Why Is Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka, Famous? Know About Bentota Beach, River Safari, And More

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 May 11, 2026

How many places have you been to where you can see peacocks and the mischievous chipmunks everywhere you look?  This is Mirissa for you! One of the quietest beach towns in Sri Lanka.   Also, if surfing at Hiriketiya Beach was a lot of fun, you can plan a one-hour drive to Mirissa for whale watching.   Mirissa has the turquoise Mirissa Beach, the Instagram-favorite coconut tree hill, the secret beach, the parrot rock, and many other natural attractions.   Also, this quaint beach town is the ideal place to attend a cooking class, enjoy a happening nightlife, and indulge in a relaxing spa experience.    Furthermore, whale watching and surfing with turtles are some of the most exciting things to do in Mirissa.   And once you are done exploring Mirissa Beach, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama Beach, which is a beginner-friendly surfing destination.   Here is more about why I loved the Mirissa Beach and town.   What Are The Things To Do In Mirissa?   Mirissa was still an emerging destination when I last visited Sri Lanka. Then, it was a welcome break from surfing at Ahangama or Hiriketiya simply because it was less crowded.   However, thanks to Instagram now and especially due to the popularity of Coconut Hill, it is not a hidden gem anymore.   Nevertheless, don’t miss these activities when you are in Mirissa.   1. Spending A Relaxing Time At Mirissa Beach    I am not a diver, but I saw a couple renting gear on the beach for diving and spotting turtles. I talked to them as they came out. It was nice talking to Liam and Saoirse.   I am quoting what Saorise shared,  “The water here is calm, and you just need to go down very little to find the turtles swimming.   Next, we are going to try Weligma Beach.”   Nevertheless, for me, Mirrissa Beach was impressive due to its laid-back charm. Like Delft Island in Jaffna, Mirrissa Beach also appeared to be an ideal destination for backpackers.   It was sunset time, and as the sky started turning the darkest red, the cafes around the beach came to life.   I took a stroll toward the Parrot Rock and climbed it to see how the Sun is going to sleep in the ocean.  If you are not planning to see the sunset here, you can take a 40-minute tuk-tuk ride to Kudawella Beach. There, you will see the Hummanaya blowhole, the second-largest in the world.   2. Enjoying Solitude At Secret Beach  Solitude! This is what I enjoyed at the Secret Beach. It is secluded and does complete justice to its name.   Furthermore, this is a beautiful beach where the sea and the jungle blend.   Also, this beach has shining golden sands, and the palm trees are so well aligned that they look symmetrical.   In addition, I enjoyed sunbathing, swimming, and watching the sunset at Secret Beach.   Now, comes to how I reached the Secret Beach from Mirissa Beach. I took a short tuk-tuk ride for 15 minutes from Mirissa Beach, and it cost me around LKR 300.   From the spot, you will have to hike for around 200 meters to reach the beach.   Also, no one talks about the cliff behind the Secret Beach. I had to just take a short walk, taking the left side path from the beach to reach the cliff.   You can enjoy a 360-degree view of the ocean from the cliff top.   3. Whale Watching  Visiting Mirissa Beach during sunset time was worth it.   I returned the next morning for the whale-watching tour to start. The tour started at 6 AM, and it was a 4-hour tour. The cost was ₹1948 or around 6500 LKR.   Early morning is the best time for whale spotting at Mirissa Beach, as the water starts getting choppy as the hours pass.   Furthermore, November to April is the best time for blue whale spotting here, and March and April are the peak months.   Also, on my tour, along with the blue whales, I also spotted humpback whales, turtles, and dolphins.   4. Watching Sunset From The Parrot Rock  As I mentioned earlier, Parrot Rock offered the best sunset viewing point on Mirissa Beach.   This rock island is just a 5-minute walk from the main beach. However, I had to wade through water to find the base of the staircase leading to the top of the Parrot Rock.   During high tide, the water can be knee-deep. So, here you will need some local guidance regarding when to cross the water.   So, be careful and carry a small bag and only the things you need if you want to climb up the Parrot Rock.   5. Exploring The Cocount Tree Hill   Now, this Coconut Tree Hill is a rage on Instagram and somehow overhyped.   However, the tangerine soil and the series of trees here look picturesque, and the views from here are amazing.  Before I got to the top of the Coconut Hill, I enjoyed a swing ride just below.   I visited it very early in the morning. The plan was to see the sunrise from the Coconut Tree Hill and then start the whale tour.   Furthermore, the hike was easy, and it was almost a no-sweat climb.   6. Enjoying Sunset Drinks, Bites, And Beats  Mirissa has a really cool nightlife. However, I found the cafes here a little overpriced. Instead, I found a place to relax and watch over the activities on the beach after sunset hours.   After watching the sunset from the Parrot Rock, I was planning a return for the day, and then I found Petti Petti.   It has an elevated infinity pool, which is magical. You can even relax sitting in the comfortable beanbags and sip the most refreshing cocktail.  Petti Petti remains open from 8 AM to 10:30 PM every day.   7. Surfing At Weligama Beach  Surfing at Mirissa Beach is not a pleasant experience. So, it is always better to take a bus ride for 15 minutes to Weligama Beach.  With a sandy bottom and gentle waves, it is a beginner-friendly place for surfing. I surfed with the AMA Surf School there, and the cost was around ₹7000, and the surfing tour was for 1 hour and 15 minutes.   8. Enjoying The Cafe Vibe In Mirissa  Mirrissa has some amazing cafes, but they are still overhyped if you compare them with the craze on Instagram.   Nevertheless, I loved Aloha Coffee Gallery, which is very close to the Main Street of Merissa.   I had a French Press coffee and toasts there. Also, I found many young professionals working there, and the Wi-Fi connection was pretty good.   I found that the place was quite popular among youngsters and digital nomads.   9. Spotting The Turtles   Now, many people tell you that Turtle Beach is the best place to spot turtles in Mirissa, and it’s a lie.   When I reached it at around 10 AM, the beach was already crowded, and naturally, the water was murky.   I could spot two turtles, but they looked stressed and in a hurry to hide.   Then, a local told me about a place that was a walk of around 10 minutes west of the beach. There is a Roti shop nearby, in the name of DewMini Roti Shop.   That was indeed a great place for seeing turtles, as there were no boats and only a few locals hanging around.   Again, from there, I took a local bus to Polhena Beach, and the ticket price was ₹30. There, the reefs were shallow, and thus these reefs and the turtles were easily visible.  10. Visiting A Tortoise Hatchery   I love turtles. So, when I got to know about the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, I decided to take a drive for 2 hours and visit it.   This conservation center is, in fact, closer to Galle, and there, I saw Hawksbill turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, and loggerhead turtles.   Many injured or disabled turtles stay in this conservation center, and you will even find baby turtles that are just 3-days old.   The conservation center also has a program in which you can release the baby turtles into the ocean water.  Behind the conservation center is a hatchery. There, all the eggs are kept buried for hatching. The conservation center buys these eggs from local fishermen who collect the eggs so that poachers do not take them or predators do not eat them.   The conservation center remains open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee is LKR 1000.

BY  Sibashree Jun 1, 2026

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect relaxing getaway with golden sands, a vibrant local life, and a rich colonial heritage.  Be it the surfing paradise of the Hiriketiya Beach or the whale-watching hotspot, Mirissa, the southern coast is the most happening.  You can add to that the world-class culinary scene, the palm-fringed shorelines, and a laid-back bohemian energy.  Also, if you are looking for the combination of all these in a single spot, Unawatuna is the place to visit.  It has beginner-friendly waves, a deep colonial history, and a beachfront with a swinging rope.  In this article, I will discuss the best things to do in Unawatuna, top accommodation recommendations, and practical logistics to help you maximize your time in this tropical haven. Where To Stay In Unawatuna?  Unawatuna, being one of the premier beach destinations in Sri Lanka, has an excellent range of accommodations.  The accommodations here range from rustic, budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury boutiques. Epic Unawatuna Epic Unawatuna, with its beautiful rustic charm, shows a heavy influence of the Dutch colonial architecture.  Furthermore, it offers air-conditioned rooms and exceptionally friendly staff.  Also, it is very close to the beach. Kingfisher Unawatuna It is an amazing beachfront hotel that has spacious rooms and large beds. Furthermore, it is on a quiet beachfront ideal for swimming.  Furthermore, it has an excellent in-house restaurant that is famous for serving top-notch, fresh seafood. What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family?  The Unawatuna Beach is at the epicenter of the attractions in Unawatuna. From exploring this beach to a day trip to Galle Fort, a lot of activities await you here.  1. Unwinding At Unawatuna Beach  Unawatuna Beach, with its golden sand, is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, thanks to the protection of the offshore reef, the water here remains safe and calm. So, swimming here is safe throughout the year.  Moreover, in the daytime, you can rent a sunbed here, enjoy fresh coconut water, and enjoy the view.  At night, the beach gets transformed into a happening zone. The social scene here allows you to enjoy music, fresh seafood barbecues, and sunset cocktails right on the water's edge. 2. Dining At Bedspace Kitchen  After spending the evening at the beach, you can dine at Bedspace Kitchen. Which is in a tranquil garden oasis very close to the main road. It serves the best fusion cuisine, and it sources organic and fresh ingredients from local producers. So, by dining here, you can support the local community.  You must try the black pork curry and the gourmet burger. Its other specialties include fragrant coconut lemongrass soup and pumpkin gnocchi.  However, it has limited seats and remains quite crowded. So, you must book a table here in advance.  3. Witness The Iconic Stilt Fishermen Of Koggala At a distance of 10 minutes from Unawatuna Beach, along the coastal road toward Mirissa Beach, you will find Koggala.  South of Unawatuna, Koggala is the place to see one of the most striking cultural traditions of Sri Lanka, Stilt Fishing.  Here, fishermen use a traditional method to catch the fish. They balance atop a crossbar tied to a wooden pole driven deep into the reef, patiently waiting to catch small fish. The 2004 tsunami has altered the shoreline and made traditional fishing very difficult. However, the fishermen are still following this practice.  Many locals now rent their family stilts to men who pose for photographers to earn a livelihood. For visiting the Koggala Beach from Unawatuna and photography, the pocket pinch will be around 500 LKR.  4. Fall In Love With Dalawella Beach  Dalawella Beach, very close to Unawatuna, has low-bending coconut trees, dramatic rock formations, and a beautiful shoreline.  The rope swing here is a rage on Instagram, and it is one of the most popular photo spots along with the Nine Arch Railway Bridge in Sri Lanka.  Moreover, it is less crowded than Unawatuna.  5. Support Conservation At The Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery Sea turtles are frequent in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. At the Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery, you will find rare species such as: Green Turtles Hawksbill Loggerhead Olive Ridley Leatherback Turtles. The hatchery is a non-profit organization that works toward protecting these majestic creatures.  The volunteers here rescue injured turtles caught in fishing nets and treat them. They also purchase eggs from local poachers to ensure they can hatch safely away from predators.  Moreover, once hatched, the baby turtles are nurtured for up to four days before being safely released into the ocean water. 6. Take A Day Trip To Galle Fort Galle Fort is just a tuk-tuk ride of 15 minutes from Unawatuna. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese constructed it originally, and then extensive fortification happened in 1663 by the Dutch.  So, when you step here, it feels like traveling back to the Colonial Era.  Moreover, the fort here is an architectural marvel.  It has centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Moreover, the fort is an architectural marvel, featuring centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Also, the must-see attractions here are: The Galle Lighthouse Dutch Reformed Church Outer Stone Ramparts.  7. Learn To Surf At Bona Vista Bay While the Weligama Beach, Arugam Bay, and Mirissa Beach are more famous for world-class breaks, Bona Vista Bay is suitable for beginners.  It is a sheltered cove between Unawatuna and Galle. The waves here are gentle, and you will find many local surf schools on the beachfront offering certified instructors and affordable board rentals. Moreover, the surf lesson cost here is 2000-3000 LKR, and the board rental cost is between 300 and 500 LKR per hour.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Unawatuna? October to April, or the local dry season, is the best time to visit Unawatuna. However, February to April is the peak tourist season here.  During these months, the sea is calm, and the clear skies here make the time ideal for exploring.  From May to September, Unawatuna faces high rainfall and rough seas. Also, many businesses remain closed temporarily in these months.  How To Reach Unawatuna?  You can reach the southwestern coast of Unawatuna via different modes of transportation.  By Train A train ride through the southwestern coast offers the most affordable and scenic train ride. It is well connected by the Colombo Fort to Matara Railway Station, and Galle Fort Station is where you need to get down.  Also, from Galle Fort, you can take a tuk-tuk ride for 15 minutes, and it will cost around LKR 320.  By Bus  You can hop on a local coastal bus to reach Unawatuna from nearby beach towns such as Mirissa or Hikkaduwa.  Moreover, the bus ticket price is around 50 LKR, and a bus ride offers the most authentic cultural experience.  You will also get a bus from the Maharagama Bus Station, which is just 15 km south of Colombo City Center.  Here, the bus ride will take around 2 hours, and you will love the highway journey in a luxury AC bus.