Tips for South Coast Sri Lanka

Just back from a month in Sri Lanka and want to pass on some info about the south coast in answer to some people's recent queries. Unawatuna has nice beaches, water and safe swimming. There are various decent places to eat there along the beach but my favorite by far is a place called "Hot Rock". It is run by a lovely woman named Rani, the seafood, curries, etc. are superb and her prices are lower than anybody else around. Her homemade barbecue sauce is out of this world. Unawatuna is however, not the deserted beach paradise you may be searching for. If you want endless wide palm-fringed beach for miles and miles with absolutely nothing else around at all, head for Tangalle. There is a terrific place called "Ganesh Garden" that has about 10 new bungalows (only 10 euros per night) and excellent fresh seafood, etc. a few miles out of town...all the tuk tuk drivers know where it is and will take you there for 1 euro. This place is an absolute secluded paradise...a gem. There are spots that are ok for swimming but make sure you ask before going in so you don't get swept away to Antartica. The area is great for renting a motorcycle and exploring. Tangalle is a genuine bustling Sri Lankan town with virtually zero tourists these days.

Hi, I will be going to Tangalle in January. I was wondering where you rented the motorbike from. My friends really want to rent but LP has no advice on it.

Would be great of you could tell everyone where you rented from and what the rate is.

Thanks

If you ask any of the guys at Ganesh Garden for a motorbike, they will get one brought over for you. Make sure it is not some old beat-to-shit Chinese one with bald tires. They should provide you with a new 125cc bike with helmets for about 900 rupees (6 euros) per day.

Generally, wherever you are...just ask somebody at your guesthouse and you will have a motorbike in no time.