{"id":3725,"date":"2019-06-27T13:19:15","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T13:19:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/?page_id=3725"},"modified":"2019-06-27T13:19:15","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T13:19:15","slug":"ambalangoda","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/sri-lanka\/where-to-stay\/ambalangoda\/","title":{"rendered":"Ambalangoda Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ambalangoda Guide<\/h2>\n

Ambalangoda<\/a> is a small, seaside town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The area is best known for its masks and traditional \u2018devil dance\u2019 performances, but there\u2019s plenty to do here besides! The Madu Ganga wetlands are just begging to be explored, and local white-sand beaches for which Sri Lanka is famed are some of the most beautiful in the country. There are a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions in the region, making Ambalangoda the perfect spot for your vacation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why should you visit the southwestern coastal town of Ambalangoda?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\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>\nCulture, beaches, nature, wildlife<\/td>\n28 miles<\/td>\n* **\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n* **<\/span><\/td>\n*\u00a0**<\/span><\/td>\n** *\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\u00a0*\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n*<\/span><\/td>\n**<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Ambalangoda is most famous for its ancient tradition of mask-making, an integral part of traditional Sri Lankan performance and theatre. The Ariyapala Masks Museum is a must-visit in town, as well as the Puppeteers of Lanka – one of the best puppet museums in the country! Ambalangoda is also well-known as the home of Sri Vijayarama Purana Viharaya, a Buddhist temple with the largest collection of wooden Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Cultural attractions aside, the town is famed for its spotless, white-sand beaches where you can relax and soak up the Sri Lankan sunshine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ambalangoda is famed for its ancient tradition of mask-making.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

For the best weather<\/h5>\n

The temperature in Ambalangoda averages 28 – 30 C (82 – 86 F) throughout the year, so you\u2019re guaranteed warm weather whenever you visit. If you want to stay dry during your trip, however, aim to be there during <\/span>January, February, March, June, July <\/b>or <\/span>August. <\/b>These are the \u2018dry season\u2019 months, and see less rainfall than other times of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BsawTAaABkF\/<\/p>\n

To beat the crowds<\/h5>\n

Tourism in Ambalangoda is highest during the months of July, August and December. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip for <\/span>March <\/b>or <\/span>June. <\/b>There are fewer visitors in town at this time of year, but the weather should still be dry and sunny!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The laid-back town of Ambalangoda is very popular among families who love beautiful beaches and local wildlife. Culture-enthusiasts will also enjoy Ambalangoda thanks to the temples and museums in town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Families<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  • Solo travellers<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Groups<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Couples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \"Who
    Would could be more enjoyable than those white sandy beaches away from the crowds and rush?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Things to see and do in Ambalangoda<\/h2>\n

    Take a boat safari along the Madu Ganga (Madu River)<\/h5>\n

    The <\/span>Madu Ganga<\/span><\/a> wetland can be found just a few kilometres from Ambalagoda and is a great place to check out the local wildlife! The mangrove islets that can be seen all along the river are home to a complex and thriving ecosystem, including hundreds of plant, bird and reptile species. In addition, bird watchers will love Madu Ganga\u2019s feathered inhabitants, which include vibrantly-coloured kingfishers and cormorants. Take a boat safari during your time in Ambalangoda to see these and huge monitor lizards, monkeys, snakes and even crocodiles!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Tours of the Madu Ganga often stop at Cinnamon Island, where the locals produce cinnamon sticks and oil. This is a fascinating sp\u00f2t for those interested in learning more about the production of this spice. You can even buy some to take away with you after, for a delicious traditional souvenir from Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/p>\n