Marking the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, Dondra Head is topped by the country's tallest lighthouse, a 49-metre structure built by the British in 1890 and still in operation today. The headland was historically home to an important Vishnu temple noted by ancient travellers including Marco Polo.
180 kmDistance from Colombo
~3.5 hrsTypical drive time
It makes a scenic short stop along the south coast road near Matara, with sweeping open-ocean views from the base of the lighthouse.