The southern city, a well known seaport from ancient times when merchant ships anchored here to trade for the Island famous gems, exotic spices and other commodities. The famous Fort I Galle was originally built by the Portugese in 1589 and named Santa Cruz. After the Dutch occupation it was destroyed and rebuilt on a larger scale to cover an area over 36 hectares. This world Heritage Site is a very interesting place to visit as the old and modern city blend together in perfect harmony.

west coast of Sri Lanka, a popular tourist destination is a also a breeding ground for turtles. Legend say that Unwatuna was created from a piece of earth from Himalaya, that had fallen from Hanuman in the Ramayanaya epic.

Unlike the other resorts to the north Unawatuna is still a very quite place and a excellent location to enjoy the tropical beauty in relative recluse. Ideal for snorkelling and swimming. There are some coral reefs to be explored at near by Rumassala and now becoming popular as a bird watching location.

Unawatuna offers a wide range of accommodation scattered around near by village, but for more luxurious places are few minutes drive from the beach. The beach side bars and restaurants are in abundance.

Hikkaduwa is one of the earliest tourist beaches of Sri Lanka famous for its sandy beaches and superb waves for surfing. Once a popular coral reefs at Hikkaduwa are now nearly extinct. There are many hotels and guest houses to suit any budget with varying quality and comfort.

Your itenaries at Hikkaduwa may include hiring a glass bottom boat for coral viewing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relaxing in the beach.

South of Beruwala, Bentota is another major beach resort of the island with many large hotels with beach fronts, beautiful sandy beaches and shallow waters.
There is a popular fresh water lagoon which is a popular water racing location

The most popular beach resorts of the south coast area starting around here and streaches towards Galle and beyond. There are many large hotels catering the tourists but are often busy during the weekends with local tourists.

Negombo situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name once has been a trading port for Portugese and Dutch and is a ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Attractions in the city are the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villagers. The 100km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective.

The stretch of road towards Kotchchikade comes to life at dusk (most shops are open at daytime too) with many handicrafts and curio shops, gem shops, restaurants and internet cafes catering for tourists.