THINGS TO DO
While Soul is located in a quiet neighborhood, there are many exciting things to do and see within very short distances, whether you are looking for adventure activity, sight-seeing or engaging with Sri Lanka’s culture. Our staff will explain to you these attractions and even take you along if you wish!
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Hiriketiya Beach
(7.2 km / 10 mins)
Hiriketiya is considered one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka. It has many restaurants and pubs and a great atmosphere, worthy of a visit. Whether you are a surfing beginner or a mature surfer, this place has the waves for you!
Galle Fort
(59.8 km / 1h15 min)
Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, and the most quaint, situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka. The Galle Fort is a mini Venice and is a world heritage site. It is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Tthe city’s natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests and the temple of Lord Shiva are worth seeing.
Hummanaya Blowhole
(59.8 km / 1h15 mins)
Hummanaya, which is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka is considered the second largest blowhole in the world !! It is created by a rock with a long but narrow fracture in the middle. Rough sea waves gush through a hole at the bottom of the rock and blow out through the crack high into the sky displaying a marvel natural water fountain shooting up to 25 meters, with a loud “whoosh” sound.
Godauda Temple
(0.6 km / 8 mins)
Very close to Soul, this colourful and unique temple features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 sketched scenes from Lord Buddha’s life, and a large statue of the Buddha.
During the late-November or early December Full Moon (Poya) period, a traditional Perahera (procession) of dancers and elephants is held at the temple to celebrate the anniversary of its founding.
Dondra Head
(115 km / 2 h 20 mins)
Dondra Head (or Devundara / Tevan Thurai) is the southern-most tip of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean. The Dondra Head Lighthouse, ruins of several Hindu shrines, a Vihara (Buddhist temple) and the Dondra Cape are sights to visit. Dondra is an anglicized version of the name Tevan Thurai (God’s Port) and Ten Thurai (meaning, Southern Port).
Stilt Fishing in Polhena
(19kms / 31 mins)
Watch Sri Lanka's famous Stilt Fisherman earn their living fishing in the most unusual and creative way - on Stilts ! Maybe you can try it yourself! You can also snorkel amongst the turtles off Polhena Beach.
Matara Portuguese Fort
(15.3 km / 26 mins)
The majestic Matara Fort was built in 1560 by the Portuguese and re- designed by the Dutch in 1640. The Fort is made up of a large stone rampart and occupies the promontory, which separates the Niwala Ganga (River) lagoon and the ocean.
At the North end is a small harbour and on the northeast corner is the local prison. There are a couple of temples and the Old Dutch Church in the vicinity that gives you an interesting half day.
Mirissa & Whale Watching
(26.3 km / 51 mins)
Mirissa offers you amazing Whale and Dolphin watching in the ocean and an exciting carnival atmosphere on the beach. You could see Blue whales, Brydes whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Rissos dolphins and Striped dolphins, and sometimes even turtles and the famous Sri Lankan Bluefin Tuna and flying fish.
Nilwala River Crocodile Safari
(17 kms / 27 mins)
Take an excursion along the Nilwala Ganga (River) and mangroves, which is home to huge crocodiles and amazing bird life, including Kingfisher, Sea Eagles, Hawk Eagles and the Oriental Honey Buzzard.
Weligama Bay
(32.3 km / 1 h)
Weligama (meaning "Sandy Village") is a peaceful bay, and an interesting and lively blend of a touristic beach area and a raucous South-Asian fishing town. Wandering around and watching the fish-vendors at work would give you a feel of local life.
Bundala National Park
(85 km / 1 h 45 min)
This Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala harbors 197 species of birds, the highlight being the greater flamingo, which migrate in large flocks. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated to a national park on 4 January 1993. In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park
(115 km / 2 h 20 min)
This is the best known Leopard Park in the World and is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park has the highest concentration of Leopard in the world, amongst a host of other animals and birds!
GET IN TOUCH
Discover Sri Lanka’s incredible culture and natural wonders with Soul! Give us a call or send us a message for more information.