05 Best Places to Visit near Ahungalla – Southern City of Sun, Sand & Surf

Dudley Silva is a fabulous shop for buying exquisite batik creations. The colourful hand painted fabric is not only unique in design but comfortable against the skin. You will find many batik creations at this shop from wrap-arounds to shirts to wall hangings. An additional treat is that the shop is located within a 140 year old house which any culture buff will love exploring. Head south towards the middle of town and look out for 53 Elpitiya Road; there is a big sign that's not hard to miss. The shop is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

Madu River is a fabulous ecosystem to explore; the river has many attractions along the way such as mangrove tunnels and little stone islets. Along the way you will spot a monitor lizard as he scuttles into the water or be amused at the friendly chatter of monkeys on the islands. On one of these little islets is an ancient shrine; no one knows to which God the shrine is dedicated. Take on a river boat tour of Madu Ganga and you will most probably stop at the crocodile farm along the way where holding a baby croc is on the cards. There is a Buddhist monastery on one of the islands and on visiting the temple one is warmly greeted by the resident monks who hold in their possession a 150 year old palm leaf book. Booking a beach hotel in Sri Lanka is a fabulous choice for enjoying the sandy beaches and lures of the warm Indian Ocean. The sandy beach of Ahungalla where Heritance Ahungalla is located is a wonderful place for relaxing, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tropical ambiance.

Ariyapala Trading Post in Ambalangoda is a mask shop and museum; where one will be beguiled by the exotic collection of masks. Traditional masks represent many different deities and demons according to Sri Lankan folklore and the masks are meticulously carved out of wood to either represent utterly horrifying images of demons or pleasant faces of deities. The mask museum houses century old masks that were used in various traditional ceremonies, most of which were exorcisms of villagers afflicted by maladies. Explanations of each mask and the uses behind it can be observed at this museum.

This viharaya is found about 7kms from the centre of Ambalangoda town. The temple which occupies the summit of a rounded hill is home to a 35m long statue of the sleeping Buddha. The temple and devalaya – Hindu temple – located at the top of the hill may be reached by climbing the 208 steps or taking the road to the summit.

A short drive from Ahungalla is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery; there you can observe how this endangered species is protected and rehabilitated. Turtles in all stages from eggs to adults are seen there and if you are lucky you may be able to join a release party as the newly hatched turtles once ready are sent back to the ocean.