Why Is Kurunegala Famous? What Are The Best Tourist Places In Kurunegala? 

BY  Sibashree Apr 18, 2026

Yes, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to be discontinued in Japan. Now, during my last trip to Japan, a ride on this themed bullet train was surely my pookie moment.  It was an experience of a lifetime when I tried the best Osaka food and boarded the Hello Kitty Shinkansen train. It was for a day trip to Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima.  However, JR West has decided to stop the operation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from 17th May 2026.  Now, it’s sad for everyone who loves Japanese culture. If the Japanese shrines and temples are the telltale signs of its history, religion, and society, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has been a poster of pop culture.  So, in this article, I will discuss how the beautiful 8-year-old journey of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to come to an end. Also, I will talk about what you can expect in the few days left until the last date of operation.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen: An Iconic Symbol Of Japanese Railway Branding  Hello Kitty Shinkansen started running on the Sanyō Shinkansen line on 30th June, 2018. It used to run from Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka).  Furthermore, during this 8-year run, this themed bullet train has successfully served its purpose of reviving tourism in Japan.  Moreover, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen used 500-series bullet trains and featured the signature white-and-pink colors.  Also, the exterior was adorned with bows, the signature of Hello Kitty.  However, for the train, the bow represented a link between the cities on the route covered.  The Decor Which Made The Hello Kitty Shinkansen So Special Out of eight cars of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, the decor of the first two cars was based on the theme.  Furthermore, the Hello Plaza in Car 1 was dedicated to exhibitions. It had exhibits dedicated to the cities crossed on the route.  Moreover, you could shop for souvenirs at the Hello Plaza.  Again, the second carriage, “KAWAII! ROOM,” was decorated in the style of Hello Kitty. The chairs, the wall art, and the ceiling were done accordingly.  Moreover, there was a photo area.  The rest of the carriage was like a normal bullet train, with subtle hints of the Hello Kitty theme.  Also, a unique melody was used for the announcement.  How Is The Farewell Event Of Hello Kitty Shinkansen Being Planned?  JR West is going to plan a series of commemorative events to bid farewell to this iconic bullet train.  As a passenger, you can leave a message on the board reserved for sharing memories. Furthermore, you can get stickers and limited-edition souvenirs in memory of the train.  Moreover, you can collect special merchandise from the Kyoto Railway Museum and specific JR West Stores. You will even find them online.  Having said that, there is still a month left before the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is discontinued. So, let’s have a quick look at the operation days, timetable, and passes.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Passes And Tickets You can ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen with the Japan Rail Pass and other tickets. So, check out some of the pass options here.  1. JR-WEST All Area Pass You can buy this single pass to explore Sanyo, Hokuriku, Hakata, and other unexplored parts of western Japan.  Furthermore, it has a validity of 7 days.  Also, the pass price for adults is 26000 Yen, and for children, it is 1300 Yen. Moreover, it is free for children from 1 to 5 years.  This is the most recommended pass for riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.  2. Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass With this Kansai to Hiroshima Pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between these two locations.  It will also include a ride on the JR West Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Island.  Moreover, the 5-day pass for Kansai - Hiroshima will cost 17000 Yen for adults and 8500 Yen for children.  3. Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi. This pass is valid for 5 days, and for adults, it costs 15000 Yen, and for children, it is 7500 Yen.  Moreover, there are the Kansai-Wide Area Pass, Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass, SANYO-SHINKANSEN One-way Ticket, and Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Days Of Operation And Timetable  Hello Kitty Shikashen will now run every day. You can book the trains from https://www.klook.com/japan-rail/ or the West Japan Railway Company’s website.  Also, there are two trains, Kodama No. 942 and Kodama No. 949, running from Hakata to Shin-Osaka and Shin-Osaka to Hakata, respectively.  1. Time Table Of Kodama No. 942 (Hakata To Shin-Osaka) StationTiming Hakata7:04 AMKokura 7:22 AMShin-Shimonosheki 7:31 AMAsa7:43 AMShin-Yamaguchi7:53 AMTokuyama8:12 AMShin-Iwakuni8:25 AMHiroshima8:40 AMHigashihiroshima8:53 AMMihara9:12 AMShin-Onomichi9:18 AMFukuyama9:31 AMShin-Kurashiki9:45 AMOkayama10:09 AMAioi10:35 AMHimeji10:48 AMNishi-Akashi11:02 AMShin-Kobe11:12 AMShin-Osaka11:25 AM 2. Time Table Of Kodama No. 948 (Shin-Osaka To Hakata) StationTiming Shin-Osaka11:37 AMShin-Kobe11:50 AMNishi-Akashi12:01 PMHimeji12:15 PMAioi12:27 PMOkayama12:50 PMShin-Kurashiki1:02 PMFukuyama1:16 PMShin-Onomichi1:28 PMMihara1:41 PMHigashihiroshima1:56 PMHiroshima2:08 PMShin-Iwakuni2:29 PMTokuyama2:42 PMShin-Yamaguchi2:58 PMAsa3:11 PMShin-Shimonosheki 3:24 PMKokura 3:34 PMHakata3:51 PM There has always been high demand for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. So, hurry a little if you want to experience a ride in the remaining days.  Moreover, train timings can change under unusual circumstances. So, always check the timing with local authorities before booking your tickets. What Are The Places To Visit On The Hello Kitty Shinkansen Route?  There are many stations on the Hello Kitty Bullet Train route. However, you cannot miss these places on the route.  1. Kobe I loved the Nunobiki Ropeway, which was very close to the Kobe Shinkansen station. The ropeway took me on a ride over the Nunobiki Waterfall and the beautiful Kobe Herb Garden.  It dropped us at the Observation Park, and as the name suggests, it offers amazing views of the city.  However, you can also take a local train to the city.  2. Himeji The Himeji Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan. It was built in 1609.  Also known as the White Heron Castle, it is the largest in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  3. Okayama The Korakuen Garden in Okayama is beautiful. Furthermore, the Kibutsu Shrine, a little far away from the town, stands out with its amazing “timber-framed corridor.” Also, don’t forget a visit to the Okayama Castle, the main tower of which was completed in 1597.  4. Kurashiki The Bikan Historical Quarter is the main attraction of Kurashiki. Once you reach Kurashiki on the bullet train, you will get off and take a local train to reach the historical center.  It is also a pretty and quaint town. So, it is ideal for relaxation.  5. Hiroshima Hiroshima is one of the historic places to visit in Japan. The Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum here remind you of the futility of war.  The Future Of Themed Bullet Trains In Japan  You may think that the discontinuation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has put the future of the themed bullet trains in Japan at stake.  However, that is not the case.  Japan will have a new theme-based bullet train called the Super Mario Shinkansen in 2025. Also, JR Kyushu runs this train in Kyushu.  As the name suggests, Super Mario Shinkansen has pictures of the main characters, Mario and Luigi. Also, it shows how Japan still believes in using themed trains as powerful tools of regional tourism promotion among children and youngsters. 

BY  Sibashree Jun 3, 2026

Polonnaruwa is filled with ancient structures, shrines, and temples. So, it draws the attention of people who are interested in visiting a place of great historical importance. In this article, I will give you some important tips and talk about the places, sites, and the history of the place that drew my attention. A Brief History Of Polonnaruwa Before getting into other details, we should take a look at the history of the place. Furthermore, knowing the history of Polonnaruwa will make the trip more interesting. Polonnaruwa was the second major capital of Sri Lanka, which came to prominence after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Moreover, it was the most important commercial and religious center of that time. Polonnaruwa reached its golden age in the 12th century under King Parakramabahu I.  The Chola Period (10th Century To 11th Century) The South Indian Chola dynasty conquered the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and made Polonnaruwa their new capital. Moreover, they renamed the city Jananathamangalam and built several Brahmanical monuments like the Siva Devale temple. Furthermore, the Cholas chose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura as the capital because it was positioned strategically in the heart of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the position of the city also gave them protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom. Sinhalese Golden Age (11th Century To 12th Century) The strategically positioned capital couldn't stay protected from the Sinhalese. Eventually, in 1070, the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and restored Sinhalese rule. He also kept Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city reached its highest glory under his successors: King Parakramabahu 1 (1153 to 1186): King Parakramabahu 1 is often called the Great. He turned the city into a beautiful garden city during his rule. Additionally, he built Vaijayanta Pasada (Royal Palace) and intricate temples like the Lankatilaka Temple. Moreover, he built a massive 25-square-kilometer artificial lake known as Parakrama Samudra to secure water for his people. King Nissanka Malla (1187 to 1196): King Nissanka Malla also tried to match his predecessors' construction projects. In trying to do so, he ended up bankrupting the kingdom. Decline And Rediscovery (13th Century Onwards) There were several invasions and turmoils going on because of which the city’s resources and administrative system collapsed in the early 13th century.  The capital moved to the southwestern side of the island, and gradually, the jungle spread through Polonnaruwa. Finally, archeologists rediscovered the ruins of Polonnaruwa in 1860, and the forgotten city stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is a place of historical significance. The ancient structures, shrines, and temples draw the attention of visitors.  What amazed me was the well-preserved ancient remains. Moreover, I feel that a bicycle is an amazing option for traveling through the city. Places I found most amazing in Polonnaruwa are: The Gal Vihara The Gal Vihara is four giant Buddha statues, which are carved out of a large granite gneiss rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure, and a reclining figure. Additionally, King Parakramabahu I fashioned this rock structure in the 12th century. Moreover, there is a story regarding this rock structure, which is one of the four statues, that isn't actually Buddha. Many people say that it is one of his grieving apprentices. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage Remaining unnoticed for several centuries, the excavation of Polonnaruwa Vatadage started in 1903. Many people believe that Parakramabahu 1 built this place to hold the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Moreover, another group of people believes that King Nissanka Malla built this place to hold the alms bowl used by Buddha. Additionally, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with stone carvings. You can enter the lower platform through a single entrance, which is facing the north. You can enter the second platform through four doorways facing four cardinal points. Hatadage Hatadage is another place that I found very fascinating. This place is found next to the Vatadage. This place holds a historical importance for tourists. Hatadage is located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. According to historians, King Nissanka Malla built this place. Moreover, Nissanka Malla built this place as a shrine to keep the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Furthermore, many people say that the place holds sixty relics. I found this place very fascinating to visit. The Lankatilaka Temple The Lankatilaka Temple is another interesting place to visit. The temple is located on Panhalgala Rock in Udunuwara. Moreover, King Bhuvanekabahu 4 constructed this temple. Additionally, the temple has beautiful stonework, rock inscriptions in both Sinhala and Tamil, and a striking dragon arch. The walls of the temple reach 17 meters in height and have a large statue of Buddha. Furthermore, the design of the stairways of the temple drew my attention. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimeters wide. So, it is difficult to climb. Moreover, with such short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. While climbing down this manner, you won't be able to turn your back towards the statue of Buddha, which is also considered disrespectful. Rankoth Vehera Stupa The Rankoth Vehera Stupa is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. King Nissanka Malla built it. The fascinating part of the stupa is that it is built entirely of brick, and it is set upon a large square terrace. When you walk around the stupa, you will get to know how big it is. How To Go Around Polonnaruwa? There are several ways to go around Polonnaruwa. The two most convenient ways are: Bicycle According to me, the best way to see Polonnaruwa is by bicycle. Moreover, there are many ruins spread out throughout Polonnaruwa, and a bicycle will let you move freely from one place to another. Furthermore, there are many hotels and shops in Polonnaruwa from where you can rent a bicycle. Finally, renting a bicycle will make your trip convenient and budget-friendly. Tuk Tuk  Tuk-tuk is also a good option for going around in Polonnaruwa. Moreover, hiring a tuk tuk will also provide you with a driver as a guide, which is very amazing to see the ancient city. Furthermore, you should choose a tuk-tuk if you are in a hurry. Though I prefer renting a bicycle. How To Reach Polonnaruwa? I will give a few routes for Polonnaruwa with cost and travel time. You can choose the convenient one for you. From Sigiriya To Polonnaruwa Bus: Sigiriya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa, jump on the bus to Kaduruwela. Cost: Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 hours From Dambulla To Polonnaruwa Bus: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am. Cost:  Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours From Trincomalee To Polonnaruwa Bus: Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee, take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo. Tip: Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction. Cost: Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50) Travel time: 4 hours From Colombo To Polonnaruwa Train: Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between. Cost: 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 6.5 hours What To Eat In Polonnaruwa? In Polonnaruwa, you should always go for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. I will mention some of the best dishes according to my choice: Traditional Rice And Curry There are many places in Polonnaruwa where you can get an authentic Sri Lankan platter or buffet. In this platter, you will get 10 to 30 freshly made vegetable and meat curries. Moreover, this will be served on a lotus leaf. String Hoppers String hoppers are a breakfast and dinner dish. It is made of steamed rice flour noodles. Additionally, they serve it with spicy coconut sambal (Pol Sambol) and dal (Lentil) curry. Polos (Young Jackfruit) Curry It is a green jackfruit curry. It is cooked slowly and looks like meat. Additionally, they cook it with regional spices, which enhance the taste of the dish. Where To Eat In Polonnaruwa There are some places you can go to get high-quality, authentic Sri Lankan food. I will share some places that I liked. Jaga Food It is a good place you can go to have your Sri Lankan buffet prepared in a traditional clay pot. Moreover, this is a place with an excellent outdoor seating arrangement. Priyamali Gedara It serves authentic, high-quality local home-cooked curries. Tree Hut Restaurant I found this place amazing because of its blend of traditional local dishes with Chinese-inspired options.

BY  Sibashree Jul 28, 2026

On the bus route hugging Sri Lanka's south coast, Dikwella sat as a shadow to two more prominent names in Sri Lankan Tourism, Tangalle and Mirissa.  Mirissa stood out with its whale-watching boats and rooftop bars. Tangalle, on the other hand, showed its glossy resort strips.  However, Dikwella waited quietly with just a busy street, a fish market, and a few guesthouses.  Furthermore, the stretch of coastline of Dikwella unfolded quietly on either side of town.  I was looking for that quietness exactly, and that is why I ended up spending three nights there.  In this article, I will share my experience in Dikwella Beach, how to reach there, the things to do, and more! Where Is Dikwella? How To Reach It?  Dikwella or Dickwella is in the southern province of Sri Lanka.  Between Tangalle and Matara, this coastal town is also closer to the Galle–Mirissa corridor. So, Dikwella is accessible.  However, the thing is that it is usually far enough off the main tourist script. So, to me, Dikwella felt like a place where locals lived and not a backdrop built for visitors. If you are already exploring the south coast, Dikwella is a short hop from nearby towns. It is just about twenty minutes from Matara, fifteen from Mirissa, and only ten minutes or so from Tangalle.  Local buses run this route constantly, and the ticket prices are very low, though a tuk-tuk is more comfortable if you're carrying luggage. If you are traveling from Colombo, you will have to drive for around three and a half to four hours down the Southern Expressway to reach Dikwella.  The road exits near Matara and continues along the coastal road.  However, I took the Colombo Fort to Matara train and then a short tuk-tuk ride to Dikwella.  The train takes longer. However, the time you spend on the train journey here is more than worth it as it is one of the most beautiful railway routes in Sri Lanka.  It hugs the coastline for long stretches south of Galle.  Colombo Fort To Matara Train  There are many daily and weekly trains running between the Colombo Fort and Matara railway stations.  I took the 8050 Express train. It runs daily.  It departed the Colombo Fort Station at 6:50 AM, and I reached Matara at 10:15 AM. I was traveling in a 3rd class compartment, and the ticket price was LKR 300.  The second class tickets cost LKR 600.  From Matara, I took a tuk-tuk that charged me LKR 2500.  Getting Around Dikwella  You can hire a tuk-tuk to explore Dikwella and visit the nearby attractions such as the temple and the blowhole.  The rental cost is around LKR 3000 to LKR 4000.  However, I rented a scooter. It was more affordable, costing me LKR 1000 a day, and it gave me more flexibility to explore the smaller lanes and beaches nearby. What Are The Things To Do In Dikwella (The Best Is That You Do Nothing) Dikwella is the place that allows you to enjoy the joy of just existing.  So, even if you are an introvert like me, you will find the place comfortable for getting knocked over by a wave or simply waiting for the water to wash your feet.  Nevertheless, exploring the Blue Beach, a visit to Hiriketiya, a ride to the Hoo-maniya Blowhole, and a visit to the Wewurukannala Vihara are the to-do things in Dikwella. Being At The Blue Beach And The Double Bay  Dikwella Beach or Dickwella Beach has become the Blue Beach thanks to the locals and the nearby hotel owners.  It is a double bay formation just west of town, where two curved stretches of sand meet at a narrow rocky point. Due to the shape of the bay, the open-ocean swell gets broken up. So, the water inside remains calmer than most beaches along this stretch of coast. So, if you are visiting alone or with family, this is a more comfortable space for swimming.  I saw palm trees leaning out over the sand at angles that look almost too deliberate, like a photograph. Furthermore, in the late afternoon, the light turned the water somewhere between turquoise and navy.  I spent one whole evening doing nothing but sitting on the sand with a king coconut, watching fishermen haul in nets a little further down the beach. It was not a dramatic sunset by postcard standards. It was better, honestly, because there were maybe a dozen other people on the entire beach to share it with. 2. A Visit To Hiriketiya After soaking in the silence of Dikwella, Hiriketiya was my next stop to feel the pulse of the area.  Technically part of the greater Dikwella area, Hiriketiya has become one of the fastest-growing spots on Sri Lanka's south coast in recent years. It is a near-perfect horseshoe-shaped bay that has turned into a magnet for surfers, yoga retreats, and a rotating cast of digital nomads working from beachfront cafés. The bay itself is small. While the small bay offers intimacy, a lack of space can also make it feel very crowded with a surge in the number of visitors.  I rented a board for a couple of hours one morning, and it cost me LKR 500. Even as an amateur, the gentle, consistent waves here made it one of the friendlier places I have tried to learn surfing.  The scenario, however, entirely changed by the evening. The beanbags outside the restaurants were occupied, and people were busy gorging on the best seafood and wood-fired pizza.  It felt like a stark contrast to how quiet Dikwella felt.  3. A Visit To The Hoo-Maniya Blowhole I took a scooter ride toward Kudawella and reached Hummanaya, or Hoo-maniya blowhole.  It was like a narrow rock chimney with incoming waves getting forced up through a submerged cavern and bursting out at the top in a sudden plume of spray.  The water here makes a low rumbling sound that gives the blowhole its onomatopoeic name. Despite being the only natural blowhole in Sri Lanka and one of the largest in the world, the Hoo-Maniya Blowhole is unpredictable.  Some eruptions are a modest fizzle, others send spray shooting dramatically into the air, and the difference comes down entirely to the sea conditions that day. The locals told me that the blowhole is the most powerful during the southwest monsoon.  During the monsoon months, rougher seas force water through the cavern with more pressure. As a foreign visitor, I had to pay 500 LKR as the entry fee. For locals, however, the entry fee was 50 LKR for adults and LKR 20 for children.  The parking charges were LKR 50 to LKR 100.  There is a proper viewing platform from which you can cherish the unique geology of the place.  4. Visiting The Wewurukannala Vihara And Its Giant Buddha I took a scooty ride for about twenty minutes inland from Dikwella, and on the road toward Beliatta, I found a Buddhist temple appearing over the treeline.  It was Wewurukannala Vihara, home to the largest seated Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.  The statue rose around 50 meters, dominating the skyline of an otherwise low, palm-covered landscape. The temple complex itself is older and more layered than the giant statue suggests at first glance.  Parts of it date back to the 18th century, built during the reign of King Rajadhi Rajasinha, with a smaller, more traditional Buddha image worked into the original structure. Walking through the complex, I passed from that older, quieter section into the base of the giant statue.  Along the way, most visitors passed through a strange, slightly unsettling tunnel of painted dioramas depicting Buddhist concepts of karma and consequence.  Where To Stay In Dikwella?  You can decide where to stay in Dikwella based on the experience you want.  Close to the town center and the Budget, there is a good mix of budget guesthouses and a couple of larger beachfront resorts. While the budget guesthouses were more suitable for me, the larger beachfront resorts were for travelers who wanted easy beach access without the buzz. However, if you want a little buzz and the pulse of the area, Hiriketiya will be a more suitable choice.  The prices of guest houses here are higher. Also, the energy shifts toward boutique guesthouses, surf hostels, and design-forward small hotels aimed at the surf-and-yoga crowd. I split my stay between the two, a couple of nights in a simple guesthouse near Blue Beach for the quiet mornings, then a night in Hiriketiya just to experience the contrast. The stays near Blue Beach cost me LKR 1800 per night, and in Hiriketiya, it was around LKR 6000 per night. What To Eat In Dikwella?  Dikwella does not promise a huge restaurant scene. It has not come out of its shell of a working fishing town yet.  The daily catch showed up on almost every dish I had.  Some of my best meals were the simplest, including grilled fish, coconut sambal, and rice and curry from small local spots along the main road. Furthermore, the cost of food in Dikwella was a fraction of similar meals' cost in Mirissa or Unawatuna. For a livelier and more elaborate food scene, you can visit Hiriketiya. It has cafés and restaurants aimed squarely at the international crowd. So, there you will find smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizza, and fresh pasta alongside Sri Lankan staples. Overall, I cherished the contrast of eating a rustic curry in Dikwella town one night and a plate of pasta overlooking the surf in Hiriketiya the next. Things To Remember If You Are Visiting Dikwella  December to April, or the dry season, is the best time to visit Dikwella.  You will enjoy the calmest ambiance and nature for swimming in these months.  However, if you specifically want to see the Hoo-maniya blowhole at its most dramatic, aim for the southwest monsoon months instead, around May to September. Also, two to three days are enough if you want to experience the best of Dikwella. You can visit the Blue Beach and the Vihara in one day.  On the next day, you can visit Hiriketiya and the blowhole and try surfing. Then, leave a spare day if you just want to do nothing. So, Is Dikwella Worth Visiting? During my trip to Sri Lanka, especially when exploring the southern coast, Dikwella was my favorite spot as it allowed me to slow down and be myself.  Dikwella does not have an ancient fortress or a famous surf competition. It does not have a five-star strip or a world-class resort.  In fact, it is still very much a working fishing town that has not been built around tourism.  Dickwella Beach is beautiful because it is not overrun. Also, the nearby attractions such as the booming blowhole and a giant Buddha allow you to spend a couple of unhurried days. So, if your south coast itinerary has room for one detour off the Mirissa–Tangalle highlight reel, make it this one.