Weligama is a coastal town in the south of Sri Lanka, known for its sandy beach, surf waves, and relaxed vibe. Weligama means "sandy village" in Sinhala, and it lives up to its name with its long stretch of golden sand and palm trees. Weligama is also a hotspot for culture, food, and wildlife, offering a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all interests and budgets.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Weligama, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and what to see. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous surf adventure, or a cultural and historical exploration, Weligama has something for everyone. Read on to find out why Weligama is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
How to Get to Weligama
Weligama is located about 150 km from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, and about 30 km from Galle, the historic fort city. There are several ways to get to Weligama from different parts of Sri Lanka, such as by train, bus, taxi, or car.
The most scenic and convenient way to get to Weligama is by train, which runs along the coast and offers stunning views of the ocean and the countryside. The train journey from Colombo to Weligama takes about 3 hours and costs about 300 LKR (about 1.5 USD) for a second-class ticket. The train station in Weligama is located near the beach, and you can easily walk or take a tuk-tuk to your accommodation.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Colombo to Weligama, which takes about 4 hours and costs about 200 LKR (about 1 USD) for a non-AC bus. The bus station in Weligama is also close to the beach, and you can find many buses that run frequently throughout the day.
If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, you can also take a taxi or rent a car from Colombo to Weligama, which takes about 2 hours and costs about 10,000 LKR (about 50 USD) for a one-way trip. You can book a taxi or a car online or through your hotel, and enjoy a hassle-free ride to Weligama.
Where to Stay in Weligama
Weligama offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers of all preferences and budgets, from luxury resorts to budget hostels, and from beachfront villas to cozy homestays.
Some of the best places to stay in Weligama are:
-Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa: A five-star resort that features spacious rooms, a private beach, an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. The resort is ideal for families, couples, and business travelers who want to enjoy the ultimate comfort and convenience in Weligama. The resort also offers surf lessons, whale watching tours, and cultural excursions for its guests. The price for a night at the resort starts from 20,000 LKR (about 100 USD).
- Ceylon Sliders: A boutique hotel that combines style, sustainability, and surf culture. The hotel offers cozy rooms, a rooftop cafe, a yoga studio, and a surf shop. The hotel is perfect for solo travelers, friends, and couples who want to experience the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of Weligama. The hotel also organizes surf lessons, yoga classes, and community events for its guests. The price for a night at the hotel starts from 8,000 LKR (about 40 USD).
- Hangtime Hostel: A budget hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and a lounge. The hostel is great for backpackers, groups, and social travelers who want to meet new people and have fun in Weligama. The hostel also arranges surf lessons, parties, and trips for its guests. The price for a night at the hostel starts from 1,500 LKR (about 7.5 USD).
What to Do in Weligama
Weligama is a paradise for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts, as it offers a plethora of things to do and see.
Some of the best things to do in Weligama are:
- Surfing: Weligama is one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka, as it has consistent waves, warm water, and a long beach. Weligama is suitable for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts, and there are many surf schools and shops that offer lessons, rentals, and guidance. You can also find different surf points along the beach, such as Main Point, Jungle Beach, Fisherman's Point, and Plantation Point, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Surfing is not only a fun and exhilarating activity, but also a great way to connect with nature and the local community. You can surf all year round in Weligama, but the best time is from October to April, when the waves are bigger and more consistent.
- Whale Watching: Weligama is a prime location for whale watching, as it is close to the deep waters where the whales migrate. You can spot blue whales, sperm whales, humpback whales, and dolphins, as well as other marine life, such as turtles, manta rays, and sharks. Whale watching is an amazing and unforgettable experience, as you can witness the majestic and graceful creatures in their natural habitat. You can book a whale watching tour from Weligama, which usually lasts for 4 to 5 hours and costs about 6,000 LKR (about 30 USD) per person. The best time to go whale watching is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the visibility is high.
- Diving: Weligama is also a great place to dive, as it has many dive sites that offer diverse and colorful coral reefs, fish, and wrecks. You can explore the underwater world of Weligama and see moray eels, lionfish, octopus, nudibranchs, and more. You can also dive at the Yala Rock, which is a submerged rock formation that attracts large pelagic fish, such as tuna, barracuda, and trevally. Diving is a thrilling and rewarding activity, as you can discover the hidden beauty and mystery of the ocean. You can book a dive trip from Weligama, which usually includes two dives and costs about 10,000 LKR (about 50 USD) per person. The best time to dive is from October to May, when the water is clear and the currents are mild.
What to Eat in Weligama
Weligama is a foodie's heaven, as it offers a variety of cuisines and dishes, from local to international, and from street food to fine dining.
Some of the best things to eat in Weligama are:
- Weligama Roti: Weligama roti is a specialty of Weligama, and it is a thin and crispy pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk. You can find Weligama roti stalls along the beach and the road, and you can choose from different fillings, such as egg, cheese, banana, chocolate, and more. Weligama roti is a delicious and cheap snack, and it costs about 100 LKR (about 0.5 USD) per piece. You can enjoy Weligama roti anytime of the day, but especially for breakfast or tea time.
- Seafood: Weligama is a seafood lover's dream, as it has fresh and abundant seafood, such as fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and squid. You can find seafood restaurants and cafes along the beach and the town, and you can enjoy the seafood grilled, fried, curried, or in soups and salads. You can also try the famous Sri Lankan crab curry, which is a spicy and creamy dish made with coconut milk, spices, and crab meat. Seafood is a bit pricey in Weligama, and it costs about 1,000 LKR (about 5 USD) per dish. You can savor the seafood with rice, bread, or roti, and a cold beer or a fresh juice.
- Rice and Curry: Rice and curry is the staple food of Sri Lanka, and it is a hearty and flavorful meal that consists of rice and a variety of curries, such as chicken, beef, fish, vegetable, lentil, and more. You can find rice and curry shops and buffets all over Weligama, and you can sample different curries and accompaniments, such as sambol, papadum, pickle, and chutney. Rice and curry is a filling and affordable meal, and it costs about 300 LKR (about 1.5 USD) per plate. You can enjoy rice and curry for lunch or dinner, and spice it up with some chili sauce or lime juice.
What to See in Weligama
Weligama is not only a beach town, but also a cultural and historical hub, as it has many sites and attractions that showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Sri Lanka.
Some of the best things to see in Weligama are:
- Kushta Raja Gala: Kushta Raja Gala is an ancient rock statue of a king, located on a hill near the beach. The statue is about 10 meters high and carved out of a single rock. The statue is believed to be of King Parakramabahu II, who ruled Sri Lanka in the 13th century and suffered from leprosy. The statue is also known as the Leper King Statue, and it is a symbol of the king's faith and healing. You can visit the statue by taking a short hike or a tuk-tuk ride from the beach, and you can admire the statue and the panoramic views of the town and the sea.
- Handunugoda Tea Estate: Handunugoda Tea Estate is a tea plantation and factory, located about 15 km from Weligama. The estate is famous for producing the Virgin White Tea, which is one of the most expensive and rare teas in the world. The tea is made from the buds of the tea plant, which are hand-picked and sun-dried without any contact with metal. The tea is also known for its health benefits, as it has high levels of antioxidants and anti-aging properties. You can visit the estate by taking a taxi or a bus from Weligama, and you can enjoy a guided tour of the plantation, the factory, and the museum. You can also taste and buy different varieties of tea, such as green, black, and oolong.
- Taprobane Island: Taprobane Island is a small island off the coast of Weligama, and it is home to a stunning villa that was built by a French count in the 1920s. The villa is a masterpiece of architecture and design, and it has five bedrooms, a swimming pool, a library, and a staff of five. The villa is available for rent, and it is a perfect place for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a special occasion. You can reach the island by walking through the shallow water at low tide, or by taking a boat at high tide. You can also enjoy the views of the ocean, the beach, and the sunset from the island.
Conclusion
Weligama is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, known for its sandy beach, surf waves, and relaxed vibe. It is also a hotspot for culture, food, and wildlife, offering a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all interests and budgets.
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