Weligama is one of the coolest spots in Sri Lanka.
Located on the country’s southern coast, Weligama attracts with its fabulous beginner surfing conditions, hip cafes and restaurants, and nearby pretty beaches. We spent about two weeks in Weligama and absolutely loved the place.
It is a great place to visit not only to surf but also to explore the southern coast and all the great things to do in Weligama and this region of Sri Lanka.
Go, visit, and thank me later.
In this article, I cover all the best things to do in Weligama, the best day trips from Weligama, where to eat in this slice of paradise, and answer some FAQs, including when is the best time to visit Weligama and which is better, Weligama or Mirissa (in my opinion, of course).
Table of Contents
Top Things to Do in Weligama, Sri Lanka
Surfing Is the Best Thing to Do in Weligama!
Weligama is known for its excellent surf conditions, making it one of the best places to learn how to surf in Sri Lanka. The beach features gentle waves, perfect for beginners, and plenty of surf schools offer lessons and board rentals.
The main Weligama Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots, where you can catch waves all day long. If you’re a more experienced surfer, head to nearby Midigama Beach, where the waves can be more challenging.
Enjoy the Beaches
With a variety of beaches around Weligama, you’ll have the chance to surf, snorkel, and sunbathe in some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful coastal settings. Weligama’s Beach is the main beach in town, which except for surfing is also popular for sunbathing and swimming. The two-kilometer sandy stretch is very easy to access and there is a public park alongside the beach, as well as numerous restaurants, beach bars, and cafes.
I would recommend choosing your place to relax on Weligama Beach wisely as a lot of people, for some unknown reason, choose to swim in the same area where a lot of people are surfing. Remember, that many of the people on surfboards are complete beginners and don’t know what to do if you get in their way. Be safe, swim where there are no surfers.
For a more leisurely swimming and sunbathing experience away from the surfers, head to the nearby Mirissa Beach. Midigama Beach is also a good option as it is for more experienced surfers who surf further in the Ocean away from those close to the shore. Its downside is that it gets deep very quickly.
Other nearby beaches include Jungle Beach and Coconut Beach (between Weligama and Midigama), Ahangama Beach, Polhena Beach (see below), and Matara Beach.
Snorkeling with Turtles
Snorkeling with turtles was a highlight of our trip to Weligama. It was both my partner’s and my first time experiencing snorkeling with GIANT turtles and now I can highly recommend it to anyone.
We did our snorkeling at Polhena Beach, a hidden gem near Weligama, known for its vibrant coral reefs and the higher chances of meeting these beautiful giants. The shallow waters of Polhena Beach are perfect for snorkeling and you can either rent snorkeling gear at the beach or sign up for a guided tour that would include it. Expect to see more than giant turtles. The marine life of Polhena Beach is diverse with starfish, fish, corals, and more.
Please, respect the marine life of Polhena Beach by not disturbing the turtles and the other animals.
Coconut Tree Hill
One of the top attractions of Sri Lanka’s South shore is the picturesque Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, near Weligama. This spot has become a particularly popular photo location for travelers looking for the best Insta-worthy locations in Sri Lanka. It is truly a beautiful place and I would suggest visiting it for more than the chance to take your Instagrammable picture. Don’t rush it, walk through the trees and the surroundings and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Of course, I made my own Instagrammable shot, too…
Kushtarajagala Statue
One of the most popular attractions of Weligama is the rock-carved Statue of Kushtarajagala. The statue is believed to date back to the 8th century and is one of the oldest statues of Mahayanist Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The name of the statue comes from a king named Kushta Raja who once visited Weligama where according to some he was diagnosed with severe skin disease, and according to others, he cured many skin diseases. For that reason, nowadays, many people are visiting the statue to pray for a cure.
There is no entry fee.
The Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya Buddhist Temple
Visiting the Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya Buddhist Temple is one of the best things to do in Weligama for those interested in the local culture and spirituality. Luckily, the temple was right next to the hotel where we were staying, otherwise, we would probably not have found it.
The temple is believed to be the location where the first sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree, Sri Maha Bodhi was planted. This tree, considered the oldest living human-planted tree in the world, traces its lineage to the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India.
Dress modestly and be respectful of the customs when visiting. There is no entry fee.
Indulge in a SPA
Treat yourself to traditional Ayurvedic treatments, or a massage. Many spas in Weligama use natural ingredients sourced locally, providing a unique experience of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Going to one of the spa centers in Weligama is a great option for after your surf session.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Weligama’s nightlife is lively, with several bars and hostels organizing regular parties. Mirissa is more of a party spot tho, so if you’re looking for a party, you might want to check it out.
Go on a Day Trip from Weligama to Udawalawe National Park
With between 500-700 elephants living here, Udawalawe National Park safari is at the top of the bucket list for many planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want to see the famous Sri Lankan elephants up close.
Udawalawe has the largest population of Asian elephants in all of the national parks in Sri Lanka, so the chance of seeing those beautiful animals is guaranteed. But there’s much more to see in Udawalawe than elephants. Udawalawe National Park is also home to water buffalos, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, monkeys, lizards, and a wide variety of birds. If you are extremely lucky, you can also see one of the few leopards living here; however, the chances are very small.
Taking a Yoga Class Is One of the Best Things to Do in Weligama for Yourself
Weligama is a haven for yoga enthusiasts, with several places offering classes for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, you can find various styles of yoga, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga. Additionally, there are yoga instructors in Weligama from all over the world, so there is also a great variety of languages in which the yoga sessions are being held.
I loved going to a yoga class after my surf lesson or just to start my day fresh. I used to go to the yoga classes at Soul Temple which is also a surf school and a coffee shop, located next to one of the other favorite cafes of mine in Weligama, Nomad. Those were some of the best yoga classes I have ever been to.
Whale watching
Mirissa, a short distance from Weligama, is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. You can join a boat tour during the whale watching season from November to April and see these majestic giant creatures in real life. If you opt to do that, please be sure to book with a reputable tour company that prioritizes responsible wildlife viewing to ensure a sustainable experience. Thank you!
Secret Beach Mirissa
The Secret, not so secret anymore, Beach of Mirissa is one of the best places to visit in the area of Weligama. And although it is becoming more and more known, the Secret Beach with its beauty and turquoise waters is worth visiting regardless of its increasing popularity.
It is quite small, so if you arrive earlier in the morning, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of space and time to enjoy it.
Tea Tasting at Handunugoda Tea Estate
Spread over an area of 809,371 m2, with 303,514 m² dedicated to tea production (while the remaining area cultivates rubber, cinnamon, and coconut), Handunugoda Tea Estate is the only one of its kind tea estate in the South of Sri Lanka. That means that if you are visiting Sri Lanka on a surf trip, and you’re not planning to travel to Ella or Kandy, this is your best chance to experience Sri Lanka’s unique tea culture firsthand.
As one of the top things to do in Weligama, the estate offers an informative guided tour of its factory, where you can learn about the process of traditional tea-making and sample a variety of teas. You’ll also have the chance to explore the fields and enjoy the beautiful plants and gardens.
Parrot Rock Mirissa
Just off Mirissa Beach, Parrot Rock is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike seeking stunning views and a bit of adventure. Climbing the rock is relatively easy, and once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the beach and ocean. It’s an excellent spot for photography and watching the sunset.
Sea Turtle Hatchery
There are a few places near Weligama offering an educational experience about sea turtle conservation. You can see baby turtles and learn about the efforts being made to protect these endangered species. As always, make sure to go to a place that prioritizes sustainability and protects both the turtles and the environment.
Go on a Day Trip from Weligame to Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour’s drive from Weligama. Built in 1588 by the Portuguese, this historic fort is located on the shores of Galle City, one of the most charming coastal towns of Sri Lanka. Both the town and the fort have a long history of different occupants before Sri Lanka became independent and are very well-preserved, showcasing a blend of European architectural styles combined with South Asian traditions.
Strolling through Galle’s cobbled streets, you’ll find colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes. The fort walls offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and make for a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
A day trip from Weligama to Galle is a great option for anyone who wants to see and explore the highlights of the town. However, after spending a few nights there I could also say that Galle is worth the night over.
Visit Sri Lanka’s Southernmost Point
Last on my list of things to do in Weligama but not by all means least exciting or interesting is visiting the Dondra Head Lighthouse, Sri Lanka’s Southernmost point. Dondra is also Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouse and one of the tallest in South East Asia.
It is not permitted to enter the lighthouse compound or climb up the structure’s interior, but anyone can freely walk and explore the surrounding area and Dondra Beach. The views are stunning when you are there and also on the way there. I highly recommend renting a scooter and driving there yourself.
The Best Places to Eat and Restaurants in Weligama, Sri Lanka
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Haus 35:
This is my favorite restaurant in Weligama for one simple reason – the lovely old lady who owns it, cooks, and serves you. It might have gotten more popular now, but when my partner and I were visiting Weligama, I visited a couple of times by myself and was the only person there. The reason for that I think is that Haus 35 is not close to the beach where most travelers spend their time. You can also book a room at the house.
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Nomad Cafe:
One of my favorites (especially after yoga) restaurants in Weligama serves up smoothie bowls, salads, and healthy snacks. It has a nice interior as well and is great for coffee dates, breakfast, post-yoga, or post-surf energy boost. It is pricier.
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Layback Rooftop Cafe:
This is one of my favorite coffee spots in Weligama and the dishes here are so delicious and so filling. As the name suggests it is located on a rooftop in the center of the town of Weligama. There is a hostel underneath it, too. It is pricy.
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Ceylon Sliders:
Similarly to Nomad Cafe, Ceylon Sliders is a pricier, Western-style cafe and restaurant in Weligama. They have good coffee and delicious meals, so it is still worth the visit in my opinion. The place is part of a boutique hotel and is also home to a surf shop, school, and rentals.
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Sunset Bar (Next to Coconut Tree Hill):
- This is technically located in Mirissa, but I couldn’t miss including it on my list of top restaurants in Weligama as it is close enough, has a wonderful beach setting, is located right next to the water, and serves a veeery delicious kottu roti (my favorite).
There are other great places to eat in Weligama, but unfortunately, I see that some of the ones I wanted to recommend have been permanently closed, and the others didn’t have names. One of the latter was a kottu roti place on the main street of Weligama.
Where to Next?
Ella
After Weligama, consider heading to Ella, a small town nestled in the lush green hills of Sri Lanka. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering scenic hikes, tea plantations, waterfalls, and ancient temples. Some of the best things to do in Ella include hiking to Ella Rock, visiting Nine Arches Bridge, and exploring the beautiful Ravana Falls.
Hatton
If you’re heading to Central Sri Lanka, I could recommend you also visit Hatton. The town is nothing special but its surroundings are just as beautiful and exciting as those of Ella. From here, you can easily visit Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) one of the most popular attractions of Sri Lanka. You can also do a day trip to explore Nuwara Eliya or Horton Plains National Park. There are many waterfalls to explore, too – don’t miss my favorite, Laxapana Falls, the reason why we decided to visit Hatton in the first place.
Kandy
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is the second-largest city in the country and is considered to be the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. The city is surrounded by hills and forests and attracts visitors with its Botanical Garden. I personally didn’t like Kandy, but there are some interesting places that you could visit in the city and around. As a day trip or half-day trip, you can visit Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Anuradhapura, and Ambuluwawa Tower.
Where to Stay in Weligama, Sri Lanka
Ilamperuma Holiday Home was our home away from home during our entire stay in Weligama. It is located a little further away from the center of town, but it is a very calm location and is located just a few steps away from some of the places mentioned in the list before, including Kushtarajagala Statue, the Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya Buddhist Temple, and Haus 35.
The staff of the holiday home was extremely friendly and we had such a spacious room, access to the pool, and breakfast included at such a reasonable price.
There were also two senior dogs living in the yard and while we were there we found puppies that we just abandoned. We were taking care of them and I would appreciate it if anyone heading to Weligama read this, decide to stay there or just pass by and send me a message to let me know if the babies are still there and fine. I think about them often.
Weligama FAQ
Is Weligama Touristy?
Weligama is a tourist hotspot! As you already saw from the list above, there are plenty of fun things to see and do in Weligama, making it one of the most visited spots on Sri Lanka’s South coast. If you are looking for a calmer base but still want to be able to enjoy the things from this list, then I think you should consider staying in Midigama.
Which is Better, Weligama or Mirissa?
Both locations have their unique charm so ultimately it depends on your preferences. Weligama is great for surfing and can offer a great balance between a laid-back atmosphere and nightlife, whereas Mirissa is better for beaches and nightlife. I personally prefer Weligama much better. But don’t forget that Weligama and Mirissa are only 8km away from one another, so you could easily travel between both and enjoy the best of what they have to offer.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Weligama?
The best time to visit Weligama is from November to April when the weather is dry and ideal for beach activities and surfing.
How Long to Spend in Weligama?
In my opinion, a stay of 3-5 days is ideal for exploring Weligama and its surroundings. This time will allow you to go surfing, relax on the beach, and take day trips.
We loved Weligama so much that after visiting it as a day trip from Mirissa first, we then booked a few nights in Weligama for New Year’s. We then continued our Sri Lanka trip and finally hired a taxi to drive us all the way from Kandy back to Weligama to spend our last two weeks of the trip enjoying the waves, beaches, and everything else that Weligama has to offer.
How to Get to Weligama?
You can easily get to Weligama by train or bus from Colombo. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi or rent a car for a more comfortable (but pricier) journey.
How to Get Around Weligama?
Renting a scooter is the best way to explore Weligama and its surrounding areas independently and at your own pace. Tuk-tuks are also available around time, and you can negotiate longer-distance trips to some of Weligama’s surrounding attractions as well.
I hope that this article gives you a good overview of all the best things to do in Weligama. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Thank you for reading,
Bilyana