Top Things to do in Southern Province
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Southern Province That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Southern Province, Sri Lanka including Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, Lunuganga Garden Tour, Weherahena Buddhist Temple, Tangalle Lagoon, Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara, Handunugoda Tea Estate, Galle Fort, Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, Snake Farm, Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa).
Restaurants in Southern Province
1. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,489 reviews
Reviewed By LesleynD - Perth, Australia
We visited Galle on a day trip from Negombo. It's very clean and surprisingly not many people around except many courting couples hidden in the nooks and crannies behind a strategically placed umbrella :) We have a lovely walk around the Clock Tower and enjoyed the views of the ocean, Internation Cricket Ground and activities going on around the fort. A few vendors around the place touting their wares but not pushy. Nice historic fort to visit for a few hours.
2. Lunuganga Garden Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Spread over 15 acres, this iconic estate sits at the banks of the Dedduwa Lake in Bentota. The enchanting retreat and fascinating gardens of Lunuganga was often considered a beautifully crafted experimental ground for Geoffrey Bawa, whose extraordinary work can be seen amidst the many architectural charms across the estate. The estate provides telling insights into the life’s work of this prolific architect. Elements of Italian Renaissance gardens, English landscaping, Japanese garden art, and the water gardens of ancient Sri Lanka come together to form Bawa’s most extravagant creation - a mecca for those passionate about landscape design and architectural history. Every turn and bend in Lunuganga is an interesting experience - with so many exotic plants, trees and views to take in. The house is also adorned with paintings and photographs that is a marvel in its own right.
Reviewed By 596maryannew - Atlanta, United States
Geoffrey Bawa, who created Lunuganga, is arguably the best known Sri Lankan architect and known for "tropical modernism." If you love architecture, this is a must see while you are in Sri Lanka (they also rent out rooms here - a marvelous place to stay, I'm sure). The tour is of the grounds only (the interior is reserved for hotel guests only) but is a very informative and satisfying tour, and you catch a glimpse of interiors along the way. We were so happy that we made the time to see this place. The tour was given by a very informed and thoughtful guide who also works at the hotel.
3. Weherahena Buddhist Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By pavanai2019 - Matara, Sri Lanka
We are Buddhist and we a like to go there.i think no ticket for local and foreigners people.we going day small children giving us to flower for praying.its very good.
4. Tangalle Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By Zwelp
Perfect way to relax and get away from the busy beachside's in Tangalle, especially in the morning time it's great... I went out at 6.30 (6 should be even better I think) and saw lot's of birds and a lot of water monitor lizards (some big ones) and to top it all off I saw an eagle (Brahminy Kite actually) swooping down and catch a fish couple of meters in front of me on my last 5 minutes... I was completely alone the whole time, very relaxing...When I was done at 9.45 I just saw two other kayaks entering the water. I enjoyed it so much I returned at 4pm to have another go at it... Lot's of birds returning, saw some monkeys in the trees (grey langurs) jumping over my head from tree to tree, and when it became more dark I also saw some bats... Downside at this time, bit more people out. Not that many though, saw like 9 others kayaks... If you decide to do this, make sure to inform at Mallika Guesthouse... Very friendly people and they only ask 750 lkr and tell you to take your time and enjoy, most others charge 1000 to 1500 lkr and some even say you have to pay extra if you exceed a 2 hour time limit (which I did with a big margin both times). Enjoy!
5. Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
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.
Reviewed By DTGalle_1 - Sri Lanka, null
It's almost 16km away from Tangalle main city and only half an hour drive to the temple. you can park your vehicle next to the temple and need to climb around 500 steps to the top of the rock where you reach beautiful place you can see morning sunrise and evening sunset both. The temple is more than 150 years old and still it maintaining with good condition. It you're a foreigner you can always hire a guide who will well explain every valuable points. If you are passing by Tangalle this place is must visit
6. Handunugoda Tea Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 524 reviews
Reviewed By LizzyLeeton - Leeton, Australia
Another tea estate we thought but we were really glad we decided to come here. You are taken by tuk tuk and given an individual tour of the plantation and given a great cup of tea along the way. You then go tothe factory where you can see, touch and smell the tea making process which was fascinating. You also learn about the Virgin White Tea which this estate is famous for. There was a shop at the end but there was nopressure to buy anything. There were numerous teas available for taste testing, which we did, and ended up buying some , including the Virgin White Tea. We also bought a great souvenir inthe form of a book called The Suicide Club which is the story of the founder, and thattoo was very enjoyable.
7. Galle Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,404 reviews
Galle is located in the south of Sri Lanka. Close by are magnificent beaches, rainforests and other attractions.
Reviewed By K5433XUjanm - Ostrava, Czech Republic
Nice walk around the old fortifications, fine breeze from the sea :-) i do reccomend in the morning or evening :-)
8. Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Sithulpawwa rock temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history of over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in the Hambantota district. The modern name Sithulpawwa is derived from the ancient ‘Cittalpabbata’, ‘The hill of the quiet mind’.
Reviewed By 824sanjeewap
You have to climb a very steep stairway which is cut through a rock. When you go up you will be able to see a Dagoba which is said to have been built by King Kawantissa. In addition to this, there are more other small stupas. There is a specific cave temple that consists of beautiful ancient paintings that are believed to belong to the 3rd century BC. The drawings are done on a thin layer of plaster and have used red and yellow colors. It is stated that the rock temple which is a very sophisticated cave consisted of 12000 monks who attained the highest level in mind according to Buddhism.
9. Snake Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By ladja211
The owner of the snake farm showed us a number of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, introduced us to their life in nature. He also told us stories from his experience with snakes. Very interesting tour.
10. Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By Stevieh01 - Wendover, United Kingdom
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.
TAGS
