A drive down the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka is one of the best road trips you could make in the island. Southern Sri Lanka is a hotchpotch of colonial history tossed around into an easy-going coastal culture. From beaches to wildlife, and century-old lighthouses to curries doused in spice, from Galle to Tangalle a rush of culture greets you at the door.
Travelling to Southern Sri Lanka
Set out by dawn, before sunrise if you are heading down south. Rev up the engine a little early even if you intend on car hire. Colombo gets packed with vehicles once morning sets in. So it is always better to get away from the city soon as possible. One reason why I get on the road early is the effect the dew touched sunlight has on the surrounding.
One of the finest rides I’ve had was along the Colombo-Matara expressway. The journey would take you an hour and half on the highway. A continuous stretch of green paddy accompanies you on both sides of the road. Travelling by trains has a unique flavour to it too. I shuffle between my travelling options, now and then. I had once hired a car with Kings Rent a Car when I wanted to take the high road down south. The rides downtown are a fresh break from the city any day, whichever the mode of transport.
If you are travelling on a budget, the cheaper way of getting by would be by train or bus. Though trains are an option, you would have to plan your trip around the train schedule, book your train tickets early, in Sri Lanka, railway travel requires proper planning. A more convenient option are the buses. You can easily board one that leaves to Galle or Matara from the main bus stand at Pettah.
What does the South have to offer?
Beaches! Apart from Nilavelli in the North, most of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches are lined along the southern sea border. Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Tangalle to name a few. Endowed with a rich colonial history, these coastal wraps are lined with some of the most iconic lighthouses in the country. Featured on stamps, these hundred-year-old towers are of considerable touristic interest today.
This strip of land beats other parts of the island by the sheer vibrancy it offers. Kataragama with its religious significance, Mulgirigala-an ancient cave temple in Tangalle, Yala with its dense leopard population and Mirissa popular for whale watching activities, make up only a part of its colourful spectrum.
Coconut trees slant towards the Indian Ocean drawing an arc around the island. Idle for most parts, the quiet of the gushing waves catch up with you. It is surprising how in spite of the huge volume of travellers, the place has retained the slow ebb to its coastal life.
Where to eat?
Eat crab! A combination of Sri Lankan hoppers with the eggs yellow sitting at its centre and fish oozing with the fresh flavours of the sea is a must try. If you love seafood, this is your food heaven.
Food goes a long way in making your travel experiences memorable. If you have been on the road from four in the morning, I highly recommend stopping at Matara Florence Bakery to enjoy a wonderful spread of Sri Lankan breakfast.
For lunch, ask the locals at Matara for Saman Buffet. You wouldn’t be disappointed.
Where to stay?
After a long ride and numerous stops along the way, I generally pamper myself with comfort and luxury. If you had taken a car hire, Colombo left far behind, almost a recently forgotten memory, indulging a little more wouldn’t hurt. The Owl and the Pussy Cat is a quirky stay if you are feeling a little light-headed. You could camp in a luxury beach tent or retreat to a classy night cap at Cape Weligama. You wouldn’t want lazy air hovering around you to dissipate immediately.
What’s better than a glass of sherry with a view of the golden Ocean as the sun sinks down until tomorrow?
Head South, if you want the experience the true coastal feel of Sri Lanka.
