Category: Sri Lanka information

  • Dodanduwa Sri Lanka

    Dodanduwa is off the beaten track and provides a restful vacation with great beaches and river adventures.

    Island Hermitage on (Polgasduwa) Dodanduwa Island, Galle District, Sri Lanka is a famous Buddhist forest monastery founded by Ven. Nyanatiloka Mahathera in 1911. It has an excellent English and German library. It is a secluded place for Buddhist monks to study and meditate in the Buddhist tradition.


    Dodanduwa is off the beaten track and provides a restful vacation with great beaches and river adventures.

    Dodanduwa has some awesome beaches and great snorkelling for all levels of adventure. Great beaches and wonderful adventures await travellers and tourists.

    dodanduwa sri lanka

    Island Hermitage on (Polgasduwa) Dodanduwa Island, Galle District, Sri Lanka is a famous Buddhist forest monastery founded by Ven. Nyanatiloka Mahathera in 1911. It has an excellent English and German library. It is a secluded place for Buddhist monks to study and meditate in the Buddhist tradition.

    The Island Hermitage was the first centre of Theravāda Buddhist study and practice set up by and for Westerners. Its many prominent residents, monks and laymen, studied Theravada Buddhism and the Pali language, made translations of Pali scriptures, wrote books on Theravada Buddhism and practiced meditation. The Island Hermitage once formed an essential link with Theravāda Buddhism in the West.

    In 1951 Nyanatiloka moved to the Forest Hermitage in Kandy, then joined by Nyanaponika. Since 2003 the hermitage is run by a group of young Sri Lankan monks.

    Watersports Instructors

    The Sri Lankan Watersports guys will look after you and show you the joys of diving and wakeboarding.

    1470923817154745253021

  • Aluthgama Sri Lanka

    Aluthgama is a coastal town on the northern bank of the Bentota River. It is in the Kalutara District in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is  63 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo and 68 kilometres (42 mi) north of Galle.

     

    Boat trip on Bentota River – Sri Lanka

    The Bentota River has perfect weather every month of the year for watersports and river safaris. Feel the rush of air in your face as you speed along in a jetski or speed boat. Experience the thrill of being towed in an inflatable sofa or donut. Make your instagram and youtube videos as you explore the mangroves by boat, capturing on film the exotic wildlife – baby crocodiles, snakes and parrots – all from the safety of a boat with an experienced boat captain giving an informative and educational tour.

     

    Kande Viharaya Buddhist Temple

     Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha Statue. The Buddha Statue which is 160½ ft tall is constructed in Bhoomi Sparsha Mudra (Calling the Earth to Witness His Enlightenment).

     

    Brief-Gardens

    Brief Gardens is the beautifully preserved house and gardens of the famous landscape architect Bevis Bawa. The house and gardens were developed since 1929. Located on a hillside with excellent views and many sculptures – both by Bevis himself and other artists. The estate was formerly a rubber plantation

     

    Weekly Fair in Aluthgama

    Mondays there is a fair in Aluthgama (Mathugama Road). Large vegetable market and lots of street vendors. 

     

    Beruwala Fishing Harbour

    visit around 6am and watch the fishing boats being unloaded

     

    Tours whilst based in Aluthgama

    Day trips could be:

    Down the coast to Galle with possibility to visit
    – Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
    – Boat Trip on Madu Ganga, Balapitiya
    – Ariyapala Mask Museum, Ambalangoda
    – Batik Factory,Ambalangoda
    – Moonstone Mine, Meetiyagoda. This is one of the very few places in the world where blue gleaming moonstones are found. A number of stores and stalls sell jewellery made with these semi-precious stones.
    – Hikkaduwa. Glass bottom Boat ride on the coral reef and maybe a swim inside the reef. Good place for lunch break (several good restaurants – Refresh is recommended)
    – Galle. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings. Good possibilities for shopping in Galle.

    Sinharaja Forest
    – Sinharaja forest reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forest in Sri Lanka. This forest covers an extent of about 11187 hectares from east to west .The length of the forest is about 21km and width from North to South is about 3.7km. It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978,as representative of tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of it’s International Network of Biosphere reserves. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and lately a world heritage site in 1989.

     

    2-5 day trips could include:

    Elephant Orphanage, Pinnewala
    Kandy. Tooth Temple, Kandy Dance
    Dambulla. Rock Caves Temple
    Sigiriya
    Hill Country (N’Eliya, Haputale, Ella

  • Ambalangoda Sri Lanka

    Ambalangoda is a coastal town located in Galle District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Governed by Ambalangoda Urban Council, the town is famous for its ancient devil masks and devil dancers. It is approximately 107 kilometres (66 mi) south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 13 metres (43 ft) above the sea level.

    Ambalangoda is located on the South-West Cost of Sri Lanka between Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Still a “hidden treasure” when it comes to main stream tourism this town offers a lot when especially for families and those who want to experience the “real” Sri Lanka.

    Ambalangoda is served by Sri Lanka Railways’ Coastal Line. Ambalangoda Railway Station is a major station on the line, and is connected to the major cities Colombo and Galle by rail. It is served by the A2 highway, which runs through the town. Kurundugahahetekma entrance of the E01 expressway is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Ambalangoda and it takes about 45 minutes to travel via the Southern Expressway from Ambalangoda to Kottawa, a suburb of Colombo.

    The town is renowned for the manufacture of wooden masks and puppets. The traditional masks are carved from light Balsa like Kaduru wood (Nux vomica). Kaduru trees grow in the marshy lands bordering paddy fields. The wood is smoke dried for a week in preparation. The hand carved and hand painted masks in traditional dance dramas are both vibrant and colorful. Masks are created for three different types of dancing rituals: ‘Kolam’, which tell mocking stories of traditional Sri Lankan colonial life; ‘Sanni’, or devil dancing masks, used in a type of exorcism ceremony to heal people of persisting illnesses believed to be inflicted by demons; and ‘Raksha’ masks, which are used in festivals and processions. The Naga Raksha (Cobra demon) mask of the ‘Raksha Kolama’ (demon dance), consists of a ferocious face with bulging, popping & staring eyes, a bloodthirsty carnivorous tongue lolling out of wide mouth armoured and armed to the hilt with set of fanglike teeth, all topped by a set of cobra hoods.

    Ambalangoda offers many ECO and adventure experiences ranging from turtle hatcheries to guided nature tours and scenic lake safaris.
    There are some very experienced operators blending natural show trails with environmental friendly concepts and by preserving natural skills.

  • Down South Sri Lanka Weather Climate

    Weather and climate Down South Sri Lanka

    Down South Sri Lanka has a tropical rainforest climate as it lies at the south-west tip of Sri Lanka. Temperatures throughout the year show very little variation, as the weather “down south Sri Lanka” is hot and humid all year round. The average temperature usually sits at around 26°C.

    Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn’t run like clockwork here, and we can always be surprised by the weather in Sri Lanka!

    However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. This is our guide as to when you might like to visit Sri Lanka.

     

    Between January and May the maximum daytime temperature is between 29°C and 31°C, while the night time temperature lies between 22°C and 25°C.

    The wettest period “down south Sri Lanka” is from May to September where a high amount of rainfall is experienced. Monsoons from the Indian Ocean greatly affect the levels of rainfall and humidity.

    temperature down south sri lanka

    Summer

    The summer monsoon brings heavy rains “down south Sri Lanka” and this southwest monsoon affects the city from June until September. During this period, a steady 200mm of rain each month falls.

    Temperatures remain high, with averages of 29C during the summer season. There is consistent sunshine with an average of about 6 hours in a day.

    Winter

    The winter season brings hot, dry conditions “down south Sri Lanka”. It runs from December to March, when the area experiences the northeast monsoon. Temperatures range for 29°C to 31°C and this period is the driest weather of the year, accompanied by 7-8 hours of sunshine each day.

    Rainfall levels during the winter vary from 180mm in December, to around 100mm in January and February. The temperature of the Indian Ocean surrounding “down south Sri Lanka” remains high and enjoyable to swim in.

    rainfall down south sri lanka

    WHEN TO VISIT – QUICK SUMMARY

    BEST TIME

    January – April (Entire Country)
    Mid-July – September (Entire Country)
    February – SeptemberNorth and East)


    MONSOON SEASON

    May – July (South-West Monsoon)
    October – January(North-East Monsoon)


    BEACH SEASON

    January – April (South)
    May – July(East)


    WILDLIFE

    December – April (Bundala National Park – birds)
    (South coast – whales)
    November – April (Kalpitya – dolphins)
    July – September (The Cultural Triangle
    – The Gathering of the Elephants)
    (Yala/Wilpattu – leopards)

  • Good Hotels Locations in Sri Lanka

    Good Hotels Locations in Sri Lanka

    Our selection of really good hotels and great locations in Sri Lanka

    With so many hotels to choose from in Sri Lanka, we make it simple to find a really good hotel where the only surprises will be good ones.

    Where are the best hotels in Sri Lanka? Here is a selection chosen by our experts

    luxury hotels

    boutique hotels

    budget hotels

    Good Sri Lanka hotel deals

    Consult our experts for the reviews and best hotel booking options.

    SBC (3)

    Sri Lanka has something for everyone and a variety of climates are offered by this charming tropical island.

    There are the high and cooler mountains in the central areas where tea and other produce is farmed in outstanding locations with awesome views.

    Surf, diving and water sport activities are available on the east coast and “down south”.

    Sri Lanka has two distinct seasons on either side of the island.

    November to April brings morning offshore winds to the western side, centred around Hikkadua, where beach and reefs dominate.

    May to October brings the same conditions to the east centred around Arugam Bay. Here the occasional reef and a profusion of long, sand points offer relatively unchallenging but consistent waves.

    Sri Lanka provides so much and asks so little. There are many opportunities for tourists, fun seekers and nature lovers alike.

    Use our guides and recommendations to create your perfect holiday or adventure.

  • Project H1

    ?

    This is a great hotel to stay at if you want to be part of the local surf scene and all the benefits of an ocean lifestyle.

    One planet – one mind

    Nothing too fancy – just good clean accommodation in the ideal location.

    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
    ?
  • Featured Good Hotels in Sri Lanka

    This months featured hotel is the “Promod Hotel” in Polhena near Matara

    Hotel Promod Matara

    This is a great hotel to stay at if you want to be part of the local surf scene and all the benefits of an ocean lifestyle.

    One planet – one mind

    Nothing too fancy – just good clean accommodation in the ideal location.

  • About

    About

     


    SBC (3)

    Sri Lanka is a charming tropical island with an opposite east-west monsoon season.

    Sri Lanka has two distinct seasons on either side of the island. November to April brings morning offshore winds to the western side, centred around Hikkadua, where beach and reefs dominate.

    May to October brings the same conditions to the east centred around Arugam Bay. Here the occasional reef and a profusion of long, sand points offer relatively unchallenging but consistent waves.

    The waves here are from the same swells which regularly sweep up the Indian Ocean from the Roaring 40s.

    First surfed by Rusty Miller in 1965, this area is a popular leg of many travellers journeys and as such the surf can be crowded at the most popular spots. Sea temperatures remain steady at about 27ºC or 81ºF year-round.