Located off the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is a nation rich in culture and heritage. With a history of over 2500 years, some of the world’s most renowned archeological sites, breathtaking natural beauty, and pristine gold and white sandy beaches, Sri Lanka is an exotic and amazing tourist destination. One of the most popular down-south Hikkaduwa hotels is the luxury Citrus Hikkaduwa.
Sri Lanka’s southern coast is known for being home to some of the island’s best beaches. So much so, that the expression “going down-south” in colloquial parlance means going to the southern belt to enjoy its beaches. But golden sandy beaches of the southern belt are not the only highlights of the southern coast, as it also has many great diving sites. Given that the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka is Galle; a famous port, there are many wrecks along the southern coast, as well as many great coral reefs and rock formations.
Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Galle are neighboring coastal cities, and their coasts are home to many popular sites which are great for diving adventures. One of the most popular diving sites is the SS Orestes; a wreck that sank in 1875. Another popular wreck site is the site of the SS Rangoon; a British vessel that sank over 100 years ago and is still very well preserved. Apart from being great wreck diving sites, these two sites are also known for their abundance of marine life. Galu Galu; a stunning rock formation deeper into the sea, Talpe Reef; another great rock and coral formation home to many species of large fish, and Diymba Kupotha; home to thriving shoals of fish, are some of the other top diving sites. Benthota, also located in the south, has its own diving sites; including reputed ones such as South Reef and Canoe Rock.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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