Joanna James
Located in the Galle District of Sri Lanka Ahungalla is close to the sleepy fisher village of Balapitiya. The area is ideal for enjoying a relaxed beach holiday with plenty to do.
Head over to the nearby town of Balapitiya and you can take a river boat safari along Madu Ganga; ganga translates to river. The ride is quite a relaxing journey where you come across beautiful mangrove forests and watch out for varied amphibian life forms lazily skulking around the river. There are many bird species to spot around the islands that dot the river while Kothduwa Rajaviharaya located on one of these islands is a historical monument. Once believed to have been home to a tooth relic of the Buddha this temple has a 130-year-old Bo tree thriving in its compound.
The town of Ambalangoda just 20 minutes from Ahungalla hotels is well known for its traditional masks. The wooden carvings are true masterpieces of work and represent various local deities and demons. The masks are used in traditional rituals and also as ornaments to ward off evil and even invoke blessings on a house. A visit to the mask museum will be quite an eye opener into the history and culture behind each elaborate creation. Ranging in size the colourful masks are an iconic symbol of southern folklore.
Just 40kms from Ahungalla is the historical city of Galle; home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site the marvellous Old Dutch Fort this city is a treat to visit. You will find the fort has well preserved within its folds colonial bungalows, cobblestone streets, ancient Dutch churches, a Dutch museum and a marine museum. The ramparts look out to the Indian Ocean and offer marvellous open spaces around which to walk and enjoy the fresh air.
Balapitiya is a fabulous fisher village to explore. Even better to spend a holiday at the resort is 11 minutes from Ahungalla. The place is located around a beautiful bay dotted with swaying palms and a sandy beach home to Calamansi Cove by Jetwing. The adjoining fisher village is a treat to explore for those of you interested in observing traditional Sri Lankan coastal village lifestyles. Balapitiya is also central to other towns along the southern belt such as Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is a coral haven where glass bottomed boats offer a glimpse of the beauty beneath the waves.
There are plenty of turtle sanctuaries within easy reach of Balapitiya, Ahungalla and Galle. Quite an eye opener to the conservation efforts carried out by the folks running these sanctuaries the turtle hatcheries are generally home to freshly hatched baby turtles. These are nurtured until old enough to be released back to sea while permanent inhabitants consist of adult turtles maimed or deformed by fishing nets and other elements of nature.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
