Places to Visit when in Balapitiya: Explore the Area

All of the following attractions are within easy reach of Balapitiya and are ideal for a day's excursion, with the satisfying thought of returning to the soothing confines of your Balapitiya resort; after all Balapitiya hotels are sought out by tourists looking for loads of relaxation, sun, sand and surf. Ambalangoda is a vibrant town easily reached within a few minutes from Balapitiya by either tuk tuk, train or bus; it is famous for the production of wooden devil masks. A tradition that has been passed down from many generations; the masks of Ambalangoda are world famous. You may want to visit the Ariyapala mask museum and store for a taste of the crafts vibrant history while vendors such as MH Mettananda who has his shop just a few minutes from the railway station offers a variety of top quality masks.

The gorgeous Madu Ganga snakes its way around the coast from Ambalangoda to Induruwa. There are many lagoons, islands and mangrove forest along the way. This fascinating bio-diverse environ is quite popular amongst locals and visitors who love exploring the attractions along the muddy river. Boat tours that last a length of 1 ½ hours from Balapitiya are available at reasonable rates; check with your resort tour desk for a reputed tour operator. Madu Ganga boat tours will take you along the river past many rocky outcrops and little islets; there is a vintage shrine on one islet where the deity to which the shrine is offered is not identified. Look out for the occasional monitor lizard slipping into the water and sights of monkeys on the surrounding islands while bird watchers will be treated to a number of indigenous species. You will also be taken to one of the islands home to ancient cinnamon plantations while the exotic mangrove forests form tunnels through which the boat will glide.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are attractions in Balapitiya with many resorts such as Shinagawa Beach Balapitiya offering excursions into the deep blue Indian Ocean. If you want to take up your diving expedition up a notch visit the city of Galle. Not only is the heritage city home to excellent dive spots it also offers one a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site the Old Dutch Fort. A remnant of Galle's colonial past the Dutch fort is home to cobblestone streets, vintage churches, historic lighthouse and the fascinating Maritime Museum. A definite must visit when touring the Southern coast Galle will prove to be a fascinating day out visit from your Balapitiya abode.

Just 5kms from Galle is the famous Unawatuna Bay; a crescent shaped beach that dips into the ocean; the bay is skirted by a historical hill and verdant forest. The water around the bay is a beautiful turquoise blue and very popular amongst locals and tourists. As such the beach can be quite crowded although it is well worth checking out with the relaxing thought of returning to your tranquil Balapitiya hotel.