Although the whole of Sri Lanka is blessed
with countless places to see and things to do, the island’s south is widely
regarded by armies of visitors to be a quintessential tourist hub.
There is a wide array of pristine beaches
and cultural destinations as well as a carefree culture which mirrors the
exuberant spirit of the south’s local and foreign visitors. The belt of major
cities and towns that feature prominently in the tourism belt down south are
Galle, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Wadduwa and Mirissa.
Each contains its own unique identity and
set of attractions, which in turn draw a very diverse group of travellers.
Given that each of these locations exist just a short drive away from Colombo,
they are the preferred destination of urban dwellers looking to unwind over the
weekend.
People travelling down south can either
drive there themselves or choose a company dealing in car hire. Colombo is
dotted with several of these establishments however Kings Rent A Car Colombo
has proven itself to be a leader in the industry and offers a wealth of service
options which guarantee convenience.
The close proximity of southern towns to
the coast means that they offer travellers the chance to indulge in a variety
of water sports or simply partake in some light reverie while gazing toward the
sun-dappled ocean. Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna in particular have garnered a
reputation for being surfing hubs and beach havens. They often attract surfers
from far-flung destinations across the globe.
This has had the effect of creating a
relaxed, bohemian, surfer sub-culture which, in its own way, offers a break
from the hectic work regime weekend visitors from big cities have to regularly
endure.
Mirissa offers its guests the added benefit
of whale watching tours along with visits to the nearby Sri Sunandarama Temple.
However, in terms of cultural and historical value, the city of Galle exists in
a league of its own.
Apart from being the site of literature,
music and fashion festivals, the vestiges of the country’s colonial past hand
heavy around each cobbled walkway and exquisitely-designed house. The monolith
which epitomises this past is the Galle Fort.
The fort was first erected by the
Portuguese before the Dutch later fortified it during their rule. Daily, a long
procession of visitors ambles across its powerful ramparts, all the while
absorbing the gripping tableau which surrounds them.