Sun, swimming and perhaps surfing in Sri Lanka? Weligama beach is a laid-back paradise for those who want to relax in the heat, hang out at simple beach restaurants or maybe try surfing the waves.
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Weligama beaches
Weligama is a town in the southern part of Sri Lanka, and closest to the coast is Weligama Beach. This is a long sandy beach with soft, fine-grained sand and shallow water.
Along the beach there are a few simple restaurants and bars, sunbeds for hire and, most importantly, many places to rent surfboards. If you walk a bit along the beach, you'll soon come across all the colourful Sri Lankan fishing boats.
Surfing in Sri Lanka
The beach in Weligama is ideal for surfing, especially for beginners. It is shallow and the waves roll almost constantly towards the beach. Peter, Lennart and Beata tried it and I (Helena) chose to read a book in the shade.
I think they had the most fun - they were enthusiastic, even if they found it difficult. I, on the other hand, didn't have to deal with all the bruises they got... Renting a surfboard cost about 13 crowns per hour, so it's a cheap pleasure.
Restaurants in Weligama
Restaurants in Weligama serve everything from traditional Sri Lankan dishes to pizza and burgers. Along the beach there are many simple beach restaurants, and at the street above there are several "food trucks". Here we had good vegetarian noodles and beer for lunch.
The beer in the picture, Lion, is the one served almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. We also had good pizza one evening at Froggy restaurant on Weligama By Pass Road. Another night we had burgers at our hotel The View - not bad either.
Hotels on Weligama beach
We have stayed in two hotels in Weligama. The first night we stayed at the Neptune Resort, where we also celebrated New Year. There was only one night available here, so after that we moved to the hotel The View.
Neptune Story Resort is a very nice hotel with cosy bungalows right on the beach, pool and a simple little beach bar. We loved it here and can only complain about the WiFi, which worked poorly. We paid 1100 SEK per double room during New Year, but since they seem to almost double the price during the New Year holidays, the normal price is probably much lower.
The View Hotel is on the other side of the road from the beach. This means that it is very close to the beach, but you have to cross a street. This is a very relaxed hotel with a young backpacker and surfer feel. On the ground floor you can chill out on comfy sofas while watching TV, surfing the internet (WiFi is only available here) or eating burgers.
The rooms are high up with nice views from the balconies. The cleaning and shower left a little to be desired, but we still enjoyed our stay here. Here we paid around 500 SEK per double room, but even this price may have been more expensive than normal as it was just after New Year.
Celebrating New Year in Weligama
We have previously reported on our New Year celebrations in Sri Lankabut if you missed it, we can tell you that we celebrated on the beach in Weligama. We first checked out the seafood buffet at the neighbouring Hotel W15, but we thought that 1200 SEK per person was too much. Instead, we chose the beach restaurant at Neptune Story Resort. There we had shrimp cocktail, grilled fish and white wine, while sitting with our feet in the sand. Not bad at all!
During the evening, small fires were lit along the beach, and at 12 o'clock many of the hotels celebrated with big fireworks. Hotel W15 also had a DJ playing good music so we hung out there for a while on the new year's morning.
More beaches around Weligama
Weligama is a really nice beach, but there are also many other beaches to choose from. Of course, we haven't had time to explore all of them, but if you want to discover more beaches, the popular Mirissa is located east of Weligama. To the west are Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.
See more in Sri Lanka
There is of course much more to see and experience in Sri Lanka! Here are some examples of great places to visit that are not too far from Weligama:
- bile is a beautiful and charming colonial city.
- Madu Ganga River offers an exciting river safari
- Ella is a charming tourist resort where you can take the famous train to the holy city of Kandy.
Facts about Weligama
- Country: Sri Lanka
- Provins: Southern Province
- Population: 22 000 (2012)
- Location: Weligama is located in the southern part of the country, about 120 kilometres southeast of Colombo. The nearest major town is Matara, which is 12 kilometres to the east.
- The meaning of the name: Weligama means 'Sandy Village', which refers to the long sandy beach.
- Industries: Tourism and fisheries
Climate in Weligama
- Climate: Tropical rainforest climate
- Temperature: The average annual temperature is 24 degrees Celsius. It is warmest in March, with an average temperature of 27 degrees and coldest in August, with an average temperature of 22 degrees.
- Precipitation: Average annual precipitation is 2390 millimetres. It rains the most in October, when there is an average of 417 millimetres of precipitation. January is the driest, with 68 millimetres of precipitation.
Things to see and do in Weligama
- Beach life: First and foremost, you go to Weligama to live the beach life, with sun, swimming and surfing.
- Attractions: A 3 metre high relief (statue) of the Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara (Buddhist creature), carved out of the surrounding rock several hundred years before Christ. Known locally as Kusta Raja Gala, it is believed to represent a king with a skin disease (leprosy) who used coconut pulp and water for three months to regain his health. When he recovered, he ordered his figure to be depicted in the mountain to commemorate this miraculous cure.
- Craftsmanship: Weligama is famous for its lace making, which came with the Portuguese in the 16th century. There's also a chance to see traditional fishing from poles (stilt fishing), although today many do it as a show for tourists.
History of Weligama
- 2000s: Weligama was severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami. Many houses were destroyed and many people also lost their lives. Today, the town has been rebuilt.
Travelling to Weligama
- Car from Colombo: It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Colombo to Weligama (144 kilometres). You can hire a car yourself (international driving licence required), but the most common way is to hire a car with a driver.
- Car from Galle: It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Galle to Weligama (29 kilometres).
Johnny Friskilä says:
I have never visited Weligama. On the other hand, there are quite a few such small beach resorts in that particular part of Sri Lanka. Hope you got to Galle which is not so far away. Matara a little east I have driven through and it is a city I actually became a little hungry to discover more of.
04 January 2019 - 9:14
Helena says:
Yes, there are many places like this along the coast! We have visited Galle, super nice! Writing about it tomorrow!
04 January 2019 - 17:08
Ama de casa says:
You don't seem to be in any great distress - keep well and enjoy life! 🙂
04 January 2019 - 9:26
Helena says:
We will do that! 🙂
04 January 2019 - 17:09
Mr Lars Permelin says:
It looks like you could live a relaxed life in simple, uncomplicated conditions and just enjoy beautiful beaches. A completely different life than what we are used to have up here in the north. Good luck!
04 January 2019 - 16:12
Helena says:
Yes, the pace is a bit slower here, and the climate makes everything a bit more relaxed 🙂 Good continuation!
04 January 2019 - 17:10
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
These pictures make me want to go back even though it's only been a month since we walked on beautiful sandy beaches.
It looks so relaxed and comfortable!
Enjoy the last few days and have a great time!
04 January 2019 - 16:28
Helena says:
Really relaxed and nice 🙂 Have fun!
04 January 2019 - 17:10
marina says:
It certainly looks like you are doing pretty well. That's great!
04 January 2019 - 17:17
Helena says:
Very nice! Have fun!
05 January 2019 - 1:53
BP says:
You are smart Helena! I would probably also have sat in a comfortable chair and read a book. However, would probably not have chosen shade but sun;-)
Everything is very colourful - the boats, the food trucks and even the door of your hotel. That's what I like!
In the past (in Sri Lanka) I would have complained if the wifi didn't work. I am quite sure that foreign tourists pay significantly more than domestic ones. But as I wrote yesterday: you have saved a lot before.
04 January 2019 - 20:56
Helena says:
I also like the colours! I think the hotels almost doubled their prices over New Year. But it is a bit strange that WiFi has worked well just everywhere in all budget places, but not here 😉 Tourists and locals have different prices (big difference) on attractions, I do not really know how it works with hotels, but I know that the drivers also take in accommodation, sometimes other accommodation, and they have to pay less.
05 January 2019 - 1:57
Maria / Magnolia Magis says:
Nice to have some colour on the boats! I would probably also have chosen the book in the shade... What are you reading by the way? Divine life!
04 January 2019 - 23:11
Helena says:
I am reading "Färjan" by Mats Strandberg. New Swedish "horror", really good! 🙂
05 January 2019 - 13:18
Ulla says:
All the wonderful memories from our Sri Lankan trip 5 years ago come back... Merissa became a favourite! Small town, wonderful beach where the waves are even higher and in the bay next door the surf waves are even bigger. Very good and cheap food at the small restaurants along the road above the beach! Cheap accommodation in February, paid about 250: - / double room including breakfast. Best Asian destination!!!
04 January 2019 - 23:16
Helena says:
Great to have these memories! 😉 Agree that Sri Lanka is nice and affordable!
05 January 2019 - 13:19
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:
That looked lovely, I would have liked to be there right now instead of here at home in the rain and slush. 🙂
04 January 2019 - 23:20
Helena says:
Rain and slush ... sad! I would rather have snow when we get home 😉.
05 January 2019 - 13:20