|
Step
outside, and you are close to the heart of the vibrant
seaside village of Weligama, the first city established in
the southern province in the 3rd century is a
timeless paradise where the traditional sounds and scenes of
Sri Lankan life mingle effortlessly with the modern. The
village boasts of the finest bay in Sri Lanka, with
photogenic islands, sun kissed golden beaches and
one
of the safest seas year-round on the
south coast where every
conceivable marine activity is available. At the sea from
the shore – swim, snorkel, sail or scuba dive in it, surf on
it, or take a trip in a boat to go fishing, island hopping
or watch whales and dolphins.
Lace weavers, fishing folks and catamarans, are a common
site along the coast. Bustling city center is full of shops
from gems to clothing.
Just
a short journey by tuk-tuk away, you will see the famous
stilt fishermen, perched on top of poles in the sea as they
seek to catch their supper.
A
few meters away, stand a megalith to the memory of
Kushtaraja- the Leper king- who carved his statue in the 6th
century, historic Agrabodi and Rajakula-wadana temples.
Just
inland from Weligama there are estates where tea, cinnamon,
rubber, and coconuts are grown. There are also paddy
fields, lakes, wild jungles, picturesque little hamlets, and
many Buddhist temples.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Beaches
There are several golden beaches just a little further of
Weligama, includes Mirissa (a pretty bay which is good for
both surfing and snorkelling), Polhena (A pleasant little
beach - just lots of happy people splashing about in the sea
or playing games on the sand. If you want to know how Sri
Lankans enjoy them selves at the seaside, come and join
them.), Unawatuna (a good, safe beach and offers a wide
variety of eating places and all marine activities),and
Rumassal Jungle beach (hidden in the jungle, sleepy beach by
the Galle harbour).
Traveling
further away are Dickwella, Tangalle and Hikkaduwa.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Water
Sports
Surfers,
paradise is all around in Weligama, Mirissa, and Ahangama.
There are water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing, canoeing,
snorkeling, sailing, deep sea fishing, sports fishing,
cruises, as well as whale watching
...................................................................................................................................................................
Scuba
Diving
There is a
diving centre in Weligama which offers beginners’ and
advanced courses, and also caters for other underwater
experiences such as night dives and sea safaris
...................................................................................................................................................................
Exercise
For your
daily exercise, there is a green grass play ground just
outside Robin Hill. And if you are more energetic villagers
will be delighted if you join them in a game of Cricket,
Soccer or Volleyball.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Cycling & Walking
We can advise you on a range of walks and cycle rides
through the peaceful country side along amazing rural tracks
and tiny lanes to see picturesque paddy fields, low lying
hills, Buddhist temples, and lots more according to your
interests.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Cooking Lessons
Cooking classes for those people who
are passionate about Sri Lankan culinary extravaganza will
be conducted by our own cook. This
is a must for anyone with a
serious interest in Sri Lankan cuisine.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Temples
There are
many temples in and around Weligama. Several are just a few
minutes walk away, notably the more historic ones such as
Veherahena, Agrabodi and Kataluwa.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Historic Sites
Kushtarajagala:
100 meters away stands a
megalith to the memory of Kushtaraja- the Leper king- who
carved his statue in the 6th century.
Galle
Fort:
A World Heritage Site, The
Galle Fort was begun by the Portuguese in the 16th
century, and completed by the Dutch 100 years later then
British. A remarkable walled city containing narrow streets
lining with Dutch merchant villas and administrative
offices, all of considerable architectural interest dating
back to colonial days are still in use today.
Matara Fort:
The Star
Fort, built by the Dutch in the 18th century. The interior
of this has survived remarkably well and contains many
paintings and artefacts of historical interest.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Interesting Cities Around
Galle;
Within the walled fort, there are many little specialty
shops, selling arts and crafts, lacework, jewellery and
clothing. Also some good restaurants. Outside the fort,
the city has an impressive old church on a hill, places
where batiks are made, many shops and an impressive natural
harbour.
Matara;
Apart from the Star Fort and Polhena beach, Matara has an
off-shore island with a very attractive modern temple and a
very good range of shops. Dondara Head, the southernmost tip
of Sri Lanka, is but a short tuk-tuk ride away and has a
lighthouse you can visit.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Balooning
Enjoy the
excitement of high life and the view of the South’s
incredible beaches, landscape, fauna and flora.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Wellness
There are
number of massage therapists and wellness centers in
Weligama area, offering a variety of treatments, from
traditional Ayurvedic to modern.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Tea
Estate, Factory and Plantations
You will
see tea, coconut, rubber and cinnamon estates very close to
Weligama. You can participate the day-to-day farming
activities of any of these if you wish.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Sanctuaries of Birds, Turtles and Snakes
There is a
bird sanctuary, several turtle breeding centres and
hatcheries and a snake farm all within a short distance of
Weligama.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Safari
Parks
Yala-
You can see leopards, along with many elephants, water
buffolos, birds and crocodiles.
Udawalawa-
This is home for many orphaned baby elephants, but it also
has wild elephants, birds and many other animals.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Yoga / Meditation
We arrange
appropriate facilities for you according to your wishes.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Social Work
You are
welcome to join us in carrying out activities such as
rescuing street dogs, teaching English in rural schools,
beach cleaning, or giving a helping hand to a needy family
in the vicinity.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Sleep
Under 1000 Stars
Live and
sleep on a farm land in the open air, in the hills, and
witness the night life of birds and animals from owls to
elephants. For more information, go to
www.wanamalsl.com
...................................................................................................................................................................
More to DO ...
Longer
journeys to the Hill Country can easily be arranged. The
hill country has an impressive range of waterfalls, villages
perched high in the mountains, wildlife parks, and bird
sanctuaries. We can also organize visits to Kandy, Sigiria,
Anuradhapura, Polonaruwa, Kalpitiya, Nilaweli, Arugam Bay,
and other famous places.
................................................................................................................................................................... |