Things to do & places to visit in Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Southern Province #2 destination in Sri Lanka 2023. The average rating score is 4.38 based on 49.6k traveler reviews, of 274 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Colombo, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 0:57.

Southern Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

84°F - 80°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm and breezy

Feels like

76%

Chance of rain

423.0 millimeters

Amount

15.1 mph

Wind speed

83%

Humidity

12.4

Daylight length

5:54 AM

Sunrise

6:18 PM

Sunset

23%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (30)

Top destinations in Southern Province 62

See more 50 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Whale Watching Club (1.228 reviews)
- Highly Recommended
Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

The captain (Mr Manoj ) or the skipper of the boat was very talented and knowledgeable including the staff. They educated us about the wales, sea rules and wild life. saw dolphins and a whale 6 times . the crew were nice and friendly, Really we enjoyed lot and friendly staff and they are very helpful and much trying to satisfy the guests, Trip was very fantastic, Breakfast Fruits and we recommend them if you want to enjoy such enjoyments just go with them. We will inform our friends also to visit Mirissa whale watching club (WWC). Worth what i paid See more..
5.0 Gihan Tours Sri Lanka (721 reviews)
- Save and friendly tour guide
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Used Gihan Travel Tours in 2019 and in November 2021. They are very trustworthy, friendly and have fair prices. They follow all Covid requirements perfectly, I felt very good and safe using them and can highly recommend them. We used them for airport pick-ups and drop-offs as well as for a tour to Galle. They are always on time. See more..
5.0 Ajith Safari Jeep Tours (471 reviews)
- Wonderful Experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We had a great experience with Ajith Safari and our driver/guide Nalaka. He was very knowledgeable, calm and friendly, and had a great eye for all the animals and their traces. We got a very good binoculars and could spot the leopard even from far away. Ajith Safari was very considerate with our vegan lunch and the homemade food was so good! We booked a full day safari and it was the best decision, we did not want to leave at the end! We saw crocodiles, elephants, two leopards, jackals, mongooses, monitor lizards, rabbits, a sea eagle, and lots of water buffalos, junglefowls, peacocks, marabus, white spotted deers and more birds. Our highlight was a bathing elefant, the peacock dance and spotting the leopard. We highly recommend this tour with Ajith Safari. See more..
5.0 Yala Kings Safari (423 reviews)
- Amila was a great guide, excellent day!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Four of us did the full day safari with Kings in March 2022 and Amila was our driver. Communication was easy using WhatsApp and full details for the day were provided when we booked so we knew what to expect. Amila was a great driver - he drove safely, spotted lots of animals and also made some great jokes. It’s a shame you need to leave the park between 12-2pm as it’s a long & hot lunch break, however these are the park rules so all companies have to follow them. We would recommend Amila to anyone who wants to do a Yala safari! See more..
5.0 Ceylon Safari Tours (378 reviews)
- Great experience…!!
Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Great experience…!! We booked a half-day morning safari at Yala National Park with Ceylon safari, who were reasonably priced and very fast to respond to our booking request. We saw leopards, numerous elephants, several walking just next to our jeep, buffalo, different types of deer, wild boar, crocodiles, mongoose, lots of land monitors, and all kinds of exotic birds. Our guide was very respectful towards the animals, ensuring they weren't scared off or blocked in their tracks. Would highly recommend! See more..
5.0 Daya Safari Jeep Service (315 reviews)
- Friendly, efficient, experienced, unforgettable and skillful
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Days Safari is my go to! I don’t think I will use any other service other than Daya!! The drivers are incredibly knowledgeable, insanely skillful yet very friendly and professional, especially Sam. What a guy and what an experience. My friend mentioned that he had never seen a leopard at Yala and Sam promised that he will get us a sighting that day. And without fail he delivered!! I recommend anyone traveling for a safari to use Daya Safari Jeep Service and you’ll honesty will never be disappointed. I don’t see myself going with anyone else from now on. Thank you Sam and Daya Safari for always delivering an unforgettable experience! See more..
5.0 Good Spa (299 reviews)
- Good Spa
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates • Spas

We, at Good Spa, are committed to provide health and beauty care treatments in modern environment and comforts. All our treatments are carried out under the supervision of qualified physiotherapist, who will guide you through the process and customize your treatment to suit your requirements and expectations. Dear guests, we do not have any parking area, only for scooters. See more..
5.0 Yala Leopard Eye Safari (243 reviews)
- Great trip, definitely recommend!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

What a great trip! We did an afternoon with Udayanga our driver / guide. The jeep is really comfortable and Udayaga is a great driver. He took time to talk about all the different animals and what they eat etc. We were lucky enough to see many animals really close including the leopard! Udayanga also gave us binoculars to use and plenty of water and drinks throughout the trip :) Great trip, definitely recommend! See more..
5.0 UP Travels & Tours - Excursion (239 reviews)
- Very friendly and trustworthy driver with fair prices
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles

UP Travel Tours & Taxi Service individual of trusted, passionate taxi operator and travel specialist who create customized journeys to inspiring destinations. See more..
5.0 Nandana Tea Factory (219 reviews)
- This is not only a restaurant also a knowledge hub
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms

Place which gathered lot of information about indigenous plants and herbs. Mr. Gunasoma’s generosity In sharing these things is highly appreciated. Authentic Sri Lankan lunch which was prepared by his farm was delicious and far more valuable than money. See more..
4.5 Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (3.505 reviews)
- Amazing place, food, shopping, sunset views. 2 nights enough!
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Stayed 2 nights near galle fort. Great sunset views from Triton bastion. Many good food options in the fort too. And many shops to shop around in the fort. We went to nearby unawatuna (20min drive), stayed there for around 5 hours in the evening. Unawatuna beach is more beautiful, which is something you cant find in galle fort. Dont forget to go on a boat ride at unawatuna! Boat ride is one hour long, best to go during sunset. Just ask around the beach folks, they will show you where the meeting point for boat rides. Overall, i think 2 nights at galle is adequate. One sunset at triton bastion and the other at unawatuna See more..
4.5 Galle Fort (3.455 reviews)
- Gorgeous European colonial corner
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

Galle is located in the south of Sri Lanka. A journey to the past sees the remnants of a Dutch past at a World Heritage Site. Galle has been the emporium of foreign trade since the dawn of commerce. The Dutch Fort, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, surrounds the older part of the town and is situated on a headland of which three sides overlook the sea. The ramparts of the Fort are over 2.5 km in circumference and provide a pleasant and interesting walk. The historian Sir Emerson Tennant claimed that Galle was the ancient biblical city of Tarshish. This city is said to have traded with King Solomon, the Persians and the Egyptians. In 1505 a Portuguese fleet led by Lorenzo de Almeida heading for the Maldives drifted accidentally into Galle. On hearing a cock crowing (cock means ”Galo” in Portuguese), it is said that they gave the town its name. Another explanation for the name is from the Sinhala name for rock ‘Gala’, plenty of which are found in the harbour area. See more..
4.5 Mirissa Beach (3.072 reviews)
- Mirissa beach
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Mirissa is clean. Plenrty of cafes which allow you to use their sunbeds and shades if you buy drinks /food. Waves are strong. At night it transforms with lights, bouncing music and fires. Also cafes will serve lots if fresh fish, ssome with free beer See more..
4.5 Raja & the Whales (2.510 reviews)
- Would recommend
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Really good day! Raja and the crew are so respectful of the animals, they don’t chase down the whales once spotted, they keep a respectful distance and if the animal is comfortable it will come near us, unlike so many other boats I witnessed chasing the whale for a long period of time. Luckily for our trip we saw a blue whale and it swam up close to us! The whole day was organised & a very friendly and informative crew who clearly care passionately about what they do and getting the message out there that these beautiful creatures should be treated with the respect they deserve - would definitely recommend! See more..
4.5 Bentota Beach (2.282 reviews)
- Tours from Bentota Beach
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

We had a fabulous 3 weeks at the Centara hotel on Bentota Beach.During our visit we had some fabulous excursions and some great tour guides and really nice people can be found on the beach road. Two excellent guides are Nadeen +94(76)666865 and Aba +94(0)776195336.Both these quides are professional and exceptional with a passion for show casing their beautiful island.Highly recommended See more..
4.5 Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara (975 reviews)
- Best day in our holidays
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Welcome to Sea Turtle Hatchery - Mahamodara. We rescue turtles who are in danger of losing their lives to the fishing industry whether they are caught in nets or hunted for meat. We currently have 40 turtles, including 4 types of turtle. All are welcome to come and visit to see and learn about Tara turtles here in Sri Lanka. See more..
4.5 Japanese Peace Pagoda (917 reviews)
- Not better name than Peace Pagoda
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It’s a great place with peaceful vibrations, beautiful sights on the sea and the bays of the coast, silent and holy. The white pagoda is stunning against the sky and sea colour and Buddha’s story is represented and shortly explained through golden statues displayed around the first floor. Highly recommended. Before arriving private parkings will tell you to leave your motorbike there and pay, but if you ignore them and go ahed till the end of the road, you will be able to park for free. See more..
4.5 Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara (722 reviews)
- Mulgirigala Temple & Rock
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

Mulgirigala Is call as small sigiriya . it is situated just 15 KM far from tangalle . one of king was control the big rock long time ago . now its call mulgirigala Rajamaha viharaya. See more..
4.5 Community Tsunami Museum (705 reviews)
- Nice museum with good info
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Community Tsunami Museum is aimed educating communities on Tsunami and preserve the memories of 2004 Tsunami. This museum is the continuation of the efforts of Third Wave Volunteers lead by Dr. Alison Thompson (author of The Third Wave - A volunteer Story and the director of Film Third Wave). This museum will take you a touching journey through science and history of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. See more..
4.5 Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (637 reviews)
- Amazing place
Nature & Wildlife Areas

My husband and I had a great time. Dudley was very knowledgeable and you can really tell he cares a lot about the turtles. Dudley mentioned we could release baby turtles so we went back that evening to release 10 baby turtles. It was an amazing experience, also emotional seeing them head off into the water. Thank you Dudley we had a great time. Tip for travellers, we asked a tuk tuk driver to take us to this Turtle sanctuary however he took us to a different one (it had the same name) its because this certain turtle sanctuary charge more for admission and give some money to the tuk tuk driver. This is unfair. When you arrive ask if Dudley works there. I don't want Dudley losing business because he generally cares about the turtles. I have added a picture of the sign. See more..
4.5 Tsunami Honganji Vihara (616 reviews)
- A FITTING TRIBUTE
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

The December 26, 2004 tsunami was an immense tragedy for Sri Lanka. It also caused the greatest loss of life on a train in the history of the world. The Queen of the Sea, heading from Colombo to Galle, was nearing the end of its journey when it was swept off the tracks by the power of the tsunami while passing through Peraliya. A total of 1,270 passengers died. This Buddha is largely in commemoration of that aspect of the disaster. The model for the Buddha was the Bamyan Buddhas destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. There was the usual admonition not to have your photograph taken with your back to the Buddha. Built by the Japanese, the reflection of the Buddha in the pond in front of the statue is rather stunning. You can get good photographs from the road. There is a small admission charge if you want to get closer for other angles. See more..
4.5 Sinharaja Forest Reserve (606 reviews)
- Amazing nature......
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST is a world heritage and bio diversity hotspot which is also a major eco tourism destination in Sri Lanka. It is one of the few virgin forests left in the world. This evergreen rain forest, a UNESCO World heritage site, is one of the few virgin rain forests left to date. Damp mysterious and teeming with life, the Sinharaja forest reserve situated 120 KM South East of Colombo, is the last expensive stretch of virgin rainforest on the island. At just over 11000 hectares, line across the wet zone the Southern edge of the hill country, Sinharaja is an ecological treasure trove. It is staggering array of flora and fauna place it among the top bio diversity hotspot in the world. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - A UNESCO world heritage site - encompasses the largest single swath of remaining low land tropical rain forest in the country. Over 130 birds, species are found here including many of the 33 species endemic to the Sri Lanka. There also rich reptile population and myriads of insects species, many yet to be classified. Mammals scenes here including the purple faced langur monkey and the giant squirrel. Sinharaja is also home to the elusive leopard. It is preferable to explore Sinharaja on foot, which makes for the truly authentic jungle experience. Best starting point for visits are Deniyaya Mederipitiya to the East or Kudawa to the North. See more..
4.5 Bundala National Park (577 reviews)
- Many animals in a beautiful landscape
Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala harbors 197 species of birds, the highlight being the greater flamingo, which migrate in large flocks.[1] Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated to a national park on 4 January 1993.[2]also you can see crocadiles and elephants & forest birds See more..
4.5 Handunugoda Tea Estate (536 reviews)
- Pleasant outdoor activity
Farms

We had a lovely stroll in the tea plantation with a very knowledgeable guide. At the end of the walk you are treated for a cup of tea and a slice of cake at the owners house. From here you continue to the tea factory where the whole process is explained. It’s amazing! They work with 145 years old machines!!! At the end of the tour you can taste at least 20 different kind of teas and buy your souvenirs. The tour used to be free, but due to the difficult economical situation they have introduced a nominal entrance fee of 2 USD. See more..
4.5 Secret Root Spa (525 reviews)
- Relax and choose only professional. You will be happy!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spas

These are not chiropractors, if you want to come for the usual relaxing massage of the whole body to the tips of your fingers, then this is your choice. It was interesting to try sharidara, an amateur theme. Not good and not bad. —————————- I went a couple more times, choose from the masters of Gita and Mangalika. They are professionals in their field, a friend was doing some man after he had to do another massage to fix the situation. See more..
4.5 Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa) (524 reviews)
- The perfect beach
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Came back here for the second year as this is my favourite beach in the world. Although the waves are powerful the natural breakwaters lead to a wash that reaches 20 metres so everyone can get in. Swim further out and you have regular 3 m waves. Great fun. The beach bars, particularly Bamboo do juice, food and beer. I’ve travelled to Thailand, Malaysia, Africa and other countries and I love this beach. Perfect sand. The deserted beach at Rekawa is lovely but you cannot swim due to the rip-tides. See more..
4.5 Badora Spa (520 reviews)
- Recommendation! You should enjoy yourself here
Spas

Simple way for a heaven relaxation.Badora massages is all about relaxation. It focuses on giving you time to recover from the stresses of daily life or bring to the holiday a special mean. Our main aim is to give you the best benefit from the massage. If you want to treat yourself to the body ,mind and soul, we recommend that you visit Badora Spa the day you arrive Mirissa to arrange a convenient time.You have many different massages to choose for your convenient and we use different kind of technique, such as Ayurveda ,Aroma ,Chinese, Indian, Thai technique and very special Badora technique....etc. Most people think that a massage is an Ayurveda, but a massage is a deep relax. It is only a part of Ayurveda. Ayurveda treatment can do nothing in 3 or 4 days. You should have treatment at least for 3 or 4 weeks to have the best benefit at Ayurveda. How can you do that with your very short holidays... but to have a deep relax, to give your body, mind and soul a very special touch, it is enough 3 or 4 days. If you have just one day in Mirissa we have a solution for that too. Minimum two hours enough to feel the different at Badora relaxation.Visit me, I am Nimal Ahangama, have 20years experience in this field and can give you very good advice about relaxation ,massages and more to be relaxed. I will recommend you what to choose. Charges are very low and always very friendly and flexible with our clients.Direction..If you come from Mirissa beach just turn to your right hand side(matara side) and passing Giragala and Palm villa you meet Summer Breeze guest house. Just in front of the Summer Breeze come up, use the "Sun Hope guest house" way. You will not miss.Badora Relaxing Massages.01. Ayurvedic Full body Massage 60 or 90 Minutes. 02. Aroma Therapy Full body Massage 60 or 90 Minutes.03. Hawaiian Lomilomi Full Body Massage 60 or 90 Minutes.04. Stress Relief Full Body Massage 90 Minutes.05. Chakra Balancing Massage 90 Minutes.(in the morning)06. Joint flexibili... See more..
4.5 Yala Safaris - Private Tours (457 reviews)
- Brilliant
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Great Safari - Janaka navigated around expertly in a comfortable jeep and we saw lots of animals, elephants passed us, even saw 2 leopards which was very rewarding. Lovely breakfast and lunch provided. Patient, knowledgable, respectful. An experience. Even on a particularly busy day (unknowingly booked on a national holiday!) it was good fun and met a lovely group of people. See more..
4.5 Bentota River (442 reviews)
- Do it!
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

I'd been on a mangrove cruise near Sigiriya already so wasn't expecting much from this, but how wrong I was! This was a million times better! We saw loads of native animals and birds and had an excellent rower guide who somehow spotted creatures lurking in the darkest of swap areas and took us over. It was an awesome experience and extremely picturesque. It was also not crowded (I only saw one other boat out) so you got peace to see all the wildlife and not disturb it with crowds. I highly recommend this safari river cruise. See more..
4.5 Mirissa Water Sports (434 reviews)
- Fantastic experience
Monday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Dolphin & Whale Watching

We had such a good experience with these guys - well worth the money as they are first to the whales! Being a small boat they can move so quickly and the guys spotted everything way before anyone else. Felt really safe and were given fruit and breakfast on board. We saw dolphin, pilot whales and a fin whale. Highly recommend! Really easy to communicate with. See more..