In many ways, the south encapsulates Sri Lanka at its most traditional.
Stretched out along a great arc of sun-baked coastline from Galle in the west to Tissamaharama in the east, the area remains essentially rural: a land of a thousand sleepy villages sheltered under innumerable palms, where the laid-back pace of life still revolves around coconut farming, rice cultivation and fishing.
Culturally, too, the south remains a bastion of Sinhalese traditions exemplified by the string of temples and giant Buddha statues which dot the coast, and by the colourful festivals celebrated throughout the region, which culminate in the exuberant religious ceremonies enacted nightly at the ancient shrine of Kataragama.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built first in 1588 by the Portugese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Along the coast from Galle are some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful beaches. Stunning Thalpe is an exclusive area with unspoilt beaches, snorkeling and surfing. Unawatuna beach offers a backpacker vibe for the younger crowd.
Stretched out along a great arc of sun-baked coastline from Galle in the west to Tissamaharama in the east, the area remains essentially rural: a land of a thousand sleepy villages sheltered under innumerable palms, where the laid-back pace of life still revolves around coconut farming, rice cultivation and fishing.
Culturally, too, the south remains a bastion of Sinhalese traditions exemplified by the string of temples and giant Buddha statues which dot the coast, and by the colourful festivals celebrated throughout the region, which culminate in the exuberant religious ceremonies enacted nightly at the ancient shrine of Kataragama.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built first in 1588 by the Portugese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Along the coast from Galle are some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful beaches. Stunning Thalpe is an exclusive area with unspoilt beaches, snorkeling and surfing. Unawatuna beach offers a backpacker vibe for the younger crowd.
