Road Trip from Taganle to Colombo: Best Stops Along Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

Flo MBT
Apr 17
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Planning a road trip on Sri Lanka's Southern Coast? With around 300 km of coastline to explore, the journey offers a mix of serene beach towns, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences. No matter where you choose to stop, the southern coast of Sri Lanka is dotted with stunning beaches and charming resorts. You’ll find something for every kind of traveler—whether you’re chasing waves, culture, or serenity.

We explored this incredible island by driving 1,700 km in our own tuk-tuk, stopping at must-visit destinations along the way. Here’s our recommended itinerary, packed with insider tips and hidden gems!

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Tangalle – 3 Nights of Beach Bliss

Our first stop was Tangalle, a charming beach town ideal for relaxation. Although the main town is quite busy, once you turn onto the beachside roads, it’s peaceful and picturesque. We stayed 3 nights and loved the calm atmosphere and seaside restaurants. One of our highlights here was kayaking in the mangroves—a serene and scenic experience. Tangalle is perfect if you're looking to unwind and enjoy tranquil beaches.

Colourful Fishing Boat Breakfast at Green Coconut Tangalle

Mirissa & Weligama – 3 Nights of Surf, Views & Vibes

These two coastal towns are close to each other, making it easy to explore both.

Mirissa is best known for Parrot Rock and the iconic Coconut Hill, two must-see photo spots with incredible ocean views.
Weligama is a top spot for surfing, especially for beginners. It has a laid-back vibe and long, beginner-friendly waves. We based ourselves in Weligama and absolutely loved the surf scene and beach cafés.

Parrot Rock Coconut Tree Hill

Hiriketiya – The One That Got Away

We passed by Hiriketiya Bay by chance and immediately wished we had stayed there. It’s a small, horseshoe-shaped bay with a relaxed, bohemian vibe and great surf. If you’re planning this trip, don’t miss Hiriketiya—do your homework better than we did!

Galle – 2 Nights to Step Back in Time

Next up: Galle, one of our favorite stops. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is absolutely stunning—filled with colonial architecture, quirky cafés, boutique shops, and beautiful ocean views. The rest of the city isn’t as geared toward tourists, but the Fort alone is worth the stop. Tip: Look out for natural swimming pools near the walls at low tide.

Diner at Aliment Cafe Galle Old Fort

Hikkaduwa – 3 Nights of Turtles & Tsunami History

Our final coastal stop before Colombo was Hikkaduwa, known for its turtle beach where sea turtles often come right up to the shore. While it’s exciting to see them up close, be aware that many have become accustomed to tourists feeding them—locals even sell seaweed to encourage this. It's a controversial but common sight.

Hikkaduwa also holds a somber piece of history. The town was deeply affected by the 2004 tsunami, and we highly recommend visiting the Tsunami Museum. It’s a moving and humbling experience that offers deep insight into the tragedy and local resilience.

Our personal favorite: we took a cooking class with a lovely woman right in her own kitchen. Together, we made a traditional Rice & Curry, and it was such a special experience. It felt so personal—just the three of us—cooking, chatting, and learning about Sri Lankan culture and daily life.