Weligama City

Weligama, a coastal town in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its scenic beaches and vibrant surf culture. The bay's gentle waves attract surfers of all levels, while stilt fishermen add a unique charm. Weligama also boasts a rich history, evident in its temples and colonial-era architecture.

Things to do from Weligama

Weligama Beach

Weligama Beach, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its wide sandy shores, gentle waves, and vibrant local atmosphere. The beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Expansive Sandy Shores

Weligama Beach features a long stretch of golden sand and clear, shallow waters. The wide expanse of the beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying leisurely beach walks. The gentle waves make it a great spot for families and those looking to relax by the sea.

Surfing Paradise

Weligama Beach is well-known for its excellent surfing conditions, particularly for beginners. The consistent and manageable waves make it an ideal spot to learn surfing. Numerous surf schools and rental shops are available along the beach, offering lessons and equipment.

Local Culture and Attractions

Weligama Beach and its surroundings offer a range of cultural experiences:

Weligama Fish Market: Visit the local fish market to see the day’s catch and experience the bustling activity of the local fishing industry.
Stilt Fishing: Witness the traditional Sri Lankan fishing method where fishermen balance on wooden stilts planted in the shallow waters to catch fish.
Mirissa: A nearby town known for whale watching tours and its vibrant beach scene, just a short drive from Weligama.

Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Weligama Beach offer opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. The nearby coral reefs and marine life provide a fascinating underwater experience. Several local operators offer guided snorkeling and diving trips.

Local Cuisine

The Weligama Beach area is home to a variety of dining options, from local seafood shacks to international restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish, crab curry, and prawn masala, as well as a range of other culinary delights.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Weligama Beach cater to different preferences and budgets. You can find a range of hotels, guesthouses, and boutique resorts offering beachfront views, direct beach access, and amenities such as swimming pools and spa services.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Weligama Beach is from November to April, when the weather is warm and dry, providing ideal conditions for beach activities, surfing, and exploration. The monsoon season, from May to October, can bring rain and rougher sea conditions.

About Matara District

Matara is a city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 160 km from Colombo. It is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka. The town contains many remnants of Sri Lanka is colonial past and is divided by the island?s third longest river, the Nilwala Ganga, Blue River a beautiful, wide expanse of water that splits the old town from the new.

In 16th and 18th centuries Matara was ruled by Portuguese and Dutch respectively. The culture and architecture can be still seen in the area. The popular Light house in point Dondra was built by Dutch and it is considered as one of the most beautiful and oldest light houses in Sri Lanka.

Matara is a city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 160 km from Colombo. It is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka. The town contains many remnants of Sri Lanka?s colonial past and is divided by the island?s third longest river, the Nilwala Ganga, Blue River a beautiful, wide expanse of water that splits the old town from the new.

In 16th and 18th centuries Matara was ruled by Portuguese and Dutch respectively. The culture and architecture can be still seen in the area. The popular Light house in point Dondra was built by Dutch and it is considered as one of the most beautiful and oldest light houses in Sri Lanka.

About Southern Province

The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.

Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.