{"id":3637,"date":"2019-06-27T14:13:39","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T14:13:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/?page_id=3637"},"modified":"2019-06-27T14:13:39","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T14:13:39","slug":"weligama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/sri-lanka\/where-to-stay\/weligama\/","title":{"rendered":"Weligama Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

The seaside town of Weligama can be found on the south coast of Sri Lanka, not far from Mirissa. This sleepy town may be small, but there are several key points of interest in the area that are definitely worth visiting for. The historical and cultural sites around Weligama are delightfully diverse, with each telling its own story of Sri Lanka. Learn more about Sri Lanka\u2019s wildlife at the snake farm, the ancient history of Weligama at the Kushtarajagala Statue and the production process of one of the country\u2019s key exports at the Handunugoda Tea Estate. Weligama is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf. The conditions at Weligama beach are ideal for learning the basics and there are plenty of surf schools in town!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Price<\/th>\nGood for<\/th>\nAirport<\/th>\nKids<\/th>\nCulture<\/th>\nBeaches<\/th>\nDining<\/th>\nNightlife<\/th>\nSurf<\/th>\nSafari<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
$$<\/span><\/td>\nBeaches, surfing, culture<\/td>\n91 miles<\/td>\n* ** *\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n* **<\/span><\/td>\n*\u00a0** *<\/span><\/td>\n** *\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n*\u00a0*\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n****<\/span><\/td>\n* *\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What\u2019s Weligama known for?<\/h2>\n

Weligama is best-known for its beach, where surf conditions are just perfect for beginners. The gentle swell, sandy bottom, and shallow waters make the place ideal for learning the basics, and there are several surf schools in town. Aside from the swell, there are several sites of cultural, historical and educational interest nearby. Take a short taxi ride out of town and you\u2019ll find tea plantations, snake farms and ancient statues, all of which are fantastic places to learn more about Sri Lanka!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Who should go to Weligama?<\/h2>\n

Weligama\u2019s sandy beach and small waves make the spot a go-to for families and beginner surfers in Sri Lanka. Those interested in historical artifacts and the production of Sri Lanka\u2019s famous tea shouldn\u2019t miss out, either!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Surfers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  • Families<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  • Backpackers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    When should you go to Weligama?<\/h2>\n

    For the best weather<\/h5>\n

    As with the rest of Sri Lanka, the weather in Weligama is warm throughout the year. Temperatures average between 26 – 28 C (79 – 82 F) no matter what months it is; however, rainfall in the region varies significantly. Visit during the dry months of <\/span>January, February, March, July, August, <\/b>and <\/span>September <\/b>for your best chance of sunny skies!<\/span><\/p>\n

    To beat the crowds<\/h5>\n

    The holiday months of July and August are Weligama\u2019s busiest, with many people arriving on summer vacation. Get the best of this small town by visiting in <\/span>February, March, April, June <\/b>or <\/span>September, <\/b>when the crowds are considerably thinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

    For the best surf<\/h5>\n

    To get the best of the surf in Weligama, head over between\u00a0October\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0April\u00a0<\/strong>for optimal conditions.<\/p>\n

    Things to see and do in Weligama<\/h2>\n
    Kushtarajagala Statue<\/h5>\n

    This ancient stone carving in Weligama in a must-see in town and has a fascinating history to boot. The exact origin of this intricate, larger-than-life stone sculpture is unknown, but it is thought to have been carved between the 7-9th century. The <\/span>Kushtarajagala statue<\/span><\/a> was built in honour of an ancient king, who arrived in the Weligama Bay suffering from a severe skin disease. He was successfully treated in the town and the image was subsequently carved to celibrate his recovery. This fascinating historical artifact is impressive to see and even more so to learn about, so make sure you check it out while in Weligama!<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"The
    The ancient Kushtarajagala Statue has a fascinating history!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    Learn to surf<\/h5>\n

    Have you always wanted to learn to surf? The sandy bottom, gentle swell and small waves of Weligama Bay make it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to discover a passion for the ocean! The beach is dotted with <\/span>surf schools<\/span><\/a>, all offering beginner lessons and surf courses. This is the perfect place to learn the basics and catch your first wave, before graduating to the more powerful swell in nearby Mirissa.<\/span><\/p>\n