Weligama

                              

Weligama is located on the pictursque South Coast of Sri Lanka in Matara district at a distance of 143 km from Colombo. It literally means `Sandy Village', a name given because of its sandy sweep bay. This idyllic fishing village provides a wide range of vacation villas to cater to all budgets and needs. The main attraction of Weligama are the uncrowded beaches, still untouched by mass tourism. It is little wonder then the place is a favourite with those looking for some peaceful moments in Sri Lanka's scenic surroundings. Adding much colour to the landscape here are the famous stilt fishermen, one of the most enduring images of the island.

However, there is more to Weligama than its beautiful beaches. Surrounded by rubber and coconut plantations, ancient temples and spice gardens, natural sanctuaries and exotic wildlife, Weligama is a haven for all sorts of activities. Added to these is the fact that it provides and ideal base to explore south and west Sri Lanka.

Surfing

Weligama is a great destination for surfing in the Indian Ocean. There are several surf points within walking distance including Beach Break and the Weligama Beach Brake (best for beginners). Some other surf brakes include Kabalana, Midigama, Ram's Point, Plantation Point and Two Secrets Point. Surf lessons are available for the beginners as also professionals.

Coconut Factory

Wander through coconut plantation and visit a coconut factory where you can see mats, ropes, and nets being made out of coconut fibre.

Snake Farm

If you are interested in wildlife, you can see snakes in their natural habitats. If you take a guided tour, the experienced guides will explain you all there is to know about Sri Lankan snakes.

Visitors to the Snake Farm have two options, either be captivated by these slithering creatures or be afraid. The farm is home to over fifteen species of snakes which include enormous pythons wandering freely in their natural habitat along with large spiders. Of course, the visit is relatively safe as you will be accompanied by experienced guide who will explain and teach you about the native snakes.

The Snake Farm is found on the Akuressa Road about fourteen kilometers from the town proper of Weligama

Rubber Factory

Since time immemorail Sri Lanka has been well known for its natural riches including the rubber trees. You can visit a factory and see the process from collecting the fresh sap to the export-quality pure rubber.

Organic Fruit Farm

This is perfect for those who are really health enthusiasts. You'll be amazed at the vast variety of fruits including 20 different types of bananas available as pure fruits, jams, juices and tasty food on the restaurant located on site.

Catamaran rides

 Grab a catamaran ride and enjoy the sight of the picturesque bay. You can even ask the fishermen to take you and they will most likely oblige in between their fishing trips. At the prettiest end of the bay is the Island or Taprobane, where you can see the beautiful dream house of French Count de Maunay, built in the 30’s by Count de Mauny, a French landscape architect who created this legendary house on a piece of land which was originally a cobra dump. The octaganal white villa has attracted everyone from Noel Coward, Paul Bowles and Robin Maugham.

Weligama Beach Sri Lanka

Weligamais a popular tourist destination and hosts several boutique hotels. The name Weligama itself, in Sinhala, means `Sandy Village' which is a direct reference to the sandy bay beach. The loveliest stretch of the bay beach is round the island of Taprobane. Most often dozens of traditional colorful outrigger boats are seen pulled up following the night fishing expeditions.

Stilt fishermen Weligama

Weligama beach is famous for its stilt fishermen. In chest-deep water on the beach, just few meters off-shore, are the stilt fishermen perched on a cross bar- one on one- of a single pole planted into the sea-bed. These fishermen, the poorest of the poor, spend hours with their lines cast out to the sea to catch small fish.

Leper King Statue

At the western end of the town, near the railway track, stands a 3meter high rock carved statue of a regal figure. It was believed to be a statue of a king whose identity hasn’t been established today. According to the legged, tha statue depicts an eight or ninth century provincial ruler who had revered from leprosy by drinking coconut milk for three months. The other belief is the statue depicts the Mahayana Bodhisahva, possibly Avalokitesvara. The carvings of mediating Buddhas in the tiara of the statue lend credence to the belief concerning the Bodhisatva.

Taprobane at Weligama

The most enchanting feature of the bay beach is the small island called Taprobane, just 200 meters off the shore at Weligama. Peeping through the lush tropical greenery of the rocky island is red-tiled roof of the exquisite white villa built on the centermost elevation. The villa was built by exiled French Count de Maunay, who owned the island in the 1930s. During the 30 years that Count de Mauny made Taprobane his home playing host to Kings, Statesmen, Aristocrats, Governors and Magnates. The villa and its gardens with the tropical beauty therein enraptured all the distinguished guests of the Count. Today the whole island and the villa that consists of 5 suites and infinity swimming pool, managed by a staff of five members are available for holiday makers. 

Weligama Lace weaving

Along the beach road are the verandas of the houses where the ladies can be seen busy at turning out exquisite products of crochet and tatting lace: blouses, table clothes, table mats etc. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century Lace making has remained a traditional handicraft of in the coastal stretch of Weligama. The trade of making lace flourishes herein at Weligama during the main tourist season of October to March.

Weligama countryside

From Weligama beacha walk in the countryside reveals the tropical beauty of the southern villages of Sri Lanka: the river that run through the forest, coconut plantations and rubber plantations bring in vivid landscape; the rice fields lead to the Buddhist temple.

Aggrabodhi Vihara at Weligama

The Aggrabodhi Vihara located about 1 Km from Weligama rest house towards inland is an ancient temple established in the 3 century BC. Aggrabodhi Vihara is a reconstruction of an ancient Buddhist temple built in the third century and destroyed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. The Sinhalese literary works of the 13th and 14th centuries had narrated on Aggrabodhi Vihara Buddhist Temple establishing the importance of it.