Our efforts are based along the stretch of Indian Ocean from Galle to Merissa.

The southern coast has bounced back in true Sri Lankan style after the unfortunate events of December 2004, mostly down to hardworking and compassionate local people in the area.

That is why Sri Lanka and particularly the hard-hit southern coast deserve the hordes of visitors it anticipated not so long ago.

From the 300-year old UNESCO listed Galle Fort to the beaches of Unawatuna to the National Park at Yala, you can experience the diverse landscape that only Sri Lanka offers in such short distances.

The sheer number of places to eat, trendy boutique shops and amazing unique sites to visit, demands attention by the most discerning of travellers. We have listed but a few of the most memorable.

Galle, 116km south of Colombo

The Fort, as it is known, is fast becoming one of the most fascinating places to visit in the world. The enveloping calm that surrounds you upon entering the Fort is a welcome respite from the busy streets outside the perimeter of Galle town. Newly purchased properties are rapidly being renovated in the traditional style with a colonial air about them. Large verandahs look onto narrow streets, fans whir away the warm breezes, shuttered windows keep out the midday sun. The Fort is an experience that is changing each time you visit. My advice would be to get there sooner than later.

Places to eat around Galle

The Lighthouse Hotel is a magnificent structure designed by the late, well-known Geoffrey Bawa and well worth a visit if only for the style and architecture.

In the walls of Galle Fort you can taste the more up-market delights of the Galle Fort Hotel, the old Oriental Hotel now part of the Aman group, or head for the Rampart Hotel with a view over the Fort wall for a great selection of fish, or Sri Lankan curry.

Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa both have a number of places to eat. Along Galle road you can also stop at some of the newer spots to have opened in the past couple of years and taste their wares..

Tea Plantations

You can find a number of smaller tea plantations in and around Galle at which staff are happy to provide free tours of the grounds, a cup of tea and a visit to the tea shop.

Water Sports

You can find surfing, fishing and swimming activities in and around the Galle area.

Ayurvedic Spa Treatments

Synonymous with homeopathic care, Sri Lanka is fast becoming the destination for this wonderful, aromatic, natural form of treatment. You can find a local doctor with potions to cure anything from headaches to varicose veins or visit one of the more up-market boutique hotel spas.

Unawatuna, 5Km south-east of Galle

Unawatuna bay is very pretty with safe swimming, but it does get fairly busy during the main toursit season. There are a number of small places on teh beach to eat and drink, in addition to the normal facilities at a well-populated beach scene; Internet cafe, beachware shops and souvenir stalls.

Koggala, 8km south-east of Galle

Koggala is generally recommended for a visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum or for a ride to one of the islands on the Lake. There is, however, a lot more to Koggala. You can ride on a catamaran around the Lake with a local villager who may be willing to take you fishing upon request. You could also take a bicycle ride (or Tuk-tuk) along the dirt tracks of the villages around the perimeter of the Lake to discover some of the wonderful vegetation and animal life (snakes, monitor lizards, birds). Koggala beach is a beautiful stretch of clear, soft, golden sand, perfect for long walks along to the next bays of Ahangama and Midigama.

Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the best beach spots along the coast. The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. You are sure to spot a large variety of fish and turtles in the waters around here. Heading inland you will come across pretty country lanes and hillsides overlooking picturesque paddy fields, coconut groves and cinnamon plantations. Visits to a number of such sites can be arranged upon request

Sinharaja Rainforest

Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.