Sri Lanka is quickly becoming the gem of Asia on every traveller’s radar! To truly experience its magic, you need to venture down south. Imagine stepping onto serene beaches that feel worlds away from reality, exploring a UNESCO World Heritage site that whispers tales of the past, going on safaris where leopards prowl, and wandering through jungles where monkeys are your fellow travellers. The south of Sri Lanka is an absolute treasure trove!

Galle - Image via Flickr

While Sri Lanka is a beauty year-round, the weather can be a bit of a chameleon. To catch the southern coast at its sun-kissed best, aim for January to March. That's the golden window to embrace the south of Sri Lanka in all its glory!

Just a short while back, Sri Lanka's southern charm was a secret kept hidden away from the trodden paths of travellers. But ever since the new highway from Colombo to Galle unfurled in 2011, the doors to an array of breathtaking experiences swung wide open.

There's a kind of magic in the south of Sri Lanka – a tucked-away tranquillity, a genuine friendliness in the locals, and a pristine beauty in the natural world that captivates the heart. It's a place where monkeys are your impish neighbours, boldly swinging from palm to palm, or playfully raiding the boutique hotels' open rooms for a quick treat. For those seeking solace in wellness, the south is dotted with serene retreats – think yoga on the beach at sunrise and surfing the waves as the sun takes a dip in the ocean.

It's this blend of untouched wilderness and laid-back luxury that's turning Sri Lanka's southern coastline into a paradise found for the modern wanderer.

On top of all that, getting here is quite easy too. A delightful train journey? Check! A bus ride with the locals? Check! Domestic flights in Sri Lanka? Double check! You can also get here by cab all the way from the airport, but if you’re feeling fancy, give the likes of Cinnamon Air a ring and see what they can conjure up in the way of transportation!

Not too long ago, envisioning a 'large' hotel with 150 rooms in the south of Sri Lanka might have seemed like a daydream. But times have swiftly changed, and the South has evolved at an impressive pace. Now, major hotel chains are setting foot in the region, opening their first-ever resorts on this island. The growth doesn't stop there; the rise of cosy B&Bs, opulent tented camps, and boutique lodgings is mirroring the boom.

It's a ripe moment for tourism in this part of the world, like a well-kept secret that's just been let out. With the spotlight newly cast upon its shores, there's a buzz similar to the gold rushes of the past. And with everyone eager to stake a claim in this newfound paradise, those looking for the untouched and the uncharted should make their way sooner rather than later. For a slice of this pristine world, the time to act is now – before the rest of the world catches up. So pack your bags!

Galle Fort is a slice of the quiet life, miles away from Colombo's hustle. Picture cobblestone streets, little galleries, and quaint cafes, all with that old-world European charm from days gone by.

Take a walk on the walls here, and you get a view that's something else – think old Dutch fortifications watching over the ocean.

Just an hour's drive from Galle, and you're in Mirissa. It's a beautiful beach with a touch of class. It's not overrun like Unawatuna, where the party crowd hangs out with all the shops and noise. Mirissa is your spot if you want a little peace and quiet.

For an even more laid-back spot, head to Weligama, just a short drive away. It's the best place to try out surfing with some really gentle waves that won't knock you over.

If you're into marine life, Mirissa is the place to be, especially when it's the whale-watching season – you can throw in some snorkelling and paddle boarding too.

What's really great about Sri Lanka’s South is how close you are to the land's majestic elephants from the ocean's biggest whales –places like Udawalawe or Yala are just a few hours away.