Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa: Sitting Before The Four Rock-Cut Buddhas And Vishnu (2026 Guide)

BY  Sibashree Sep 14, 2026

Almost every visitor notices the golden roof or moat around it when visiting the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy.  However, the first thing I noticed was the queue.  It was an ordinary Tuesday morning, around 9 AM.  I saw monks, schoolchildren in white, and visitors with cameras filling the same security screening.  However, I was not surprised to see the crowd at the Temple of the Tooth, or the Sri Dalada Maligawa. Built around a single relic, it has shaped the island's politics and identity for over 1,600 years. Also, as the living spiritual centre of Sri Lankan Buddhism, it deserves all the attention.  In addition, the temple has been in the news more than once in the past two years.  In April 2025, a rare public exposition of the Tooth Relic drew an estimated 450,000 devotees in a single day. The queues were long and stretched around 10 kilometers through Kandy.  Again, the temple hosted the ten-night Kandy Esala Perahera, running from 18 to 28 August, 2026.  While there is still time for the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival in 2027, you can plan a visit to the temple on a regular day to have a more immersive and detailed encounter with this iconic Sri Lankan landmark.  The Temple Of The Tooth, Kandy: At A Glance Things to KnowDetailOfficial NameSri Dalada MaligawaAlso Known asTemple of the Sacred Tooth RelicTemple of the ToothLocationPalace Square, Kandy, Central Province, Sri LankaWhat it enshrinesThe left canine tooth relic of the BuddhaUNESCO statusPart of the Sacred City of Kandy, a World Heritage Site since 1988Present shrine built1707–1739, under King Sri Veera Parakrama NarendrasingheDaily opening hours5:30 AM – 8:00 PM, every day of the yearDaily puja (ritual) times5:30–7:00 AM9:30–11:00 AM6:30–8:00 PMEntrance fee (most foreign nationals)LKR 3,000Entrance fee (SAARC nations, Thailand, Myanmar)LKR 2,500Entrance fee (Sri Lankan citizens)FreeMajor annual festivalKandy Esala Perahera (July/August)Time neededAbout 1 to1.5 hours for the temple and longer during puja or festival season What Is The Story Behind The Temple Of The Tooth? The tooth relic arrived in Sri Lanka around seventeen centuries ago, between 301 and 328 CE.  The temple has been rebuilt, burned down, and rebuilt again more times than we can think of.  How Did The Tooth Relic Come To India? According to Buddhist tradition, after the Buddha's parinirvana, his left canine tooth was preserved in the Kingdom of Kalinga.  The Kingdom of Kalinga is now the state of Odisha in India.  However, there was unrest during the reign of King Guhasiva. So, Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Danta, took the tooth relic out of Kalinga. The relic was hidden inside the hair of the princess to ensure a safe passage.  They safely brought it to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kithsiri Meghavanna, dated around 301 to 328 AD.  Since then, the relic has become inseparable from Sri Lankan kingship.  It was said that whichever king had it would have the right to rule.  Also, the relic was moved from capital to capital.  It came through Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, and finally reached Kotte.  Then, it came to Kandy, the last of the royal capitals of Sri Lanka.  A Timeline Of Sri Dalada Maligawa The building we see today is not the original structure. It is the product of at least four rebuilds across two and a half centuries. It was shaped by Portuguese raids, a Dutch fire, and later renovations by successive Kandyan kings. PeriodWhat happenedc. 301–328 ADTooth relic brought to Sri Lanka from Kalinga by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamali during the reign of King Kithsiri Meghavanna.1592–1604King Wimaladharmasuriya I built the first Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, later destroyed during Portuguese invasions.1635–1687King Rajasinghe II built a second shrine on the same site, and it was burned down by the Dutch.1687King Wimaladharmasuriya II constructs a three-storey Dalada Maligawa, which later decays.1707–1739King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe builds the two-storey shrine that still stands today.1747–1782King Kirti Sri Rajasinha renovates and beautifies the temple to be close to its present appearance.1798–1815King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe adds the octagonal Pattirippuwa pavilion.1815The Kandyan Kingdom falls to the British; daily rituals at the temple continue without a break.1988UNESCO inscribes the Sacred City of Kandy, including the temple, as a World Heritage Site.25 January 1998An LTTE suicide truck bombing damages the temple's facade and the adjoining royal palace complex, killing more than a dozen people.April 2025A rare public exposition of the relic draws an estimated 450,000 devotees in a single day.18–28 August 2026The ten-night Kandy Esala Perahera, combining the Kumbal and Randoli processions, is held at the temple. Surviving Invasions, War, And Time Even after such a long history, the rituals at the site have never stopped.  The rituals have continued through Portuguese raids, Dutch fire, the British taking Kandy, and even after the 1998 bombing.  Today, Mahanayake theros of the Malwatta and Asgiriya monastic chapters and a lay custodian, Diyawadana Nilame, are the custodians of the daily rituals.  They also take care of the preservation of the relic.  Why Is The Temple Of Tooth So Important?  The Temple of Tooth is not just the most photographed temple in Sri Lanka.  For Sri Lankan Buddhists, it is the living head of state for the faith.  This explains why the atmosphere inside the relic feels very different from a typical heritage monument.  A Living Symbol Of Buddhist Sri Lanka The possession of the tooth relic was the validation of a king’s right to rule the island. So, it moved between capitals alongside the seat of government for centuries.  This symbolic weight has not disappeared with the monarchy.  Sri Lankan presidents and senior officials still make a point of visiting the temple during the Esala Perahera each year. Thus, they continue a tradition of state association with the relic that predates colonial rule by well over a thousand years. The Kandy Esala Perahera The biggest annual event of Kandy is Esala Perahera.  It is a firelit procession of dancers, drummers, and elaborately dressed tusker elephants.  These festivities take us back to the 1600 year old tradition of the temple.  In 2026, the festival ran across ten nights from 18 to 28 August. The five nights of the Kumbal Perahera were followed by five nights of the grand Randoli Perahera. The festival closed with the Diya Kapeema water-cutting ceremony.  If your Sri Lanka trip lines up with late July or August, it is worth checking that year's dates on the temple's official website before booking. The festival follows the lunar calendar and shifts annually. Planning Your Visit: Timings, Fees, And Rules In this section, I have highlighted the operating hours and fees for the Temple of the Tooth.  Opening Hours And Puja Times ServiceTimingDaily opening hours5:30 AM to 8:00 PM, every day (including Sundays and public holidays)Early morning service (Thewawa)5:30 AM to 7:00 AMMidday service (Thewawa)9:30 AM to 11:00 AMEvening service (Thewawa)6:30 PM to 8:00 PMNanumura Mangallaya (herbal bathing ritual)Every Wednesday, 9:30 AMChild-offering ceremonyDaily, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Entrance Fees Visitor categoryFee (LKR)Sri Lankan citizensFreeSAARC country nationals2,500Thailand and Myanmar nationals2,500All other foreign nationals3,000 The ticket is a single entry that covers the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Dalada Museum, the World Buddhist Museum, the Tusker Museum, and the Royal Elephant Stable. So, budget a bit more time than "just the shrine" if you want to see all five.  The machines installed at the temple itself issue the tickets.  However, many outside individuals or agencies claim to sell the tickets to the temple. These are not valid.  Entry Guidelines All visitors and their belongings go through screening at the entrance with scanning machines. So, leave bulky luggage behind. Plastic and polythene, including for offerings, are discouraged inside the premises. Pets are not permitted anywhere on the temple grounds. Visitors with mobility needs can arrange transport from the main entrance and lift access by calling the temple's administration office in advance. What It Is Actually Like To Visit Photos of the golden roof and the octagonal Pattirippuwa do not really prepare you for how the temple feels once you are inside. It is smaller, quieter in some corners and far more crowded in others. Also, every activity here happens around the ritual clock rather than tourist convenience. Walking Through The Complex After the security check, the path leads to a moat. It also goes through the Mahawahalkada, the ornately carved main entrance, before opening into the temple courtyard.  The two-storey main shrine sits at the centre. Also, its upper floor is carved from ivory. The golden canopy and jewelled caskets surrounding the relic itself are visible only from a respectful distance.  The stonework, including the moonstone carving at the entrance and the Water Wall running along the moat, is stunning.  The holes hold oil lamps, and you can only focus on them if the crowd is a little less.  The Puja Ceremony You must reach the temple at least 15-20 minutes before the puja ceremony.  This is when drummers play the traditional hewisi rhythms and the inner chamber doors open. So, you will get the closest view most visitors will ever get of the golden reliquary.  The 9:30 AM service tends to be the most manageable for tourists in terms of crowd size and daylight for photography. However, the temple authority does not allow flash photography near the shrine. Beyond The Main Shrine The Tusker Museum in particular houses the preserved remains of Raja, the legendary tusker who carried the relic casket in the Esala Perahera for over 50 years. It is a detail most first-time visitors miss. A Half-Day Itinerary Around The Temple TimeActivity9:00 AMArrive at Sri Dalada Maligawa, clear security, and buy your ticket.9:15 AMExplore the courtyard, moonstone carving, and Water Wall before the crowd builds.9:30 AMAttend the midday puja and hewisi drumming at the inner shrine.10:15 AMVisit the Dalada Museum and Tusker Museum (included in your ticket).11:15 AMWalk the perimeter of Kandy Lake, just south of the temple.12:00 PMLunch at one of the cafés along Dalada Vidiya, the road facing the temple.1:00 PMContinue on to the Royal Palace complex or the National Museum of Kandy next door Things You Probably Didn't Know There is no actual photograph of the tooth relic, and the temple authority does not display it publicly.  What they show twice daily is the outermost of several nested golden caskets that house it. The temple survived a suicide truck bombing on 25 January 1998. It was days before Sri Lanka's 50th independence anniversary celebrations, with Kandy as the epicenter.  The attack damaged the facade. However,  nothing happened to the relic, and daily rituals resumed within days. The octagonal Pattirippuwa pavilion, one of the most photographed parts of the complex, was not part of the original design at all. It was an addition between 1798 and 1815, under the island's last king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. Newborns can be formally "offered" to the temple as part of a blessing ceremony at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily. The child has to be between three and six months old. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Temple Of The Tooth?  The temple is open 365 days. However, a few timing choices make a real difference to the temple visit experience.  You will enjoy the calmest ambiance in the temple at 5 AM when the temple opens. I visited the temple at 9 AM.  It was just before the temple opened. The crowd was large, but they were in a disciplined queue.  So, I got the chance to explore the temple and take the best photographs.  Moreover, if your dates allow, you can visit the temple during the Kandy Esala Perahera in July or August. Also, the Poya (full moon) days and Wednesdays, when the Nanumura Mangallaya bathing ritual takes place, draw larger numbers of local devotees.

BY  Sibashree Jun 24, 2026

Puttalam grabbed everyone’s attention with the sudden visibility of a mysterious object with a length of several feet in the sky.  There were speculations about the object being a missile, rocket, or meteor shower.  A few months ago, on 15th December, 2025, the Geminid meteor shower was clearly visible in the sky.  However, these are not one-off instances. I could clearly see the Milky Way in Puttalam, Sri Lanka, in the month of April.  Furthermore, it has wilderness surroundings, remote areas such as Eluwankulama, and a relatively flat topography on the southwestern coast. All these make Puttalam one of the chosen places for stargazing in Sri Lanka.  But beyond the stargazing excitement, Puttalam, Sri Lanka, bears a rich history, exudes serene coastal beauty, and has a colonial heritage.  In this article, I will talk about my days in Puttalam so that you can get to know that coastal beauty better.  Where Is Puttalam? Known for massive coconut production, prawn farming, and salt production, Puttalam town is the capital of the Puttalam district.  It is on the shore of the Puttalam lagoon, the second largest lagoon in the country.  The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is now encouraging the most sustainable use of the lagoon resources.  Thus, they are supporting the exploration of new ecosystems here for better fisheries management. Here is an excerpt from a report published by IUCN on 4th April, 2025.  “With 88 fishing villages and approximately 165,000 people dependent on it, fisheries in Puttalam have been identified by its residents as their most important ecosystem service, particularly for women, who participate in bivalve gleaning and other post-harvest livelihoods. The lagoon is an important area for endangered species, such as green sea turtles and dolphins, and contains ecosystems vital for its health, such as seagrass and mangroves.  Tourism is also important in the Lagoon, which hosts seasonal aquatic sports and has year-round visitors to its islands.  The islands additionally have cultural importance as they are connected to local religious values.” Moreover, Puttalam has the Indian Ocean to the west, and it is the gateway to the Kalpitiya peninsula and Wilpattu National Park. How To Reach Puttalam Sri Lanka? Puttalam is located around 130 km north of Colombo. It is also located at a distance of close to 95 km from Negombo.  Furthermore, it is well-connected to Colombo and other major cities/hubs of the country through the Puttalam Railway Line and A3, A10, and A12 highways.  By Train  The train travel from Colombo Fort to Puttalam takes between 3 hours and 45 minutes and 5 hours.  Moreover, the ticket price will be between LKR 250 and LKR 1550 (Source: the Department of Railways. Sri Lanka. By Bus  Also, you can take a bus from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal in Colombo and travel to Puttalam with a stopover in Anuradhapura.  You can even take the direct 87/816 buses. They cover the distance in around 4 to 4.5 hours, and the regular, non-AC bus tickets cost between LKR 500 and LKR 800.  What Is The History Of Puttalam Sri Lanka? Puttalam in Sri Lanka today stands out with its multicultural identity. Here, you will find a fusion of Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Moors, and Tamil cultures, which have lived for generations.  Furthermore, as a commercial and administrative center, it supports diverse activities such as prawn farming, shallow sea fishing, and salt production.  However, this town on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka has a history spanning 10000 years.  Located on the large Puttalam Lagoon, it has been a maritime trade hub. It was a center for the colonial spice and coconut industries, and has an enduring and culturally diverse population. Here, I have broken the history of this coastal town into three sections.  Ancient Roots And Indigenous Beginnings The archaeological evidence of the locality shows that human settlements started here 75000-125000 years ago.  Prince Vijaya, 6th century B.C., chose it as the landing site, and thus the Sinhalese lineage started here.  Medieval Trade And Arab Influence  During the medieval period, Puttalam became a major location for maritime trade.  Arab merchants, who established deep roots in the region, laid the foundation for the prominent Moorish population in the area.  Furthermore, the name Puttalam comes from the Tamil word Puthu-kulam. Puthu-kulam means "new tank" or "new pond.” Thus, it indicated the vital irrigation tanks that sustained early agricultural settlements.   The Colonial Era  Many European powers wanted to control the lucrative trade routes of Puttalam because of its natural resources and coastal position.  The Portuguese were the first to build a strategic fort in Puttalam to secure the region and monitor trade in the 16th century.  Then, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch came. They captured and significantly expanded the Portuguese fortress. During these times, Puttalam became a central transit point for the highly profitable cinnamon trade and salt production within the lagoon. In addition, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the British came to power.  They used the fertile soil of the region for the expansion of the coconut industry. Thus, Puttalam became one of the most critical sources of copra and coconut products in the island.  A Quick Summary Of The History Of Puttalam  Era/PeriodKey Historical Developments and MilestonesOver 10,000 years agoEarly human settlements established, supported by archaeological evidence.Medieval Period•Puttalam became a pivotal west-coast maritime trade hub.• Arab merchants settled, forming the roots of the Sri Lankan Moor community.•Named Puthu-kulam ("new tank/pond") after vital local irrigation tanks.Portuguese Rule(16th Century)A strategic coastal fort was constructed to monitor trade and secure the region.Dutch Rule (17th and 18th Centuries)•Captured and expanded the Portuguese fortress.• Transformed the town into a transit hub for cinnamon and lagoon salt production.British Rule (19th and 20th Centuries)• Developed agricultural infrastructure.•Oversaw rapid expansion of the coconut industry, making it a top source for copra. Why Is Puttalam Famous? Puttalam is famous for its historical ruins, religious centers, and natural attractions. You cannot miss the following attractions. 1. Munneswaram Hindu Temple The Munneswaram Hindu Temple is one of the five historic coastal temples of Lord Shiva in Sri Lanka.  The history of the temple goes back to at least 1000 CE.  Moreover, it is associated with the stories of the Ramayana.  Also, it is a unique spiritual hub where Buddhists and Hindus unite.  2. St Anne’s Church St. Anne’s Church is along the coastline of Thalawila. It has a peaceful ambiance.  Also, it dates back to the Portuguese era.  It serves as a monumental pilgrimage site. Furthermore, it draws hundreds of thousands of believers from across the island for its grand annual feast in July. 3. Alankuda Beach Alankuda Beach has a tranquil stretch of golden sand, and it is known for dolphin and whale watching excursions.  Located in Kalpitiya, it is a premier eco-tourism destination. It is highly favored by adventure travelers for thrilling water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. 4. Hatthikuchchi Viharaya This 3rd-century BCE Buddhist monastic complex is famous for a massive rock formation that resembles an elephant's stomach.  It is highly revered as the legendary sanctuary where the pious, exiled King Sirisangabo self-sacrificially gave up his own head to assist a poor peasant. 5. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary This Ramsar-designated site is an important landmark for ecotourism in Sri Lanka.  It has a historic human-made system of interconnected freshwater tanks crashing right against a coastal lagoon. Furthermore, it is an irreplaceable, thriving sanctuary for thousands of native and migratory birds. 6. Puttalam Lagoon The Puttalam Lagoon, spanning an area of 32,700 hectares, is the second-largest backwater body in the country.  It has calm waters, and it is an ideal hub for small-scale prawn harvesting, wildlife viewing, and kite surfing.  7. Puttalam Station The colonial rulers of Puttalam opened the railway station officially on 12th May 1926.  Today, it is a state-run railway station and attracts many visitors due to its colonial charm and surrounding scenic beauty.  8. Yapahuwa Built by King Buwanekabahu, Yapahuwa was the royal residence in the 13th century.  Today, you will get to see the remains of this royal palace. I was especially mesmerized to see the ornate staircase.  9. Chilaw  Chilaw, located a few kilometers south of Puttalam, is a small town that stands out because of its religious harmony.  People from various traditions, backgrounds, and religions live here.  Furthermore, the beach here offers a calm and relaxing ambiance. Also, the fishing villages here give you insights into the local way of living life.  What Are The Things To Do In Puttalam?  Puttalam has the most tranquil vibe. However, it is also the hub of most adventurous activities, such as kite surfing, bar reef snorkeling, and wildlife safaris.  1. Kite Surfing In Kalpitiya  Kalpitiya is a global kite surfing hub. It has consistent wind conditions for over nine months of the year.  Furthermore, the flat-water lagoons here offer a safe space for learning. On the other hand, the ocean waves here challenge advanced riders.  Also, the Margarita Kite School is the best name in kite surfing training in Kalpitiya today. It trains tourists and locals with the latest equipment.  Moreover, the downwind trips here are epic. You can glide across pristine, uninhabited islands and sandbars dotting the massive lagoon. 2. Dolphin Watching  I could spot hundreds of playful dolphins gathering in spectacular groups just off the Kalpitiya coast.  November to April is the best season to spot these adorable animals as the water remains calm.  Also, local guides follow strict conservation guidelines to protect the natural habitat of mammals. So, you have to follow responsible tourism practices.  3. Diving Puttalam has diverse marine life. So, you can explore vibrant ecosystems teeming with sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays.  It also has historic shipwreck sites where fascinating sunken vessels are wrapped in colorful soft coral colonies. Furthermore, warm waters offer crystal-clear viewing conditions during the calm winter diving months. In addition, you descend along deep underwater cliffs that host a spectacular variety of macro life. 4. Wildlife Safari At Wilpattu National Park The Wilpattu National Park has villus or natural rainwater lakes. It is famous for its high density of leopards.  Furthermore, here, you can spot elusive sloth bears, wild elephants, crocodiles, and colorful endemic jungle birds. So, the jeep tour on the rugged off-road tracks was immersive. It cost me around LKR 16000.  5. Bar Reef Snorkeling  Here, you will find the most beautiful coral sanctuary of Sri Lanka.  Also, here, you can swim alongside brightly colored butterflyfish, giant parrotfish, and harmless blacktip reef sharks. Furthermore, you will marvel at delicate, healthy formations of brain and staghorn corals just below the surface. In addition, you can take short boat rides from the mainland to reach these shallow swimming areas.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Puttalam Sri Lanka? January to March and May to September are the best times to visit Puttalam. The dry and sunny weather conditions in these months are ideal for coastal kitesurfing in Kalpitiya. Other activities to try are whale watching and leopard safaris in the nearby Wilpattu National Park.

BY  Sibashree May 5, 2026

Very close to 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 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 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. It shoots 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 an even 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 Kudawella Beach, this lagoon is also ideal for kayaking around.  It cost me around 8000 LKR, and I spotted many birds such as storks, bee-eaters, 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, at 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. Also, its surfboard-shaped signboard 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 Kudawella Beach.  Long hours of sunshine make these months ideal for beach activities. However, there can be sudden rainfall. 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 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.