I was located in Ambalangoda in the Southern Province, so whilst I can’t recommend anything from the North, these are my favourite spots in the South…
Galle
Galle fort, located on the southwest coast, is a World Heritage Site home to an array of cute brunch and coffee spots, as well as handmade clothes shops. You probably don’t need to spend longer than a day in Galle, but is definitely worth walking around, especially if you are passing it on your journey along the south coast.
Mirrissa and Weligama
Just a 50-minute drive from Galle lies Mirrissa Beach, my favourite out of the whole trip – a huge stretch of white sand accompanied by a variety of restaurants and cafes. Close by is Coconut Tree Hill, a popular tourist destination overlooking the sea with towering coconut trees … the ideal sunset spot. Just a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away, Weligama Beach is the hot-spot for surfing in the South. There are are variety of surfing schools located on the beach where you can walk in and get surf lessons straight away. Weligama also has some amazing brunch spots and small clothes shops, handmade by locals.
Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park
There are a few safaris in Sri Lanka, but the main two in the south are Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park. Whilst there are a variety of animals at Udawalawe National Park, it is renowned for its elephants, of which there are almost 400. Yala National Park has a variety of animals, but based on my experience, what you see really is based on luck. We were so grateful to see two elephants and their baby pass right in front of our jeep (which was a pinch-me moment), but other than that it was a long day clinging onto the side of the jeep for dear life and not seeing too many animals…
Ella, Little Adams Peak, and Ella Rock
The small town of Ella is an absolute must visit! A cute little town surrounded by hills and tea plantations and home to the most incredible views. If you can, I recommend staying in a hotel situated on the edge of the hills to take in the beautiful landscape. During my time in Ella, we hiked Little Adams Peak at sunrise, a non-strenuous 30-minute walk to watch the sky slowly become a blend of oranges and reds. From here, you can see Ella Rock, which looks terrifyingly high and impossible to climb, but trust me, do it! Hiking Ella rock takes around two hours each way, which in 35 degree heat is quite a challenge, but is honestly the most rewarding thing. The views from the top are breath-taking, and meeting local Sri Lankans on the way makes the experience even more special. Walking through tea plantations and spotting monkeys in the trees, you must do this if you visit Sri Lanka.
Nine Arch Bridge
Another famous site in Ella is Nine Arch Bridge, situated within luscious green hills, just a short walk down from the main road. It is also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’, connecting two bog mountains. If you are lucky, you might see one of the trains pass over the bridge, but even if you don’t, it’s a great photography spot and a peaceful moment to breathe in the natural air.
