The Wildlife Ring

For those wanting to see remarkable wildlife up close, the Ruhunu Ring presents an unmissable opportunity. Within a span of a weekend, guests can move from ocean to wetlands to forests - witnessing blue and sperm whales breaching offshore, leopards stealthily moving through the jungle, herds of Asian elephants crossing the plains and saltwater crocodiles basking by the lagoons.

Here, guests can also marvel at rare creatures such as Leatherback Turtles, Sloth Bears, Black-Necked Storks and Blue Mormon Butterflies, amongst others. The Wildlife Ring stands as a testament to how densely woven and vibrant Sri Lanka’s wilderness is.

Culture Ring

Culture in the Deep South is not just merely observed but rather it is lived in shrines thrumming with pilgrims, fishermen casting their nets at dawns and in cinnamon gardens. Here, heritage and everyday life are inseparable where temples carved into cliffs stand beside villages weaving lace or processions lit with fire drums share the calendar with surf competitions.

Guests are invited to explore Galle Forth, an UNESCO world heritage site; stop by Dondra Head Lighthouse & Matara Fort where maritime and colonial histories converge; or visit Kataragam & Tissamahrama which is one of Asia’s great multi-faith pilgrimage sites. Traditions such as cinnamon harvesting, mask carving, ritual dances or preparing buffalo curd with golden kithul syrup offer a glimpse into a culture that is authentic, evolving and profoundly human.

Adventure & Sports Ring

For adventure aficionados, the Ruhunu Ring is the ultimate playground. Surfers can chase dawn breaks at Hiriketiya Bay, while divers can explore the vibrant reefs and colorful aquatic life at Hikkaduwa. In Ella, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of tea valleys from Little Adam’s peak or can stroll along the famous Nine Arches Bridge at sunrise.

Cyclists will find the Deep South at its most captivating on two wheels as they trace coastal roads between Galle Fort and Unawatuna, cinnamon backroads around Koggala Lake, bund loops at Tissamaharama and vast salt pans at Hambatota. Those looking to slow down and unwind under a canopy of twinkling stars can do so near Yala, lulled to sleep by the gentle rhythms of waves and cicadas chirping in the background. 

Wellness Ring

The Wellness Ring brings together centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom with the healing presence of the ocean and stillness of forest monasteries.

Guests can explore traditional Ayurvedic practices, enjoy beauty and grooming rituals using natural elements and experience nature-based recovery such as walking barefoot on warm sand for natural foot therapy, cycling through paddy fields for mindfulness or swimming in saltwater lagoons for buoyant recovery, each designed to restore balance and relax the body.

Culinary Ring

From the spice gardens of Ahangama to the seafood grills of Tangalle, weaving together fiery curries, cinnamon-scented kitchens, toddy taverns and beach cafes, Sri Lanka’s Deep South is a haven for gastronomes.

Highlights include Ambul Thiyal, a blackened sour fish curry spiced with goraka; prawn curries in coconut milk; jackfruit stews, grilled tuna from Mirissa; Tangalle’s crab curries and seared seer fish from the beach shacks at Hiriketiya. Guests are also invited to wander through colourful street markets while munching on tangy achcharu, fluffy coconut rotis and sweet buffalo cord, each paired with fresh king coconut water, coriander tea, specialty coffee, chilled lagers or locally crafted wines.

Together with Shangri-La Hambantota, the Ruhunu Ring offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s Deep South.