Sights in West Coast
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Coral Sanctuary
Hikkaduwa’s overexploited ‘coral sanctuary’ stretches out from the string of ‘Coral’ hotels at the north end of the strip to a group of rocks a couple of hundred metres offshore. You can swim out to the rocks from the Coral Gardens Hotel, where the reef runs straight out from the shore. The water over the reef is never more than 3m or 4m deep. Once upon a time this was a magnificent garden of fishy colours and flowering corals, but today the reef is sadly a shadow of its former self with much of the coral dying and the fish flipping away to more pristine spots. One of the big reasons for this demise has been coral bleaching, caused by oceanic and atmospheric conditions (q…
reviewed
-
Brief Garden
Ten kilometres inland from Bentota is the Brief Garden. A barely controlled riot of a Jungle Book garden, the grounds are a lovely place to get lost, while the house, which used to be the home of Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, has an eclectic range of artwork on display – from homoerotic sculpture to a wonderful mural of Sri Lankan life in the style of Marc Chagall. The mural was created by Australian artist Donald Friend, who originally came for six days but stayed six years – definitely not the sort of house guest you want! Other, more short-term, guests included Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, who stayed here during the filming of Elephant …
reviewed
-
Sailatalarama Vihara
Sailatalarama Vihara lies 7km inland from Ambalangoda. This temple sits on a domed hill with broad views over spice plantations and lakes towards the ranges of the Province of Sabaragamuwa. The temple has a 35m-long sleeping Buddha statue, built by donations. Pilgrims approach the dagobas and devale (a complex designed for worshipping a Hindu or local Sri Lankan deity) via 208 steps, but there’s also a road to the top. The statue is new and not the most outstanding example of its type and the compulsory ‘donation’ for foreigners (Rs 250) is a bit steep, but it’s worth coming here for the rural scenery and the views. Also check out the photo on the wall of a German-based m…
reviewed
-
Moonstone Mines
Have you ever wondered where that pretty little moonstone on your finger actually comes from? Head inland 7km to Mitiyagoda and you can descend (not literally) into the mucky world of mining – 18th-century style! Moonstone has been mined in these sweltering forests forever and the moonstone mines, little more than muddy rabbit holes, 6m or 7m long, are fascinating – as is the process of filtering out the precious stones, cutting them up and polishing them up ready for sale. Entrance is free, but expect a hardcore sales pitch in the on-site shop afterwards. To get there head towards Kahawa and turn inland to Mitiyagoda after which it’s clearly signed.
reviewed
-
Seenigama Vihara
About 2km north of Hikkaduwa is the Seenigama Vihara, perched on its own island. It’s one of only two temples in the country where victims of theft can seek retribution. People who have been robbed visit the temple and buy a specially prepared oil made with chilli and pepper. With the oil they light a lamp in their homes and recite a mantra. Sooner or later, maybe within weeks, the thief will be identified when they’re struck down with misfortune, such as having a bicycle accident or being hit on the head by a falling coconut.
reviewed
-
Wilpattu National Park
Due to security issues Wilpattu National Park was closed at the time of research, but there is every chance that it might well re-open sometime in the future. If so you’ll find dense pockets of jungle scrub interspersed with small clearings, and tanks that shrink in the dry season and swell in the monsoon. The park is home to up to 50 elephants and 50 or more leopards, as well as spotted deer, sloth bears, wild pigs, crocodiles and more. At 1085 sq km, it is Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
reviewed
-
A
Dutch Fort
Close to the seafront near the lagoon are the ruins of the old Dutch fort, which has a fine gateway inscribed with the date 1678. Also here is a green, called the Esplanade, where cricket matches are a big attraction. As the fort grounds are now occupied by the town’s prison, the only way you’ll get a peek inside is by stealing something; though you’d need to be very interested in old Dutch forts to go this far.
reviewed
-
Fish Market
This fish market is across the lagoon bridge. If you can stagger out of bed at 6am, it’s a good place to watch the fishing boats return with their catches. If you’re hanging around the markets, you won’t have to wait long before you’re invited to go out on an oruvaor a kind of vessel; expect to pay around Rs 1000 per boat per hour. A Fishers’ Festivalis held here in late July.
reviewed
-
Kechimalai Mosque
The first recorded Muslim settlement on the island took place at Beruwela in 1024. The Kechimalai Mosque, on a headland north of the hotel strip, is said to be built on the site of the landing and is the focus for a major Eid-ul-Fitr festival at the end of Ramadan. It’s part of a fascinating collection of mosques, churches and temples out by the fishing port and beach.
reviewed
-
Madu Ganga
Between Ambalangoda and Iduruwa the muddy Madu Ganga dances around the coastline forming a complicated network of lagoons and off-shoots. It’s fantastic birding territory and in praise of this it’s been made into a Ramsar site. Boat tours (Rs 2500 per boat, 1½ hours) are run by Maduwa River Boats from Balapitiya, a few kilometres north of Ambalangoda.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Kosgoda Turtle Centre
Located behind a group of new homes built by a German woman for tsunami victims, this very basic place is hands-on and has some charming staff. There’s an old albino turtle that has survived both man (nets) and nature (tsunami). Look for a sign on the west side of Galle Rd, 500m south of the 73km marker.
reviewed
-
Ariyapala Mask Museum
The Ariyapala Mask Museum is a good museum, with dioramas and explanations in English. It also sells the booklet The Ambalangoda Mask Museum, if you want to delve into the mysterious world of dance, legend and exorcism, and the psychology behind the masks.
reviewed
-
Galapota Temple
A few kilometres inland on the south bank of the Bentota Ganga is the Galapota Temple, which is said to date from the 12th century. To reach it, cross the bridge and take the side road to your left after 500m.
reviewed
-
B
Gangarama Maha Vihara
This is an interesting Buddhist temple that has lots of popular educational paintings that are the work of one man over nearly a decade. The monks are happy to show you around. It's just off Baddegama Rd.
reviewed
-
Sea Turtle Project
This facility feels commercial and established. For the very interested it’s also possible to do voluntary work here for periods of between three weeks and six months. See website for more details.
reviewed
-
Hikkaduwa Lake
Hikkaduwa Lake is home to monitor lizards and a lot of birdlife. Boat tours can sometimes be organised on the lake; ask around. It's along Baddegama Rd about 2km from the Gangarama Maha Vihara.
reviewed
-
Fish Market
Fish auctions on the beach and sales at the fish market near the Ducth fort are a slippery and very smelly sight, but one that’s well worth forgoing some swimming-pool time for.
reviewed
-
Ariyapala Traditional Masks
Ariyapala Traditional Masks is one of the shops owned by a son of the famous mask-carver Ariyapala. The pieces on sale are rather expensive but utterly captivating.
reviewed
-
Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project
On the beach side of Galle Rd, just north of Kosgoda, this volunteer-run operation has been here for 18 years. It’s a very simple affair.
reviewed
-
St Mary’s Church
The fading pink chamber of St Mary’s Church, in the town centre, has some thunderous religious ceiling paintings covering the nave.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Angurukaramulla Temple
East of town the Angurukaramulla Temple, with its 6m-long reclining Buddha, is worth seeing.
reviewed
-
C
Lagoon Resthouse
This is one of several old Dutch buildings that is still in use.
reviewed
-
Gangatilaka Vihara
The massively, impressive Gangatilaka Viharahas a hollow dagoba (stupa) with an interesting painted interior depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. It’s immediately south of the Kalu Ganga bridge on the main road.
reviewed
