Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura: Walking Around Sri Lanka’s First Stupa (2026 Guide)

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Once you cross the massive bay of Weligama, you will find many hidden beaches and coves on the south-western coast.  There is a stretch that goes through small inlets and has beautiful golden sands. These inlets with coconut palms are called Midigama collectively.  While Midigama will win your heart with its quaint beauty at first glance, it is more popular as a surfing spot for intermediates.  It is no less than a treasure hunt with unexplored reefs and secret waves.  Moreover, the surf spots of the Midigama Beach, such as Lazy Left or Ahangama, are diverse and unique in the experience they offer.  However, a local professional surfer confided that the Coconuts are the best surfing spot if you already have some skills.  Hi, are you planning a trip to Midigama Beach anytime soon? Read this blog to know about the location, surfing sports, and more about this beautiful beach.  Where Is Midigama Beach?  The cluster of beaches, known as the Midigama Beach, is between Weligama and Ahangama, a popular beach town and surfing spot.  Furthermore, the beach spans an area of 6 kilometers, including the clusters of inlets.  The best and most budget-friendly way to reach Midigama. It is a train ride of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket cost me around Rs. 240.  I took the train from Colombo Fort at 6:15 PM and reached Midigama at 9:25 PM, and the ticket price was Rs 550 for the second class.  Where To Surf On Midigama Beach? I have already shared that the surfing spots in Midigama are diverse. So, the size, the type of breaks, and the surfing style will be different from one surfing location to another.   So, here are the surfing spots everyone loves.  1. Ahangama Ahangama, on the northwest of Midigama, has been a popular surfing hub for the last few years.  It has many surf camps and bars, and its reef breaks are excellent for beginners and mid-level surfers.  Kabalana Beach is the best place to start your surfing expedition here.  2. Ram’s Right  Ram’s Right is the toughest surf break in the region, and you really need to make a quick surfing start.  Furthermore, the barrel sections make it fascinating. Also, you really need to look out for sea urchins here.  3. The Combination Of Lazy Right And Lazy Left  These two offer secure reef brakes, and Lazy Left is slightly harder to surf than Lazy Right.  So, Lazy Right is more suitable for beginners. Here, a surfer can enjoy cruisy rides where the surf breaks over a deep reef.  4. Plantations  It is very close to Weligama, and it is an ideal surfing spot for intermediates.  The entry point is an opening in the rock by the Plantation Surf Inn.  Furthermore, the reef here is deep, and surfing usually continues in the right direction and a few lefts.  5. Coconuts  Coconuts is the place where you will enjoy the classic Sri Lankan reef surfing experience.  Here, you can surf right and left, and the breaks are on both ends of the beach.  However, the east end of the beach is choppier.  6. Weligama Once you are done surfing at Coconuts, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama.  Furthermore, with a sandy bottom, it is an ideal surfing destination for beginners.  What Are The Places To Visit Near Midigama Beach?  If you are done surfing, you can explore the historic Galle Fort and the hedonistic Mirissa Beach.  1. Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach turns into the most Hedonistic place in Sri Lanka in the evening.  The bars here offer amazing happy hour offers. So, you will find the cheapest chilled beer in Sri Lanka here.  2. Galle Fort Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 25 km away from Midigama Beach.  It is one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.  Enjoy climbing up the rampart and having a walk from one corner to another, admire the architecture, and enjoy the 360-degree view of Galle.  Watching the sunset from the top of the fort is also a magical experience.  What Is The Best Time For Surfing In Midigama Beach?  Like all other beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, November to April is the best time to visit Midigama Beach.  Regular storms and high rainfall are the main forces hitting the beach in this season.  Furthermore, when you are planning to surf in Midigama beach, pick early morning or late evening as the time as the winds pick up speed later in the day.  Where To Eat In Midigama Beach?  The main beach of Midigama and the place near the Coconuts have many cool eating places.  Contrary to Ahangama, the Midigama Beach exudes a hipster energy.  If you are looking for a local experience where you will also get some cultural insights, you can visit Sandaru Restaurant.  It is a family-run restaurant, and here you can eat kottu, rice, curry, and other local delicacies.  Another excellent place for trying local delicacies here is the Shirani Home Made Rice & Curry near the Coconut Beach.  Here, you will find the best rice-vegetable combos.  Where To Stay For Surfing At Midigama Beach?  You can stay at the really cool hostels near the Lazy Left if you want to surf at Midigama Beach.  However, if you are traveling with family and you are looking for comfort, Naomi Beach Hotel, the best surfing hotel in Sri Lanka, will be your ideal choice.  It has a stunning infinity pool, and the on-site bar is perfect for chilling after a surfing session.  Moreover, it is close to the Coconuts, for me, the best surfing spot in Midigama Beach.  Also, Surfing Wombats is another place to stay in Midigama for surfing. I can stay here simply because of the pizza they serve.  Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Lazy Left and Lazy Right surfing spots.  Also, if you want to be a part of the surfing camps in Midigama Beach, you must take a tuk-tuk to Weligama, and you will find many reputable surfing camps there.

BY  Sibashree Jun 24, 2026

The first time I reached Batticaloa, a quaint town in eastern Sri Lanka, I did not expect to experience the slow but steady flame of human protest.  It was 9 AM in the morning, and I noticed a small group of people gathering near the Kallady Bridge. They held up placards written on old sarees, torn clothes, and newspapers.  In a single line, they walked for around 2 kilometers peacefully and ended their walk at the Gandhi Park.  Known as the Batticaloa Justice Walk, this has been continuing since 12th May 2022, the next day after the GotaGoGama (GGG) protest site faced the attack of mobs, followed by the resignation of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.  This protest walk has been a movement demanding a fundamental change, and the participants demand accountability for the people who disappeared during the period of conflict.  While this protest walk won me over, as I come from the land of Satyagraha and a long history of protests for political, social, and humanitarian reasons, I felt more eager to know the town and explore the top attractions.  What Is The Location Of Batticaloa Town? The Batticaloa Town, the administrative capital of the Batticaloa district, is in the eastern province of Sri Lanka.  This coastal town on a flat island is surrounded by a large lagoon and the Indian Ocean.  Pasikudah, a popular beach destination of Sri Lanka, is just 35 km northwest of Batticaloa Town. Also, Trincomalee is the nearest major city to Batticaloa, and it is located 111 km south of Trincomalee.  How To Reach Batticaloa?  The Batticaloa Town is easy to reach as it is well-connected to Colombo by road, train, and air.  By Train  It has the Batticaloa Railway Station, which receives direct express trains such as Meenagaya from the Colombo Fort Railway Station.  The 6075 Batticaloa Special is the fastest train between these two stations. It left Colombo Fort at 3:15 PM and reached Batticaloa at 9:52 PM. Also, the third-class ticket price was LKR 1400.  By Bus Regular bus services are available from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal in Colombo to Batticaloa. Based on the traffic, the journey will take 6 to 7 hours. The ticket price is around LKR 1500. From this bus stop, you will also get buses to the cultural capital, Kandy, and the Tamil hub in Sri Lanka, Jaffna.  Furthermore, the Batticaloa International Airport (BTC) in SLAF Batticaloa is the main hub for regional air and chartered flights connectivity.  The travel time by air is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the ticket price will be around LKR 20000.  Transport Within Batticaloa You will get tuk-tuks for local transportation in this coastal town, and based on the distance covered, the charges will be between LKR 150 and LKR 400.  Also, if you want, you can rent a tuk-tuk for the entire day at a negotiated price.  What Is Batticaloa Famous For?  History, colonial heritage, and spirituality merge in the small town of Batticaloa.  So, next time you are in Sri Lanka, you must plan a visit to Batticaloa. Also, these are the top attractions in Batticaloa.  Top Historical And Cultural Attractions In Batticaloa  Batticaloa is a coastal town rich in colonial history and unique cultural landscapes.  These landmark attractions showcase the area's diverse heritage, ranging from ancient fortifications to cultural museums. 1. Batticaloa Gate This historic monument marks the official landing site where early British colonial officials first arrived in the region.  It features a grand statue of Mahatma Gandhi and serves as a peaceful, picturesque viewpoint overlooking the tranquil lagoon. 2. Batticaloa Fort Originally built by the Portuguese in 1628, this structure was later captured and expanded by the Dutch and British forces.  The well-preserved fort is surrounded by a scenic moat and currently houses local government administrative offices. 3. Batticaloa Lighthouse Standing 28 meters tall, this iconic red-and-white beacon was constructed by the British in 1913 to guide ships safely into the harbor.  Visitors flock to this coastal spot to enjoy panoramic views where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. 4. Kattankudy Heritage Museum This specialized cultural museum documents the rich, centuries-old history and unique traditions of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.  It displays fascinating life-sized exhibits, traditional crafts, ancient weapons, and historical trade artifacts. The museum remains open from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday to Thursday, and it remains open till 7 PM on weekends. The ticket price is LKR 100 for local adult visitors, LKR 50 for local children, and LKR 500 for foreign visitors.  Top Religious And Spiritual Places In Batticaloa Batticaloa, despite being a small coastal town, has the inclusive religious nature of Sri Lanka.  1. St Mary's Cathedral St Mary's Cathedral is a 200 year old catholic church in Batticaloa, and despite being located in the middle of the town, it is a very quiet place.  It has a vibrant blue color, and its architecture exudes a quintessential colonial style you will find in Sri Lanka.  2. Hindu Temples  Like Jaffna Hindu temples, the temples in Batticaloa are also an extension of the local Tamil culture and religious beliefs.  Here are the temples that you cannot miss in Batticaloa. Temple NameMain DeityLocationSignificanceMajor Festival TimeSri Mamangeswarar Temple (Mamangapillayar)Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha3 Km from the Town CenterAssociated with the Ramayana (Prince Rama worshiped here)10 Days of Festivity in July/AugustKokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar TempleLord Shiva15 km southwest of Batticaloa TownIt has a Swayambhu or self-manifested Shiva lingam. SeptemberSri Pathirakali Amman TempleGoddess KaliPeriya UraniKnown for its vibrant ceremonies and festivalsMahotsavam, a 15-Day Festival in March, and NavratriAnaipanthy Sri Sithy Vigneswarar ThevalayamLord GaneshaHeart of Batticaloa town (Pulliyanthivu)Popular community templeDailySri Sithira Velayutha Swamy KoyilLord MuruganPulliyantivuPopular community templeDaily Natural Attractions In Batticaloa A serene coastal town, Batticaloa, has beautiful beaches and a beautiful lagoon.  1. Kallady Beach Kallady Beach is less trodden, and it still bears the signs of the devastation by the 2004 tsunami.  Due to fewer crowds, the beach with golden sands is an ideal place to relax. Also, it looks surreal during dusk.  2. Kalkudah And Passikudah Around 35 km north of Batticaloa, you will find the Kalkudah cliff. The twin bay shorelines of Kalkudah and Passikudah are located on either side of the cliff.  An ocean reef protects the twin bay from harsh monsoon winds. So, these are ideal spots for bathing, windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing.  3. Batticaloa Lagoon A boat ride in Batticaloa Lagoon is a must, and during the boat ride, you can explore the Buffalo Island, Bone Island, and Puliayantheevu Island. Also, I loved my time in the fishermen's boats.  Architectural Wonders In Batticaloa  The architectural attractions in Batticaloa show deep colonial and indigenous influence.  1. Kallady Bridge  The Kallady Bridge, crossing the Batticaloa Lagoon, connects Kallady with Batticaloa town.  Also known as the Lady Manning Bridge, it is more famous for a local myth.  Deep under the Batticaloa Lagoon, aquatic life produces rhythmic, humming, or musical vibrations that can sometimes be heard echoing into the night.  The best time to listen to the vibration is between April and September, especially on full moon nights.  Also, the trick is to take a boat ride and reach under the Kallady Bridge. Then, you need to plunge the oar vertically into the lagoon water and keep the dry end of the oar close to your ears to listen to the vibrations.  2. Unnichchai Tank I rented a bicycle for LKR 800 in Batticaloa. I came across the Unnichchai Tank as I proceeded toward the lagoon from Batticaloa.  The entire route is scenic with low forest extending over the serene lagoon.  Furthermore, the Unnichchai Tank is an important landmark as it supplies the water for the entire area.  Also, its modern concrete architecture emulates the ancient stone structure of the tank. The modern version of the tank was built in 1919, and it supplies irrigation water for 6,200 hectares of farmland.  What Are The Things To Do In Batticaloa? Batticaloa is a small town. However, the things to do in Batticaloa are diverse, from temple and museum visits to boat and bicycle rides.  So, here I am presenting a 4-day itinerary in Barricaloa for you. Day 1: Colonial History And Sunset Views Time of the DayAttractionKey HighlightsActivityMorningBatticaloa Fort1628 Portuguese fortifications and scenic moat wallsExplore colonial buildings and walk the historic ramparts.Mid-DayBatticaloa Gate and Town CenterIconic British landing monument and Mahatma Gandhi statueVisit the monument and stop for a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch.Late AfternoonBatticaloa Lighthouse1913 British beacon where the lagoon meets the seaEnjoy panoramic coastal views and take photographs of the landmark.Evening Kallady BeachGolden sands and the historic Kallady BridgeRelax by the ocean and learn about the legendary "singing fish" folklore. Day 2: Cultural Heritage And Sacred Temples Time of the DayAttractionKey HighlightsActivityMorningSri Mamangeswarar TempleAncient site linked to the RamayanaPerform morning prayers and soak in the spiritual vibeLate MorningKattankudy Heritage MuseumTravel south from the town centerExplore exhibits, traditional crafts, and Muslim community history.AfternoonTown ExplorationPulliyantivu district templesVisit Anaipanthy Sri Sithy Vigneswarar and Sri Sithira Velayutha Swamy Koyil.EveningLagoon Boat RideLagoon Park AreaHire a local boat for a relaxing sunset cruise on calm waters. Day 3: Spiritual Journey And Southern Coast  Take a scenic drive across the lagoon and move southwest to visit the Kokkadicholai Thaanthonreeswarar Temple.  It is one of the oldest and most revered Shaivaite temples in Sri Lanka, and it has a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam.  In the afternoon, visit the Sri Pathirakali Amman Temple in Periya Urani.  Then, head to the Pasikudah Beach in the late afternoon. It has crystal clear turquoise waters and calm waves.  Day 4: Nature And Hidden Gems Visit the Unnichchai Tank in the morning. The ambiance surrounding this massive irrigation reservoir is peaceful, and it is an ideal destination for birdwatching.  Do some souvenir shopping in the afternoon. Explore the local markets to buy traditional handloom textiles, palmyra palm handicrafts, and local snacks like Aluwa. Where To Stay In Batticaloa? The Batticaloa Municipal Council has many listed accommodations if you want to stay in this coastal town.  The most affordable option among them is the Vishna Guest in Batticaloa Town. The tariff per night will be around 3500 LKR, and you can contact them at +94 71 658 8779.  Also, Sunrise Villa Batticaloa in Kattankudy is another delightful option, despite being a little expensive. The tariff will be around LKR 11000 per night, and the contact number is  +94 76 890 1234.  Important Phone Numbers You Must Keep Handy  When you are in Batticaloa, you must keep the following phone numbers handy. Contact the Batticaloa Police Station at +94 65 2224422. Also, you can reach out to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital at +94 65 222 2261.  Falling In Love With The Resilient Spirit Of Batticaloa Batticaloa is beyond a coastal town with sun-drenched beaches, colonial remnants, and architectural landmarks. It is a town where history is actively lived. Furthermore, the quiet dignity of people here complements the serene beauty of the landscape.  Also, on one hand, you can listen to the haunting, melodic mysteries echoing beneath the Kallady Bridge here.  On the other hand, the unyielding footsteps of the Batticaloa Justice Walk at Gandhi Park, this coastal enclave, leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits. Overall, it reminded me that travel is not just about visiting places. It is about connecting with the enduring human spirit that defines them.

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.