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My visit to the south of Sri Lanka didn’t start out well. I’m starting to get used to the dumb customs officers… People told me before getting there “The locals in Sri Lanka have such a prejudice against black people. They think they’re all drug dealers, or doing suspicious business. In the street, people will probably ask you if you have drugs to sell, and when you’ll get in the country, the customs officers will annoy you, for sure!” Not really different from India I guess… It’s fucking crazy when you know how the locals look like in Sri Lanka, to have such a prejudice against black people!
And yes, it had to happen. After having my passport stamped, and just before leaving the airport, a customs officer called me and bombarded me with questions “What are you doing here? Where are you going? Don’t tell me you’re coming for tourism? You’re selling jewelry right? (Importing and selling jewelry is a big business in Sri Lanka!) Hey I didn’t even notice! There are many stamps on your passport! You’ve been traveling for a long time! How come? You must have a lot of money to be able to travel that long, kinda weird… Oh but you went to Iran!!!??? Why the hell did you go there??? People don’t go to Iran for tourism!“
And they thoroughly searched through my bag, they took out everything, turned the bag upside down, inspected every single pocket! The big backpack
Oh and as if it wasn’t enough, in the taxi from the airport to my hostel, the driver did everything he could to get more money from me than the price we agreed upon beforehand “We can take the highway if you want to, it’s faster, there are less cars but you’ll have to pay an extra!” “No thanks” “I can put the AC on if you want to, but you’ll have to pay a little bit more” “No thanks” I said, lowering the back window and facing the wind with my face. “I have some snacks if you want to, but they’re not free…” “NOOOOOO!” Seeing the expression on his face when I left the car, I clearly understood I wasn’t a good customer for him! I don’t give a fuck!
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Description of South Sri Lanka
Here I am in Sri Lanka! I heard many beautiful things about Sri Lanka, and it was time to see by myself how the country actually is. We’re just next to India, and to be honest, it’s almost the same culture. The food, the way they look, the culture, even the attitude (the famous Indian headshakes!), there are many things in common. Cricket is also the most popular sport. Still, there are a few differences (same same… but different!). The food is more or less the same, although a bit different. Still, it’s delicious. Wanna know more? Here’s Sri Lankan food you have to taste!
Sri Lankans are a lot more relaxed than the Indians. After spending a few weeks in India, you really feel like Sri Lankans are very kind (which is the case by the way!). And also smiling! Some of them greet me in the street, cars stop to let you cross the street, tuktuk drivers are still on the lookout for potential customers, but they’re way less insistent than in India. They might be a little bit too kind sometimes, some of them asked me if I wanted to have women “to have a good time“.
Since the atmosphere was more relaxed than in India, I slowly dropped my guard. Cause… yeah I was always on the alert during my stay in India, wary of the scams. And it’s time to explore this country I kept hearing about. I started by visiting the south of Sri Lanka, discovering two cities : Colombo, the capital, and Galle, on the south coast. I also spent a few days in Mirissa Beach. I don’t count Negombo, this is the city where the airport is. I also spent a few days there but there’s nothing to do… If needed, here’s a two-week Sri Lanka itinerary!
Colombo
Colombo will probably be the first city you’re going to see if you visit the south of Sri Lanka. Even though I spent a few enjoyable days in the city, I wouldn’t recommend to stay there for too long. Let’s be honest, there’s not much to do in the capital of Sri Lanka. It’s a beautiful city, but there’s nothing special. Since Colombo will probably be the first step of your trip in Sri Lanka, here are a few places to see.
The Independence Memorial Hall
The Independence Memorial Hall, on Independence Square. This memorial commemorates the independence of Sri Lanka, independent country since 1948. At the head of the memorial is the statue of the first Prime minister of the country, Don Stephen Senanayake. There are celebrations there every year for the national independence day (February 4th), otherwise it’s basically the youth sitting there chatting, playing cards, checking their phones…
The national museum of Colombo
The national museum of Colombo is the largest museum of the country. It was established in 1877! Inside, there are many historical items of Sri Lanka (throne of former kings, crowns…). And there are also exhibitions about the history of the country. I can’t say more, I didn’t get in.
Other things to do in Colombo
There’s also Colombo fort, which is the business district of Colombo, the dutch hospital shopping precinct, a former hospital turned into an outdoor mall (kind of!) with cafés, restaurants, shops… You can also spend a day sightseeing Colombo with a local guide. Click here for more info. And of course, don’t forget to have a walk along the beach but be careful, the sea is very choppy!
Galle
After visiting Colombo, let’s head to Galle, on the south coast. I also heard a lot of good things about this city. When I arrived at the Colombo train station to go to Galle, several times old men came to me, just to chat “Where are you from? How long are you staying here? etc…” When I was telling them I was going to Galle, the reactions were all the same “Why do you go there? That city sucks! And expensive, still wondering why! Skip Galle, and go straight to the beaches in the south!“
I think they’re a bit harsh with Galle. They’re right, eating outside is expensive (for the country, everything is relative!), but once again, I thought the city was enjoyable. Admittedly, there are not many tourist attractions, but it’s a beautiful city. There’s also the beach not too far. From the beach to Galle, you have to walk a few minutes.
Galle, which is on the coast in the south of Sri Lanka, is a fortified city built by the European colonists. Indeed, the city was occupied by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British. Walking around in the little streets of the city, and looking at the architecture, we can clearly see the city was colonized by Europeans in the past. It’s actually a mix between European and South Asian architecture. Looking around you, you can also see local women, with their umbrellas open, to protect themselves from the sun, and men trying to find a way to kill the time. Many people greeted me in the street there, just to say “Hi!“, and many locals were staring at me, looking surprised. Oh and several times, guys came to me to ask if I was selling weed…
Wandering in the old town
I spent a few days in Galle but you can easily visit the city in just one day. The main reason to go to Galle is the old town, where it’s enjoyable to have a walk. You can also visit St. Mary’s cathedral, the Dutch church, go to the national museum, see the fort, have a walk along the beach… A simple town, but definitely worth paying it a visit!
Mirissa Beach
It’s time to relax a little bit, let’s go from Galle to Mirissa Beach, in the extreme south of Sri Lanka! It’s one of the most famous beaches in the country. From what I heard, it can be packed, depending on the period of the year you go there. When I was there, it was quiet, although there are a few things to do in Mirissa. Yes, there are tourists, but not many. Perfect to chill…
As you walk along the beach, there are many bars and restaurants. And stands for surf lessons. Oh and apparently, Mirissa Beach is known for its whales shows. Again you’ll see billboards in the city, guys coming to you for “a great whales show!“, stands on the beach… This is one of the first thing the guy from my guesthouse told me “Wanna see a whales show?” Not my cup of tea but check this article to find out more about whale watching in Mirissa.
Honestly, visiting the south of Sri Lanka was enjoyable. There are not 15,000 tourist attractions, but the places I visited were nice. You just take your time, without stress, and the locals are kind and smiling. Colombo is not a must see, but I definitely suggest to stop by Galle, and spend a few days on the beach in the south. If you spend some time in the country, check out this list of best places to visit in Sri Lanka!
How to get to Sri Lanka
You’ll probably get there by plane. Click here to check the latest flight prices. From the airport to my hostel in Colombo, I paid 2500 rupees (13 euros).
How to get around in Sri Lanka
If you’re in a city, you can walk. Colombo and Galle are not big cities. If you wanna go from one city to another one, you’ll have to take the train or the bus. In second class, I paid 180 rupees (one euro) to go to Galle from Colombo. It was a two hours and a half ride. In first class, the price was 800 rupees (4.50 euros). Have a sit on the right side to be able to watch the sea!
Bus 350 goes to Matara, passing by Mirissa Beach. I paid 70 rupees (0.40€), and it was a one hour ride.
FYI, there are three classes in the train in Sri Lanka. In first class, you have your own seat. In second class, it’s first come first served! But it’s quite easy to have a seat. In third class, it’s also first come first served, but there are way more people, so there are very few chances to be able to sit.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
October/November and March/April are the best months to go there. From May to September, it’s the monsoon. Otherwise, it’s the high season and the beaches are crowded.
Where to stay in the south of Sri Lanka
Honestly, the places I stayed at weren’t great so I won’t promote them here 😀 Click here to check the hotels available in Colombo. Click here to check the hotels available in Galle. And click here for Mirissa Beach.
If you prefer to stay in an apartment, click here to check the apartments available in Colombo on Airbnb. Click here to check the apartments available in Galle, and click here to check those available in Mirissa Beach.
Other things to do in Sri Lanka
Apart from the south of Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle and a beach in the south), you can visit Ella and Kandy, and climb Sigiriya. There are places to visit, where I didn’t go : Nuwara Eliya, a town located between Ella and Kandy. Also Dambulla, located between Kandy and Sigiriya. Those who are motivated, you can climb Adam’s Peak (the real one, not Little Adam’s Peak!). The view there is amazing for the sunrise!
I went to Mirissa Beach, but apparently Polhena Beach is quieter. There’s also Matara Beach, very popular, in the extreme south of Sri Lanka. Many couples go there. Of course, there’s also Tangalle but I didn’t go.
South of Sri Lanka travel tips
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Check the visa policy here. If you wanna go to Sri Lanka and stay there for less than 30 days, most Western countries don’t need a visa anymore. But you need to apply for a free ETA. Click here to do it.
- Do not go to Sri Lanka without a travel insurance! Here’s why you should buy travel insurance!
- Want a tailor made trip to Sri Lanka? Get a free quote here!
- Here’s an article if you’re visiting Galle during rainy season!
- Eating outside is expensive in the old town of Galle (this is where the tourists go!). You’ll probably spend 1800-2000 rupees (10-11 euros) for a dish and a drink. I found a restaurant where I had a dish and a dessert for 200 rupees (1.10€). I don’t have the name, there was no tourists at all, it was a rustic place with no menu and no signs in front. But it was on Lighthouse street. However, they were only serving spicy food.
- Here are the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka!
- Be careful, on the coast along the beach in the south of Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle, beaches in the south), the sea is choppy! You’ll see many red flags, and signs saying “It’s strictly forbidden to swim in this area“. There’s been many drownings in the past. I repeat myself, but get a travel insurance!
- I took a local SIM card to have internet access outside. I paid 150 rupees (0.85€) for the SIM card, and an extra 200 rupees for 2GB (1.10€). At the airport, they had no SIM cards below 1300 rupees (7.20€)…
- You’ll see by yourself, everywhere in Sri Lanka, it’s a pain in the ass to plug in anything (laptop, smartphone charger…) in their outlets, even with a travel plug adapter!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why you should use a VPN when traveling.
- Sri Lanka is a cheap travel destination!
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