Vibes of the South

Sri Lanka’s South which runs along the southern coastal belt is a vibrant and dynamic stretch that is bordered by brilliant blue seas and golden beaches. 

Words : Indika Madapatha Sellahewa

Mirissa and Weligama situated in the Matara District, are coastal fishing towns that have emerged as two of the most popular tourist destinations since the recent past. 

Mirissa

Tourists from across the world, mainly European countries patronise Mirissa as one of the towns with the best beach for just holidaying, sunbathing, surfing and swimming. Whale watching is another attraction that is offered in Mirissa. It’s clean golden beaches and the inviting blue sea can mesmerise holiday makers while giving them a feel of the village locality. If you visit the Mirissa fishery harbour before 7 AM you can buy freshly caught fish straight from the boats. You can find quite a variety and a number of accommodation villas and hotels and many beach restaurants scattered along the beach. The nightlife gets lively in Mirissa with many of the beach restaurants playing a DJ on selected days of the week. Weekends are usually hyped up with locals patronising the beach parties from Colombo as well as tourists who enjoy the nightlife.

Weligama

Weligama the main town only ten minutes away from Mirissa is now the up and coming vibe. This town is also famous for its shallow beach stretch of two kilometres as well as snorkelling, diving and coral watching. 
Weligama also offers restaurants and bars and an active nightlife. Here you will also find some Beeralu or crafted lace products. It’s the upcoming town with sea view holiday apartments, villas and many foreigners are buying property in the area to enjoy the sun and sand longer than usual just like in Mirissa. Just a few kilometres away is Kumbalgama. A colourful little town with many shops lined together selling woven handicrafts, baskets and clay pots. Tourists as well as locals pass through this stretch and buy gifts and personal home use items. It is one of my favourite spots too. However, if you want to spend a couple of nights in these town for a long weekend or during high season, make sure to make your bookings early. Otherwise, you’ll be disappointed as it gets fully packed with holiday makers. We’ll talk more in future issues about other coastal towns along this stretch which are world famous and patronised by tourists come the season. Until then, Au Revoir!