Joanna James
Nestled along the sun-kissed shoreline of Sri Lanka’s south coast, the enchanting town of Ahungalla is a place where beachside bliss is never hard to find. Of course, this destination makes an ideal base to explore various nearby attractions too and here’s a sneak peek of key sites to visit.
The beach in this area is what coastal dreams are made of. It’s an idyllic stretch of shore where you can just lie back, soak up the sun, and enjoy laidback island vibes with that special someone, your family or even just by yourself. The shoreline here is pretty unspoiled, and there’s less of a crowd than in some other areas along the coastline. You can even take a dip in the ocean, though do check and see if red flags are up, which will indicate rough seas. Here’s something to keep in mind: Look to stay at a hotel in Ahungalla right by the beach so you can not only easily access the best places to visit in Ahungalla but also experience the sun, sand and surf anytime you choose!
From the coast, head inland to the nearby Madu River (or ‘Madu Ganga,’ as the locals call it), where you can embark on a captivating safari. It is home to a thriving mangrove ecosystem, which supports a variety of flora and fauna. This area is best explored by boat, and on your escapade, you will get a chance to take in scenic natural beauty and even spot diverse wildlife; you may see kingfishers swooping into the water, monkeys enjoying fruits amidst the branches or even a monitor lizard or two swimming lazily by. You will also come across some fascinating islands and islets on your excursions, including one where you can see how cinnamon is processed and another with a Buddhist temple. Look to stay at beachside hotels like Heritance Ahungalla, which will organise such excursions.
One of the top things to do in Ahungalla is to head off on an excursion to visit two garden sanctuaries created by two brothers. The Lunuganga Estate, in nearby Bentota, was made by Geoffrey Bawa, a renowned architect who transformed this former rubber plantation beside a lake into a work of natural beauty. Also of note is the main bungalow, along with various other structures which feature his distinctive architectural style. Meanwhile, equally impressive is the Brief Garden designed by his brother, Bevis Bawa, who, interestingly, created his garden on a former rubber plantation as well. This site, in nearby Beruwala, has different gardens interspersed with various statues and sculptures. You can visit Bevis Bawa’s former home as well, where you will come across more artistic creations.
For some cultural discoveries, head to the village of Ambalangoda, which is close by. This is the ideal destination to delve into the enthralling world of traditional mask-making in Sri Lanka. It’s important to note that these masks are linked with the island’s rich heritage and have been used over the centuries for drama, dance, religious ceremonies and even rituals to exorcise demons! You get a museum here which will help you get a better understanding of the different types of masks along with traditional puppets of Sri Lanka. You also get a workshop where you can not only watch skilled artisans create masks but get a hands-on experience too.
During your holiday in Ahungalla, don’t miss the chance to witness the gentle giants of the ocean… whales! The place to go for this would be Mirissa, though plan ahead because this will involve getting up around four in the morning to reach this town for a 6:30 a.m. start on your whale-watching adventure. The optimal period for spotting these magnificent denizens of the deep is generally between November and April, and this includes the prized sighting of the mighty blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. Remember, it’s not just whales you may spot but playful dolphins too, swimming wild and free in the Indian Ocean.
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.
