Are you looking for a perfect beach destination in Sri Lanka that offers more than just sun, sand, and sea? If so, you should definitely check out Ahangama, a beautiful and laid-back town on the south coast of the island. Ahangama is not only a surfer’s paradise, but also a cultural and natural wonderland. In this article, we will show you why Ahangama is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2023, and what are the top things to do, see, eat, and drink in this amazing town.
Ahangama is a small and charming town located about 140 km south of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It is part of the famous Southern Province, which is known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and wildlife attractions. Ahangama is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Sri Lanka, thanks to its consistent waves, uncrowded spots, and affordable surf camps. But surfing is not the only reason to visit Ahangama. The town also offers a variety of other activities and attractions, such as co-working, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, tea, whales, turtles, and more.
How to Get to Ahangama
There are several ways to get to Ahangama from Colombo, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main options:
Train:
Taking the train is one of the cheapest and most scenic ways to get to Ahangama. The train journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, and costs around 300 LKR (about 1.5 USD) for a second-class ticket. The train runs along the coast, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the countryside. You can catch the train from Colombo Fort station, and get off at Ahangama station, which is about 1 km from the town center.
Bus:
Taking the bus is another cheap and convenient way to get to Ahangama. The bus journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, and costs around 250 LKR (about 1.2 USD) for a non-AC bus. The bus runs on the main road, which can be crowded and noisy, but also offers a glimpse of the local life and culture. You can catch the bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal, and get off at Ahangama bus stop, which is in the town center.
Taxi:
Taking a taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Ahangama, but also the most expensive. The taxi journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, and costs around 12,000 LKR (about 60 USD) for a standard car. The taxi runs on the expressway, which is smooth and safe, but also less interesting and authentic. You can book a taxi from Colombo airport or city center, and get dropped off at your accommodation in Ahangama.
Car:
Renting a car is another option to get to Ahangama, if you are confident and experienced in driving in Sri Lanka. The car journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, and costs around 8,000 LKR (about 40 USD) for a small car, plus fuel and tolls. The car gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, but also requires you to deal with the traffic, road conditions, and parking. You can rent a car from Colombo airport or city center, and drive to Ahangama using a GPS or a map.
Where to Stay in Ahangama
Ahangama offers a wide range of accommodation options, from beachfront hotels to surf camps to hostels to guesthouses to villas. You can find something to suit your budget, style, and preference. Here are some of the best and most popular places to stay in Ahangama, based on ratings, reviews, location, facilities, and price:
Dreamsea Surf Camp:
This is the ultimate place to stay for surfers and beach lovers. Dreamsea Surf Camp is a stylish and cozy surf camp located right on the beach, offering stunning views of the ocean and the sunset. The camp offers surf lessons, board rental, yoga classes, and other activities, as well as a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a chill-out area. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The prices start from 6,000 LKR (about 30 USD) per night for a double room, including breakfast.
Verse Collective:
This is the perfect place to stay for digital nomads and creative professionals. Verse Collective is a modern and minimalist co-working and co-living space located in a quiet and green area, offering a peaceful and productive environment. The space offers high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic desks, meeting rooms, and other facilities, as well as a cafe, a library, a gallery, and a garden. The rooms are simple and elegant, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The prices start from 4,000 LKR (about 20 USD) per night for a double room, excluding breakfast.
The Kip:
This is the ideal place to stay for yoga and wellness enthusiasts. The Kip is a charming and rustic boutique hotel located in a lush and tranquil setting, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The hotel offers yoga classes, meditation sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, and other services, as well as a pool, a restaurant, a lounge, and a shop. The rooms are cozy and chic, with private bathrooms, fans, and Wi-Fi. The prices start from 5,000 LKR (about 25 USD) per night for a double room, including breakfast.
The Lighthouse:
This is the best place to stay for food and drink lovers. The Lighthouse is a trendy and lively hotel and restaurant located on the main road, offering a fun and social atmosphere. The hotel offers live music, DJ nights, karaoke, and other events, as well as a pool, a rooftop, a bar, and a restaurant. The rooms are bright and spacious, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The prices start from 3,000 LKR (about 15 USD) per night for a double room, excluding breakfast.
What to Do in Ahangama
Ahangama is a town that offers a lot of things to do, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or nature. Here are some of the top things to do in Ahangama:
Surfing:
Ahangama is one of the best surfing destinations in Sri Lanka, thanks to its consistent waves, uncrowded spots, and affordable surf camps. You can find waves for all levels, from beginners to experts, and enjoy the warm and clear water. Some of the best surfing spots in Ahangama are Kabalana Beach, Midigama Beach, Weligama Beach, and Mirissa Beach. You can take surf lessons, rent a board, or join a surf tour from one of the many surf camps and schools in Ahangama, such as Dreamsea Surf Camp, Ahangama Surf School, or Surf n Lanka. The best time to surf in Ahangama is from October to April, when the swell is bigger and the wind is lighter. The average cost of a surf lesson is around 2,000 LKR (about 10 USD) per hour, and the average cost of a board rental is around 500 LKR (about 2.5 USD) per hour.
Co-working:
Ahangama is also a great place for digital nomads and creative professionals, thanks to its fast and reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic desks, and inspiring environment. You can work remotely, network with other like-minded people, and enjoy the tropical lifestyle. Some of the best co-working spaces in Ahangama are Verse Collective, Camp Poe, and Ahangama House. You can access these spaces for a daily, weekly, or monthly fee, which includes Wi-Fi, electricity, water, coffee, tea, and other amenities. The average cost of a co-working space is around 1,000 LKR (about 5 USD) per day, or 15,000 LKR (about 75 USD) per month.
Yoga:
Ahangama is also a wonderful place for yoga and wellness enthusiasts, thanks to its serene and beautiful surroundings, and its variety of yoga styles and teachers. You can practice yoga, meditate, Ayurveda, and other holistic therapies, and improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Some of the best yoga places in Ahangama are The Kip, Camp Poe, and Ahangama Yoga Shala. You can join a yoga class, a yoga retreat, or a yoga teacher training, and learn from experienced and certified instructors. The average cost of a yoga class is around 1,500 LKR (about 7.5 USD) per hour, and the average cost of a yoga retreat is around 100,000 LKR (about 500 USD) per week.
Tea:
Ahangama is also a great place for tea lovers, thanks to its proximity to some of the best tea plantations and factories in Sri Lanka. You can visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate, which is famous for producing the Virgin White Tea, one of the most expensive and rare teas in the world. You can take a guided tour of the estate, learn about the history and process of tea making, and taste different varieties of tea. You can also buy some tea as a souvenir or a gift. The tour costs 1,500 LKR (about 7.5 USD) per person, and includes a tea tasting and a cake.
Whale Watching:
Ahangama is also a great place for whale watching, thanks to its location on the migration route of the blue whales, the largest animals on the planet. You can join a whale watching tour from Mirissa, which is about 15 km from Ahangama, and see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You can also spot other marine life, such as dolphins, turtles, and fish. The best time to see the whales is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the visibility is high. The tour costs around 6,000 LKR (about 30 USD) per person, and includes a boat ride, a breakfast, and a guide.
Turtle Hatchery:
Ahangama is also a great place for turtle lovers, thanks to its involvement in the conservation and protection of the endangered sea turtles. You can visit the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery, which is a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured and sick turtles, as well as collects and hatches turtle eggs. You can see and learn about the different species of turtles, such as the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the leatherback turtle. You can also volunteer to help with the daily tasks, such as feeding, cleaning, and releasing the turtles. The entrance fee is 500 LKR (about 2.5 USD) per person, and the volunteering fee is 1,000 LKR (about 5 USD) per day.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or nature, Ahangama has something for everyone. In this comprehensive and updated guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Ahangama, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to see, where to eat and drink, and more. So, if you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in 2023, make sure to include Ahangama in your itinerary. You won’t regret it!