A Pocket Guide to Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast: Hiriketiya, Ahangama, Galle and Colombo
From the surf-friendly beaches of Ahangama and Hiriketiya to the colonial beauty of Galle, each spot along the Sri Lankan Southern coast has something different to explore. Meanwhile, Colombo pulses with energy, blending old-world streets with modern life, making it a place where adventure and relaxation collide effortlessly.
This is the third leg of ourThree-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary. For the rest of our itinerary, check the links below. Come back up here when you’re ready, but finish this first guide first!
the Sri Lanka Series…
✷ Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka
✷ A Pocket Guide to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Trincomalee
✷ A Pocket Guide to Kandy & Ella, Two of Sri Lanka’s Favorite Destinations
Sri Lanka’s southern coast has a way of sneaking up on you, and places like Ahangama and Hiriketiya are proof of that. Ahangama’s low-key surf culture makes it a hidden gem, where mornings are spent on quiet beaches and evenings watching the sun melt into the sea. Hiriketiya, just a short drive down the road, feels like a tucked-away paradise. Its calm, crescent-shaped bay feels almost private, with great surf and a relaxed vibe that will make you never want to leave.
Galle, on the other hand, is where history meets the sea. The Galle Fort is a labyrinth of old streets lined with colonial buildings, art galleries, and cozy cafes waiting to be explored. You can spend hours wandering through its nooks and crannies, or just kick back and watch the waves crash against the fort’s walls. Each of these places offers a different slice of Sri Lanka’s southern charm, blending adventure, history, and that unbeatable coastal feel.
And then there’s Colombo. While it’s not exactly a part of the Sri Lankan Southern Coasts, it’s easy to group the island’s capital with this area because of its proximity to Galle…and because it was the last stop in our Sri Lankan Tour.
While some people told us to skip Colombo altogether, we believe that you can’t know a country without even passing through its capital. And Colombo’s got this raw energy, where the clash of history and modern life feels just natural. You’ll find colonial-era buildings tucked between shiny skyscrapers, and the streets buzz with everything from spice markets to food stalls serving up the best local bites.
Best time to visit…
The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s southern coast is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny, and the seas are calm—perfect for beach days, surfing, and exploring.
We planned our visit around the Cultural Triangle and the Kandy Esala Perahera, prioritizing spending Dry Season in those areas. So our time on the Southern Coast was cloudy, rainy, and not the ideal beach time. But it was still the perfect relaxing finale of our trip. A vacation to our vacation.
Even if you visit during rainy season, there’s a charm to the Sri Lankan tropical landscape during this time. Splurge in a comfy hotel, and spend your days with a good book and a cup of Ceylon tea in hand.
Table of Contents… 
HIRIKETIYA
Our first contact with the south was this little beach called Hiriketiya.
Hiriketiya is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret, even if the word is starting to get out. This little horseshoe bay on Sri Lanka’s south coast has a bit of everything: waves for surfers, shady spots for lounging, and a chill vibe that makes it hard to leave.
The jungle creeps right up to the sand, giving it a tucked-away feel, and the beachfront cafes serve up fresh seafood and smoothies perfect for lazy afternoons. It’s low-key, laid-back, and exactly where you want to be.
I will say this though: we visited during low season, so Hiriketiya was incredibly calm. But the popularity of this beach has sky rocketed and can get very packed during high season.
Where to Stay…
✷Peak House/ $
A beautiful guesthouse, just a short walk away from Hiriketiya beach. The garden is full of beautiful orchids and we were shown around by the owner’s daughter who was incredibly lovely and super chatty. The rooms were small, but very comfy, spotless clean and with a rustic, beachy charm to them.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷ Salt House / $$
If you’re a solo female traveler, stay here! This hotel / surf camp / yoga studio / restaurant is everything you could need in an accommodation, all rolled into a colorful and community-oriented space. SALT House is the perfect mix of chill and fun. Ps. You can also book a massage here!
Things to do…
✷ Surf. Period.
Hiriketiya is all about the waves, and its beach is perfect for beginner and intermmediate surfers. Rent a board right on the beach or book a lesson!
✷ Have a Beach Day(s).
Tan, swim, eat, nap, repeat. Enjoy the beach either on the sand, or at one of the beach bars and beach clubs, like La Playa Hiriketiya.
✷ See the fishermen at Nilwella
Because we visited the area during monsoon season, we didn’t get as much fun in the sun. So we jumped on our Tuk-tuk and drove around the area, and we ended up at Nilwella watching the fishermen and the colorful fishing boats coming to and from shore.
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AHANGAMA
Ahangama, a coastal gem along Sri Lanka's southern stretch, is a patchwork of contrasts: the unhurried rhythm of surfers carving through happening spots popping around the area. This is where nomads and free spirits come to embrace life’s simple joys—coconut palms swaying in the breeze, sea-salt hair, and sun-kissed skin.
Unlike its busier neighbors, Unawatuna and Weligama, Ahangama is all about an unpolished charm, a slower pace, but still a good dose of exciting energy.
We visited during monsoon season, so focused on relaxing. But I can’t wait to go back and explore this area in all its sunny splendor.
Where to Stay…
✷ Trebartha East The Roundhouse / $$$
Nestled on top of a hill overlooking a revitalized cinnamon plantation - Trebartha East is the perfect luxury refuge on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. With just 4 bedrooms, it’s an intimate boutique hotel that whisks you away into a lush, tropical dream, while still being 10 minutes away from the island’s most happening spots.
Built mostly in timber, this place is a love letter to Sri Lankan craftmanship. It’s one of those places where you get excited about every nook and corner because every detail is a piece of art.
Take a tour of the hotel in this post.
✷ PALM Hotel / $$
The love child between London panache and Sri Lankan chill. This boutique hotel hits the sweet between a hideout and a happening hub, with its scattered cabanas along a coconut grove, and its modern-meets-boho pool area where you’ll want to tan the day away.
But behind the coolness of it all, it’s one of those places that you can just tell it was built with love. The food, the friendliness of the staff, the vibe…No matter if you stayed the night or just stopped for brunch…you’ll leave PALM refreshed and with a smile. And self-promises of coming back.
Take a tour of the hotel in this post.
Things to do…
✷ Drink and Eat at Ahangama beach
Ahangama’s beach strip is sprinkled with beach bars and cafes selling from traditional Sri Lankan food, to more international items like pizza. Come spend the day in the sun and surf and follow your feet to one of your spots when you’re hungry!
✷ Watch the Sunset and Grab a Drink
Watch the sunset and have a drink at Ceylon Sliders, Hotel des Uncles, or the Lighthouse. Or if you want a more local, laid-back scene, head to Hakuna Matata or Thileni’s.
✷ Spend a day Beach Hopping
Head to popular beaches like Unawatuna and Mirissa to spend the day, and don’t forget to stop at the famous Insta-spot, Coconut Hill.
✷ Surfing
Ahangama is a beloved spot for seasoned surfers, but if you’re new to the sport, head to Kabalana Beach or Weligama (just a 10 min drive away!). You’ll find surf rentals and surf schools pretty much everywhere around the area. Or book a private class ahead of time.
Yes, PALM Hotel offers day passes! You can spend the day enjoying their pool and common area for less than $25, and the fee is deductible from your bill at their restaurant. And trust me, their food is incredible. Ps. Bring your own towel.
✷See the Fishermen on Stilts
The stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka, perched above the waves on wooden poles, are another of Sri Lanka’s most iconic postcards. This traditional practice, passed down through generations, is as much a cultural symbol of Sri Lankan’s connection to the sea.
However, this practice has become more for the lenses of excited tourists than anything else. There’s a few “designated photo ops” along the coast where locals pose for you, dressed in traditional clothes.
But, if you explore a bit further, you can still find fishermen using this traditional practice for real-life fishing.
GALLE
Galle is where Sri Lanka’s history meets modern-day charm, all wrapped up in a maze of cobblestone streets and colonial-era walls. The old fort, perched by the sea, is a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and quirky cafes where you can sip on a coffee while watching life go by.
It’s got this perfect balance of old-world vibes and contemporary cool—think crumbling Dutch architecture sitting alongside rooftop bars and artisan boutiques. Whether you’re wandering the ramparts at sunset or browsing for handcrafted souvenirs, Galle feels like stepping into a storybook, but with a tropical twist.
Our stay here was brief but charming, but I do wish I had spent some more time wandering around the quaint streets of Galle.
Where to Stay…
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷Fort Bazaar / $$$
Once a spice, tea, and gem trading post, Fort Bazaar is now a boutique haven in Galle’s 17th-century Dutch fort. Perfectly located for morning market strolls, whale-watching, and beach days, Fort Bazaar is the perfect blend of modern luxury and colonial charm.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷The Fort Printers / $$
A former 17th-century mansion and printing press, The Fort Printers is now a boutique retreat in Galle’s Dutch fort. Steps from markets, beaches, and historic landmarks, this beautiful hotel is a perfect example of Sri Lanka’s juxtaposition of history and blossoming modern times.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷ Mango House Galle Fort / $$
Nestled in the heart of Galle’s Dutch fort, Mango House is a cheerful oasis brimming with charm. This restored colonial villa, framed by lush courtyards, is your gateway to vibrant markets, sunlit fort walls, and lazy beach days.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷ Southern Comforts / $
Southern Comforts is a cozy guesthouse in the center of Galle’s Dutch fort. Location is perfect for going on adventures and strolls around the fort. This place is affordable but still has all the amenities that will make your stay relaxing and comfortable.
Things to do…
✷ See the Lighthouse
Galle´s most iconic postcard, the Galle Fort Lighthouse is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station, guiding ships since 1939. Stop here to bask in the views, and come back for sunset for a touch of nostalgia.
✷ Wander around the Dutch Fort
The charm of Galle relies on the quaint streets inside the Dutch Fort, oozing with old-school charisma, and the contrast between the colonial buildings with tropical plants sprouting through the cracks of time. So the main thing to do in Galle is to wander around and let yourself feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
✷ Shop the Boutiques
Galle is also a great area to find unique design pieces, beautiful textiles, endless spices, and local handicrafts, so shop to your heart’s content while you wander the Fort. You’ll find the perfect items to take home.
✷ Enjoy some live music and a unique cocktail at Ropewalk
Inspired by the 1920s, Ropewalk is a cocktail bar focused on arrack (a local spirit made from sugar cane), the first of its kind! Sri Lankan design and remnants of the Dutch times frame the experience, mixing upscale mixology with a cozy ambiance. Come here for a night of live music and a truly unique cocktail. I had a curry-based cocktail, and wow, I would’ve never expected to curry be so amazing in a drink!
✷ Have a massage
Galle is a very peaceful destination, so besides wandering the streets and enjoying the sunsets, it´s the perfect spot to book a massage and enjoy some downtime.
COLOMBO
“Don’t go to Colombo” seems to be the general veredict passed on the Sri Lankan capital. “It’s not pretty, it’s not worth it…” most people seem to agree. And it’s true. Pretty is not an adjective I’d use to describe this bustling city. It’s noisy, crowded and overwhelming. But it’s also electrifyingly chaotic as many capitals around the world are.
And we couldn’t leave the island without dedicating at least a few hours to wandering through the whirlwind Colombo is. There’s traffic, and there’s noise but there’s also the smell of spices flooding the air; and a collection of smiley people that will make you forget about the chaos for a moment. Colombo isn’t beautiful no, but it has a way of making you feel alive.
Where to Stay…
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷ Maniumpathy Hotel / $$$
A colonial-era manor transformed into an elegant boutique hotel that is the perfect retreat from the city’s bustle. Its timeless charm lies in its antique furnishings, lush courtyards, and how each suite tells a story of Sri Lankan heritage, blending luxury with hints of the past.
✷ Zest Metropole / $$
A modern stay in Colombo’s historic Fort area. It has sleek interiors and sweeping rooftop views, but the best thing about Zest Metropole is its location: just steps away from iconic landmarks, making it a perfect base for exploring the city’s heritage.
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM✷ Cinnamon Red Colombo / $
If you’re looking for an affordable stay without sacrificing comfort, stay here. Cinnamon Red Colombo rises above the city skyline, so its rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of both the metropolis and the ocean are the main reasons to stay here.
Things to do…
✷ Go on a Street Food Tour
You can’t visit Spice Island without trying all the food. And If there’s one thing you have to do in Colombo is to go on a street food tour.
✷ Visit the Jami Ul-Afar Mosque
Located in Colombo's bustling Pettah district, the Red Mosque is another one of Sri Lanka’s most recognizable vistas because of its vivid candy-striped façade. This iconic landmark, built in 1909 with both Indo-Saracenic and Moorish influences, is a spiritual sanctuary amid the city's zesty chaos, drawing curious visitors as well as local devotees alike.
✷ Admire the Lotus Tower
The Lotus Tower is an unexpected sight, rising from the city's chaos. A vibrant pink-and-green beacon by day by night, and a neon light show by night that feels like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie. As many corners of Sri Lanka are still not on the rest of the world’s radar, watching this tower appear among the Colombo skyline was quite a surprise. Some people love it, some people hate it, but it’s a fun sight to catch, especially at night when it displays a whole changing bright gradient of lights.
After Colombo…
After Colombo, we spent one night in Negombo, which is just next to the capital. Unlike Colombo, Negombo is fairly quiet, chill, and quite touristy. It feels like everything’s catered to tourists who are freshly arrived, or spending the night before leaving, like we did. There’s not much to do except rest, get a massage, and enjoy one last Sri Lankan meal before you go. I had a last dinner of rich rice and curry, while my boyrfriend indulged in an incredible tiger lobster at a local restaurant.
As for airport transfers, most hotels offer pick-up or drop-off service for a low fee or even for free! Ask you hotel or homestay.
And that’s it! This is the end of our Three-Week Tour around Sri Lanka.
If you haven’t click the links below to read the rest of my Sri Lanka Pocket Guides…
CLICK TO JUMP!the Sri Lanka Series…
✷ Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka
✷ A Pocket Guide to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Trincomalee
✷ A Pocket Guide to Kandy & Ella, Two of Sri Lanka’s Favorite Destinations
Never, ever travel without Travel Insurance!
While Sri Lanka is pretty safe, travel insurance is a must, no matter your destination.
Accidents and incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Unexpected medical bills, stolen items, missed flights…make sure you and your belongings are protected abroad.
🗺️ Find all the places in this pocket guide in my Sri Lanka map here!
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