, The Fortress Resort and Spa

The Fortress Resort and Spa, Galle

Contemporary resort

A boutique beachfront resort - and Wexas favourite - The Fortress Resort and Spa is styled like an ancient Dutch fort, blending Dutch and Portuguese influences with Sri Lankan motifs and furnishings.

Top View, Aditya Resort, Galle

Aditya Resort, Galle

Contemporary resort

Aditya Resort is an exclusive beachside resort, in a fascinating corner of Galle Island

AVANI Kalutara Resort, Sri Lanka

AVANI Kalutara Resort Sri Lanka

Contemporary resort

Set on a peninsula with the Indian Ocean on side and the mighty Kalu Ganga River on the other, the AVANI Kalutara Resort seamlessly blends authentic Sri Lankan culture, old colonial charm and contemporary design.

Where to go in Galle & the South Coast

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle

This ancient port city takes pride of place of Sri Lanka's southwest coast, it's imposing fort looking out across the Indian Ocean's sparkling blue. Explore its eclectic mix of World Heritage treasures, bustling markets and nearby fishing villages on our range of tailor-made holidays.

When to go to Galle & the South Coast

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Galle & the South Coast articles

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Trip Report: Sri Lanka

Wexas Asia specialist Debbie Mayger reports back from the ancient wonders, golden beaches and wildlife-rich national parks of Sri Lanka.

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Meet our Galle & the South Coast experts

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0620 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
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