The south and west coast
The coast most visitors end their trip on, from Galle Fort to the whale boats of Mirissa.
Read the swimming safety guide before any beach day; the sea here can be dangerous.
Galle Fort: who built it, and what to look for on the walk
The Portuguese built the first fort in 1588; the Dutch built most of the walls from 1663 to 1729. What to look for on a walk round the walls.
Colombo to Galle by train: the coast line, times and tickets
The Colombo to Galle train runs along the coast: about 2 h 20 min on an express, Rs 240 to Rs 1,100. Times, tickets and the seaward side (Oct 2026).
Things to do in Colombo: a day or two in the commercial capital
Walk Galle Face Green at sunset, explore Fort and the Pettah markets, see the National Museum and climb the Lotus Tower: Colombo in one or two days (2026).
Whale watching from Mirissa: the season, and how to choose a responsible boat
Most Mirissa whale trips run November to April. Sightings are not guaranteed and have fallen recently. The season, the rules, and how to choose a boat.
Turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka: which help, and which harm
A good hatchery moves only eggs at risk and releases hatchlings the same night. Four questions to ask before you pay, and a better way to see turtles.
Swimming safety in Sri Lanka: the sea, the seasons and the lifeguards
Many Sri Lankan beaches have dangerous surf or rip currents, in every season. Calmer months, lifeguarded beaches, flags, and how to decide each day (2026).