Weligama (meaning ‘Sandy Village’) is an interesting blend of lively fishing town and beach
resort. The sprawling main settlement and coastal road is somewhat scruffy and not that
easy on the eye, but you’ll find the sandy beach is attractive once you’re away from the
main section; there’s a couple of cove beaches west of the centre. At the east end of the
beach, there’s an enormous new concrete Marriott hotel, which towers over the
surrounding buildings and looks completely out of place.
Weligama’s benign beach break is ideal for novice surfers and many independent travelers
learn to ride their first waves here.

Twenty-three kilometres east of Unawatuna, the sleepy fishing town of WELIGAMA (“Sandy
Village”) meanders around a broad and beautiful bay, dotted with rocky outcrops and
fringed with fine golden sand. It’s an attractive spot, though one which has never really
caught on with foreign tourists – although this may change with the forthcoming arrival of
the vast new Courtyard by Marriott hotel, rising (at the time of writing) like an enormous
concrete bombsite on the beach just west of town. For now, however, things remain pretty
somnolent and there’s not much to do other than stare at the sea – which may be exactly
what you’re after.

Weligama itself is surprisingly attractive as Sri Lankan towns go: quiet and relatively
traffic-free, its modest commercial centre trailing off into lush streets of pretty gingerbread
villas decorated with ornate mal lali wooden fretwork, while along the well-tended
seafront road ladies sit out in front of their houses hunched over pieces of lace, a local
speciality since Dutch times.

• Weligama Bay

Weligama Bay, in the Matara District on the South Coast of Sri Lanka, translates to ‘Sandy
Village’ for obvious reasons. Many flock to resorts at the bay for its post-card setting of
clear blue waters, soft sands, and palm trees. The bay’s most prominent feature is the
minuscule island of Taprobane, just offshore, virtually invisible under a thick covering of
luxuriant trees. Taprobane was owned during the 1930s by the exiled French Count de
Maunay, who built the exquisite white villa that still stands, its red-tiled roof poking up
through the trees; the whole lot is available for rent via The Sun House in Galle. The
prettiest part of the bay is around Taprobane, where dozens of colourful outrigger
catamarans pull up on the beach between fishing expeditions; you may be able to negotiate
a trip around the bay with one of the local fishermen.
Fishing In Weligama Bay
Weligama Bay is a notorious fishing village, infamous for its traditional use of stilt fishing in
which locals make it look easy and comfortable. The practice involves using a horizontal
pole embedded into the seafloor, the fishermen then use a rod whilst sat a couple of meters
above the water to skillfully target their fish. Spotted herrings and small mackerels are
common prizes that end up in a bag tied to the pole or their waist. A mesmerizing sight to
see and impossible to miss due to the high number of fishermen who use this tactical
method.

Things To Do In Weligama Bay

Weligama Bay, a town still fairly untouched by mass tourism has a range of things to do.
From active activities such as surfing to relaxing activities such as whale watching.
Surfing
Weligama is a hot spot for surfing and is one of the most reliable surf destinations in Sri
Lanka. The gentle waves in certain areas make it ideal for beginners, surf lessons and
surfboard hire are made readily available, and if you wish to really go for it there are many
surf camps in the area.

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Mirissa, the sister town of Weligama is a prime spot for whale watching. With a choice of
luxury to basic catamaran tours, seeing the big beautiful creatures is easy, relaxing and
enjoyable.
Be prepared to see the forever happy and mischievous Dolphins showing off and enjoying
the attention from a keen audience.

Coconut Plantations
You will be amazed that the coconut has so many uses. In Weligama, you can visit Coconut
plantations where you will learn all about its uses and see first hand how its fibre can be
used for classic crafting such as making mats, ropes and nets.

Snake Farm
If you are not scared like the rest of us, a visit to the snake farm might be something for
you. See the slithery Sri Lankan creatures in their natural habitats and be educated by the
local guides about their nature and creepy ways.

Bicycle Tours
A great and active way to get your bearings around Weligama and to see all there is to offer
is by taking a guided bicycle tour. Local guides direct you around the area showing you
rubber plantations, spice gardens, hidden temples and many more hidden gems that might
have otherwise been missed.

Get Historical at Weligama Bay
There are tonnes of history embedded in the Weligama Bay area, and if you love your doses
of tradition and culture then you are in the right place. Visit the statue of Bodhisattva
Avalokitesvara, a detailed and intricate statue carved in the rock from somewhere between
the 6th and 9th century. The statue, known locally as Kusta Raja Gala, is believed to
represent a King who had leprosy. Supposedly, the King had a vision advising him to drink
coconut pulp and water for three months in order to restore his health. Miraculously this
cure worked and he had a statue of himself built to commemorate the phenomenon.
For a traditional activity, it is recommended to witness the Devil Dance. Sounding more
sinister than it really is, the Devil Dance is a traditional healing dance famous in the South.
It is believed to speed up the recovery process when one is injured or suffering from illness.