Where To Stay In Mirrissa, Sri Lanka In 2026? Know The Best Accommodation Options

BY  Sibashree Apr 7, 2026

If you could only cover the beaches in Sri Lanka, you would know how Sri Lanka, despite being a smaller country, carries the spirit of the subcontinent, “Unity in Diversity.”  If the beaches in Jaffna were a lesson to understand the livelihood of the local fishermen, the Hiriketiya Beach, with its unique horseshoe shape, has been a surfer’s delight.  Now, I am going to talk about Ahangama, another popular beach town in Sri Lanka, famous for its cool vibe and surfer breaks.  Earlier, it was known for its 19th-century Buddhist temple and the art of stilt fishing. However,  this beach town, in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is now also known as a lifestyle destination.  The likes of Condé Nast Traveller are backing its charm as a cool fishing town.  Also, today, you may even ditch the best hotels in Galle, one of the major cities near the beach, thanks to the cafes such as The KIP, Marshmello Cafe or La Cafe Bistro.  Nevertheless, while surfing is Ahangama’s claim to fame and the budding food scene is the most happening thing right now, here are more things you can plan here.  What Are The Things To Do In Ahangama? Ahangama is now emerging as a really cool place, as, despite being a beach town in Sri Lanka, it has the right amenities for digital nomads.  While the surf and beaches offer the right dose of relaxation and the diverse communities offer the most eclectic experience, it also boasts many air-conditioned co-working and co-living spaces.  In fact, despite Galle getting more attention, if you are planning to try things to do in Galle, Ahangama, around 20 km away, will be a better base due to the presence of cool hotels, good food, and cafes.  Nevertheless, it is not just about breaking the waves.  Here are tons of other things to do in Ahangama. 1. Hitting The Surf The reef breaks of Ahangama are the best for intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves on the south coast are world-class.  Kabalana Beach itself is a great place to start your surfing expedition in Ahangama. Furthermore, you will easily get board rentals for around 800 LKR, and the sessions usually cost around 4000 LKR.  You can also surf near the Kabalana Rock, Sticks Surf Break, Rams Right, and Midigama.  2. Some Adventure At The Lamana Skatepark Lamana Skatepark is one of the best places if you want to experience the party scene in Ahangama.  Local skaters hit the bowl here daily. However, the live bands and the DJ music add some spunk to the air.  3. Swimming With The Turtles Dalawella Beach, a short tuk-tuk ride from Ahangama, is the place where you can swim with giant sea turtles.  Here, meeting the sea turtles was a different experience from how I saw them at the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre near Mount Lavinia Beach.  Also, some of the turtles here were around 50 years old, and they weighed around 200 kgs.  You can rent a snorkeling mask for around 300 LKR. However, stay away from feeding these turtles,  4. Safari At The Udawalawe National Park If nothing else, I will remember Sri Lanka for the endless and most delightful encounters with elephants.  I had mentioned spotting the elephants at the Udawalawe National Park as one of the best things to do in Ella.  However, as Ella is just 58 km away from Ahangama, you can also plan a safari if the latter is your base.  Along with the baby and mother elephants, you will also love spotting peacocks, monkeys, and buffalo here.  Moreover, when you are in Ella, don’t miss the iconic train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge.  5. Climbing Devil’s Rock With jungle walkways and eerie rock formations, the Devil’s Rock feels like a piece of Jurassic Park in Sri Lanka.  You will find this group of scary rocks as you go east from Ahangama and stop just before Midigama.  However, the only catch is that you will have to swim through the water with a medium current and during the low tide to reach Devil’s Rock.  The hike is also quite strenuous. So, it may not be the best thing to do in Ahangama if you are not a pro swimmer or fit hiker.  6. Scuba Diving In Unawatuna You have done diving in Raja Ampat, the Maldives, or Bali. However, scuba diving in Unawatuna is something different.  While you cannot expect the grandeur of these diving sites at Unawatuna, you can definitely find the Lord Nelson Shipwreck, exotic micro critters, coral reefs, and more in the water, at a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.  You can reach Unawatuna by taking a drive for just 15 minutes from Ahangama.     7. Cruising To Ying Yang Shack The term “hidden gems” has become so cliché these days! However, places like Ying Yang Shack can still keep the magic of the phrase alive.  Here, you literally take a ride in a handmade boat, and our boatman confided that he had made this boat with his brother.  I, along with the other riders to the Ying Yang Shack, had a chilled beer in my hand as our boatman cruised through the water and talked about the lush greenery.  I also spotted a monitor lizard and majestic eagles.  Then came the sunset, and our boatman started singing, and his voice echoed as the bats and birds filled the red sky.  The day ended well as his family made the most delicious and spicy BBQ meal for us. Where Is Ahangama? Ahangama is located in the Galle District of Southern Sri Lanka. It is located between Unawatuna and Midigama.  Furthermore, this surfing and swimming paradise is located at a distance of around 3 hours from Colombo.  How To Reach Ahangama? The Bandaranaike International Airport is the closest to Ahangama. The distance is around 143 km, and that can be covered by a car in around 3 hours.  Furthermore, you can take a train from the Colombo Fort Station and take a train to Ahangama via Galle.  In addition, you can take a tuk-tuk ride from Midigama or Weligama to reach Ahangama. Why Is Ahangama More Than Just A Beach Town In Sri Lanka?  The elite food scene and the amenities for digital nomads make it more than just a beach town in Sri Lanka.  With brunch spots such as Black Honey and dining spaces such as Coco Kitchen, it can now beat Galle for trying local and fusion cuisines in Sri Lanka.  Moreover, it offers a steady 30-80 Mbps internet connection, and the cafes and air-conditioned coworking spaces here have the infrastructure to support the lifestyle of digital nomads.  Ahangama: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Ahangama Beach Town. 1. Is Ahangama Better Than Mirissa?  It is hard to pick a favorite between Ahangama and Mirissa. Ahangama is famous for its surfing breaks and a laid-back vibe. On the other hand, Mirissa has a classic beach vibe, and it is more famous for whale watching.  2. Should I Stay In Ahangama Or Weligama? Ahangama is your go-to place if you want to enjoy a boho-chic vibe during a beach holiday. On the other hand, Weligama is more of a hub for surfers who are beginning their journey.Also, despite a happening nightlife, Ahangama is a quieter retreat at night as compared to Weligama.  3. What Is The Ahangama To Mirissa Distance?  The distance between Ahangama and Mirissa is around 16 km. The travel time to cover the distance is around 32 minutes by road. However, you can also take a train from Ahangama to Mirissa and travel the distance in 19 minutes. 

BY  Sibashree Jun 3, 2026

Polonnaruwa is filled with ancient structures, shrines, and temples. So, it draws the attention of people who are interested in visiting a place of great historical importance. In this article, I will give you some important tips and talk about the places, sites, and the history of the place that drew my attention. A Brief History Of Polonnaruwa Before getting into other details, we should take a look at the history of the place. Furthermore, knowing the history of Polonnaruwa will make the trip more interesting. Polonnaruwa was the second major capital of Sri Lanka, which came to prominence after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Moreover, it was the most important commercial and religious center of that time. Polonnaruwa reached its golden age in the 12th century under King Parakramabahu I.  The Chola Period (10th Century To 11th Century) The South Indian Chola dynasty conquered the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and made Polonnaruwa their new capital. Moreover, they renamed the city Jananathamangalam and built several Brahmanical monuments like the Siva Devale temple. Furthermore, the Cholas chose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura as the capital because it was positioned strategically in the heart of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the position of the city also gave them protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom. Sinhalese Golden Age (11th Century To 12th Century) The strategically positioned capital couldn't stay protected from the Sinhalese. Eventually, in 1070, the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and restored Sinhalese rule. He also kept Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city reached its highest glory under his successors: King Parakramabahu 1 (1153 to 1186): King Parakramabahu 1 is often called the Great. He turned the city into a beautiful garden city during his rule. Additionally, he built Vaijayanta Pasada (Royal Palace) and intricate temples like the Lankatilaka Temple. Moreover, he built a massive 25-square-kilometer artificial lake known as Parakrama Samudra to secure water for his people. King Nissanka Malla (1187 to 1196): King Nissanka Malla also tried to match his predecessors' construction projects. In trying to do so, he ended up bankrupting the kingdom. Decline And Rediscovery (13th Century Onwards) There were several invasions and turmoils going on because of which the city’s resources and administrative system collapsed in the early 13th century.  The capital moved to the southwestern side of the island, and gradually, the jungle spread through Polonnaruwa. Finally, archeologists rediscovered the ruins of Polonnaruwa in 1860, and the forgotten city stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is a place of historical significance. The ancient structures, shrines, and temples draw the attention of visitors.  What amazed me was the well-preserved ancient remains. Moreover, I feel that a bicycle is an amazing option for traveling through the city. Places I found most amazing in Polonnaruwa are: The Gal Vihara The Gal Vihara is four giant Buddha statues, which are carved out of a large granite gneiss rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure, and a reclining figure. Additionally, King Parakramabahu I fashioned this rock structure in the 12th century. Moreover, there is a story regarding this rock structure, which is one of the four statues, that isn't actually Buddha. Many people say that it is one of his grieving apprentices. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage Remaining unnoticed for several centuries, the excavation of Polonnaruwa Vatadage started in 1903. Many people believe that Parakramabahu 1 built this place to hold the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Moreover, another group of people believes that King Nissanka Malla built this place to hold the alms bowl used by Buddha. Additionally, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with stone carvings. You can enter the lower platform through a single entrance, which is facing the north. You can enter the second platform through four doorways facing four cardinal points. Hatadage Hatadage is another place that I found very fascinating. This place is found next to the Vatadage. This place holds a historical importance for tourists. Hatadage is located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. According to historians, King Nissanka Malla built this place. Moreover, Nissanka Malla built this place as a shrine to keep the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Furthermore, many people say that the place holds sixty relics. I found this place very fascinating to visit. The Lankatilaka Temple The Lankatilaka Temple is another interesting place to visit. The temple is located on Panhalgala Rock in Udunuwara. Moreover, King Bhuvanekabahu 4 constructed this temple. Additionally, the temple has beautiful stonework, rock inscriptions in both Sinhala and Tamil, and a striking dragon arch. The walls of the temple reach 17 meters in height and have a large statue of Buddha. Furthermore, the design of the stairways of the temple drew my attention. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimeters wide. So, it is difficult to climb. Moreover, with such short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. While climbing down this manner, you won't be able to turn your back towards the statue of Buddha, which is also considered disrespectful. Rankoth Vehera Stupa The Rankoth Vehera Stupa is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. King Nissanka Malla built it. The fascinating part of the stupa is that it is built entirely of brick, and it is set upon a large square terrace. When you walk around the stupa, you will get to know how big it is. How To Go Around Polonnaruwa? There are several ways to go around Polonnaruwa. The two most convenient ways are: Bicycle According to me, the best way to see Polonnaruwa is by bicycle. Moreover, there are many ruins spread out throughout Polonnaruwa, and a bicycle will let you move freely from one place to another. Furthermore, there are many hotels and shops in Polonnaruwa from where you can rent a bicycle. Finally, renting a bicycle will make your trip convenient and budget-friendly. Tuk Tuk  Tuk-tuk is also a good option for going around in Polonnaruwa. Moreover, hiring a tuk tuk will also provide you with a driver as a guide, which is very amazing to see the ancient city. Furthermore, you should choose a tuk-tuk if you are in a hurry. Though I prefer renting a bicycle. How To Reach Polonnaruwa? I will give a few routes for Polonnaruwa with cost and travel time. You can choose the convenient one for you. From Sigiriya To Polonnaruwa Bus: Sigiriya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa, jump on the bus to Kaduruwela. Cost: Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 hours From Dambulla To Polonnaruwa Bus: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am. Cost:  Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours From Trincomalee To Polonnaruwa Bus: Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee, take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo. Tip: Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction. Cost: Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50) Travel time: 4 hours From Colombo To Polonnaruwa Train: Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between. Cost: 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 6.5 hours What To Eat In Polonnaruwa? In Polonnaruwa, you should always go for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. I will mention some of the best dishes according to my choice: Traditional Rice And Curry There are many places in Polonnaruwa where you can get an authentic Sri Lankan platter or buffet. In this platter, you will get 10 to 30 freshly made vegetable and meat curries. Moreover, this will be served on a lotus leaf. String Hoppers String hoppers are a breakfast and dinner dish. It is made of steamed rice flour noodles. Additionally, they serve it with spicy coconut sambal (Pol Sambol) and dal (Lentil) curry. Polos (Young Jackfruit) Curry It is a green jackfruit curry. It is cooked slowly and looks like meat. Additionally, they cook it with regional spices, which enhance the taste of the dish. Where To Eat In Polonnaruwa There are some places you can go to get high-quality, authentic Sri Lankan food. I will share some places that I liked. Jaga Food It is a good place you can go to have your Sri Lankan buffet prepared in a traditional clay pot. Moreover, this is a place with an excellent outdoor seating arrangement. Priyamali Gedara It serves authentic, high-quality local home-cooked curries. Tree Hut Restaurant I found this place amazing because of its blend of traditional local dishes with Chinese-inspired options.

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

Planning a day trip from Tokyo? Mount Fuji is the most obvious destination for such a trip.  But do you know how to travel for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo and why it is so special?  Let’s find all the details in this blog.  Why Is A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Special? Is It Overhyped? The volcanic mountain, Mount Fuji, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the Fuji Five Lakes area in Kawaguchiko offers amazing scenic views.  Though a rewarding day trip, these days it is often overhyped by Instagram and other social media platforms.  In most of the pictures, you will find a half-snowy Mount Fuji with its stunning landscape.  However, you have to remember that Mount Fuji is also called the “Shy Mountain.” True to its name, it is only visible around 70-80 days in a year.  That is why it is very important to plan the Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo at the right time.  Do you think the summer months are the best for visiting Mount Fuji? You are making a mistake.  In fact, the summer months are the most humid and the rainiest in Japan.  So, clouds and mist make Mount Fuji rarely visible. Thus, winter months, which are also drier, are the best for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo.  Climbing And Touring Mt Fuji: Which One Is Better?  If you are planning to climb Mount Fuji, you will need at least 2 days for the trip from Tokyo.  However, if you want to take a tour of the mountain from the surroundings, it can be completed comfortably in a day.  So, here is a comparison of climbing Mt Fuji vs. taking a tour of Mount Fuji.  1. Climbing Up Mount Fuji  A sunrise trek to Mount Fuji is very popular, and you will find multiple stations on the trek route.  Furthermore, climbing up the mountain is no easy task, and it takes 5 to 10 hours to complete this high-altitude trek.  Though the Yoshida Trail, among the four trails leading to the summit, is beginner-friendly, you still need training, proper gear, and preparation to complete the trek.  2. Taking A Tour Of Mount Fuji  This is the usual option for regular tourists. You will visit the Fuji Five Lakes and beautiful villages on the way.  Also, if the weather conditions are good, you will get a good view of Mount Fuji.  How To Travel For A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo?  Yes, you can take a car on rent for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. However, Japan is famous for its trains.  It also has a well-managed bus network.  So, for a local experience and budget-friendly travel, these are the best options you can opt for.  1. Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Train Japan Railway (JR) has a limited express train service called the Fuji Excursion Train. The train runs between the Shinjuku Station and the Kawaguchiko stations and the Mount Fuji Station is between them. The Shinjuku Station is at a distance of about 5 km from Tokyo City.  The train ride takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes, and the ticket price is ￥600 for adults and 400 for children.  Check out the timings of trains from Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, and when they reach the Mount Fuji Station.  I have enlisted the timings for the weekdays. Train timings differ on weekends and holidays (Source: Fujikyu Railway).  Table 1: Train From Shinjuku Railway Station To Mt Fuji  DepartureArrival 7:30 AM9:23 AM8:30 AM10:21 AM9:30 AM11:23 AM10:30 AM12:19 PM11:34 AM1:25 PM Table 2: Train From Kawaguchiko Railway Station To Mt Fuji DepartureArrival 2:08 PM2:16 PM2:58 PM3:06 PM3:39 PM3:47 PM4:48 PM4:56 PM5:41 PM5:49 PM You can directly book the train ticket from the online reservation service of the Japan East Railway. You can also buy a Japan Railway Pass for similar excursions.  Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Bus You can also plan a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo by bus. Take the Mt. Fuji Highway Bus from the Shinjuku bus stop and get off at the Mount Fuji 5th Station.  Also, the travel time is about 2 hours and 25 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults and 1900 JPY.  Moreover, you can book the ticket online from Highway-buses.jp.  How To Explore Mount Fuji? You can explore Mount Fuji in a car. However, it is super expensive and costs up to JPY 15000-20000 JPY a day.  Furthermore, if you are planning to drive in Japan, you will need a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) as an international tourist.  Overall, it is a lot of hassle.  So, you can choose the bus services available in Mount Fuji to travel in and around the area.  1. Fujikyu Or Omnibuses You can book the Fujikyu Omnibus sightseeing pass for 1 day or 2 days. The pass for 1 day costs 1500 JPY, and for two days, it costs 2000 JPY.  Moreover, these bus services operate in three lines: the Red Line, Blue Line, and Green Line.  So, check your itinerary first and the places you want to explore before boarding a bus.  2. Climbers Bus Are you planning to climb up Mount Fuji? Then, you can plan to take this bus service. However, many of these services are seasonal, and here are the details.  Moreover, these buses depart from the 5th Station and circle the mountain.  Climber Bus RouteLineSeasonal Availability Fuji Subaru Line 5th StationM-LineEverydaySubhasiri 5th Station Q-LineSummer SeasonGotemba New 5th StationZ-LineSummer SeasonFujinomiya 5th StationL-LineSummer Season 3. Bus-Boat Kaba This is a special bus service on water. You can board the bus-boat Kaba and cruise through Lake Yamanaka.  Furthermore, in usual seasons, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults, 1900 JPY for children, and 500 JPY for infants. Prices can further go up in the peak tourist season.  Moreover, on weekdays, the bus boat services will run from 11:30 AM, 1:10 PM, 14:00 PM, and 15:40 PM from 1st April, 2026.  On weekends, there are additional services (along with the usual times) at 9:50 AM, 12:20 PM, 2:50 PM, and 4:30 PM.  Moreover, from April to September, there is a bus service at 5:20 PM on weekends.  5. Local Route Bus  You will get buses departing from Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko Stations to Fujinomiya, Shin-Fuji Station, Kofu, Isawa Onsen, Mishima, and Gotemba.  What Is The Best Time To Plan A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo? The winter months are ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Dry weather conditions and a lack of humidity in the air make it ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Furthermore, spring and autumn months are ideal for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. These months coincide with the cherry blossom season in Japan and the autumn foliage. Read Also: Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance: Know About Various Modes Of Transportation Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers