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What Are The Best Things To Do In Polonnaruwa? [Ultimate Travel Guide]

What Are The Best Things To Do In Polonnaruwa? [Ultimate Travel Guide]

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.

Sibashree Bhattacharya

Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

What Are The Best Ella Hotels? Where Can You Stay In Ella?

BY Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

From enjoying a train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge to Ella Rock, Ella has endless adventures to offer. Exploring the things to do in Ella is also easier as the Ella Hotels offer the most comfortable and safe accommodations. As a backpacker, I chose to stay in a hostel on my first visit. However, you can find many budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in this beautiful hill country town. So, here is a list of the best hotels to stay in Ella. What Are The Best Ella Hotels? I have divided the best Ella hotels into three different categories. So, you will find a good mix of luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels. Furthermore, I have also included the hostels and the eco-stays here. And here are the details. 1. Luxury Ella Hotels There's a quiet magic when birds sing in the morning, and mist hangs on the tea bushes. Moreover, Ella has upgraded its luxury offerings, blending colonial roots with modern sustainable design. • Nine Skies: Colonial Elegance Just outside Ella in Demodara, Nine Skies is a five-bedroom tea bungalow restored from old stock. Furthermore, it sits like a piece of the English Lake District transplanted into the tropics. Also, you begin your day with a Sri Lankan breakfast and then swim in an infinity pool that stretches over endless tea fields. Moreover, the lifestyle is classic tea country, wrapped in a dream-like hotel setting. • 98 Acres Resort And Spa: Eco-Luxury Overlooking Little Adam's Peak, 98 Acres stands out as the region's top hotel. Furthermore, the chalets use upcycled railway sleepers and local granite, with genuine, hands-on design. Moreover, their spa features treatments with herbs grown on-site. Just a 15-minute walk from the Nine Arch Bridge, it's ideal for morning shots. So, what else is there to say about this place? • Hide Ella: Modern Panoramic Views Hide Ella sits right into a 60-degree slope. Every room faces the Ella Gap with clear, sweeping views. The pool dips into the trees like you are floating through the canopy. It's a clean, sharp design, with no frills. Furthermore, it offers just pure view-focused living. Why would anyone want anything else in Ella? 2. Mid-Range Ella Hotels For a bed that works, a shower that flows, and a balcony with real views, without the honeymoon price! Ella's mid-range picks offer the best trade-off. Most focus on the view, which is Ella's strongest selling point. • Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel It is set into the mountainside, and it is the most welcoming. Cabins are clean, modern, with wood and concrete finishes. They even include Yoga mats for stretching in the morning light. If you want to go early to the Nine Arch Bridge, this is your only real shot, and it's just 800 meters away. It seems like a good fit for quiet travelers who value space and scenery. • Country Homes Ella It looks more like apartments than hotels. Warm pine decor gives each suite a cozy feel. The wide valley view from your room makes it hard to leave. In particular, when you know breakfast is often brought right to your balcony by the owners. You get coffee at the same time clouds drift through the gap, arguably one of the most consistent perks in town. • Boutique Vibes: Morning Dew, EKHO, And Tip Top It seems to be a recurring motif in Ella. These hotels offer really amazing views and somewhat old-fashioned rooms. Morning Dew, EKHO Ella, and Tip Top Boutique Hotel are, to some extent, this kind of hotel. The furnishings in these places might give the feeling of the 1990s, but the rooftop pools and jacuzzis with a stunning view of Ella Rock offer a 5-star experience. One of the advantages of choosing Tip Top is that you get the opportunity to see the train passing the Nine Arch Bridge from your private balcony. 3. Budget-Friendly Ella Hotels Guesthouses once pulsed with life in Sri Lankan tourism. Staying with a local family still gives the truest view of Ella. You learn how daily routines move through the village. Nobody makes curry like a Sri Lankan grandmother. • Rowinrich Cottages: The Jungle Hideaway These loft-style cottages sit above a valley wrapped in jungle. Backpackers find them ideal, glamping without dorm-sharing. Forest sounds carry through at night. Sunrises stretch across your terrace each morning. Just be warned: the road up is narrow and full of potholes. It's not easy to drive. • The Original Homestays: Idyll And Chamodya Idyll Homestay opened early in town. Anil, who once worked on tea plantations, now manages one of Ella's most trusted homes. Chamodya offers a clear view of Ravana Falls. Both serve breakfasts packed with string hoppers, dhal, and fresh fruit, more than enough for hiking up Ella Rock. 4. The Hostels In Ella: The Most Happening Social Hubs Like my trip to Jaffna, I also chose a hostel to stay in Ella. The hostel scene in Sri Lanka has really taken off over the past few years. Nowadays, staying in a hostel is not only about finding a cheap bed; it is also about experiencing a community, having superfast Wi-Fi, and going on shared adventures. • Bunk Station A fairly new place in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. It's a quiet location away from the noise, but you can still walk to the town in ten minutes. • Hangover Hostel Being part of a well-known chain of hostels in Sri Lanka, it is the best place to experience a social atmosphere. You will get AC rooms here, and the location is very central near the train station. • Backpacker's Paradise If you are looking for the genuine "simple life" experience, you can camp in tents that are set up under thatched roofs. Moreover, it is a very basic, cheap option, and they even have their own little dogs as residents. So, what else do you need? 5. Eco-Friendly Stays In Ella Ella is a place that feels like home. Furthermore, Ella's environment is delicate, and these eco-friendly stays are actively preserving it. • Living Heritage Koslanda It lies halfway between Ella and Horton Plains. Over the years, they've restored the forest and prioritized hiring local women, often left out of tourism jobs. The place feels like a quiet, natural escape. • Arana Eco-Lodge And Yoga Center The lodge sits just ten minutes from town. Rooms are treehouses built around living trunks. Moreover, it operates like a forest monastery. Also, electronics are minimal here. So, you can take part in sessions of Kundalini yoga and meditation here. Moreover, vegan Sri Lankan meals take center stage here. You disconnect from Main Street noise and return to the wild.

Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka: A Place Where I Saw Elephants From Boats

BY Sibashree Sep 7, 2026

I visited the Gal Oya National Park in 2022, and after a few months of being back in my country, I got a call from my friend in Sri Lanka. It was December, and he shared the news published on the Daily Mirror Online, which mentioned the threats of illegal mining to the flora and fauna of the national park. I felt numb, as this was not the Gal Oya National Park I visited. Even if Sri Lanka has icons such as the Yala National Park, for me Gal Oya offered the most remarkable encounters with elephants. For the first time, I did a safari from a boat, drifting quietly across open water while a herd of elephants waded between islands ahead of us. There was no engine noise to spook them, no queue of vehicles, just the reservoir, the herd, and the sound of water. It felt more like a secret that Sri Lanka preserves so dearly, not a national park. Gal Oya National Park At A Glance DetailInformationLocationAmpara District, Eastern Province, Sri LankaEstablished1954AreaApproximately 25,900 HectaresCentrepieceSenanayake Samudraya, the Largest Reservoir in Sri LankaKnown forBoat Safaris and Elephants Swimming between IslandsWildlife32 Recorded Mammal Species, including Elephants, Leopards, and Sloth Bears150+ Bird SpeciesBest time to visitDry Season, Roughly May to SeptemberDistance from ColomboAround 300 KM, Roughly 6 Hours by Road A Reservoir-Built Park With A History Tied To Irrigation The history of the Gal Oya National Park goes back to 1954. It was built to protect the Senanayake Samudraya. This newly constructed reservoir, the largest in Sri Lanka, was part of a major post-independence irrigation scheme in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The scale of the reservoir made my boat ride in the park all the more fascinating. It is just open water with forests around. So, the jeeps on the dusty tracks are replaced by the boats on the serene water. The landscape around the reservoir was more varied than I expected from a dry-zone park. Forested Hills! Savannah Grassland! Also, there were rocky outcrops that locals call turtleback formations. Moreover, low grasslands all sit within the park's boundaries, alongside historical sites like the Digha Vapi Dagoba and the Henebedde cave. Wildlife And The Swimming Elephants The most fascinating experience in Gal Oya was watching wild elephants swimming between the reservoir’s islands. They were moving in search of fresh grazing as water levels dropped in the dry season. Beyond elephants, the park has around 32 mammal species, including: Leopards Sloth Bears Grey Langurs Endemic Toque Macaque. Also, the park, though not as fascinating as Bundala, has more than 150 species of birds. I could spot the following ones. Painted Storks Ospreys Endemics like the red-faced Malkoha and Sri Lanka spurfowl. I could also spot crocodiles and water monitors along the reservoir's edges. How To Reach Gal Oya National Park? You can take a drive from Colombo to reach Gal Oya National Park via Ampara. The distance is around 300 km, and the journey takes around 6 hours by road. However, staying in Ampara Town as the base or finding a lodge close to the park’s boat safari jetty is a more reasonable move. Also, Gal Oya National Park is a natural inland detour from the east-coast surf town, Arugam Bay, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours away. Again, if you are traveling from Kandy, it is 4-5 hours by road via Mahiyangana. So, Gal Oya is a workable stop on a route heading toward the east coast. Gal Oya Entrance And Boat Safari Costs (2026) On top of the park entrance fee, the boat safari itself is typically arranged and priced separately, usually through your lodge or a licensed operator. Remember that access to the reservoir's boats isn't managed the same way jeep permits are at other parks. Also, the boat safari costs around LKR 6000 to LKR 8000. CategoryApproximate Cost (2026)Foreign Adult (12+)USD 12Foreign Child (6–12 Years)USD 6Foreign Children under 6 Years FreeSAARC NationalsUSD 10 for AdultsUSD 5 for Children between 6 and 12 YearsFree for Children below 6 YearsLocals Adults: LKR 60Children from 6 to 12 Years: LKR 30Children below 6 Years: FreeStudents: LKR 20Boat SafariLKR 6000-8000 A One-Day Gal Oya Itinerary A day at Gal Oya has a different rhythm from most Sri Lankan national parks because here the safari is on a boat and not a jeep. Here is a structure that works well if you're based near Ampara or the park's eastern lodges. TimeActivity5:30 - 6:30 AMEarly transfer to the boat jetty on Senanayake Samudraya6:30 - 9:30 AMMorning boat safari.It is the best window for elephant sightings near the shoreline. 9:30 - 10:30 AMReturn to lodge for breakfast.10:30 AM - 12:30 PMOptional short trek or visit to the Henebedde cave/Digha Vapi Dagoba area.12:30 - 2:30 PMLunch and rest during the hottest part of the day.4:00 - 6:30 PMEvening boat safari for a second wildlife window and sunset over the reservoir. What Are The Practical Tips For Visiting The Gal Oya National Park? Boats and slots are more limited than jeep availability at bigger parks. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light waterproof layer. Pack a zoom lens or good binoculars as elephant sightings are often across open water rather than at close range on a jeep track. Stay two nights if you can, so you get both a morning and an evening boat safari rather than just one. Combine with Arugam Bay or Ampara for a fuller east-coast itinerary. What Is The Best Time To Visit Gal Oya National Park? May to September, or the dry season, is the best time to visit Gal Oya National Park. In the dry season, the water level of the reservoir drops. So, all the animals, especially the elephants, concentrate near the remaining islands and water. Thus, the sight of swimming elephants is more common in this national park than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. This season is also ideal for birdwatching in Sri Lanka, as migratory and resident species settle around the shrinking waterline.

Where Is Kudawella Beach? What To Do In Kudawella Beach For Beginners?

BY Sibashree May 5, 2026

Very close to the Hiriketiya Beach, Kudawella Beach is a pristine, small, and beginner-friendly beach for surfers. However, even if you are not a surfer, you can visit this hidden gem to find the turtle nests and the surrounding mangroves. Also, at Kudawella Beach, you can enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean or just laze around on the sand. Here is more about this beautiful, sickle-shaped beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Where Is Kudawella Beach? How To Reach Kudawella Beach As I have mentioned, Kudawella Beach is on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, and it stretches from west to east. Furthermore, the beach is around 10 km away from Dickwella, the closest major town to the beach. Moreover, if you are already visiting the Hiriketiya Beach, you can just take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to reach the Kudawella Beach. The most popular way to reach the Kudawella Beach is to take a direct car or taxi from Colombo, which is at a distance of around 160 km. The journey by road will take close to 5 hours, and the taxi fare will be over 30000 LKR. However, I was already in Ella and had a day after visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and exploring all the other top attractions in Ella. So, I took a bus from Ella to Galle. The bus #31 was moderately crowded, and I was enjoying the local experience. That bus from Ella to Kudawella Beach took around 6 hours, and the ticket price was LKR 350. What Are The Things To Do In Kudawella Beach? Kudawella Beach is a place that offers you the ultimate flexibility. Yes, there are a few hotspots when you are on the beach. However, you can spend your entire day without doing anything. Moreover, it is a delightful place for amateur surfers. Still, here are a few things to do in Kudawella Beach, along with surfing and chilling. 1. A Walk To The Hummanaya Blow Hole I loved walking to the Hummanaya Blow Hole on the eastern side of the Kudawella Beach. However, to see the water shooting up, you have to reach the viewing point at the top of a cliff. The cliff also has a safety barrier. It is the only blowhole in Sri Lanka and the second-largest in the world, shooting the water at a height of 25-30 meters when the water forcibly enters a narrow cavern. I saw the blowing taking place at least 5-6 times during the short moment I halted there. The water shoots up as the sea movement builds pressure in the tunnels in the rock. 2. A Walk To The Nilwella Beach If you want even a more idyllic retreat, you can visit the Nilwella Beach from the Kudawella Beach. This beach has blonde sand, and the waves here are gentle. Moreover, I loved walking across the beach to reach a rocky island. The rocky island had many palm trees and pandanus trees. There was also a hiking trail, and as I advanced, I found many little coves and unique geographical shapes. 3. Kayaking Around Mawella Lagoon Mawella Lagoon was pretty, and the water was covered by beautiful lily flowers. Furthermore, there are many hotel rooms and massage rooms near the lake where you can chill or enjoy a relaxing massage session. However, just behind the Kudawella Beach, this lagoon is also ideal for kayaking around. It cost me around 8000 LKR, and I spotted many birds such as storks, beeaters, and kingfishers there. I heard that sometimes you can also spot crocodiles here. Kudawella Beach: The Best Spot For Surfing For Beginners As I have mentioned, Kudawella Beach is a beginner-friendly surfing spot. Unlike Hiriketiya, you will not find outer waves here. You can only surf here at the beach break, which is further on the inside of the bay. So, it is safer than Hiriketiya Beach. In fact, even in the dry season from November to March, the waves seldom reach a height of more than 4 feet. However, you have to be watchful of the few rocks in the water. Having said that, during the dry season or the peak surfing season, the water of the Indian Ocean is crystal clear. So, you will be able to see the rocks clearly. Moreover, on the Kudawella Beach, there are two surf rentals. However, when I visited, there was a longer queue in front of the Saranga at Kudawella Surf School, and its surfboard-shaped signboard also looked pretty cool. What Is The Best Time To Visit Kudawella Beach? November to March, or the dry season, is the best time to visit the Kudawella Beach. Long hours of sunshine make these months ideal for beach activities. However, there can be sudden rainfalls. So, you have to carry your rain gear. However, the wet season from March to August, despite having fewer crowds, is not ideal as there can be harsh storms and heavy rainfall. Where To Stay Near The Kudawella Beach? When I visited Kudawella Beach, it was still very pristine, and thus it is a quintessential beach on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. You will find only a few hotels here. Also, if you want to find an accommodation here, you can stay on the beachfront or in hotels near the lagoon. Here are some of the places where you can stay. Sisi Place The Sisi Place is on the hilltop at the west end of the beach. It is the most budget-friendly option here with clean and comfy rooms. Simply Peace Choose Simply Peace if you are looking for a luxury accommodation near the lagoon. It is a beautiful pool where you can relax. Furthermore, it has a garden where you can enjoy birdwatching. Calma I loved the pastries and coffee at the on-site cafe of Calma. With a sand front, it exudes a quintessential Balinese bungalow aesthetic. Moreover, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride from Kudawella Beach to Hiriketiya Beach. There, you will find more diverse accommodation options, including Airbnbs.