A guide to experience the south coast of Sri Lanka - Like you live here

About this guide - Our favorite places on the south coast

The South Coast is brimming with life, offering endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to begin. That’s where we come in!  

To guarantee you an unforgettable stay, we’ve curated a guide to help you make the most of your time here. From breathtaking nature to cozy cafes, and from lively hotspots to serene escapes, our selection highlights the best this vibrant region has to offer.  

These recommendations, broken down into categories, are handpicked by seasoned locals and travelers who’ve spent months exploring the area, and they’re all guest-approved! Dive in and discover the South Coast’s hidden gems and must-visit spots, tailored to ensure your trip is nothing short of extraordinary.

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A day at the beach

Soak up the sun, enjoy the sound of the waves, and let the ocean breeze refresh your spirit— here is some inspiration for the perfect day by the sea.

Dreamsea

A surf camp at heart, also welcomes non-guests with its lush garden, pool and direct beach access to soak up the seaside. You can easily spend some hours there as they serve food and drinks, a pool and direct beach access to soak up the seaside vibes.
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Jungle beach & Silent pup

Away from the main road you can find this hidden jam for swimming and surfing. Enjoy really tasty food and drinks at the silent pup, run by lovely locals with a beautiful view on the beach and a super relaxed vibe.
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‍Silient Pup - Google Maps

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Secret Beach (Ahangama)

Beautiful, calm spot with a relaxed but somewhat wild vibe. Also a good place to watch sunsets. Be aware of strong currents though if there is a larger swell.
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Thileni‘s

A thoughtfully designed café with comfy beanbags and beach access, is the perfect place to relax with great food and drinks. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the French toast!
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ALAIA by The Hotel

A premium beach club close to Devil's surf point. Eat exquisite food in the restaurant or chill in comfortable beanbags, all while looking out to the surf break. Or jump in for a quick session..
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Shopping & grabbing coffee

Explore local shops for unique finds, then unwind with a delicious coffee as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

Cruise Culture

Cruise Culture is a popular local brand that has made a name for itself based on stylish, surf inspired wear. Stop by to check out their current collection and learn more about their story.
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Tropical Essentials

Tropical Essentials is a chic surf shop offering stylish swim and beachwear, along with all the essentials for surfboard care. It’s located in Ahangama and definitely worth a visit for surfers and beach lovers alike!
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Le Café FRENCH BISTRO

A bit more hidden cafe and restaurant with delicious food and drinks. You can have an authentic cheese platter, omelettes or amazing sandwiches with home made bread here. The ocean view is a plus and on top you will support the project about local women. A must visit for sure, also for dinner.
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Unwind & relax

Take a moment to breathe deeply, unwind, and let the energy of these self-care treatments calm you down.

Yoga, ice bath and more at Terra Ressort

Terra Ressort is an excellent retreat center just a 10 min walk from KOKUA Surfskate House. The run a weekly schedule of wellness activities and classes, ranging from Yoga to, sound healing, and ice bath to reformer pilates. Once per week there is a wellness day where you can dedicate a full day at the stunning ressort to yourself.
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Ice bath & sauna at Ember & Ice

A tranquil space in the jungle, surrounded by lush rice paddies, perfect for those seeking relaxation away from the busy streets of Ahangama. One session we highly recommend is the breathwork and ice bath experience. After your treatment, you can enjoy a premium local coffee.
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Ama Massage

At Ama you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage. They offer highly qualified doctors with extensive experience in Ayurvedic and Panchakarma treatments.
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Food - Authentic local and top international flavours

The south coast is becoming a hot spot for foodies, new restaurants seem to open up on a weekly basis. We´ll point you to our personal favorites in different categories.

Manori’s kitchen

Probably the best option for delicious & authentic local food on the south coast. Combined with the atmosphere of the really friendly local family that runs the restaurant, that place is unbeatable. Sometimes the waiting time for the food is a bit long, so go there without being in a hurry ;)
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Veda Café

Veda Café is conveniently located right across from Kabalana Beach, offering a perfect spot to watch surfers from its first floor. They serve a fantastic variety of delicious local dishes beautifully presented with great attention to detail. The all vegan restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Try the homemade lemonades also!
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NGM Hotel & Bakers - Indian

The name might not give it away, but this unassuming, low-key spot serves some of the most delicious Indian food you’ll find. If you’re craving flavorful, authentic dishes and a vibrant ambiance, all at an unbeatable price, this is the place to go.
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Vertigo

An authentic Italian pizza spot run by passionate Italians who truly know their craft. This is the go-to place for anyone craving traditional, perfectly baked pizzas made with genuine Italian flair and high-quality ingredients. The pizzas with burrata are not short of stunning.
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Thai Charm

Not in Thailand? No problem! Thai Charm brings the authentic flavors of Southeast Asia right to your plate. From fragrant soups to perfectly balanced Pad Thai, their dishes capture the essence of Thai cuisine.
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À la Carte

Whether you’re in the mood for local or international cuisine, À la Carte is the place to be. Offering a wide variety of dishes for a good price value. Perfect for any craving, you are guarenteed that everyone is happy after the meal.
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Concept La Mer

For those craving western style cuisine, this restaurant in Mirissa offers high-quality dishes, all served in a charming and inviting garden atmosphere.
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Dancing and a night out

The south coast has become a party hotspot. Don’t miss out on the best parties out there:

Palm Garden Grooves x Hidden Kabalana

Saturdays at Hidden is the perfect daytime party, kicking off at 4pm with a volleyball court and skate bowl to enjoy. As the evening unfolds, the energy shifts to the open-air garden dancefloor with house and techno music until 10pm. Super good vibes and you might not even miss the sunday morning surf.
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