Quick answer
The south coast cricket grounds route runs from Colombo to the Hambantota stadium in three to five days: stop at the Tyronne Fernando Stadium in Moratuwa, a former Test ground; spend a night or two in Galle Fort beside Galle International Stadium; see Uyanwatte Stadium in Matara; and finish at the Mahinda Rajapaksa stadium near Hambantota, with a Yala safari from Tissamaharama. Beaches at Unawatuna, Mirissa and Tangalle fill the gaps.
Key takeaways
- The route runs from Colombo to Hambantota in three to five days.
- Moratuwa's Tyronne Fernando Stadium is a former Test ground.
- Galle International Stadium is the highlight.
- Matara's Uyanwatte and Hambantota's stadium complete the route.
- Add beaches at Unawatuna, Mirissa or Tangalle and a Yala safari.
Day 1: Moratuwa and the coast road
Leave Colombo on the coast road south, through Mount Lavinia, to Moratuwa, about 30 to 45 minutes away. The Tyronne Fernando Stadium hosted a handful of Tests in the early 1990s, including one against Australia in 1992, and now hosts domestic and school cricket.
Continue down the coast road through Kalutara, with its large white stupa, and Bentota, a good stop for lunch beside the river. The coast road is slower than the expressway but far more interesting, with fishing villages and beaches all the way.
Arrive in Galle by late afternoon and walk the ramparts at sunset.
- →Moratuwa: a former Test ground.
- →Kalutara: the white stupa.
- →Bentota: lunch by the river.
Days 1 to 3: Galle
Spend one or two nights inside Galle Fort. The ramparts above Galle International Stadium give a full view of the ground, and the fort's streets, museums, churches and cafes fill a day easily.
If a Test is on, watch a session or two from the stands and the rest from the ramparts. School grounds such as Richmond College, on the hill above the town, are also worth a look in the school cricket season.
Unawatuna and Jungle Beach are a short tuk-tuk ride east for an afternoon swim.
Day 3 or 4: Matara and Mirissa
Drive east along the coast to Matara, about an hour, stopping at Koggala, Weligama and Mirissa on the way. Matara's Uyanwatte Stadium hosts domestic and school cricket, and the town's Star Fort and Dondra Head lighthouse, at the island's southernmost point, are close by.
Spend the night in Mirissa or Polhena, and take a whale-watching trip from Mirissa in season, roughly November to April.
Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange the driver, the whale-watching trip and stays along the coast.
- →Matara: Uyanwatte, the Star Fort, Dondra Head.
- →Mirissa: whales in season.
- →Polhena: a reef-protected beach.
Days 4 to 5: Hambantota and Yala
Continue east past Tangalle to the Hambantota stadium at Sooriyawewa, about an hour and a half from Matara. The big white-ball ground sits in open dry-zone country, and if an evening match is on, it is a memorable end to the route.
Stay in Tissamaharama, roughly an hour away, and take a morning safari in Yala, famous for leopards, elephants and birdlife.
From Tissamaharama, the route can continue into the hill country towards Ella, or return to Colombo via the expressway in about four hours.
- →Hambantota: the stadium at Sooriyawewa.
- →Tissamaharama: a base for Yala.
- →Onward: the hill country or back to Colombo.
When to go
The south coast is driest roughly December to April, the best time for beaches, whale watching and Tests at Galle. During the southwest monsoon, roughly May to September, Galle and the west coast see showers, while Hambantota and Yala stay drier.
Check Sri Lanka Cricket's schedule for matches at Galle or Hambantota during your dates, and shift the route to fit them.
Yala usually closes for a period around August to October; check the current dates before planning a safari.
- →December to April: best for the coast.
- →May to September: wetter at Galle, drier at Hambantota.
- →Check Yala's closure dates.
Tips for the route
A private car and driver is the easiest way to follow the route, with flexibility to stop at beaches and grounds. The coastal train runs from Colombo to Galle and Matara and is a scenic alternative for part of the journey.
Most grounds can be seen from outside on non-match days, and Galle from the ramparts at any time. Ask politely at the gate if you want to look inside.
Bring sun protection, water and a swimsuit for the beaches between grounds.
Frequently asked questions
What cricket grounds are on the south coast?
The south coast has the Tyronne Fernando Stadium in Moratuwa, a former Test ground; Galle International Stadium; Uyanwatte Stadium in Matara; and the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium near Hambantota. School grounds in Galle and Matara add more.
How long does the south coast cricket route take?
The route from Colombo to Hambantota takes three to five days with sightseeing and beach stops. The drive itself is about four to five hours on the expressway, or longer on the coast road. Add days for beaches, whale watching or a Yala safari.
Can I take the train on the south coast route?
The coastal railway runs from Colombo through Moratuwa, Bentota and Galle to Matara and beyond towards Beliatta. It is a scenic way to cover part of the route. Hambantota and Yala need a car beyond the railway.
What is the best time for the south coast route?
The south coast is driest roughly December to April, the best months for beaches, whales and Tests at Galle. Hambantota and Yala are drier than Galle during the southwest monsoon, roughly May to September.
Can I see a match on the route?
If a Test is on at Galle or a white-ball match at Hambantota during your dates, the route can be shifted to fit it. Domestic and school matches at Moratuwa, Matara and Galle's schools are also possible. Check the schedules before you go.
Is Moratuwa worth a stop?
For cricket lovers interested in former Test grounds, yes. The Tyronne Fernando Stadium hosted Tests in the early 1990s, including against Australia in 1992. It is a short stop on the coast road south of Colombo.
Where should I stay on the route?
Good bases are Galle Fort or Unawatuna for Galle, Mirissa or Polhena for Matara, Tangalle for the quieter coast and Tissamaharama for Yala and the Hambantota stadium. A driver can link them easily.