Southern Province (Sri Lanka) Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Map of Southern Province (Sri Lanka)

• 6.03277880.2155561 Galle — capital city of the Southern Province and well preserved example of colonial city built by Portuguese and Dutch
• 5.9580.5333332 Matara — second largest city in the Southern Province with gorgeous beaches nearby
• 5.98333380.3666673 Ahangama — a surfing destination with secluded beaches
• 6.12444481.1252784 Hambantota — home to the world's emptiest international airport
• 6.02480.79115 Tangalle — has a beautiful wetland area that draws tourists for wildlife-watching boat rides
• 6.28333381.2833336 Tissamaharama — an historical site in the interior, with access to Yala National Park

• 6.41679879.9973841 Bentota — a destination for watersports
• 6.41679879.9973842 Ambalangoda —famous for its traditional wood masks manufacturing
• 6.13571380.1007223 Hikkaduwa — a beach town famous for snorkelling and surfing
• 6.01001280.2476924 Unawatuna — a beach resort famous for diving
• 5.98742980.3265815 Koggala — a seafront town with gorgeous beaches and upscale hotels
• 6.41224881.4949166 Yala National Park — known for its variety of wild animals, and for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds

The area encompassed by Southern Province has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of early settlements dating back to the Anuradhapura period. Galle was a key port for international trade, attracting merchants from Arabia, China, and Europe. The Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588, was later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century, leaving behind a lasting colonial influence.

During British rule, the province became a hub for cinnamon and coconut plantations. In 1833, the British established the Southern Province as part of their administrative structure.

The coastal railway line (also known as the southern line) from Colombo provides an efficient, scenic, and cheap way to enter the province. The railway extends as far east as Beliatta and construction all the way to Kataragama in Uva Province is planned. Tourist destinations served by rail in order of increasing distance from Colombo include Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Koggala, Mirissa and Matara.

You may be able to tease some bus information from the Southern Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority website.

Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Ussangoda in Ambalantota is a panoramic view of the beach and the sea, and the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama and Kirinda. Although Galle is also an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.