Home » Things to do and see » River Safari in Polwatta

Polwatta river is located in the south of Sri Lanka in Weligama area. It opens to the Indian Ocean from Polwathumodara estuary is a very wide and a beautiful estuary in Sri Lanka. Treat yourself to a laid-back Polwatta River boat ride and immerse yourself in the scenic wonder of the southern coast. The tranquil river is flanked by lush mangroves abound with various species of birds and reptiles.

The water of the river is dotted with small islands and the banks are all covered with lush mangrove forests that are home to dozens of incredible animal species. Enjoy hundreds of vibrant tropical birds and a few crocodiles if you’re lucky enough. These creatures are pretty rare and don’t like crowds. You will also observe some authentic fish hunting.

Boat riders will take you from busy ocean atmosphere into a labyrinth of mangrove forests and exotic plants. There you will see hundreds of beautiful birds including Crimson-fronted barbet, wood peckers, king fishers, Black-hooded oriole and many, many others. A fish breeding center is located in the middle of the river offering an insight into the breeding cycle of local fish species. Polwatta river is a fragile ecosystem that is home to many rare animal species. it’s a real treasure trove for ecologists and biologists.

Fisherman in Polwatta river	Polwatta river in Pelena, Weligama
Polwatta river safari in Weligama

Eco system around Polwatta river

The Polwatta river flows through a terrain where it creates a small number of islands, and the eco system creates a beautiful wetland. A boat safari is a wonderful way of seeing some of the hundreds of species of plants and animals monkeys eat fruit in the trees, a water monitor lizard glides slowly through the water, and cormorants, crocodile’s egrets and kingfishers wait patiently on the banks, eyeing the water for prey.

King Fisher near river banks

Birds in river banks, Polwatta

How to get in to a river safari boat in Weligama?

There are several places where the boat rides can be arranged. Main docking areas situated in Polwathumodara mini harbor, Polwatta bridge, Denipitiya Bridge. Sometimes most of the river safari can be arrange without prior booking. Which means if you could visit the docking place and see the boat service providers and ask how much they hire for one hour boat tour. Please note that take your own safety precautions try to ride boat with life jackets. If you stop your tuk tuk or scooter in the docking area it advisable to keep them in your lodge and come back by walking. Sometimes arrangements of the boat safari will start on demand it means it has to be prior booking or scheduling. Therefore, you can easily contact your local tour operator or the hotel owner to arrange on behalf of for you.


Note: Below map shows the possible starting points where river safari can be start and arrange. There is no guarantee that persons always available for the boat ride therefore please do prior contact and bookings for your own boat rides.

Possible locations to take boat for river safari in Weligama:

Boat service providers with accommodations

Several hotels and and villas provide river safari facility. Hotels near Polwathumodara estuary like  Mandara Resort, Twenty-Two Weligambay, Backpackers Weligama bay, Villa sea open space, Relax Beach Resort, Jagabay Resort & Restaurant, Weligama Bay Eco Villa, Aussie Swiss Beach Resort provides boat facility. And some of villas and lodges are located near riverbanks has their own canoeing and boat facilities to explore Polwatta river with your own. They are Third Eye, The Leaf, Luvi Lucas River Side, Skywalker Guest House, River View Villa, Pelli Riverine, O2 Villas - Weligama, Green Orange Villa.

Boat service provide by river side Villas

River bank view from Villa's

More fun in Polwatta river?

More fun in Polwatta river why not try Paramotor (Paraglider) on Polwatta river area with Skywalker Guest House or Crocodile safari in Nilwala river in Polhena, Matara.

Paramotor sessions by Skywalker in Polwatta river

Paraglider sessions by Skywalker in Weligama

Home » Things to do and see » Fisheries Harbour Weligama

Fisheries harbour in Weligama situated in Kapparathota area is and can be easily seen as you are coming into the Weligama from Colombo (not in the expressway though). This is also known as Kapparathota anchorage. The difference in tides means some days you see enormous small fishing boats and yachts docked in the bay, and sometimes you see fishermen waist deep in water, off the shore for boat docking purpose. And place is a very organized harbour, dedicated for local fishing community.

The coastline of Weligama is rich and diverse in seafood resources. The Kapparathota Fisheries Harbour in Weligama was established and managed by the local fishing community. It has been designed for berthing and landing about 100 vessels, including deep-sea fishing vessels. The  jetty complex is built on sea area for docking the boats. Fisheries harbour also had a separate market place where fish will be on auction and selling.

This is Fisheries harbour Weligama where hundreds of colourful fishing boats anchor and sell the night’s catch of fresh fish from the Indian Ocean, at the Fish Market to wholesale and individual buyers each morning. Travelers can easily visit this place via walking. It is located nearby the road. And see how the local fishing market works and how the local fishing culture of Weligama area. Morning hours like 06:00 - 08:00 mostly the fish auction and fish market operated daily. And other times its mainly used for anchorage purposes.

Aerial view of the fisheries harbour provide magnificent view where hundred of boats scattered around the jetty of Weligama bay area.

It is located nearby the Galle road. And you can enter without any prior permission. And no need to pay entrance fee. But be careful when the morning hours where people rush around here and there you need to give priority for them to do their business. And simply 10 minutes walk will reach you TO Fisheries Harbour from Weligama town.

Home » Things to do and see » Taprobane Island | Ganduwa Island

"An impossibly romantic island villa eccentrically accessible only by wading through the sea"

Taprobane Island is the only privately owned island in Sri Lanka which is situated in Weligama coast. Taprobane was built in the 1920's by the eccentric English Count de Mauny as his dream home. The island, has played host to kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, aristocracy, writers and eccentrics, giving it a very colorful history. This villa build in palladio style and located highest point of the 2 acre island with sweeping views of the Weligama bay.

The house itself is planned around a central hexagonal hall and surrounded by large verandahs and terraces, it is a fantasy experience in outdoor living; perfect for honeymooners, families and anyone wanting to experience island life. The house has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, huge verandahs and balconies and many a secluded spot to get lost in. There are 2 houseboys, a steward, chef, gardener and 2 uniformed security guards. Taprobane villa has a stunning infinity pool, seawater rockpool, shaded verandahs, boogie boards, board games and tropical garden.

In-front of Taprobane Island Weligama

Facilities in the Taprobane Island

With a staff of five to cater to your every need, the fantasy of this 2.5 acre island can be enjoyed all to yourself with no disruptions or disturbances, completely sealed from the outside world. Only accessible by wading through the slow-moving surf, the statuesque neo-Palladian mansion of Taprobane is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens which enjoy 360 degree ocean views.

The octagonal shape of the main house allows for the appreciation of the panorama of every angle from the wraparound verandas. Rooms revolve outwards from a grand central space characterized by a 30m high-domed roof, and its open plan design allows for the cool flow of air. The main house features comfortable living areas and three suites, while two more are located on a lower level of the house. Taprobane sleeps 10 people comfortably in its five en-suite bedrooms: 4 doubles and 1 twin, which can be rented by the room or in its entirety, with its cool white terrazzo floors and high wooden ceilings has 5 spacious en-suite bedrooms each with sea views. Light and airy living areas and shaded terraces and verandahs provide many a secluded spot to sunbathe, paint or read.

At Taprobane Island you have your own private chef to provide you with delicious tropical cuisine built around the freshest of local ingredients. Meals are predominantly seafood with an Asian influence, but our chefs are also brilliant at creating mouthwatering Sri Lankan curries and hoppers for which Sri Lankan cuisine is known. After discussing your menu requirements for the day, your chef and his staff will procure the food from local markets and local fisherman who have hauled in their catch overnight.

A highlight of living on Taprobane is that every angle of the island affords a unique view over Weligama Bay, and the Indian Ocean. Breakfast, lunch, cocktails, dinner and late night star gazing presents a dizzying array of gorgeous views. Whether it's cocktail hour, lunch time or dinner time, our staff will ensure that each location is memorable & unique.

Travelers can witness this Mansion by walking from Weligama city. It is located in-front of Weligama Bay hotel. You can easily walk down from Weligama surf center. You do not need book the villa to see it. It is openly available but you can not enter without a prior booking. Never mind you can see around.

Home » Beaches near Weligama » Weligama Beach

"Lovely beach with a view of the sunset, great for surf beginners"

Weligama beach is a serene and tranquil beach retreat in Sri Lanka boasting stunning natural scenery, deserted beaches, fantastic surf breaks and amazing seafood restaurants. And it is a very touristy beach. Which is just full of beach culture. This beach is for those who want to surf, relax or soak up the local atmosphere. There are learn to surf schools and surfboard hire shops every where you look. Just like other Sri Lankan coastal cities, it is also filled with beaches that enhance its beauty a lot more than before. Its beaches are half occupied with fishermen who are busy fishing and boating. A little way away from the beaches, villages are filled with busy people working day and night to make a fortune, Schools that give surfing lessons can be seen at the ends of the beaches. It’s such a pleasant sight to witness. It has attractive beaches that are ideal for surfing. Along the beaches, there are resort open for people who want to stay alongside the beautiful scenario.

Weligama beach is an interesting blend of lively fishing town and beach resort. The sprawling main settlement and coastal road is somewhat scruffy and not that easy on the eye, but you'll find the sandy beach is attractive once you're away from the main section; there's a couple of cove beaches west of the centre. At the east end of the beach, there's an enormous new concrete Marriott hotel, which towers over the surrounding buildings and looks completely out of place.

The beach has amazingly soft shaft and generally very clean and safe for locals and foreigners alike. The waves aren’t too harsh that the even your kids too enjoyed it. Clean blue sea with steady waves. It is a surfer’s paradise with plenty of shops around to help you learn surfing. For others who just want to enjoy the sea, it offers plenty of opportunities as well. There are plenty of vegetarian eateries to choose from and if you’re into yoga this is the place to be. It is a very picturesque beach.

Weligama beach is a nice clean area which allows for easy swimming and is popular with surfers. And beach is a heaven for beginners/intermediate surfers, perfect for long boarding and training and learning since the waves seldom is higher than 4 ft and comes quite slowly. And thanks to the conditions the bay is packed with surf schools and surf hotels and as a result of that the water is sometimes overcrowded.

It has become is one of the most reliable surf destinations in the Indian Ocean with several famous surf points in walking distance for an advanced surfer. Weligama beach is probably the largest surf bay on the south east of the island. It’s a shallow sand reef which make it safe although the waves are moving quite a bit.

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Weligama is a popular coastal town in Sri Lanka. Located on the southern part of the island nation. The area of this place is approximately 144 kilometers at the south of the capital city, Colombo. The name Weligama means “the sandy village”; this is even home to the sandy sweep bay. Weligama has many hotels, restaurants, and eateries have been established here for the travelers comfort. The inhabitants of this region are extremely kind-hearten and welcoming. Their welcoming nature will make you feel at home and thus your Weligama visit is sure to become a memorable experience.

Out of the many things to do in Weligama, you may choose to involve yourself according to your choice and prepare a list for the same. Apart from assessing the scenic beauty and sandy beaches of this region, you can delve into many activities during your Sri Lankan trip. Being home to several beaches, Weligama has become the perfect place for fishing, surfing, and many other water sports activities. It has many reliable surf destinations that are at a walking distance from several hotels. Beginners can obtain the surfing lessons here at an affordable price. More than this, there are some other things to do in Weligama, Sri Lanka that are enlisted below.

Our number one in the list is Weligama beach. Weligama beach is a serene and tranquil beach retreat in Sri Lanka boasting stunning natural scenery, deserted beaches, fantastic surf breaks and amazing seafood restaurants. And it is a very touristy beach. Which is just full of beach culture. This beach is for those who want to surf, relax or soak up the local atmosphere. There are learn to surf schools and surfboard hire shops every where you look. Just like other Sri Lankan coastal cities, it is also filled with beaches that enhance its beauty a lot more than before. Its beaches are half occupied with fishermen who are busy fishing and boating. A little way away from the beaches, villages are filled with busy people working day and night to make a fortune, Schools that give surfing lessons can be seen at the ends of the beaches. You can get more details of Weligama beach from here.

Weligama is home to many popular surfing points. Some of them are the perfect options for the beginners while the rest are preferred for the experienced surfers. Some popular beach surfing points here include Beach Break, Reef Brakes Ram’s Point, Plantation Point, and Two Secret Point. If you are a beginner, you must get surfing lessons from the professionals first. You can plan your surfing tourism with family and friends. After surfing, indulge yourself in tasting some seafood in some of the finest restaurants and eateries located in various parts of the Weligama city. You can get more details of surfing in Weligama from here.

Weligama is extremely popular for scuba diving for many reasons; it’s cheap, it offers rare and unique species sightings, the top-side beauty is amazing, the culture fascinating, the beaches pristine, and the list goes on. From experienced divers to brand new, this is the place. Want to learn to dive, or simply to upgrade your skills? Weligama is a great place to achieve your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate. This should be helpful to the visitor who has never dived before and has some curiosity about seeing coral and fish in tropical water. Diving day trips from Kapparathota operate throughout the year. Both beginners and experienced divers will appreciate the underwater scenery at Weligama beach. You can get more details of scuba diving in Weligama from here.

Taprobane Island is the only privately owned island in Sri Lanka which is situated in Weligama coast. Taprobane was built in the 1920's. This villa build in palladio style and located highest point of the 2 acre island with sweeping views of the Weligama bay. Travelers can witness this Mansion by walking from Weligama city. It is located in-front of Weligama Bay hotel. You can easily walk down from Weligama surf center. You do not need book the villa to see it. It is openly available but you can not enter without a prior booking. Never mind you can see around. You can get more details of Taprobane Island from here.

Kushtarajagala statue is one of the popular tourist attractions of Weligama in Sri Lanka. Situated on the old main road, this statue is just 2 kilometer away from the Weligama town. This statue is believed to exist from the period of 7-9th centuries. Being one of the oldest statues of the Mahayanist Buddhism in Sri Lanka, this greater-than-life statue had been made from the solid rock. You can get more details of Kushtarajagala statue from here.

A trip to Weligama is not really complete without visiting at least one temple. There are huge number of temples around Weligama area. The temples are scattered around Weligama town area, so it’ll take you a whole day to visit the main ones. Even though it’s impossible to visit them all, a few of them are really worth the time and effort. Plus, many of them are close to each other, so you can visit several in one day. It would be easy to simply temple-hop in the Weligama town. You can get more details of temples around Weligama area from here.

There are very few places of Sri Lanka where snakes kept for demonstration. In near to Weligama city there is one farm called Telijjawila village. A rural village near Weligama. The owner of the farm is an Ayurveda doctor with indigenous knowledge. In here visitors can witness many endemic venomous and non-venomous snakes. Telijjawila Snake farm is a great place to visit if you happen to be in the Weligama area. It is a pretty amazing place with great history. You can get more details of Telijjawila Snake farm from here.

People from across the world keep flocking to Sri Lanka and ensure they visit to the city of Weligama to experience the thrill of watching worlds largest Mammal : the Blue Whale. In addition to this, you also get to watch several other species of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat during the sunsets. Although you can see such rare water animals round the year, the time period between October to April is considered an ideal time for that. You can get more details of temples around Weligama area from here.

Sri Lanka being a tropical island is the ideal location to enjoy a number of water sports including Sailing which has clearly become part and parcel of the many leisure activities enjoyed by locals and
tourists. In Weligama Bay travelers can experience epic yacht sailing over Indian ocean. What better way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastal areas in Weligama and Mirissa by Sailing around with friends, family and your better half. You can get more details of temples around Weligama area from here.

Last Updated on: 2019/01/17