ACTIVITIES
If you want a break from all that chilling out there is plenty to do, and myriad places to see, both in the vicinity or just a short drive away. Explore the surrounding villages; go for boat ride on the lake. Do some bird watching; go on a nature trek or a cycle ride. The scenery provides ample opportunity for some great photography too. The rural life around you gives you an authentic insight into Sri Lankan culture and life as well. You can explore on your own, or we can arrange for a local guide to take you around.
Koggala Lake
A beautiful expanse of water teeming with wild life, Koggala Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the country and a major attraction in the area. You can enjoy a boat ride and stop at one of the tiny islets and visit a spice garden to learn about cinnamon production.
Cycle Tours
To really explore the area, take a bike. You can ride through bird sanctuaries, tea plantations and paddy fields and it’s the best way to enjoy the true beauty of the land. You can venture near or far and refreshments can be provided for you if needed too.
Stilt Fishing
Just a short, 6 minute drive or ‘tuk tuk’ ride away is the glorious Southern coast, and here you can catch a glimpse of the art of Stilt Fishing – a traditional fishing method unique to Sri Lanka. Balancing precariously against the waves on a vertical pole, these skilled fishermen make the task seem easy. You can try your hand at it, or simply observe in awe. Either way, it will be a memorable experience.
Koggala and Unawatuna Beaches
The beautiful beach of Koggala – where stilt fishing is common, is just 15 minutes’ walk away from the villa, and you can see the beauty of the locality along the way too. Unawatuna is further along the coastline, about a 15 minute drive away. The iconic sight of Sri Lanka’s famous stilt fishermen can be observed all along this stretch of coast.
Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum
The former residence of renowned Sri Lankan author Martin Wickramasinghe (1890–1976) it provides an insight into Sri Lankan folk culture with exhibits of authentic artefacts from puppets to costumes. A short 8 minute drive away, this local treasure trove contains his work – including original transcripts. Translations are also available for purchase.
Temples
You will find beautiful temples at every turn, and everywhere, but make sure to visit the 2000 year old Yatagala rock temple about half an hour drive away. Surrounded by paddy fields it’s a haven of peace, although busy on full moon days you can observe traditional Buddhist rituals best at that time.
Hiyare Forest Reserve
600 acres of low-country rainforest, this is a haven for tropical wilderness. Take a trek through, visit the biodiversity conservation field centre and the animal rescue programme, even a boat ride on the Hiyare reservoir. About an hour’s journey into the interior, the scenery passing by also offers a glimpse of authentic rural life.
Tea Plantations
The locality is famed for the distinctive low-country teas, and you can spend the day at a plantation and see the entire process – from leaf to cup, first hand.
