Top 10 Best Things to Do in Southern Province
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Southern Province

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Yala National Parktop_1
    󰺂6.1
    Moneragala>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYala National Park Safari Adventure
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Southern Province
    Highlights:
    󰀆Explore ancient ruins at Sithulpahuwa
    󱓊Jeep safari for wildlife exploration
    󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Md Iqbal HasanMd Iqbal Hasan

    Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is the country's most visited and second-largest national park. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Yala is home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The park's diverse landscapes include dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands, creating ideal habitats for wildlife. Yala is especially famous for having one of the world’s highest densities of leopards.

  • Stilt Fishermantop_2
    󰺂5.9
    Koggala36.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Stilt fishing for sardines
    󱓊Stilt fishermen's unique fishing skills
    4.6/5
    Md Iqbal HasanMd Iqbal Hasan

    Watching the stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka is like witnessing a living painting—grace, balance, and tradition suspended above the sea. Perched on slender poles as the sun dips low, these silent silhouettes tell a timeless story of resilience and harmony with nature. It’s not just fishing—it’s an art form passed down through generations, standing tall against tides and time. A truly humbling and poetic glimpse into coastal life that stays with you long after the waves fade.

  • Whale watching Mirissa with Geethtop_3
    󰺂5.7
    Mirissa33.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Whale & dolphin migration viewing
    Over 95% chance of seeing
    󱨠48% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M.M.R. MarufM.M.R. Maruf

    "Had an amazing whale watching experience in Mirissa with Geeth! His expertise and passion for marine life made the trip unforgettable. We were fortunate enough to see majestic blue whales and playful dolphins up close. Geeth's knowledge and commitment to sustainability made us feel comfortable and informed throughout the tour. The entire experience was well-organized, and the stunning views of the ocean were just the cherry on top. Highly recommend this tour if you're ever in Mirissa – a must-d

  • Galle Fort Clock Tower
    4
    󰺂5.0
    Galle43 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Last Tear of the Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka
    Highlights:
    󱓊Ancient clock still precisely works
    Clock tower view: walls & greenery
    4.5/5
    SmadSmad

    Galle Fort is one of the iconic attractions in Sri Lanka. There is a very nice town here. There is a landmark clock tower and a lighthouse by the sea. It is pretty good. Overall, it is worth visiting together.

  • Mangrove Cave
    5
    󰺂4.6
    Balapitiya55.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Explore mangroves & make spices
    Traditional fishing & mangrove ecology
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    吴青芸吴青芸

    @🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, Bentota 🛶 Boat Tour Maduganga Lake Mangrove Cave The mangroves grow in a special ecosystem in tropical and subtropical coastal zones. The mangroves have well-developed root systems. They are submerged by the sea at high tide and form a lush forest at low tide. The cruise ship will pass under the bridge and under the railway tracks, and tourists occasionally need to lower their heads and lie down. This is the entrance of the Madu River into the Indian Ocean. It is also a holy place for bird watching, and there are many aquatic animals such as lizards, crocodiles, monkeys, birds and jellyfish. During the process, you can also go to a small island to see the production method of a local spice. In addition, you can experience activities such as catching crabs and fishing therapy in the mangroves and enjoy the beauty and excitement of nature.

  • Sea Turtle Hatchery Habaraduwa
    6
    󰺂4.5
    Habaraduwa37.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Observe turtle nesting June-October
    󱓊Released 500,000 turtles in 36 years
    󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    旅の径旅の径

    Sri Lanka's long coastal beaches are often visited by sea turtles. To protect this rare animal in the world, the government has funded the construction of a number of non-profit sea turtle hatcheries along the coast, which are responsible for collecting sea turtle eggs on the beach, hatching baby sea turtles, adopting disabled sea turtles, and are open to tourists for a fee. I walked into a hatchery, which was not very large. On one side was a sand altar, where small lives were nurtured under small sand bags, and small wooden signs marked the species and hatching start time of the small lives; on one side was a row of courtyards, where groups of small sea turtles and disabled turtles were raised in pools and water tanks. Take a look and learn a lot. Tips: Sea turtles are oviparous animals, and the incubation period varies from 48 to 65 days for different species. After birth, boys are released into the sea after 6 months and girls after 3 years.

  • Galle Dutch Fort
    7
    󰺂4.3
    Galle43 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Historic 16th-century Portuguese castle
    󱓊Warehouse maritime museum: maps & models
    󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    ShajaanmuazshaheemShajaanmuazshaheem

    Absolutely enamored by the rich history and stunning architecture of Galle Fort in Sri Lanka. The well-preserved colonial buildings and charming cobblestone streets make it a must-see destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. The panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from the ramparts are unparalleled. A truly magical experience!

Best things to do in Southern Province (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Southern Province? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Southern Province offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Southern Province

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Southern Province experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Yala National Park

• Moneragala | >100 km from downtown

• : Explore ancient ruins at Sithulpahuwa,Jeep safari for wildlife exploration

Stilt Fisherman

• Koggala | 36.7 km from downtown

• : Stilt fishing for sardines,Stilt fishermen's unique fishing skills

Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth

• Mirissa | 33.7 km from downtown

• : Whale & dolphin migration viewing,Over 95% chance of seeing

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Southern Province

If you want to explore attractions just outside Southern Province, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Southern Province, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Southern Province special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Southern Province

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Southern Province

Ready to explore the best of Southern Province? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Southern Province?
These are all Best Things to Do in Southern Province:Yala National Park, Stilt Fisherman, Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth, Galle Fort Clock Tower, Mangrove Cave
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Southern Province?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Southern Province include:Yala National Park:4.8, Stilt Fisherman:4.6, Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth:4.7, Galle Fort Clock Tower:4.5, Mangrove Cave:4.3
At what locations in Southern Province can Best Things to Do in Southern Province be found?
The Best Things to Do in Southern Province are mainly located in:Yala National Park:Moneragala, Stilt Fisherman:Koggala, Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth:Mirissa, Galle Fort Clock Tower:Galle, Mangrove Cave:Balapitiya
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