Joanna James
When in Sri Lanka, an essential experience is to spend time at a tranquil, beautiful beach. Compared to a lot of southern coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Weligama, Mirissa, and Tangalle attract a plethora of tourists for surfing and whale watching. Prepare your senses to explore these most enticing south shorelines in Sri Lanka!
If you come to Weligama and don’t go surfing, then you’ve done a huge mistake. The waves are perfect for beginners. It is a popular surfing hangout with many beach bars and hotels featuring some of the best things to do in Matara. There are plenty of interesting chronicles about ‘Mahavalukagama’ meaning big sandy city. For those visiting this beach town from Colombo can witness an impressive island with blue turquoise water surrounding it. Also, you can witness one of the most interesting traditional fishing methods prevailed and still prevailing in Sri Lanka known as ‘stilt fishing’. It’s worth to spend some time to observe how those fishermen sit on their stilt motionless carrying a rod in their hand to catch a fish.
It’s just a short tuk-tuk ride away from Weligama to Mirissa, one of the quietest beach hideaways along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The laid back atmosphere of the beach will draw your heart to spend more time at this beach. You’ll come across many restaurants and cafes selling fresh and delicious seafood. You can also have a leisurely stroll in between the rocky areas overlooking the beach and the sea. Mirissa has found extra popularity as a whale-watching hotspot among tourists. The peak season for watching whales is from December to march. After a tour, consider staying at one of the many Hikkaduwa hotels the likes of Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon which is approximately a one hour drive from Mirissa.
Dreaming to spend an amazing beach vacation? Spend some lovely days at Tangalle beach and realize your fantasies. The longs long stretch of sandy shores and blue turquoise waters will keep your breath away. This will be an ideal spot to spend hours of quietude and peace since it’s located away from the hustles and bustles of the city. Tangalle is still popular as a fishing village since fishing is the main income of most of the locals here. This will not be a good choice for swimming because the waves are a bit rough. For those who wish to spot a glorious sunset view, this beach will be the perfect spot.
This temple has gained much popularity among locals and tourists for its gargantuan seated Buddha waiting to greet all pilgrims who set foot on this religious complex. There are three main areas in the temple. One area belonging to the 18th Century with ancient architectural values, the area with the 160 feet tall giant Buddha statue and finally the Tunnel of Hell which evokes curiosity of all travellers who visit this place. This temple is located 1.5km inland from Dikwella, towards Beliatta.
To explore the enchanting beauty of Unawatuna Beach, begin your journey by strolling along its golden shores as the turquoise waves gently caress the sand. This beach offers a unique experience with its crescent-shaped bay lined with vibrant restaurants and beachfront cafes, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely meal with a view. For a touch of adventure, venture to the nearby jungle and visit the iconic Japanese Peace Pagoda, offering panoramic views of the bay. Unawatuna's laid-back charm and diverse experiences make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
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.
