Why Is Kalutara So Famous? Know The Best Things To Do In This Historic Coastal Town 

BY  Sibashree Apr 27, 2026

Dalawella Beach is the best beach for families in Sri Lanka in 2026.  It’s not me, and Lonely Planet has conferred this title to Dalawella Beach, which is just south of the Unawatuna resort town.  Furthermore, it is just 20 km from Galle and less than 8 km from Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  On the same list, the Hiriketiya Beach has become the best beach for amenities, the Mirissa Beach has been chosen as the best beach for whale watching, and Unawatuna Beach has been selected as the best beach overall.  You can take a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and reach this beautiful beach within 10 minutes. Furthermore, it is a 2-hour journey by road.  Taxis to Dalawella Beach are also available from Galle.  While easy accessibility remains a plus for the beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it stands out because of its rope swing attached to a leaning palm tree. This swing is also called the Dalawella Swing.  Moreover, Dalawella Beach or Wijaya Beach has a sheltered natural pool, formed by a reef and adorable turtles.  So, what are the things to do and the top attractions at this beach? Let’s discuss this in detail in this blog.  How To Reach Dalawella Beach?  As I have said already, you can easily take a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and reach Dalawella Beach within 10 minutes.  I paid LKR 200 as the tuk-tuk price and got off at the Dream Cabana Hotel. Here, you will find the palm tree that has the famous Dalawella Swing.  You will also get buses from Unawatuna to Dalawella every 15-20 minutes, and the ticket price is LKR 50.  Why Is Dalawella Beach A Must-Visit? (Things To Do In Dalawella Beach) Sri Lanka has the best of many things. It has the famous Buddhist sites, such as the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, or the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.  These are high-energy places and are soaked in spiritual fervor.  On the other hand, the coastal gateways such as the Uppuveli Beach in Trincomalee or Ahangama Beach Town, offer you the ideal places to relax and unwind.  The Dalawella Beach near Unawatuna is, of course, a nice addition to this list of beaches in Sri Lanka.  While relaxing and enjoying a laid-back vibe is the best thing to do when you are at Dalawella Beach, here are some other activities you must try.  1. Swing Over The Water  The palm tree swing is the top attraction at Dalawella Beach. This swing is attached to the leaning palm tree in front of the Dream Cabana hotel.  You can enjoy this swing ride over the water and have the most amazing experience. A hit on Instragram, this is the perfect spot for photography or making reels at Dalawella Beach.  The cost of taking this swing is LKR 500, which I have seen many travel guides mentioning as the entry fee.  However, entry to Dalawella Beach is free.  2. Watch The Sunset From The Wijaya Rock You will find the Wijaya Rock if you walk a few hundred meters from the Wijaya Rock. The standalone rock comes out of the sand and reaches out into the ocean.  There is a palm tree right beside the rock. So, the overall setup is very Insta-worthy, especially during the hours of sunrise and sunset.  3. Swim With Turtles  Turtles are a major attraction on the Sri Lankan beaches.  Be it the beaches in Jaffna or the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre near Mount Lavinia Beach, these adorable creatures add more delight to the beach experience.  At Dalawella Beach also, I spotted some turtles, and swimming by them in the lagoon was relaxing.  So, you don’t need to snorkel to meet them.  Furthermore, if you don’t want to swim in the water, you can watch them from the top of the Wijiya Rock or use a drone camera to capture their beauty.  4. Surfing Near The Frog Rock  Dalawella Beach is not the best option if you want to enjoy surfing in Sri Lanka. However, it is not the worst either.  You will find the iconic Frog Rock at the end of Dalawella Beach. The natural formation of this boulder makes it look like a frog.  However, the water here is quite shallow, and the reef is a major challenge. So, you will mostly find locals surfing in this area.  Moreover, Dalawella Beach has some delightful cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy seafood and chilled beer here and enjoy amazing sunset views.  What Are The Other Beaches To Visit Near The Dalawella Beach?  As I have mentioned, Dalawella Beach is not that great as a surfing destination, and it does not have a surfing break.  So, you can try nearby beach options such as Ahangama, Kabalana, or Koggala.  The best among them is, of course, Ahangama, and you can easily reach this beach town by a tuk-tuk, and it takes just 20 minutes.  Ahangama is the best because it has around fifteen surf breaks along a few kilometers of the coast.  The Kabalana Beach, around 15 km away from Dalawella Beach, is also a popular surfing destination and has the best A-frame in Sri Lanka.  However, if you want a more peaceful experience at a remote place, you can try Koggala. It is just 10 minutes away, but it can be a little dumpy.  Where To Stay If You Want To Surf At Dalawella Beach?  You will find many hotels to stay at Dalawella dotting the beach. However, it is always better to take a tuk-tuk ride or a short walk to find better options.  For example, the Rockside Cabanas Hotel is the most popular accommodation, and it is within walking distance of the beach. It is also very close to the turtle lagoon.  You can also plan a stay at the Horizon Hill Top Villa. Take a tuk-tuk to reach this hotel in two minutes from the beach.  It serves an amazing breakfast, and it has a lovely pool in the jungle.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Dalawella Beach?  Dalawella Beach remains open 24x7. However, 6 AM to 7 PM is the best time to visit the beach in a day.  Season-wise, December to March or the dry season, is the best time to visit Dalwella Beach.  Moderate temperature with an average of 31-32 degrees Celsius, long sunshine hours, and calm waves make this season ideal for regular tourists and surfers.  Moreover, these months are the best for spotting turtles here. 

BY  Sibashree May 29, 2026

Golden sands, world-class surf breaks, and a distinct bohemian charm!  All these make Arugam Bay, another southeastern coastal gem of Sri Lanka, stand out.  This sleepy fishing village wakes up with the swelling of the ocean. Also, the destination creates an expert balance between a high-energy aquatic sports culture and a deeply relaxing and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.  You can even be an experienced longboarder ready to ride an iconic right-hand point break. You are also an enthusiast of slow travel, looking to explore ancient temples in the jungle or pristine national parks.  Arugam Bay offers an unforgettable tropical escape for all types of travelers.  Moreover, since Arugam Bay is not as busy as the traditional central southwestern travel loop of Sri Lanka, it still has a raw and authentic identity.  So, in this article, I will discuss the things to do in Arugam Bay and my experience there.  What Are The Things To Do In Arugam Bay?  Arugam Bay is not the usual idyllic coastal getaway you are looking for.  From being an adventure hub for surfers across all expertise levels to climbing the Elephant Rock and hiking to the Ancient Kudumbigala Monastery, it is a versatile destination for backpackers, solo travelers, and families.  1. Learn To Surf The Legendary East Coast Waves  The local coastline is home to a happening surf community, and the dotting crescent bays offer optimal wave conditions for every tier of experience.  Moreover, as I walked through the main street, I found an abundance of surf shops offering professional instruction and gear rental.  Surfing For Beginners At Arugam Bay  If you are a beginner, you have to stick to the main crescent of Arugam Bay Beach.  Furthermore, the sandy bottom here is incredibly forgiving. So, if you are a beginner, you can pay 2,000 to 3,500 LKR to a local instructor for a 1.5-hour lesson.    Moreover, the board rentals are highly economical, and you have to pay around 400 to 800 LKR for a board rental for a day.  If You Are An Intermediate Or Advanced Surfer  You can take a short tuk-tuk ride north to Pottuvil Point or Whiskey Point.  Furthermore, if you are seeking maximum power, you must visit the Main Point or venture south to the secluded A-frame waves at Peanut Frame.  2. Relaxing At Arugam Bay Beach The central beachfront of Arugam Bay is one of the most beautiful shorelines in Sri Lanka.  The golden sand and leaning coconut palms welcome you to relax at the end of a multi-day itinerary.  Enjoy a fresh king coconut, lay out a towel, or rent a dedicated sunbed from popular beachside establishments like Friends Indeed or the Upali Beach Resort. Moreover, you can enjoy a refreshing swim, and if you don’t want to navigate around surfboard traffic, you can walk to the right-hand side of the bay. 3. Watching The Sunset From The Elephant Rock  Elephant Rock is the best location to watch the sunset in Arugam Bay. I just took a short drive for 20 minutes from the town to reach this massive natural rock formation.  This rock formation stands at the end of the unpaved track where the jungle meets the sea.  The Climb  After reaching the trail, I had to take a steep 10-minute walk to reach the top of the Elephant Rock.  From the top of the rock, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the wild coastline and watch surfers in action. Wildlife Precautions  At the base of the rock, there is a tidal lagoon, and it is a known habitat of wild crocodiles.  So, you must not wade into this water.  Moreover, elephants roam through this corridor during twilight frequently. So, you must come down from the rock and depart the place before darkness.  Cost  A tuk-tuk ride from Elephant Rock to Arugam Bay costs between LKR 800 and 1000. 4. Hiking To The Ancient Kudumbigala Monastery  The Kudumbigala Monastery is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Arugam Bay. This monastery was built in 246 BC during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. This was a sweeping rock monastery, which was a sanctuary for the Buddhist monks who wanted to retreat from urban centers.  The site is expansive, and here, you will see around 200 ancient caves beneath monolithic boulders.  I trekked up a series of carved stone stairs through dense jungle canopy to reach the summit.  There stands the Belumgala Stupa, the only surviving cylindrical stupa of Sri Lanka. Moreover, from here, you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Kumana National Park's emerald forests extending all the way to the Indian Ocean. However, this area is a wild animal migration path. So, you have to exercise caution or hire an experienced local driver while exploring the area.  5. Wilderness Safari In Kumana National Park If you are done exploring the southwestern reserves, you can head to Yala East or the Kumana National Park.  Very close to the south of Arugam Bay, it offers an intimate environment for a wilderness safari as it receives a low volume of tourist jeeps.  Furthermore, this national park stands out as the sanctuary of many migratory birds, which mostly visit between April and July.  Also, on a usual 3-hour drive in the morning or afternoon, you will spot wild Sri Lankan elephants roaming the marshes, mugger crocodiles, wild boars, golden jackals, and, if fortune favors you, an elusive leopard.  Moreover, the national park remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and you can easily arrange private 4x4 game drives through experienced local services like Arugambay Agenda or Budget Arugam Bay Tours & Safari on the main strip. 6. Marveling At The Seaside Muhudu Maha Viharaya Stupa The Muhudu Maha Viharaya is amidst the sand dunes of Pottuvil Beach. It is a fascinating historic site, and it is known as the “Temple of the Ocean.”  Moreover, the history of the stupa goes back 2000 years, and this peaceful white stupa has many statues. 7. A Peaceful Pottuvil Lagoon Safari  If you want a non-motorized, tranquil experience, you must take a boat ride through the Pottuvil Lagoon's mangroves, operated by local fishermen. Moreover, this is an amazing activity to spot wildlife such as elephants, water buffalo, and monitor lizards up close.  You must join a local community-based tour of 2 hours here. The tour will cost 2,000 LKR ($6 USD) per person. Read Also: What Are The Places To Visit In Matara? A Southern Sri Lankan Commercial Hub With Dutch Colonial Heritage What Are The Best Places To See In The Sacred City Of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka? Why Is Habarana Beyond Just A Gateway To The Cultural Triangle Of Sri Lanka?

BY  Sibashree Aug 22, 2026

I met Ravana Falls on the way from Ella to Wellaway.  I pulled up on a tuk-tuk and found a wide and tiered curtain of water falling down on an oval rock face.  Ravana Falls is not the tallest or most powerful waterfall you will see in Sri Lanka. However, the mythological significance and its easy accessibility from Ella make it a must-visit.  Some Quick Facts About Ravana Falls, Ella FactsDetailsOfficial NameRavana Falls (Ravana Ella)LocationElla, Badulla District, Central Highlands, Sri LankaHeight25 MetersWaterfall TypeA Three-Tier CascadeWater SourceKirindi Oya (River System)Mythological LinkThe RamayanaAccessibilityRoadside Viewpoint with No Trekking RequiredBest Time to VisitOctober to January for Maximum Water VolumeEntry FeeFree Where Is Ravana Falls Located?  The Ravana Falls shows its prowess along the Ella–Wellawaya road (the A23). It is around 6 to 8 km south of the beautiful Ella Town.  Also, it is close to the 12th–13th mile markers in the Badulla District. At an elevation of around 1050 meters, this waterfall drops around 25 meters, and it is one of the widest in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, this waterfall within the compact Ella Wildlife Sanctuary is at the epicenter of an ecosystem with birds and small mammals. Overall, it is amidst a landscape typical of the mid-elevation forests of Sri Lanka.  How To Reach Ravana Falls A tuk-tuk ride from central Ella to Ravana Falls takes around 10-15 minutes. You can also take a taxi ride.  As you proceed toward Wellawaya along A23, you will see this waterfall from the roadside.  Public buses also run along this route, and drivers are used to being asked for a drop-off here. Moreover, you can reach the Ravana Falls from Bandarawela. You can reach the waterfall by traveling around 10 km toward Wellawaya from Kubalwela Junction on the Badulla–Bandarawela road. Ravana Falls And The Legend Of King Ravana  The most intriguing thing about the legend of Ravana Falls is that every guide will give you a different version.  However, the most popular is that King Ravana, the demon king from the Ramayana, hid Goddess Sita in a cave behind this waterfall after abducting her and bringing her back to Lanka.  The waterfall is also close to the Ravana Ella Cave, which is perched on a cliff face about 11 km from Bandarawela. The archaeological evidence in the area has proven the presence of older human habitation. So, myth aside, it has been an important location for human habitation for a long time.  What To Do At Ravana Falls? The best vantage point for this waterfall is the road and the small bridge nearby. If you want to go closer to the base, you will have to walk down a little.  As you reach the base, you can climb over some of the rocks.  Here, you have to be very careful as these rocks are very slippery irrespective of the season.  Furthermore, for a proper look at the multi-tier cascade, I waded in the lower pools.  However, I could not climb higher up the falls toward the upper cascades as that route is now restricted due to past accidents.  So, I had to stick to the lower areas.  Moreover, I spotted many troops of wild monkeys near the waterfall. So, be careful about what you carry and be respectful to them.  Other Nearby Places You Can Visit With Ravana Falls  After exploring Ravana Falls, you can come back to Ella and find some of the photographed attractions in Sri Lanka. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, and Little Adam's Peak. Once again, due to the proximity to Ella, Ravana Falls fits naturally into a half-day loop rather than requiring a dedicated trip. Moreover, just two hours away, the Horton Plains National Park awaits with a completely different high-altitude landscape.  Practical Travel Tips For Visiting Ravana Falls Ravana Falls is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for budget travelers as it offers free entry.  You must wear shoes with good grip if you have plans of climbing over the rocks near the base. Once again, avoid the temptation to go beyond the marked and accessible sections.  A Quick Note On Safety Follow the restrictions seriously, and there is no need to push barriers for a better photo, risking your safety.  Like the other waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Ravana Falls should also be visited with prior local advice.  Only a local guide will be able to help you find out the safer pool.  Where To Stay Near Ravana Falls? Ella town is the obvious base, and it is small enough that nowhere is more than a short tuk-tuk ride from the falls.  Guesthouses and small boutique hotels line the roads toward Passara and Wellawaya. Many of these guesthouses offer valley or mountain views. Also, the range of options runs from simple backpacker stays to higher-end villas overlooking the tea country.  Photography Tips The falls face a direction that catches strong midday light.  That light tends to wash out the detail in the water and flatten the surrounding greenery, so early morning or late afternoon visits give noticeably better results.  A polarizing filter helps cut glare off the wet rock if you are shooting with a proper camera, and a slower shutter speed, even just a fraction of a second, brings out the silky texture the falls are known for during wetter months.  Because the waterfall is visible and photographable straight from the road, it's also one of the easier hill-country shots to get without carrying gear down a long trail. Best Time To Visit Ravana Falls Ravana Falls changes character dramatically with the seasons.  During the wetter months, the water is said to resemble an areca flower with drooping petals as it spreads across the rock face. It is genuinely one of the more striking waterfall shapes I have seen in Sri Lanka.  In the dry season, the flow drops off considerably, and the falls can look thin by comparison.  December to April tends to bring more reliable water levels alongside decent weather for the rest of an Ella itinerary. So it is a reasonable window if you want to see the falls at something close to their best.