For a weekend getaway, Sri Lanka presents a various array of experiences, together with gorgeous seashores, lush forests, tea estates, cultural monuments, purchasing malls and vibrant streets.
The trio of cities Weligama, Mirissa, and Galle, on the nation’s southern coast, provides a mix of experiences that epitomise the island’s various attract. Weligama — the title interprets to Sandy Village — serves as the excellent introduction to the area’s coastal attraction.
Located 175 kilometres south of Colombo, a journey by Weligama’s streets reminds you of the rustic charms of early 2000s. Its seashores, fringed with nice golden sand and dotted with rocky mounds, create the excellent canvas for leisure and enjoyable actions. There are a number of different smaller seashores positioned round it like pearls on a necklace, every providing its personal distinctive character. Just a brief distance away is Mirissa, with its crescent-shaped seaside full of coconut palms, providing a gateway to marine encounters.
Encounter with the big
Whale watching in Mirissa, positioned eight kilometres away from Weligama, provides a poetic maritime expertise that gives a uncommon glimpse into the world of marine giants. You have to depart earlier than daybreak at Mirissa Harbour, paying $50 (₹4,400) per head for a bunch tour, to witness blue whales in their pure habitat. Travelling up to 12 nautical miles into the sea, boats seek for a glimpse of those light giants, who typically come to the floor throughout their quest for meals. During the almost six-hour boat cruise, you’ll be able to encounter quite a few dolphins swimming at an arm’s size from the boats.
Mirissa harbour at daybreak as boats put together to depart for the sea, prepared for whale watching excursions.
| Photo Credit:
Niranjan R. Varma
Once a blue whale is sighted, boats go as shut as 50 ft and flip their engines off whilst you watch the gigantic creature emerge from the depths of the ocean, their huge varieties breaking the floor of water with a quiet majesty. The peak season for whale watching runs from November to April, with highest probabilities of sighting occurring between January and March.
Chandi Lakmal, a tour operator in Weligama, says the vacationer season is once they generate profits for livelihood. “From December to March, I work up to 18 hours a day, as a tour guide. During the off-season, I go out to the sea for fishing, which usually provides me with little money to survive. Most years, we earn enough during the tourist season to comfortably live off the rest of the year. It is hard work, but it pays off,” Lakmal says.
A phrase of warning: as your journey takes you into seas bordering worldwide waters, be ready for tough tides. Those with delicate stomachs might want to eat solely a light-weight snack earlier than departing. Additionally, maintain in thoughts that mobile protection is non-existent in these territorial waters, so plan your journey accordingly.
The coastal rhythm
Weligama seaside instantly captivates you with its dynamic character. Owing to its constant waves and sandy shore, you’ll be able to spot surfers driving the tides from daybreak until nightfall, their silhouettes chopping swish traces towards the horizon. While skilled surfers deliver their boards or lease them from the close by shacks on an hourly foundation, and cost head-first into the waters, those that are apprehensive can search the assist of quite a few browsing faculties positioned proper on the seaside. A typical session of 90-minutes would value you round $25-$40 USD (₹2,200-₹3,500).
Stilt fishing close to Weligama seaside, a conventional fishing methodology distinctive to the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
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iStockphoto
Once you let your eyes relaxation round the seaside, you discover that it is greater than only a scenic backdrop; it is a dwelling canvas of native life. Here, the well-known stilt fishermen — seemingly suspended between the sea and sky — proceed their age-old observe, providing a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s maritime heritage. Food shortages and restricted fishing assets throughout the Second World War prompted the fishermen in Sri Lanka to provide you with such modern methods to stave off starvation. Like silent sentinels, you’ll be able to see stilt fishermen throughout early mornings and late afternoons perched on picket poles pushed deep into the ground of the sea, patiently awaiting their catch. The stilts are positioned a number of metres offshore in shallow waters, to which the fishermen can wade by the water to attain.
A beachside journey
After soaking in the solar on Weligama Beach, you’ll be able to discover some thrilling actions this coastal paradise provides. One common choice is snorkelling at Wijaya Beach, one other crescent-shaped sandy strip with clear water. Here you’ll be able to swim alongside sea turtles in their pure habitat, the pure reefs, that are as shut as 20 metres from the seaside. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for recognizing these magnificent creatures as they discover the coral reefs that line the shore.
For these looking for an adrenaline rush, standup paddleboarding is one other implausible approach to take pleasure in the calm waters whereas getting a full-body exercise. Rentals are available alongside the seaside, making it simple for newcomers to get began.
If you’re in search of one thing extra laid-back, take a leisurely stroll alongside Secret Beach, a hidden gem only a brief distance from Weligama. This tranquil spot is excellent for sunbathing or having fun with a picnic away from the crowds. The serene environment permits you to unwind whereas listening to the soothing sounds of waves lapping towards the shore.
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famend for its well-preserved structure and cobblestoned streets
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iStockphoto
Completing this coastal trifecta is the historic Galle, positioned 35 kilometres away from Weligama, the place centuries of maritime affect have left an indelible mark. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort is a mesmerising mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences.
Sanctuary of consolation
Cape Weligama sits on a cliff, offering a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.
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Special Arrangement
Nestled on a cliff 40 metres above the Indian Ocean and sprawling throughout 12 acres lies Cape Weligama – Relais & Chateaux, a luxurious boutique resort positioned in Weligama that is a part of the Resplendent Ceylon assortment. More than simply lodging — it serves as a sanctuary that seamlessly blends luxurious with native authenticity.
The Atlas provides a number of eating experiences, starting from conventional Sri Lankan to European cuisines.
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Special Arrangement
The design of the resort is impressed by conventional Sri Lankan village layouts, creating an immersive expertise that feels each elegant and intimate. The rooms are strategically positioned throughout eight thematic gardens and are named after legendary explorers and writers.
Interconnecting suites present a spacious and handy dwelling association for these travelling collectively.
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Special Arrangement
The signature 60-metre crescent-shaped cliff-edge Moon Pool provides breath-taking ocean views whereas the Cove Pool supplies a family-friendly surroundings with a 20-metre lap swimming space. You can indulge in a number of eating experiences at The Atlas — starting from conventional Sri Lankan to European cuisines — every providing refined and fastidiously curated gadgets you’ll be able to order from an à la carte menu. Notably, the do-it-yourself beetroot champagne sorbet is a standout dish that can depart you astounded. Melting in your mouth with every chunk, this candy dessert will problem your earlier perceptions of beetroot’s flavour.
Homemade beetroot champagne sorbet, celebrated for its refreshing style and shocking flavour profile that redefines expectations of beetroot.
| Photo Credit:
Niranjan R. Varma
Equally spectacular is the grilled Angus beef tenderloin, which is exceptionally tender when cooked to a medium-rare. The exterior develops a fantastically browned crust, whereas the inside stays heat and pink, bursting with flavour and juiciness. The meat boasts a smooth, buttery texture that melts in your mouth, creating a really satisfying chunk. The resort additionally provides an intensive vary of actions together with scuba diving, browsing classes, rice paddy bicycling and snorkelling.
For travellers contemplating this route, mix Mirissa, Weligama and Galle for a complete southern coast expertise; staying three to 4 days to absolutely take in the area’s range.
Cove Beach Club, positioned subsequent to the Cove Pool, provides a relaxed eating expertise with gorgeous ocean views.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
As the solar units over the Indian Ocean, casting golden hues throughout the panorama, you realise that journey is much less about the locations you go to and extra about the tales you accumulate. And right here, in this nook of Sri Lanka, the tales are as countless as the horizon.
The author was in Sri Lanka on the invitation of Cape Weligama.
Published – March 14, 2025 03:45 pm IST
