7 Things to Do in Weligama - Sri Lanka

Whether you want to hit the beach clubs and party it up, or simply relax on the golden sands and take in the salty breeze, this coastal town in the south of Sri Lanka has both on offer for you. Away from the more hyped-up touristy spots the likes of Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa, but close enough that you can reach them within an hour if needed, Weligama is indeed one of the more popular beach destinations in the country.

1. Surf the waves (Perfect for beginners)

Placed smack in the middle of some of the best surf breaks in the south, Weligama is considered one of the finest locations to learn how to surf or brush up on your skills. With a multitude of surf camps and shops lining the beach roads, the town is decked out with anything you need to start your surfing adventure.

2. Excursion to the Udawalawe National Park

A two-hour drive from Weligama can take you to Udawalawe, a popular national park in Sri Lanka, where you can immerse yourself in the abundant wildlife present in this tiny island.

Udawalawe is most popular as a site to observe the majestic Asian elephants in their natural habitat. The park is also home to a great number of mammals ranging from the Sambar Deer to the Golden Jackals and the Asian Palm Civet. Udawalawe National Park is also considered a great destination for the bird watching enthusiast.

3. Ocean Safari by Cape Weligama

During the peak season in the south (December to April) the warm ocean waters are graced with the presence of some majestic sea creatures. Sperm Whales, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Turtles as well some migratory birds are among the visitors you can hope to get a glimpse of, if you venture out to the sea during this season.

The Ocean Safari conducted by Cape Weligama offers to take you on a speedboat for a two-hour excursion along with a well-versed naturalist accompanying you, who will guide you through this enamouring journey while providing you with some mind-boggling info on marine life.

You wrap up your ocean safari with a delicious breakfast served on-board courtesy of Cape Weligama, letting you tantalize your taste buds while taking in the sights of the sun kissed blue waters of the Weligama Bay.

4. Snorkel the Weligama Aquamarine Bay

Renowned for its colourful reefs, and magnitude of tropical fish, the south coast of Sri Lanka provides a fantastic snorkelling experience for the ocean lover out there. Jump in and explore these serene turquoise blue waters and discover an entire world of life within it.

5. Biking Through the Village

Rent a bike and venture out to explore the rural village life in this quaint little coastal town. When biking through this southern village you will come across much to feast your eyes, from lush fields of rice paddy to rubber and cinnamon estates alongside places of worship frequented by the villagers.

6. Visit A Cinnamon Farm

If you fancy a cinnamon roll for breakfast or a warm cup of cinnamon chai before bed, you may be keen to know more about this much adored spice the world over. As the world’s largest producer of pure Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka dictates the global cinnamon market.

Weligama is a popular destination for cinnamon farming and they have guided tours on offer, so you can learn a thing or two about the elaborate process that goes into the growing, harvesting and processing of your favourite spice.

7. Drop by a Batik factory

Batik - the ancient art of fabric design where wax is used to create decorative patterns on cloth material is a popular tradition in these parts of Sri Lanka. While in Weligama, you can stop by a Batik factory to witness the intricate process behind producing these vibrant coloured fabrics.

You may even be able to sign up for a lesson and make your own batik artwork to take home!

Not for the faint hearted: Visit A Snake Farm!

Telijjavilla is a rural village near the Weligama city that is home to a popular snake farm/sanctuary run by an Ayurvedic doctor with knowledge of indigenous medicine who specializes in treating snake bites.

This small place takes care of 20 to 40 different varieties of snakes at any given time, and they provide education to the local community on the different species to help them identify those that are venomous and how to handle them, so as to prevent them from killing the snakes they come across out of fear.

A visit to Dr. Vipul’s snake farm will not only enable you to snap a few pictures with these exciting creatures, you may also be able to take one in your arms if you’re willing to do so!