Location
The Locale
Distances
- Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
- 3 km
- Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary
- 12 km
- Tangalle
- 16 km
- Mulkirigala Rock Temple
- 27 km
- Matara
- 54 km
- Mattala Airport
- 55 km
- Mirissa
- 67 km
- Yala National Park
- 75 km
- Galle
- 98 km
- Colombo
- 214 km
- Bandaranaike Airport
- 244 km
Things to do
Stroll along the sandy swathe of beach to the front of the villa, collecting shells as you soak in the serenity of this secluded palm-fringed location.
Explore the villa’s generous 23-acre garden; a parkland oasis of coconut palms and coastal foliage adored by parrots, kingfishers and peacocks.
Make for the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and enjoy a sunset punt on the lagoon with one of the local fishermen as the sky slowly turns a rich red.
Head to the mysterious Ussangoda whose red barren earth is believed to be the result of a meteorite hitting this area years ago. The cliff top vistas out to sea from the coast that flanks this parkland are spectacular.
The neighbouring village of Rekawa is home to the island’s only marine turtle sanctuary. Out of the five species of endangered marine turtle present in Sri Lanka, four are regular visitors who make their way onto the beach at night to lay their eggs in the sand; a sensational moonlit spectacle. Come here for nightly turtle watches where you might also see baby turtles hatching and making their perilous journey to the sea.
Visit two giant Buddha statues at Weherahena and Wewurukannala; the former offers you the chance to actually climb up and into the Buddha’s head to get a bird’s eye view of the temple complex.
The reverent rock temple at Mulkirigala must not be missed. Come here for murals, cavernous chambers and incredible 360-degree views from its summit.
On the way to Mulkirigala we recommend you stop en route at the brass making village of Angulmaduwa where you can witness the craftsmen in action and buy yourself a unique souvenir to take home.
Visit the Maduwanwalla Palace, made up of a number of formerly opulent buildings that now lay in relative ruin.
Whale and dolphin watching trips embark from Mirissa Harbour and will delight the whole family (trips operate between November and April); combine your trip with a visit to Dondra lighthouse, Matara’s forts and Mirissa Beach where you can also go sailing.
Go on safari! Bundala – a park famous for its crocs and birdlife - is located within easy reach. Safaris to Uda Walawe (famed for its elephants) and Yala – renowned for a wider slice of wildlife, particularly leopards and bears – can be done as morning or afternoon trips from the villa.
Worth the drive is the Handunugoda Tea Factory in Ahangama, whose tea bushes are the closest of any in Sri Lanka to the sea. Famous not only for its unique black tea but also for its white tea, the world’s most expensive variety. Tours of the factory include a tea tasting session and a slice of cake.
