Ambalangoda & Around

Introducing Ambalangoda & Around

Ambalangoda is a fair-sized town, but its touristy near-neighbour, Hikkaduwa, overshadows it as a destination. It does, however, have a beautiful sweep of sandy beach to its north, some famous mask carvers, local cultural centres and a bustling fish market. Crafts include hand-woven cotton and finely carved wooden doors, screens and lintels. If you want to see a traditional dance performance, Ambalangoda is the place to go. Genuine devil dances – which drive out spirits causing illness – still occur irregularly in the hinterland villages. Visitors are welcome, though you do have to expect more curiosity and less English from the villagers. The real catch is finding one of these dances, but ask around and count on good luck from the gods.

This coast was hit hard by the tsunami. The proximity of the Galle Rd, with its villages and the railway along the coast, meant that the waves caused enormous damage and loss of life. Evidence of the tragedy is continuous from the 88km to 94km markers.

The barren land between the 94km and 96km markers was once densely populated and covered with thick foliage. One of the starkest reminders of the disaster is near the 95km marker: three cars from a train that was inundated by the waters, killing up to 1500 passengers. The area is now a staging zone for long-term relief efforts, and there are many refugee camps here. The battered red train cars are both a popular tourist attraction and a shrine. Desperate locals post signs, which include phrases like ‘Need help rebuilding’ and ‘Entire family lost’. No-one questions their validity.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009