Weligama is a resort village located in the south of the island of Sri Lanka. Its name is translated as “sand village” or “village on the sand”, because the village stands on the shore of a sandy bay in the Indian Ocean. Weligama Beach in Sri Lanka is an ideal place for surfing and a leisurely holiday in the shade of palm trees.
Check our first timer’s guide on best acitvities and things to do in Weligama, Sri Lanka.
Weligama General Info
- Location: 145 km from Colombo, 35 km from Galle .
- Average t of the sea: in winter – +27.8; in summer – +27.5.
- Average air t: in winter: during the day – +30.6 degrees, at night – 25.1; in summer: during the day – +30, at night – +27.
- Best season to visit: November to June, minimum rainfall from January to April.
- Rainy season: July to October.
- One hour surf lesson on Weligama can be booked here
- Weligama, Sri Lanka on the map: link .
- Infrastructure: In Weligama village there are only a few hotels, restaurants with Sri Lanka national cuisine, bungalows and surf schools. All attractions are located 3-10 km from Weligama.
Things to do in Weligama, Sri Lanka
Explore Weligama Beach
Start your exploration of the most popular places to visit in Weligama from the beach. It is sandy, the coastline lasts for 3 kilometers. Even in the high season, there are not many people there, because the more popular Mirissa resort is nearby, and everyone goes there. There are almost no large resort complexes, bars and noisy restaurants in Weligama.
The only disadvantage of Weligama beach is clay sand. When entering the water, the legs will sink slightly.
Enjoy Surfing
There are waves in some parts of the beach all year round, and the entrance to the water is long and shallow, which makes Weligama a great place for beginner surfers. There is a board and equipment rental right on the shore, you can take private or group lessons or learn how to ride on your own. Lessons with instructor will cost 500-1500 rupees depending on the time and your level.
Try Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Weligama
There are many interesting diving spots in the nearby waters in Weligama and Mirissa. Turtles, corals, schools of fish and other marine creatures await divers there. Diving always takes place with professionals, so there is nothing to worry about.
Weligama beach is also suitable for snorkeling. You still need to get to the dive site, usually groups go to Jungle Beach. Therefore, make sure to wear appropriate shoes to go through the green thickets.
Traditional Style Fishing
One of the unique things to see in Weligama is fishing in the traditional style. A high pole is set into the water, where the fisherman sits. It only looks easy, in fact it is very hard work. Most often, spotted herring and mackerel are caught by using such method.
Whale Watching from Mirissa
Thanks to pretty close location, you can go ahead to Mirissa and participate in whale watching day tour. If you’re lucky enough while on whale watching tours in Sri Lanka you can see not only whales but dolphins. Dolphins are usually appear at sunset, so keep a close eye on the horizon. Although they say that you can see these creatures all year round, the best time to visit Sri Lanka and have more chances to encounter whales is from October to April.
Visit Snake Farm (Sanctuary)
If you are not afraid of snakes, you can visit the snake farm. See the reptiles in their natural habitat and learn more about the nature of these creatures and their uncanny abilities from a local guide.
Traditional Devil’s Dance
You can also enjoy Sri Lanka “Devil’s Dance” ritual. Despite the terrifying name, this is a traditional dance. People believe that it speeds up the healing process of those who have been injured or suffer from illness. Usually takes place in Weligama beach.
Attend Yoga Classes
If you enjoy doing yoga, then you should definitely visit Kosala Widhanage Yoga Center, which is located in Weligama. Experienced instructors teach there, yoga classes in this center are considered one of the best in Sri Lanka.
Turtle Point
This beach is regularly visited by sea turtles. You can snorkel or just swim with these marine creatures. The beach is clean has all necessary for comfortable pastime, but quite expensive. Sunbed is 1000 rupees, drinks at the beach bar – 500 rupees. Best time to visit from 9 am to 6 pm.
Handunugoda Tea Estate
Handunugoda Tea Plantation in Ahangama is located just 30 minutes drive from Weligama and is one of the must-visit tourist places. Don’t miss such a great opportunity to learn about the art of growing and creating tea, as well as visiting the tasting of 30 varieties of local tea and buy some to take back home with you as a gift from Sri Lanka. The guide speaks English. Admission is free, operating hours from 8:30 to 16:00. You can also visit tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya.
Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum Complex
The house-museum of the famous Sri Lankan writer, whose books have been translated into many languages. You can see the life of the Sri Lankan intelligentsia, imbued with the spirit of art. Near there is ethnographic museum.
Tourists believe that this is the most underestimated place, where it’s recommended to go. This place is located not far from Weligama, about 20 minutes drive along the beautiful coast.
How to Explore Weligama
Book a bike tour, a local guide will show you many interesting places, temples, plantations that you might miss. You can also book a historical tour. Leanr more about the culture and history of the country, by visiting different monuments and statues.
Weligama cannot yet be called a promoted resort. This is its charm, here you can watch the leisurely life of the Sri Lankans. The center of the city is surrounded by villas and houses decorated with carvings.
