Things To Do

Ahungalla Beach

Ahungalla is clearly the most beautiful stretch of coast between Bentota and Galle on the west coast of the island. It is known for its swaying coconut palms, green vegetation, clear blue sea and golden sandy beach which all provide tourists with an atmosphere of utmost relaxation. Basket ware and handicrafts can be bought from local street side vendors and the area around Ahungalla is famous for its traditional hand carved masks made from light wood and painted with vegetable paints. The roadside stalls, attractive jewelry and seafood are typical of the other such tropical beaches in the west and prove to be a major attraction among tourists as they are interesting cultural lures.

Cinnamon Island

The enchanting coastal town of Bentota offers an idyllic getaway by the sea where one can have plenty of fun in the sun, sand and surf. One attraction here worth visiting is Cinnamon Island, a charming islet where one can learn more about the process of harvesting cinnamon.

Shopping

Balapitiya has a few shops with cottage crafts that would interest the visitor. Ambalangoda and Aluthgama are offering bigger variety in shopping and not to mention Hikkaduwa , the most popular souvenir centre.

Kothduwa Temple

This is a popular Buddhist temple located on Kothduwa island on the Madhu Ganga Bio – diversity area which is in Ahungalla in the Balapitiya electorate. Access to this place is by boat. It is believed that the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was once placed in this temple and the Bodhi tree was a bud of Jayasiri Maha Bodhiya, the oldest living, hurman – planted tree in the world. The historical temple is an ideal place for meditation.

Madu River

Madu Ganga or Madu River is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka and included in most road trips of Sri Lanka. Same times the Madu River is the only Ramsar wetland in the country. Out of all riverine forests in Sri Lanka, Madu River is the most popular riverine vegetation on the island, therefore Madu river boat ride or Madu river safari should be in the bucket list of every visitor of Sri Lanka west and southern coast beach resorts.

Water Sports

Nearby Aluthgama and Bentota are well known for water skiing, boating, sailing, and many other water sports. For beginners several training schools are offering personal training.

Excursions

In the interior you can visit cinnamon estates where you can arrange to see the peeling, drying and stacking of some oth worllds best cinnamon.In Meetiyagoda you'll find Sri Lankas only Moonstone mines.