In spite of the recent economic crisis, Sri Lanka still remains one of the hottest destinations. The Southern coast of this island nation has long been much loved for its beautiful beaches, greenery, colonial digs and wildlife.

mirissa beach by dronepicr via wikipedia commons (CC BY 2.0)

The beaches across Southern Sri Lanka offer a variety of experiences. You can find shaded beaches with foliage providing respite from the sun, or sun-kissed stretches of sand flanked by blue-green waters. You can go surfing or swim with sea creatures. If you look for villas in Ahangama, you can find yourself a nifty villa with a beach view and easy access to a less crowded beach. Check out places like Tri Koggala for deals. The Weligama, Hikkaduwa and some areas of Ahangama are good for surfing. The good news is that you don’t even need a wet suit to surf in these tropical seas. Simply follow the advice from pros in the area to find good break points. Apart from surfing, you can snorkel or dive and spend lazy hours by the beach. Some beaches offer water sports including windsurfing, banana boat rides and Jet Skiing.

You can visit the Galle Fort early in the morning to avoid the hot sun. Walk along the ramparts and explore the well-reserved Dutch architecture. As you make it to the top, you’ll catch scenic glimpses of the sea and the cityscape. Make your way towards the cobblestoned lanes of Galle Fort where picturesque houses, boutique shops and restaurants beckon visitors. Grab yourself a sumptuous breakfast in a terraced restaurant and go for some rich, creamy ice cream later. The area is full of art galleries, ethnic ware shops and antique shops with eclectic collections. The Galle Maritime Museum is worth checking out for its display of the country’s connection to the Silk Route, sunken ships and old-world trade.

The whale watching season starts in November and lasts until April in this part of the world. You should be wary of unethical whale-watching tours and ask fellow travellers for recommendations before signing up for a trip. Most whale-watching tours start early in the morning, and you will spend a few hours in the sea. Hence, lathe up in sunscreen, and take enough water and snacks. You’ll get to see majestic blue whales, flying fish and frolicking dolphins.

You can book a cruise trip with a luxury catamaran. If you love whales and dolphins, the 7-hour morning cruise is a good option. But, if you’ve had enough of these sea creatures, you can go for a sunset cruise. Most cruise trips in Southern Sri Lanka include small groups, so you will not be inconvenienced by too many people.

If you think tea plantations belonged in mountainous central Sri Lanka, you are mistaken. Southern Sri Lanka has its fair share of tea plantations. The Handungoda Tea Estate is arguably the most famous one in Southern Sri Lanka. It is located about a 45-minute drive away from Galle, and the guided tour is pretty decent. You can learn about the art of virgin white tea and drink some fragrant tea. The tours start at 8 30am and they close around 4 30pm.

Two rivers nurture the waterway-rich, fertile Kanneliya rainforest. The famous Nilwala River and Gin River give life to the thriving ecosystem of the rainforest. You can find green foliage-covered paths, endemic animals, lizards, butterflies, and bird species as well as beautiful natural pools. The trail leading to the Narangas Ella (waterfall) is one of the most idyllic.

But the trail leading to Narangas Ella (waterfall) can lead you towards discovering profound secrets and wonders that the forest shields from ordinary eyes such as the enormous Navada trees. Covered in green foliage the forest canopy is a thing to behold and