Joanna James
The fishing village of Dickwella in Sri Lanka may have not been as well-known as some of its other south coast counterparts, but that has changed and is continuing to do so; offering sublime stretches of shore, diving excursions and cultural adventures there is much to experience here.
Dickwella Beach is an ideal spot to just kick back, soak up the sun and enjoy carefree days by the ocean. There are sand bars and reefs off the shoreline making it well-suited for swimming and a bit of snorkelling as well. In Dickwella, resort options can be found by the beach itself offering ocean view accommodation, perfect for beginning and ending your day beside this glorious coastal stretch. Nearby is another well-known beach in Hiriketiya where you can head to for some surfing fun.
If you are looking for underwater escapades that go beyond snorkelling, then scuba diving in Sri Lanka is ideal and can be enjoyed when here. Local properties such as Dickwella Resort & Spa provide diving excursions and instructors; soon, novices and pros alike will be exploring the waters off the coast of Matara where you will find colourful coral and diverse marine life too. Depending on your itinerary and operator, you could even get the chance to head to underwater wrecks which add to the allure of this activity.
Sri Lanka has a rich Buddhist heritage which can be experienced at local attractions such as the Wewurukannala Vihara; one of the best things to do in Dickwella is to head to this sacred site which is well-known for its huge seated Buddha statue which towers to a height of around 50 metres. Parts of the temple are over two centuries old, while there is a museum here as well. Amongst its most notable features are vivid (and sometimes gruesome!) depictions of the punishments that await in the Buddhist version of hell.
Within easy reach of Dickwella is the natural phenomenon known as the Hummanaya Blowhole in the Kudawella area. This blowhole is best observed around June / July when the southwest monsoon season leads to a more stunning spectacle with the water rising to heights of around 25 to 30 metres. It makes for a fascinating sight to witness, while also of interest is its name; the blowhole has been named "Hummanaya" because of the "hoo" like sound that is heard from this site!
An ideal place to visit on an excursion from Dickwella, the charming Dondra Lighthouse can be found on the island's southernmost point. Located in the town of Dondra (also known as "Devundara"), this lighthouse was constructed by the British and dates back to the latter part of the 19th century. Standing at a height of around 54 metres, it is the tallest of its kind in Sri Lanka and enjoys a lovely coastal backdrop ideal for some great pictures.
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.
