Joanna James
Ahungalla sits along the luscious south coast of Sri Lanka. Beaches are crowd free and surroundings rustic; exploring the best of the south coast is a breeze, from this well located resort town.
Ahungalla Beach is blissfully laid back, crowd-free and beautiful. It does not take much effort to find your own little patch on the golden sand, flop down and do nothing all day. Take along plenty of sunscreen and a good book to enjoy your time on the beach. Not to be forgotten is a good bathing suit for enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Glistening under the golden sun, the ocean along the coast of Ahungalla is hard to resist.
If the name sounds beguiling the drink certainly is, Arrack is an age old staple across the island and is best enjoyed to the sounds of the lulling ocean. Distilled from coconut, the rich brown coloured liquor is an acquired taste, but once tried many visitors are known to opt for the local firewater. Ahungalla offers a small collection of nigh spots, while your Ahungalla resort is sure to have a very cosy little pub or outdoor lounge where one can relax and enjoy a cocktail made up of the local staple.
The city of Galle is a pleasant hours' drive from Ahungalla resorts such as, Heritance Ahungalla. Steeped in colonial splendour the place is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Dutch Fort. Built in the 17th century by the Portuguese the place was later enhanced by the invading Dutch and British. Well preserved, the Old Dutch Fort is resplendent with cobblestone streets and vintage Dutch villas. Wander along the winding alleys and discover well preserved colonial facades while the Maritime Museum located within the fort is marvellous to explore and learn about the wrecks just off the south coast. Have tea at a roadside café and wander along the ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean. Buy ice cream, chat with the locals and head back to your Ahungalla hotel a happy traveller.
Ahungalla is a rather laid back resort, and shopping is not a huge focus there. Retail therapy on the other hand, is part of Bentota attractions which is one of the popular south coast resorts located just 20 minutes away; well worth the drive. Ahungalla too is not completely bereft of shopping and wandering around, one can stumble upon little shops selling handmade jewellery fashioned out of seashells, coconut shells etc., postcards and some summer garments.
When in Ahungalla you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a plate of rice and curry. The national dish is a must try when touring the island, with curries varying according to the region. Your Ahungalla resort is sure to serve up delicious rice and curry for lunchtime, as well as, some other national favourites like string hoppers, hoppers and koththu roti. A typical rice and curry will consist of a good portion of red or white rice surrounded by at least 2 or 3 vegetables, a meat, egg and some fried chillies. Hoppers too are a must try for breakfast or dinner, with egg hoppers coming up trumps every time.
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