South, hub of tourism

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Spleandour of Bundala National Park.

Blow hole in Tangalle is an ever endearing attraction.

It was in the late 1950's when tourists from India took the ferry from Rameswaram to come to Talemaner Pier and from there the train to Hikkaduwa to enjoy sun, sea and sand.

Hikkaduwa rest house was the best hotel available hotel during the time.

In the late 1960's slowly and surely the tourism infrastructure got in to place and today Hikkaduwa is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.

With the tourism development in Hikkaduwa, other neighbouring districts like Matara and Hambantota too started investing in tourism and today the entire Southern province has over 6,000 star class rooms including three five star hotels and for nearly 10 percent of the population tourism is their livelihood.

In Hikkaduwa the industry is dominated by the small and medium sector who run glass bottom boat services, operate diving schools, run small time guest house and restaurants. In addition, the community also offer products ranging from clothes to ornamental items taking benefits directly to the community.

The government too has placed emphasis on tourism development and is investing on infrastructure. One key area is the improvement of the road network.

The first stage of the Southern highway, which would be opened next year, will cut travel time to Galle by half encouraging more tourists to travel to the area. The roads too have being redeveloped along with the railway and plans are underway to lay a second rail track. Railway stations too are being reconstructed.

One of the other major developments that would have a major positive impact on tourism in Galle is the proposed improvements to the Galle Harbour. A yacht marina is being developed attracting high spending tourists to anchor in Galle.

In addition expansion work in the harbour will also attract cruise ships that brings in the top European tourists to the area.

One of the major problems faced in Unawatuna classified as one of the top 10 beaches in the world is lack of a proper access road. This has being now addressed and streetlights, which were hard to find, too have now come up.

Moving further to the South a new tourism venue has being created in Mirissa, thanks mainly to the efforts of promoting whale watching by the Sri Lanka Fisheries Harbour Corporation.

Today, even private hotel chains like John Keells have taken a cue and are offering weekend whale watching packages to Mirissa while one of the leading hoteliers, Sagara Palihawardane of Rosan Renaissance fame in Kataragama, has opened a four star property in the area.

Hikkaduwa: (Top): A diver discovers it all, and below:A tourist couple hand in hand enjoy the tropical sun, sea and sand.

However in contrast of most of the other areas tourism development is yet to take off in Matara. Few hotels have been put up in Polhena beach while the newly built star class Latha Hotel is attracting both local and foreign clientele.

Stretching along one of the south's most spectacular coastlines, Tangalle is known for its sandy beaches and calm seas. Nearby Rakawa is one of the island's best eco-tourism destinations and the beach is an important sea turtle nesting area too..

While Matara is yet to take off Hambantota which extends from Tangalle to Tissamaharama is now making a big impact in the tourism arena.

Peacock Beach Hotel, one of the first star class hotels in the area while attracting the most of the clients is re investing to meet future demands.

The express development-taking place in Hambantota headed by the harbour will bring in more investors tot he area.

"This is why we decided to introduce a apartment style living in the hotels," an official form the Peacock Beach hotel said.

"We have very good response for this concept which is a first for an outstation hotel," he added.

The Hambantota District Chamber too has seen the potential in tourism development and have formed the Deep South Tourism Association bringing in numerous benefits to the hostelries.

The comprehensive web site also brings in much Free Individual Travellers (FIT) to the area in addition to locals.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife reserve boasts one of the world's largest population densities of leopards, with a population of over 30 individuals.

"With the opening of Yala national Park and relaxation of travel advisories Yala national Park is now a major attraction," said Secretary General of the Chamber Azmi Thassim.

The nearby fishing village of Kirinda, with its rocky beach, spectacular views, and charming history is today being transformed as a major tourist destination with whale watching is set to be introduced.

A short drive away lies Bundala National Park. Although the park is home to elephants, deer, crocodiles, and other wildlife, the main attraction is the bird life.

>From September to April, the shallow brackish lagoons teem with life as thousands of migratory birds seek shelter from the harsh European winter.

Because of the high number of migrating waterfowl that make their winter home in the lagoons, Bundala was declared Sri Lanka's first Ramsar site; a wetland of international importance and is attracting many travellers.

At Kataragama, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam meet. In July and August, the annual festival draws thousands of pilgrims, many of who walk the length of Sri Lanka to arrive.

Sri Lanka Tourism has also decided to include this event as one of their promotional events.

The Night Zoo, which is to b opened next year in Hambantota will introduce a new culture to Sri Lanka tourism.

The Zoo will have animals roaming freely in the night and this is bound to be a major international tourist attraction.

With plans to open the Weerawila international airport in two years and improvements in Koggala airport, tourism in the South will be one of the best income earning industries in the future.