Top Things to do in Southern Province
The 10 Best Things to do in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Discover the best top things to do in Southern Province, Sri Lanka including Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara, Galle Fort, Snake Farm, Mirissa Beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Bentota Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, Hikkaduwa Beach, Weligama Beach.
Restaurants in Southern Province
1. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 593 reviews
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.
Reviewed By malwana - Colombo, Sri Lanka
This is a very big rain forest and in a single tour we can see only a very small area. We stayed in Rainforest Eco Lodge and took the tour from there. There were many leaches but hotel provided us leach socks. Even the small kids around 4 -8 years old joined with us and they too enjoyed the tour.
2. 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
3. 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 :-)
4. 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.
5. Mirissa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,033 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine760116 - Cairns, Australia
It’s a great beach for swimmers and surfers little areas where you can snorkel like turtle beach and surf locations in front of coconut tree hill and night plenty of locations where you can have a drink or fresh seafood
6. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 906 reviews
Reviewed By otahala - Prague, Czech Republic
Very nice and religious place with beautiful views. I recommend a walk along the gallery of the pagoda, soaking up the atmosphere, of course, bare feet. Negative are only local residents who want a small contribution even for greeting. I recommend a visit.
7. Bentota Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,256 reviews
Reviewed By SheranFernando - Rome, Italy
Bentota Beach Hotel, an icon in Sri Lankan architecture and a property with a rich history reconstructed by Bawa’s student, Channa Daswatte is a true tribute to Sri Lanka’s most famed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Standing on the balcony of the Geoffrey Bawa Suite, you see the sea on the right and the Bentota river on the left, and Sripada and the central hills on the far right, all in one view. This view, according to architect Channa Daswatte makes this property the one that links the land and the sea. The ‘new’ Bentota Beach is not merely a recreation or a restoration. The main building of the old hotel has been reconstructed newly, as it was built by Bawa. This showcases Bawa’s wide architectural influences ranging from Bali to ancient Sri Lankan monuments. Inside the hotel has the signature of Geoffrey Bawa and the period it was constructed in, but in a modern and functional representation. The lead architect Channa Daswatte has done an amazing job, not only to archive an iconic construction but also through his brilliance, make it a fresh, modern and functional. It is a museum and treasure trove of art and architecture, that concurrently delivers a guests expectections from a modern luxury hotel.
8. Coconut Tree Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Kai_Wah - Malaysia, null
This place is lovely for sunset watching; enjoy the sea breeze; under the coconut trees; and nice spot for instagramable photos. The place can be crowded but enough space for anyone find the right spot to relax, chit chat and enjoy the sea view. It is walkable from Mirissa Beach or the Parrot Rock Bridge along the coastal walk, approximately 30-40 mins. Those don’t want to walk can take Tuk-Tuk along Matara Road. We love the sunset here and it was just marvellous!!!
9. Hikkaduwa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,326 reviews
Reviewed By alibcc - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
My favorite place to forget about everything , best beach in sri lanka , amazing people , the best place to meet new people, night life there is amazing all clubs are amazing even staff amazing & friendly
10. Weligama Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Emiiiil_Jonasson - Stockholm, Sweden
The surfing in Weligama was the best ever, our whole family enjoyed the gentle waves and there was plenty of space, never felt crowded. The water was warm and nice. Will definitely come back on next surf trip with the family
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