Maggie Tulliver
As one of the island nation's most popular beach hubs Wadduwa is a holiday Mecca for the masses. Littered with cultural and recreational attractions here are some of the hamlet's top highlights.
Tipped to be one of the island's prominent fishing hubs Wadduwa is a seaside hamlet that is littered with fishing communities and villages large and small. Visitors vacationing in the beach hub can get an up-close and personal look at the unique existence of these communities on a tour of Wadduwa's fishing villages. Having relied on a single trade for generations the generous spirit and perseverance of Wadduwa's fishing villages will leave a lasting impression in the hearts of visitors. Those venturing in to the villages can conclude their day with a catamaran cruise and enjoy the sunset the way fishermen experience it daily.
Often regarded as some of the most coveted attractions in Wadduwa the beach Mecca's most sacred spaces should be on every visitor's tourist itinerary. Must-visit highlights include the landmark temple of Kalutara or Kalutara Viharaya which holds the distinct honour of being the globe's only hollow shrine. Other religious points of interest in Wadduwa include the Wadduwa Temple which is a cultural epicentre in the area as well as a religious institution. One of the area's most scenic temples is of course the equally sacred Rankoth Viharaya which occupies a commanding position and location on a massive rock. Visitors based in The Blue Water Hotel, Wadduwa will have easy access to these sites thanks to the strategic location of the resort.
As a city renowned for its local industries Wadduwa is perhaps best known as one of the country's leading coconut fibre product manufacturing heartlands. Littered with countless stalls and stores selling every conceivable variety of consumer goods crafted from the eco friendly material Wadduwa is the best venue to pick up memorable souvenirs of their visit. Exquisitely weaved baskets, mattresses and coir carpets are hot pick items available throughout the city and holidaymakers can pick up these keepsakes at affordable rates in this coconut fibre product base. Those who wish to gain a better understanding of the manufacturing processes involved can inquire about workshops in the local area and make a day of witnessing artisans at work.
Having been a crucial part of rural community life for centuries toddy tapping is a cultural remnant of Sri Lankan culture that has truly survived the test of time. As an enterprise passed down from father to son the dangerous and daring activity has provided a livelihood for generations of toddy tappers in Sri Lanka's south for eons. Requiring great physical and mental stamina as well as agility and a good sense of balance the act of toddy tapping is at once both awe-inspiring and overwhelming. Using only ropes to scale towering coconut trees toddy tappers collect sap that is essential for the locally brewed alcohol variety known as toddy.
With its name linked to its past as the base of many native physicians practicing the Vedic healing form of Ayurveda Wadduwa is the perfect place to discover the benefits of the herbal treatments employed in the ancient medicinal practice. A number of spas are resort hotels in the area provide healing therapies based in Ayurveda and visitors can experience the benefits of this indigenous school of medicine while vacationing in Wadduwa.
