Joanna James
Although the distance between the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and Ahungalla is less than 100km, there's plenty to see during this 1.5-hour drive to the beach hotspot. Here are some of the best sightseeing locations en route to Ahungalla that every tourist should enjoy.
One cannot complete a drive through the southern coastline without stopping at Richmond Castle, which is among the first historical sites one comes across. This Edwardian palatial complex is located in Kalutara and was built in ten years by Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena, a local nobleman, who began construction in 1900. The family mansion, set on a 42-acre property, features ornate staircases and exquisite halls and chambers that display a blend of both Asian and Western architectural styles.
Bentota is a well-loved day-trip destination that tourists will come across on the drive to Ahungalla. It is also home to some of the finest cultural attractions in the south. This includes the Galapota Temple and the expansive horticultural highlights that are the Bawa estates. Both the Brief Garden and Lunuganga are located within easy driving distance of one another and are testaments to the brilliance of local architect Geoffrey Bawa and his sibling Bevis Bawa.
A stopover at the crescent-shaped Unwatuna Beach is a must for all visitors bound for Heritance Ahungalla or any other family hotel in Sri Lanka. Don't forget to hike up Rumassala Hill and tour the Japanese Peace Pagoda nearby as these are two cultural highlights in the area. Other points of interest in Unawatuna include the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery where visitors can take a look at hatchlings that have yet to be released back into the ocean.
Whether one is a water sports enthusiast or not, stopping by Hikkaduwa to enjoy a swim or embark on a glass-bottom boat ride is a must. As one of the country's most beloved beach resort towns, the Hikkaduwa Marine National Park and coral sanctuary also make it a top scuba diving and snorkelling hub on the island. Those who wish to shop for Batik clothing and other local souvenirs and accessories will also find that Hikkaduwa town boasts some of the best gift shops on the southern coast.
Don't forget to enjoy a river cruise on the Koggala River and visit Madol Duwa, made famous by the literary masterpiece by Martin Wickramasinghe, a native of the area. Koggala Beach is also the ideal pit stop for a snack or a meal before driving to Ahungalla as the beach is a quiet oasis free from tourists and large beachfront developments.
As the capital of southern Sri Lanka, Galle is also another destination that warrants a pit stop on the drive towards Ahungalla. This city is home to the Dutch Galle Fort, the coast's most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the other landmarks that visitors can tour in the area include the Dutch Reformed Church, the Galle Lighthouse and the city's international cricket stadium. Those with a passion for Ceylon Tea can also tour a low-country tea estate during a stopover in Galle as southern tea factories produce the coveted Silver Tip tea that Sri Lanka is famed for.
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.
