Wasgamuwa National Park: My Search For Sri Lanka’s Quietest Elephant Safari

BY  Sibashree Mar 23, 2026

Hiriketiya Beach is a place that can disrupt your travel plans completely.  You may arrive with plans for a two-night stay and end up spending 3 weeks. Develop a routine of mornings spent surfing, drinking coconut coffee, and watching the sun set over the jungle.  This tucked-away cove on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is nicknamed by its community of surfers and digital nomads as "Hiri." It is a textbook example of tropical aesthetics.  The cove is well-formed. It has water surrounded by palm trees, and a jungle. The jungle is so dense behind it that you will hear monkeys scurrying through the treetops of your surfboard as they find their way there.  Hiri feels like a secret to be shared, but is just being revealed to people in the surrounding towns of Weligama and Mirissa.  Hiriketiya has developed to become a more sophisticated version of Weligama and Mirissa. The "vibe" of Hiriketiya is not just another phrase used by hipsters. It is the currency used by locals. Here is more about this beautiful coastal gem in Sri Lanka.  The Evolution Of Hiriketiya Beach: Why You Need To Go Now Hiriketiya has experienced an incredible transformation over the last few years.  Only a few years ago, this sleepy little fishing village had only a few guesthouses and one small roti shop. It is quite similar to the beaches in Jaffna in that way.  Now, it's become a vibrant hub, even though it has lost some of its "untouched" charm. Moreover, this infusion of new energy has produced world-class specialty coffee shops, beautiful state-of-the-art Yoga studios, and a co-working scene. But despite these rapid changes, the spirit of this village remains.  The Surf At Hirikeya Beach: A Wave For Every Soul The horseshoe shape and the unique geography of Hirikeya Beach make it ideal for every type of surfer.  Here is a quick breakdown. Surf LocationDetails The Beach Break (Right Side)- Beginner-Friendly- Sandy Bottom- Gentle WavesThe Middle- Ideal for Longboarders- Offers a Mellow RideThe Point Break (Left Side)- Ideal for Professionals- Shallow Reef Board rentals are standardized at 1000 LKR per hour.  If Hirikeya Beach is very busy, you can go 3.5 km east and find Kudawella Beach.  Where Is Hirikeya Beach? How To Reach It?  Hiriketiya is located off the main highway along the coast, about one mile away from the town of Dickwella.  Since Hiriketiya is not on a major transit route, you will have to use Dickwella as your transit point. 1. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Colombo The best way to get there is by taking the train from Colombo Fort to Matara, which takes approximately four hours.  From Matara, you can take a local bus to Dickwella or take a tuk-tuk taxi. You can also take a highway express bus from Colombo to Matara and arrive in about three hours. 2. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Ella You can catch the #31 bus at the intersection of the Ella-Passara Road as you travel through tea country.  It is approximately four hours to the coast on a winding road. Just tell the conductor you want to go to Dickwella. 3. Traveling To Hiriketiya Beach From Arugam Bay If you are traveling from the East Coast surf to the surf in the South, there is a direct bus leaving from Pottuvil every day around 6:30 AM. It arrives at Dickwella approximately six hours later. What Are The Things To Do At Hirikeya Beach? (Beyond Surfing) Hiri has just as much gravitational force to attract chill seekers. So, here are the things to do beyond surfing.  1. Walk To Blue Beach Island If you're looking for a little adventure, try the 2.5km (1.5-mile) walk to Nilwella.  You'll be walking through peaceful local neighborhoods when you find a beautiful natural sandbar that links the mainland with a small island.  Moreover, walking over a sandbar with breaking waves on both sides of you is something you will remember long after leaving Hiri.  Also, it is the best place to watch the sunset. 2. Sip In Style At Smoke And Bitters Believe it or not, one of the 50 Best Bars in Asia is hidden deep in a coconut grove.  Furthermore, the menu at Smoke and Bitters is based on the smokehouse method of cooking. It uses local Sri Lankan ingredients with cooking methods from around the globe.  Moreover, you must try the smoked harissa pumpkin and the pork ribs, as they are WOW!!  Every cocktail created at Smoke and Bitters is a work of art. The price of a drink here, compared to what you would expect to pay in Sri Lanka, may seem high. However, when you want to treat yourself, there is no better place to go. 3. Become A Culinary Master With Rosie Rosie's cooking class experience is the ultimate rite of passage in Hiri.  While she prepares the dishes during your cooking class, you will also hear many personal stories of her life. She will also share how she made some special Sri Lankan spice combinations. Moreover, it costs 6000 LKR, and the 4-hour feast is the ultimate attraction.  The Digital Nomad And Yoga Scene At Hirikeya Beach  Hiriketiya has become a cornerstone of the "work-from-anywhere" lifestyle.  Places like Dots Bay House and Salty Pelican provide the infrastructure (and the caffeine) needed to hit deadlines. Moreover, when it comes to physical and mental well-being, Arise is unparalleled.  So, they provide a variety of classes to choose from, including Muay Thai, ecstatic dance, and Reiki, as well as many types of Vinyasa yoga.  Additionally, their Salt House location offers stunning rooftop yoga classes where you can do yoga while listening to the waves below. Where To Stay In Hiriketiya? Hiriketiya offers a versatile range of accommodation. Here are some places you can try.  1. Salt House  This upscale beach hotel has a boutique feel.  Located 5 minutes away from the beach, the hotel has spacious, minimalistic rooms opening directly to its central pool and open-air cafe.  Moreover, on-site yoga classes every day attract those interested in wellness. Room rates begin at about 21000 LKD per night. 2. Dots Bay House  Located next to the surfing area, 'Dots', the centre of Hiri's social scene, offers accommodation options ranging from dormitories to high-end private rooms.  Moreover, facilities include an on-site co-working space, swimming pool, and popular bar which features the best live music acts in town. Prices start at approximately 7000 LKD per night. 3. Hiriketiya White House  A charming, family-owned guesthouse hidden away in the jungle, offering an excellent option for visitors who want authentic experiences at affordable prices.  Also, the double rooms come with beautiful contemporary bathrooms and balconies where guests can enjoy watching monkeys play overhead. Moreover, the prices start from about 5500 LKD per night.  When To Visit Hiriketiya Beach? Due to offshore winds and consistent swell during the "High Season", November to April is the best time for surfers to be out on the ocean.  Moreover, December to February is the busiest time of year, with hot and dry weather as well as a lot of activity happening around town.  However, there are two downsides. The first is that accommodation prices rise significantly, and the second is that line-ups at the ocean can be extremely crowded. Where To Eat In Hiriketiya? As an enthusiast of TheLowDownUnder Travel and genuine experiences, I felt compelled to sample the local cuisine at Hiriketiya. So, here are a few recommendations for places to check out. 1. Lemon Grass Café Considered the benchmark for rice and curry in Sri Lanka, this family-run establishment is modest yet impactful.  Moreover, for 1000 LKR, you’ll enjoy a generous array of at least four different vegetable curries, rice, and dessert, with unlimited refills. 2. Kingsley’s Kitchen Another gem in the area, Kingsley is a well-known figure in the village who serves outstanding home-cooked meals.  Dinner operates on a pre-order basis, so be sure to stop by during the day to reserve your meal.  Moreover, it’s one of the most budget-friendly spots in the bay, with a vegetarian curry priced at 750 LKR. 3. Dahami Situated at the Dickwella intersection, this is where the locals dine. Furthermore, it’s a straightforward buffet offering a mountain of rice and curry for just 450 LKR. Moreover, for those seeking specialty cafés and a beach atmosphere, options like Duni’s Hoppers Café, MOND Café, and La Playa are worth considering.

BY  Sibashree Sep 24, 2026

Gal Vihara drew me in for more than the massive rock-cut Buddhas.  Some may argue that it was a deliberate attempt to showcase Hindu deities as subordinate to Buddha or Buddhist figures.  However, I see this as an effort for political and religious integration.  We know about Gongalegoda Banda, who put up a fight against the British in 1848, which was a decade before the first mass uprising in India in 1857 (The Sepoy Mutiny).  He worshipped Vishnu, not Buddha, before he started the war against the British.  Now, the Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa is an important landmark where I could see this integration.  Very few notice that the Vijjadhara Guha, the semi-artificial cave for sorcerers, has Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma as the attendants to Lord Buddha.  In Hinduism, we see the exact opposite version of it, with some versions depicting Lord Buddha as one of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu.  That can be a separate discussion. However, in this article, I will discuss what I saw at Gal Vihara, the history, and everything else you need to know.  This is one of the reasons why Sri Lanka gets such a high footfall. For example, Financial Chronicle reported an arrival of 198,235 tourists from January to August 2025. In 2026, the number was 1,535,122 for the same period, according to the Economic Times, LK.  Gal Vihara At A Glance DetailWhat to KnowOriginal nameUttararama, "the northern monastery." Built byKing Parakramabahu I, who reigned 1153–1186 CELocationNorthern part of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, North Central ProvinceThe imagesFour Buddha images from one granite slab.Two seated, one standing, one reclining.SizesReclining figure about 14 meters long, standing figure about 7 meters tallTicketPart of the Polonnaruwa ticket.Free for locals and US$25 for a foreign adult.$12 for foreign children. Timing7 AM to 5 PMTime needed1–2 hours hereBest timeEarly morning for softer light and fewer people My Time Before The Four Buddhas It was mid-morning when I reached the northern end of the ruins.  I removed my shoes and started walking toward the rock face.  Then I spotted where the walls stood, from the figures that once had their own brick image house and the remains of the low stone foundations.  Figuring out that outline helped me identify how enclosed and dim the images once were, before the walls fell and the sky opened above them. The Seated Buddha I saw the depiction of Lord Buddha in his meditating pose in the cave of the Vijjadharas. It is the leftmost cave among all.  He is the Dharmadhatu or Vairocana, and in the Mahayana tradition, he is worshipped as the cosmic Buddha.  Furthermore, there were four bas-relief Buddhas at the top of the statue and on the sides.  The guide told me that these small statues represent the four directions of the world, and they are the embodiments of Dharmakaya, or the “all-encompassing body of law.”  However, another version says that two of them are Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, present as guardian deities to Lord Buddha.  The Excavated Cave And Seated Buddha This cave on the right also has a rock-cut Buddha sculpture in a meditating pose.  The sculpture is modest. However, you must not miss the stone inscription next to this shrine.  It is a record of the religious reforms of King Parakramabahu. Later, he also asked them to draw up a code of conduct, which is recorded in this inscription.  Uttararama is also where Parakramabahu I gathered monks to purify the Buddhist community. The Reclining Buddha The reclining Buddha here depicts entering parinirvana.  It is 14 meters in length, and the details here drew my attention.  There is a gentle dip in the pillow beneath the head. Also, there are lotus symbols on the pillow end and on the soles of the feet. I was dumbstruck and had goosebumps at the same time, standing at the feet and then following the line of the body along the rock.  It was so lively! The Standing Figure And The Ananda Debate Next, I visited the standing Buddha statue where Buddha is standing with his arms crossed over his chest. The facial expression of this 7-meter-tall figure is sorrowful.  The most popular version is that it is the figure of Ananda, the disciple of Buddha. He was grieving as the lord entered parinirvana.  However, another version completely rejects this idea and says that it is Lord Buddha himself.  They find the expression of a subtle smile, and they say that here Lord Buddha is standing after two weeks of his enlightenment.  The History: Parakramabahu I And The Northern Monastery The Culavamsa chronicle credits King Parakramabahu for the construction of Gal Vihara.  He built it to strengthen Theravada Buddhism and unify Sri Lanka.  Natural Marbling As Part Of The Design Carvers used the natural marbling in the granite to create the life-like effect of the sculptures.  In the softer morning light, I could see how the veins in the stone follow the lines of the carving, which is another reason I would visit early. Photography And Respect You can take photographs here. However, it is a sign of disrespect to turn your back to the statues to take selfies.  Furthermore, if you want to film Gal Vihara, you will need prior approval from the authority.  Getting Around Polonnaruwa You must take a cycle or a tuk-tuk between the ruins.  Six to eight hours by bicycle covers the whole site. The charge will be around LKR 400 to LKR 1000 for the entire day.  A Half-Day Itinerary Around Gal Vihara TimeStopNotes7:30 AMTicket office and Polonnaruwa MuseumKnow the context of the ancient city before the ruins.8:30 AMRoyal Palace and QuadrangleVisit the central monuments while it is still cool. 10:30 AMAlahana Pirivena areaVisit the monastic ruins near Gal Vihara.11:30 AMGal ViharaAllow 1 to 2 hours to explore the vihara.1:00 PMLunch and restAvoid peak midday heat.4:30 PMParakrama Samudra shoreObserve the quieter light on the reservoir.  Nearby Places To Combine With Gal Vihara Don’t miss the Polonnaruwa Museum, run by the CCF beside the Parakrama Samudra sluice gate. It houses findings from the excavations at the site since 1981.  Also, if you want a wildlife experience, you can consider Minneriya, which is also amazing for sunset views.  Latest Updates For 2026 Visitors To Gal Vihara The Thuparama Image House in Polonnaruwa, a 12th-century vaulted brick shrine, received US-funded conservation support, announced in January 2025. Furthermore, the CCF now runs an eTicket portal for Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and other heritage sites. You can purchase these tickets up to 90 days before the visit.

BY  Sibashree Jul 7, 2026

With the One Love Reggae Festival returning to Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka is now preparing to be a vibrant cultural stage for music lovers from around the world.  The event is slated from 7th to 9th August and, with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, will function as a major tourism catalyst for Bentota.  Nevertheless, Bentota Beach has always been a popular, idyllic destination in Sri Lanka due to the calm waves of the Indian Ocean and soft golden sands.  Furthermore, it is a gateway to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort.  However, for me, the most striking thing about Bentota was the safari on the Bentota Ganga. With dramatic landscapes and surrealism awaiting you in every nook, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka.  Also, very close to Colombo, just a 2-hour drive away, this beach stands out even if tourists show more interest in popular variations such as Tangalle Beach and Mirissa Beach.  Here is more about why Bentota Beach is worth visiting and what the top attractions are.  What Are The Things To Do In Bentota?  The heavenly sunset views of Bentota Beach, the most anticipated boat safari on Bentota Ganga, and a relaxing experience in the Ayurveda Herbal and Spice Garden! Furthermore, if you want an adrenaline rush, you can take part in activities such as parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, and more! 1. Water Sports At Bentota Beach Bentota has many beaches, such as Ventura Beach or Moragalla Beach, where the ocean meets the Bentota Ganga River.  However, together, they are known as the Bentota Beach, and together they look like a long stretch of fine white sand.  A specific stretch of sand is parallel to Bentota Lagoon, which is more commonly called the Bentota Ganga.  It is known as Paradise Island, looking like a narrow and long peninsula stretching out into the ocean.  Also, it is ideal for the following water sports.  Windsurfing Waterskiing Diving Canoeing Snorkeling Fishing Moreover, centers such as Diyakawa Water Sports and Sunshine Water Sports Center help with the best gear, training, and guidance.  2. Visiting The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project I mentioned the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project when visiting Kalutara.  However, it is way closer to Bentota, and it is situated at a distance of just 9 km. So, it is just a road journey of 9 km or 15 minutes south by road.  It remains open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the ticket price is LKR 500 for locals and LKR 1000 for foreigners.  It is a vital wildlife sanctuary on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Established in 1981, it aims to protect endangered sea turtles from extinction caused by poaching and habitat loss. The hatchery monitors local beaches to rescue vulnerable eggs.  It buries them safely in protected sand nests until they hatch. Impressively, the project cares for all five sea turtle species that visit Sri Lanka. The Green Turtles Loggerhead Turtles Hawksbill Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles Leatherback Turtles.  The sanctuary also rehabilitates turtles injured by fishing nets. However, for me, the most exciting experience in the sanctuary was releasing newborn hatchlings into the Indian Ocean at sunset.  This hands-on experience funds the project while raising global awareness about marine conservation. Overall, it was a great experience learning about the marine ecosystem and how these adorable marine creatures play an important role in maintaining the balance.  If you want to watch and study them further, Sri Lanka has many other destinations such as Dalawella Beach, Dickwella Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach.  3. The River Safari On Bentota Ganga  While many people are more excited about the water sports, I visited Bentota for the water safari.  It was late afternoon, and the Sun was getting mellower. Fortunately, the hotel I was staying in had the provision for booking a boat safari.  The boat progressed through the jungle. Also, I could spot eagles flying high and some snakes in the water.  I was looking for crocodiles, but this time, I did not find one.  Moreover, the roots of the trees got entangled, and the roots created some eerie formations that looked straight out of Apocalypse.  Having said that, the river safari was not just an opportunity to spot the wildlife. I also saw the traditional fishing techniques and prawn farming in the wetlands surrounded by mangrove forests.  Another interesting stop was the Cinnamon Island. I spotted old and young men cutting sleek sticks of cinnamon. I bought a few bottles of cinnamon oil from them.  It was a 1.5-hour safari, and it cost around LKR 2500.  4. Exploring The Bentota Market  The Aluthgama town is around 3 km away from Bentota, and the Monday market here is amazing.  I had a talk with Manjula, a college student and a local vendor who helps her mother, Hiruni.  “People from different parts of the southwest coast come here. This is a market mostly dominated by women. So, I love being a part of the market.  The vendors sell various products, including clothes, vegetables, groceries, and other knick-knacks.  I also found the place to be a great spot for socializing. Women were interacting with each other when buying exotic fruits and fresh vegetables.  Moreover, I collected some cinnamon sticks, spices, and clothes as souvenirs.  5. Enjoying The Benefit Of Herbal And Spice Treatment  Bentota is famous for traditional Ayurveda and health treatment. The oils and massage solutions here have spices and local herbs.  The medicines and solutions also have cardamom, cinnamon, seeds, fruits, bark, and leaves.  So, if you want to enjoy the ultimate Sri Lankan spa experience, Bentota is the ideal place.  The big hotels and resorts have spas offering traditional treatments and therapies. Furthermore, there are some specialized Ayurveda centers.  Where To Stay In Bentota Beach?  From budget guesthouse Hotel Hemadan to 5-star hotel Taj Bentota Resort, the accommodation options in Bentota are diverse.  Furthermore, if you want an artistic and boutique experience, you can choose options such as Taj Bentota Resort and NH Bentota Ceysands.  Based on the accommodation you choose, the cost of staying in Bentota will be between LKR 13000 and 60000 per night.