Car hire Sri Lanka

Explore the Sri Lankan Coastline on an Epic Coast to Coast Road Trip

If you have taken a road trip before, you know how addictive it can be. If you are yet to take one, there is no better place than Sri Lanka. The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known for its tropical beaches, tranquil hill towns, quaint tea estates, and culture centers. Keeping that in mind, here is the ideal itinerary for a coast to coast road trip through the Southern edge of Sri Lanka.

Getting Started

Famous for its range of stunning beaches and watersport activities, the drive along the southern coastline has some of the best views on the island. You can start exploring from Mount Lavinia near Colombo, which is famous for its delicious seafood and the palm-lined coastal road. Located 40km from Colombo, Kalutara is your first destination. The drive along Calido beach is a popular attraction here. Next stop is the vacation town of HIkkaduwa, which is around 70km from Kalutara. Some of the popular attractions here include snorkeling, surfing, or renting a boat to explore the Indian Ocean. Tourist can also explore the nearby Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, which is a popular draw.

Barely 30 minutes from Hikkaduwa, Galle city is next on the list. This ancient port town is famous for its architecture, which is inspired by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. Two of the popular beaches in town include Unawatuna and Bentota. You can visit the turtle hatcheries here or explore the nearby coral reef. 35km away is the Weligama beach that is famous for stilt fishing. The fishermen here will gladly put on a display in exchange for a tip.

Next in line is the commercial fishing town of Matara. Also famous for its ancient architecture, do not forget to visit the Polhena beach and the Parey Dewa temple located on an island off shore. For a change in scenery, head to Yala National Park, which is located approximately 120km away. Explore the wildlife here before driving down to Kirinda, a small beach town renowned for its white sand beaches and opulent resorts. Take a break amidst Mother Nature here before driving down to the final destination of the trip, Arugam Bay. Located 165km from Kirinda, Arugam Bay is home to some of the best surfs on Earth. The beach is lined with seafood restaurants serving fresh catch, sunbathing tourists, and the constant crash of waves.

About Merganser Holidays

Merganser Holidays is a local travel operator proficient in organizing bespoke holiday experiences throughout Sri Lanka. Our service portfolio includes customizable tour packages based on client recommendations, tailored adventures designed exclusively for guests from the ground up, day tours, jungle safari, car hire Sri Lanka, and airport transfer.

There is no better way to exploring Sri Lanka than taking a road trip through the heart of the country. With the advent of global tourism, self-drive car rentals have become popular over the years. However, if you prefer taking a back seat, we recommend Sri Lanka driver hire. Your driver doubles as the local guide, and is in charge of safety.

At Merganser Holidays, client security is our primary concern. Our entire team is trained to handle customer requirements and complaints with the highest level of proficiency. Visit our website for details on travel packages and to craft a bespoke vacation. You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest deals and group concessions!