Why Is Puttalam Sri Lanka Famous? What Are The Things To Do In Puttalam?

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Galle has been my ideal dreamy, sepia-toned travel destination located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the city’s stunningly beautiful old fortified peninsula reaches defiantly out into the Indian Ocean and boasts many crumbling colonial-style buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and swaying palm trees.  However, the true magic of Galle comes from taking it slowly.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to do in Galle Fort. However, I will begin with why a visit to the Galle Fort is worth it and how to get there.  Why Visit Galle Fort? A UNESCO World Heritage Site And The Fortress That Defied Time “Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British.  It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.” • UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  The trading post was once impenetrable, and the rampart walls kept the invaders at bay.  However, centuries later, during the 2004 Tsunami, the same stone walls that stood against cannons also protected the people from the ocean.  Thus, the Galle Fort remained intact even though the surrounding coastline was devastated. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a unique example of a fortified city.  How To Reach The Galle Fort? You can easily reach the Galle Fort from Colombo or down the coast.  From Colombo  You can take a train from Colombo Fort, and after a three-hour journey and amazing ocean views, you will reach Galle.  However, currently, this route is being reconstructed. So, you can take a Highway AC bus from the Makumbura Station.  Furthermore, it is a 2-hour journey through the Expressway.  From Mirissa Or Weligama If you’re already beach-hopping the south coast, you can just hop on any local bus headed toward Matara or Galle.  It’s cheap, frequent, and gives you a real taste of local life, and that’s amazing as a follower of TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy.  Also, from my days in Jaffna to the things to do in Kandy, I have always ditched comfort and the obvious for a more authentic experience.  What Are The Things To Do In Galle Fort, Sri Lanka?  When talking about the things to do in Galle Fort, you have to think beyond the tourist checklist.  Furthermore, Galle is a place of contrasts! You have the rugged, salt-sprayed stone of the ramparts on one hand, and on the other hand, you have the most polished boutique shops.  So, Galle is beyond your usual Instagram photo op.  And one of the best things to do in Galle is to understand how the fortress and the neighborhood have survived empires and natural disasters.  Moreover, in Galle, you become a part of the history as you watch the sunset from an ancient bastion or sip cold beer at a wine bar on a cobblestone street.  Also, you will see an extension of all these in my detailed account of two days in Galle Fort.  Day 1: Getting Lost In The Living Museum Walks, exploring the architecture, culture, and the much hyped sunset experience! These were the things to do in Galle Fort on day one.  Morning: The Rampart Walk Walking is the best way to begin your exploration of Galle Fort. It is small and, therefore, a great destination for pedestrians.  In the morning, I climbed to the top of the stone ramparts and walked the entire way around the edge of the Fort, obtaining a 360-degree view of Galle. I saw the sparkling, turquoise ocean to one side and the red tiled roofs of the original buildings of the town on the other. On your walking tour, look for the famous Galle Clock Tower and the historic Galle Lighthouse, which is probably the most photographed place in all of Sri Lanka.  The whitewashed lighthouse is stunning against the clear blue sky, but I found that the late afternoon light gives it that soft, golden color that makes the palm tree shadows cast perfectly across the grass. Afternoon: Culture And Architecture After you’ve finished exploring the upper level of the walls, it’s time to explore the narrow alleyways of the city.  Throughout the streets, you are going to notice something extremely wonderful. You will see the cultural and ethnic diversity and the same inclusive culture of Sri Lanka, prominent through the iconic Ambuluwawa Tower in Colombo.   In just a matter of blocks, I was able to visit the Dutch Reform Church, All Saints Anglican Church, Meeran Mosque, and Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple.  All these places serve as a testament to the many different people who have influenced the development of Sri Lanka over many hundreds of years. If the heat of the sun becomes unbearable, I recommend that you check out either the Historical Mansion Museum or the Maritime Museum.  Both of these museums are in beautifully restored colonial structures and provide visitors with great artifacts dating back to Sri Lanka’s colonial period. Evening: The Sunset Ritual When the sun is going down, I suggest that you make your way to the western walls of the fort.  At Flag Rock Bastion, you will find the locals performing their “cliff jumping” tourism attraction.  You will have the opportunity to see how far they will go into the crashing waves.  If you would rather have a quieter spot to watch the sunset, I would recommend that you go to Triton Bastion.  I spent an hour there on the grassy ramparts watching as the sky slowly burned with bright oranges. What a way to see Mother Nature's fireworks show. Day 2: Boutiques, Buffets, And Beaches Day 2 was more relaxed as I shopped, gorged on grand feasts, and explored the beaches.  Morning: The Shopping Mecca Galle is now Sri Lanka's shopping capital. Pedlar Street is the epicenter of the boutique shops, from where you can collect elegant souvenirs.  A few of my personal favorites are in the table below.  Places to Visit for ShoppingThings to BuyStick No BillsVintage-Style PostersThe Tea Room by Evergreen GroupBuy Tea in BulkOld Dutch HospitalThis former colonial hospital is now a chic shopping and dining precinct. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and browse. Lunch: A Local Feast After the spicy food in Jaffna, the food in Gelle was comforting. So, trying the Coconut Sambal is one of the best things to do in Galle.  You will get the curries with chicken and vegan-friendly options here. Also, to beat the midday Sun, have some homemade ginger beer or treat yourself to a scoop at Isle of Gelato.  Moreover, don’t forget to try the cashew caramel at Isle of Gelato.  Afternoon: Beyond The Walls As the Sun starts getting softer, you can explore the surrounding coast. Also, if you want to extend your coastal hunt, head to Dewata Beach.  Here, you will find many beginners and professionals surfing the waves.  Furthermore, if you want to just relax, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Jungle Beach in Unawatuna. It is a small sandy cove with lush greenery. 

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 Jun 22, 2026

Macau is a small East Asian City. It is on the west of Hong Kong and on the south coast of China.  Macau is 64 kms away from Hong Kong, and it has the City of Zhuhai in Mainland China to the north. Then, the Pearl River Delta is to the south and east.  It was a Portuguese colony once, but now it is an autonomous territory. Also, even today, Macau shows an influence of ancient Chinese culture.  However, this ancient Chinese culture has created a fusion with new-age European influence. The cuisine of Macau explains it the best, and that’s why you need to visit the best restaurants in Macau.  You will especially experience a blend of Cantonese and Portuguese flavors.  What Are The Top 10 Restaurants In Macau?  Macau has many top restaurants to eat at. Along with the starred restaurants, there are also bakeries, taverns, street food corners, and age-old tea houses.  Furthermore, freshly baked almond cookies, egg tarts, and slices of beef and pork jerky are some of the best delicacies to try in these restaurants.  Also, thanks to the culinary legacy of over 400 years, there is a global interest in the Macanese cuisine.  Moreover, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, has designated Macau as the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.  Nevertheless, visiting all the restaurants in the city is not possible logistically. So, I have 25 places and picked 10 among them.  I have further divided the top 10 Macau restaurants into two categories: luxury restaurants and budget-friendly restaurants.   It’s time to celebrate Macanese history and the eclectic culture of the city.  Top Luxury Restaurants In Macau  As I have mentioned, Macau is a global gastronomic destination, and it is home to names such as The Ritz–Carlton Cafe, which is a Michelin Guide restaurant.  So, let’s find out the top names on our list of the luxury restaurants in Macau, along with The Ritz–Carlton Cafe.  However, before I give brief details about the restaurants with you, I want to share a table or a quick summary comparing the names I have chosen.  A Quick Summary  Best Luxury Restaurants in MacauCuisine Type and SpecialtyAverage Price Range Per Person (₹)Ideal Dining OccasionLocationThe Ritz-Carlton CaféFrench Brasserie and Classic Desserts2,500 – 15,000- Romantic Dates- Group Dinners- Family DiningGround Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, CotaiThe Manor (St. Regis)Seafood, Oysters, and Robata Grilled Meats2,500 – 15,000- Romantic Dinner - Dates- Trying Local Cuisine - Family Dinners1st Floor, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, CotaiLai HeenMichelin-Starred Haute Cantonese and Vegan Options2,500 – 13,000- Private Dining- Intimate Family Gatherings51st Floor, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, CotaiVida Rica (Mandarin Oriental)Classic Cuisine with Modern Twist and Cheese Wheel Risotto2000+- Panoramic Waterfront Views- Bar Scene- Romantic DiningMandarin Oriental Macau, 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, NAPE, Macau PeninsulaBelon Restaurant (Banyan Tree)Marine-Themed International Seafood and Dry-Aged Ribeye6000+- Sunday Champagne Brunches- Kids Lunch- Romantic Events31st Floor, Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau Resort, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai 1. The Ritz-Carlton Café One of the best restaurants in Macau, China, the Ritz Carlton Cafe is the ultimate spot if you are looking for a French brasserie.  It exudes the charm of a quintessential French Cafe. Also, it is a fusion of sophisticated decor and flavorful food that stands out because of its simplicity.  Furthermore, based on the group size, you can choose between its two and four-seater intimate seating arrangements.  Also, it offers a wonderful view of the shopping area.  2. The St. Regis Macao I had the finest oysters in Macau at The Manor. This signature grill restaurant and oyster bar of St. Regis Macao also serves prime cut meats.  Furthermore, its wine list is exquisite, and it is one of the topmost restaurants in Macau to follow the unique Robata technique for grilling.  In the Robata technique, Northern Japan’s “white oak Bincho-tan” is used for the perfect grilling of the meat.  As a result, the meat gets a charred texture on the outside, and it remains moist in the center. The subtle smoky aroma makes it all the more appetizing.  You can also try Portuguese chouriço and squid ink here, and Instagram celebrates its cross-cultural plates, such as the Glacier 51 Toothfish.  3. Lai Heen Lai Heen is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Macau and one of the best in the city for vegetarian food.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is sophisticated, and a lot of experimentation with haute Chinese cooking happens here.  Furthermore, the Chef's Creations served here are innovative, and they celebrate the modern spirit of the city.  Along with vegetarian cuisines, it also has custom-made vegan options such as “Asparagus Barley Risotto with Morel Mushrooms.” So, if you are a vegetarian and looking for an Indian restaurant in Macau, you can choose Lai Heen.  However, please mention your vegan preferences to them well in advance before visiting the restaurant.  4. Vida Rica, Mandarin Oriental I visited Vida Rica to try delicious cakes and an assortment of cocktails. However, as soon as I stepped inside, I was bowled over by the amazing glass wall.  It offered a brilliant view of the Nam Van Lake and the South China Sea.  Furthermore, the seating arrangement of the restaurant was unique. Every guest could see how the executive chefs interpret the classic cuisine.  I loved the red curry prawn bisque there, and they make brilliant risotto.  5. Belon Restaurant: Banyan Tree Belon Restaurant has a marine theme, and it felt like dining under the ocean. You will notice the inspiration of the marine life even in the dishes such as smoked scallop.  Along with being one of the top dining restaurants in Macau, it is also a popular spot for a Sunday Brunch.  It got its name from the famous flat oysters from France, Belon. Furthermore, Hong Kong Tatler designated it as one of the best restaurants in Macau in 2017.  What Are The Most Affordable Restaurants In Macau?  Budget-friendly dining in Macau is not limited to the local eateries or Cha Chaan Tengs. You will also find many affordable restaurants here.  A Quick Summary Of Budget-Friendly Restaurants In Macau  Affordable Restaurants in MacauAddressAverage Price Per Person (₹)Must-Try DishesIdeal ForTerrazza In Galaxy MacauShop 2001, 2nd Floor, Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau4300- Country Style Suckling Pig- Tuscan delight with the Paccheri Pasta and Carabinero Prawns- Eggplant Parmigiana- Classy Wine and Portuguese Dining- Dining with Kids- Romantic Dining- Group DiningDragon Portuguese Cuisine In BroadwayBroadway Food Street, Shop A-G005–G009, Broadway Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai, Macau1500- Baked Duck Rice- Baked Suckling Pig, - Homemade Curry Crab- Family Dinners- Casual DiningCafe Deco Restaurant – The VenetianShop 1036, Level 1, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Estrada de Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Taipa, Cotai, Macau1277- Crab Legs- Wood-Fired Pizza- Pastries- Family Gathering- Dining with KidsMIAN In Studio CityShop 1181, 1st Floor, Studio City Macau, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau1550- Barbecued Iberico Pork and Ramen- Prawn and Seafood Hokkaido Miso Soup Ramen- Grilled Eel Kamameshi- Date Nights- Family DinnerLe BuffetShop 3100, Level 1 (Ground Floor Lobby Area), The Parisian Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai Strip, Macau1700- Fresh Seafood from the Buffet's Seafood Table- Ham- Cured Meats (like Prosciutto)- Romantic Dinner- Family Dining 6. Terrazza In Galaxy Macau Terrazza in Galaxy Macau celebrates the love for Italian cuisine in Macau. It has prestigious listings in Ospitalita Italiana and the Michelin Guide.  Furthermore, beyond the food, it is the wine cellar of the restaurant that stands out.  Also, from the restaurant, you can enjoy amazing views of Cotai.  7. Dragon Portuguese Cuisine In Broadway One of the top Portuguese restaurants in Macau, Broadway's Dragon Portuguese Cuisine has dishes that present the perfect fusion of Macanese and Portuguese dishes.  Despite the sophisticated setting and the excellent quality and innovation in the dishes served here, the prices are moderate.  Moreover, the food served here has the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Also, it has a “Galatian-inspired” setting that makes the ambiance vibrant and cozy.  8. Cafe Deco Restaurant: The Venetian Cafe Deco Restaurant is one of the most affordable Chinese restaurants in Macau.  However, along with traditional Chinese food, it also serves local Macanese cuisine and International delicacies made with fresh seafood.  Also, boasting a soothing and classy setting, the restaurant serves a full-course buffet including soups, appetizers, fresh seafood, salads, and desserts.  9. MIAN In Studio City MIAN in Studio City serves the best Japanese cuisine in Macau. In the classic Japanese dishes it serves, the restaurant uses homemade soup bases and noodles.  Furthermore, it has an open kitchen. So, watching the delicacies being made is quite an experience.  Also, it has a dim lighting setup. So, you can enjoy a romantic ambiance.  10. Le Buffet At Le Buffet, I saw the chefs making the European delicacies at live counters.  While it is very European in the cuisine served, the decor is Persian with muted colors and grilled walls.  Furthermore, the desserts at Le Buffet deserve special mention, and the mini Eiffel Tower dessert tower is the most creative among them.  Some More Information You Need To Know About The Top Restaurants In Macau  If you are looking for Indian restaurants in Macau, you can explore options such as Macau City, Indian Spice, and The Golden Peacock.  Furthermore, if you are searching for authentic Italian restaurants, you must try options such as La Cucina Italiana, Portofino, Bene, and Don Alfonso 1890.  Also, if you want to have vegetarian food, consider places such as Vida Rica Restaurant, Blissful Carrot, and Lai Heen.  Celebrating The Fusion Of Local And Global Cuisines  The top restaurants in Macau celebrate the words of George Bernard Shaw, “There is no love sincerer than the love for food.” Also, what makes the gastronomic experience in Macau special is the eclectic influence and the rich history of over 400 years.  So, let’s indulge in great food in Macau. Bon Appétit! Read Also: What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? Eat Like A Local In South Africa What Are The Restaurants In Australia Worthy To Have An Experience? Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Rome for the Perfect Date Ever!