Things to do
near Casa Tharin
Beaches, temples
and local traditions
Welcome to a captivating journey along Sri Lanka’s southern coast! This overview delves into the region’s diverse attractions, spanning from historical marvels like Galle Dutch Fort to breathtaking beaches such as Unawatuna and Thalpe. Explore natural wonders like Koggala Lake and Hummanaya Blowhole, discover conservation efforts at Turtle Watch Rekawa, and experience unique encounters at Weligama Snake Farm. Additionally, it showcases the rich wildlife found in various national parks. Start exploring cultural richness and natural beauty along this enchanting coastline.
Best things to do
within walking distance
of Casa Tharin
Madiha beach
Madiha Beach, at 450 m from Casa Tharin, is perfect if you would like to avoid the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots.
Madiha beach swells, reaching up to 350 m are perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. The vibrant coral reefs, the colorful fish, the turtles are perfect for those who love diving or snorkeling.
Madiha beach swells, reaching up to 350 m are perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. The vibrant coral reefs, the colorful fish, the turtles are perfect for those who love diving or snorkeling.
Surf point
Madiha surf point, offers consistent year-round surf, peaking from December to March with high-quality, fast, and steep reef breaks suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Madiha Right is a popular, consistent, and less crowded alternative to nearby spots, featuring a fun, long-right-hander, while Madiha Left provides a more challenging, consistent ride.
Polhena beach
Polhena Beach, at 1,5km from Casa Tharin, is home to a thriving population of green turtles, which can often be seen relaxing on the shore or swimming the crystal-clear waters.
Snorkeling or diving here, is a truly magical experience, as you can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Its a very good spot for surfers too.
Snorkeling or diving here, is a truly magical experience, as you can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Its a very good spot for surfers too.
Top things to do
in the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka

Galle Dutch Fort (1)
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is blend of history, architecture, and cultural vibrancy. Its ramparts offer stunning views of the coast while charming colonial streets showcase Dutch-style buildings. The Old Dutch Hospital hosts a maritime museum, and the Clock Tower stands as a symbol of enduring spirit. Traditional crafts, street performers, and markets immerse you in Sri Lankan culture.
Unawatuna beach (2)
Tranquility and adventure at Unawatuna Beach: a paradise on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast.
Stroll along golden sands, snorkel amidst vibrant marine life, and savor delectable cuisine at beachfront cafes.
Enjoy water sports adventures or explore surrounding villages and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Unawatuna Beach is an oasis of relaxation, excitement, and cultural immersion.
Stroll along golden sands, snorkel amidst vibrant marine life, and savor delectable cuisine at beachfront cafes.
Enjoy water sports adventures or explore surrounding villages and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Unawatuna Beach is an oasis of relaxation, excitement, and cultural immersion.
Thalpe beach (3)
Talpe is an oasis of serenity and natural beauty. Its golden beach and its serene inland wilderness, are a perfect escape for sun-seekers, wellness enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic Sri Lankan experiences. Just a short drive from bustling Galle. For food lovers, Talpe offers a variety of delicious restaurants along its palm-lined shore. Taste the rich flavors of Sri Lanka’s cuisine at these fine-dining establishments.
Koggala Lake (4)
Koggala Lake is a freshwater lagoon teeming with natural beauty and cultural significance.
A haven for birdlife, the lake is dotted with islands, including Temple Island adorned with ancient murals, and Spice Island showcasing the cultivation of cinnamon.
Embark on a boat ride to explore the lake’s serene waters, mangroves, and unique islands. Koggala Lake is a journey that will captivate your senses.
A haven for birdlife, the lake is dotted with islands, including Temple Island adorned with ancient murals, and Spice Island showcasing the cultivation of cinnamon.
Embark on a boat ride to explore the lake’s serene waters, mangroves, and unique islands. Koggala Lake is a journey that will captivate your senses.
Weligama beach (5)
Weligama Beach is a haven for sun-seekers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts.
Its expansive golden sands, gentle waves, and vibrant local life create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re learning to surf, enjoying traditional fishing, or admiring the sunset, Weligama Beach will leave you captivated. Here you can also taste good traditional Sri Lanka dishes.
Its expansive golden sands, gentle waves, and vibrant local life create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re learning to surf, enjoying traditional fishing, or admiring the sunset, Weligama Beach will leave you captivated. Here you can also taste good traditional Sri Lanka dishes.
Mirissa (6)
Whale watching: blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in Mirissa.
Surf: ride the waves which are ideal for surfers of all levels.
Snorkeling.
Sunbathe and relax on the sandy beach.
Hike to Mirissa Lighthouse.
Visit the turtle hatching center.
Taste the flavors of fresh fish, crabs, and lobsters.
Surf: ride the waves which are ideal for surfers of all levels.
Snorkeling.
Sunbathe and relax on the sandy beach.
Hike to Mirissa Lighthouse.
Visit the turtle hatching center.
Taste the flavors of fresh fish, crabs, and lobsters.
Matara (7)
Ancient Fort: Explore the history.
Find peace at Rumassala Viharaya.
Mangrove Boat ride through Matara Estuary.
Spice adventure at the Spice Garden.
Experience the Matara Fish Market.
Wander through Weherahena Temple.
Snorkel at Polhena Beach.
Hike to Dondra Head Lighthouse.
Discover Matara Paravi Duwa Temple.
Find peace at Rumassala Viharaya.
Mangrove Boat ride through Matara Estuary.
Spice adventure at the Spice Garden.
Experience the Matara Fish Market.
Wander through Weherahena Temple.
Snorkel at Polhena Beach.
Hike to Dondra Head Lighthouse.
Discover Matara Paravi Duwa Temple.
Dondra Lighthouse (8)
Dondra Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, in the Matara district. It is the tallest lighthouse on the island, with a height of 160 meters.
The construction of the lighthouse began in 1860 and was completed in 1865. It is an important landmark for maritime navigation and also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its panoramic location.
Talalla beach (9)
Talalla Beach is a hidden gem located about 12 kilometers east of Matara.
It is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation, with crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and lush vegetation.
Talalla Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on the beach.
Its waters are perfect for surfing and paddle boarding.
Talalla is the most untouched beach.
Hiriketiya Beach (10)
Hiriketiya Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
It is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and consistent waves, making it a surfer’s paradise.
The beach is also surrounded by lush green hills and swaying palm trees, creating a picture-perfect setting. Snorkelers and scuba divers will also find plenty to explore in the coral reefs that surround the beach.
It is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and consistent waves, making it a surfer’s paradise.
The beach is also surrounded by lush green hills and swaying palm trees, creating a picture-perfect setting. Snorkelers and scuba divers will also find plenty to explore in the coral reefs that surround the beach.
Hummanaya Blowhole (11)
Hummanaya Blowhole is a natural wonder in Sri Lanka, considered the second-largest in the world and the largest in Sri Lanka. Located in Kudawella Village (12 km from Tangalle, and 5 km from Dickwella), it’s a pleasant place to visit for its impressive water sprays caused by sea water rushing through a submerged cave.
The best months to visit are April to September, but it’s open year-round.
The best months to visit are April to September, but it’s open year-round.
Tangalle beach (12)
Tangalle is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and uncrowded beaches. From Pallikkudawa to the famous Pigeon Bay, with its rocky islet and rock pool teeming with marine life, Tangalle offers a picturesque escape. The waves crash against the shore with a thunderous sound, reminiscent of gunfire, and a little further away is the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour, where deep-sea fishing vessels dock.
Turtle Watch Rekawa (13)
Turtle Watch Rekawa is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles in Sri Lanka.
They work to protect sea turtles from poaching and habitat destruction, and they also conduct research on turtle populations.
Turtle Watch Rekawa offers educational tours to visitors, and they also work with local communities to promote sustainable practices.
Click the button to discover more
They work to protect sea turtles from poaching and habitat destruction, and they also conduct research on turtle populations.
Turtle Watch Rekawa offers educational tours to visitors, and they also work with local communities to promote sustainable practices.
Click the button to discover more
Weligama Snake farm (14)
The Snake Farm in Weligama is a small conservatory cum Ayurveda treatment centre for snake poisoning operated by a father and son duo, who have had generations of experience in handling reptiles, especially the ones that can kill you in a whole number of excruciating and exciting ways.
They treat snakebites and conduct snake shows.
At 15 km from Casa Tharin.
They treat snakebites and conduct snake shows.
At 15 km from Casa Tharin.
Natural parks (15)
Uda Walawe National Park: located about 80 km from Casa Tharin, is home to a large population of elephants, as well as crocodiles, water buffalo, and deer.
Yala East National Park: about 130 km from Casa Tharin and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild boars.
Rithiyagama National Park: 30 km from Casa Tharin and is home to a variety of birds.
Yala East National Park: about 130 km from Casa Tharin and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild boars.
Rithiyagama National Park: 30 km from Casa Tharin and is home to a variety of birds.

