At the southernmost point of Sri Lanka is the cozy resort of Ahangama. Here come to rest those who are tired of the city noise and dream of waking up in the morning from the singing of birds. For the silence and measured way of life, tourists called this place a large village. there are no noisy parties, the picturesque beach is so wide that it seems deserted even during the high season.
Surfers from all over the world like to come here. For locals, surfers are an important part of their financial well-being. For water sports enthusiasts, every effort is made to ensure that they return every season. For example, several surf schools have been established on the shore. Hotels provide excellent conditions for accommodation for a relatively low fee.
Ahangama is located between the two major administrative centers of the southern province – Galle and Matara. Not far from Mirissa, where people come to see the migration of blue whales. Since the end of October, dry and warm weather has been established on the coast. The season lasts until April, then the rains begin. From December to March, the winds subside, the ocean waves become quieter, the water becomes transparent. This is the best time for diving.
The proximity to major historical centers makes Ahangamu attractive for travelers exploring the island. They will not be bored exploring the local attractions. Hotels that provide high-class service are engaged in the organization of excursions. Guesthouses of the rank below will help to rent a scooter or bicycle, will tell you the route. A brief overview shows the places that you can visit on your own, using the navigator.
Museum of Wood Carvings
From time immemorial, a lot of wood products were produced on the island. Today it is a thriving business of craftsmen to make traditional carved souvenirs, national Sri Lankan masks and furniture. Manual work. Masters skillfully own the tools, from under which amazing works of artisanal art appear. This is painstaking work that requires patience, perseverance and a “well-stuffed hand”. While the wizard is stuffing the drawing, the process seems familiar. After all, carved products are made all over the world.
The most interesting begins after the product is chiseled and polished. Its coloring begins, and here all the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan carving is revealed. Covering the surface with a variety of dyes, the masters highlight the parts that are important in their opinion, make color accents. Figures of elephants begin to come to life, and tables, chairs and other furniture “ask” for some interior. All this splendor is presented in the Museum of Carved Wood products in Ahangama. The exhibition consists of intricate figurines of elephants, Sri Lankan musicians, fakirs, ritual masks and many other interesting things.
Address: Aliwadapala, Kaludiyawaththa Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kumarawoodcarvingssl/
Yakinige Duuwa Island
Yakinige Duuva is a small rocky islet off the coast of Midigama. The reef isthmus connecting rock island to the mainland is a popular snorkeling destination. Surfers also frequent the islet. From here it is convenient to catch the waves. But it is worth remembering that all spots are reef, and they do not forgive mistakes. On the shore there is a small unnamed beach. It is not landscaped, there are no cafes and grocery stores, so food and water should be brought with you.
The distance between Ahangama and Midigama is 3.5 km. You can ride a tuk-tuk, scooter or in 40 minutes walk along the shore.
The infrastructure of both villages is completely focused on surfers: good and inexpensive hotels, restaurants with affordable prices, surf camps and yoga. Renting a board will cost from 200 to 500 rupees, an individual lesson – from 2 to 3 thousand rupees. Surf camps include yoga sessions, Ayurveda, recreational activities on the beach, such as a fire show, beach barbecue or party. If you choose where to stay. then Ahangama hotels are considered the best on the coast.
Lake Kogalla
5 km from the village is the largest lake in Sri Lanka – Kogalla. It is located near the beach of the same name on the ocean coast with white sand. This is one of the cleanest ecological places on Earth. Several dozen species of fish live in brackish water. In the roots of mangroves covering the shores, crustaceans, oysters live. During a boat trip, you can meet a peacefully passing monitor lizard or notice a crocodile looking for prey.
There are several islands on the lake, some of which are included in the excursion. Madol Duva became the place where the events of the novel of the classic of Sri Lankan literature Martin Wickremesinghe unfold. He was captivated by the beauty of the island and decided to immortalize its description in his work. On a Buddhist island, tourists visit the temple and get acquainted with the religious past of the southern coast of Sri Lanka. On the island of cinnamon – immersed in the study of the rules of growing spices, its processing and use. The owners keep a shop. in which you can buy sticks and powder of cinnamon, coconut oil for massage.
Returning to the pier, tourists must visit Bird Island. Later in the evening, eagles return here from hunting. They circle over their nests, performing a mandatory daily ritual. The last stop is planned on the island of spices. Here travelers will find a story about the secrets of Ayurveda, a pleasant “fish” foot massage, pharmacy kiosks selling ointments, herbs, teas and other medicines of traditional medicine.
Traditional Sri Lankan fishing beach
Another attraction of Ahangama are the local fishermen. They have a whole beach at their service, where they demonstrate the art of fishing sitting on stilts, and also offer vacationers a fishing tour. For a fee, a separate pole is provided, driven near the shore, a fishing rod and bait. Big fish can’t be caught here. Because it’s just not near the shore. For a slightly higher fee, local fishermen can take a tourist with them on night fishing in the open ocean. To do this, they have catamarans with motors, boats and boats. In the morning, the team returns to shore. A tourist with his part of the catch goes to bed, and fishermen go to sell the prey in the local market.
Both options are in demand among vacationers. Numerous lovers of the exotic can be seen sitting on poles. They rush here, like schools of fish, from the end of November to April, until the ocean is calm and there are no torrential rains. Near the shore you can catch small fish, if you are lucky, then small tuna or swordfish. For a heavier catch, it is better to go to the open ocean. Off the coast of Sri Lanka, in addition to tuna, there are barracuda and malad. A separate fishery is the extraction of shrimp. The entire catch will help to cut and cook the hotel’s chefs. In their kitchens there is always a brazier, if the owners did not provide a barbecue area.
Ahangama Tea Plantation
If you can buy fish at the local market. vegetables, fruits and Asian sweets, then for real Ceylon tea it is worth going to the vicinity of Ahangama and visiting a tea plantation. Handunugoda Tea Estate is a family business for the cultivation and production of tea, cinnamon, coconut and rubber. The land occupies 150 acres of land, 75 acres of which are given to tea bushes. The business owner Malinga is the sole owner and has been running the farm for over 45 years.
He bought this place, where a tea factory was built in the days of the British colonialists. He modernized some areas of production, and left some as it was. Surprisingly, one of the machines, which is already more than 140 years old, is still in working order. The factory works around the clock, but excursions are held only in the daytime. It produces the famous Virgin White Tea, which was awarded the prize at the exhibition in Cologne as the “Most Innovative Tea”. The uniqueness of the technology of its production lies in the fact that its leaves have never been touched by a human hand.
The factory is not a mass producer, so it sells teas only here and through online supplies. After the tour, guests will enjoy a tea party with delicious pastries. In the store you can buy tea (the average cost of a pack of 600 rupees), spices, cinnamon, coconut oil and other locally produced products.
Address: Handunugoda Tea Factory,Handunugoda rd , Southern Province 10120 Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Website: https://hermanteas.com/
Coconut Tree Hill
23 kilometers from Ahangama is another popular tourist village Mirissa. On a tuku-tuk you can get to it to watch the migration of blue whales. The nature show runs from November to April. In summer, whales do not swim here, and the ocean usually storms during this period. A boat trip through the ocean expanses in search of worthy photos of whales usually takes from 5 to 7 hours. The boat returns to the harbor in the late afternoon (departs at 6-7 am). On the ship, they feed, give water, but after a walk you do not always want to return to your hotels. People usually stay in Mirissa for a few more hours and then go back to Ahangama.
Here on the shore there is one natural object that amazes with its beauty. It is a hill with coconut palms. It is a 15-minute walk from the village centre, on the very edge of the beach. People come here to take pictures in unique scenery created by nature itself, to admire the sunset, to feel all the delights of the subequatorial climate. If you are too lazy to go, you can hire a tuk-tuk. The coconut palm hill in Mirissa has become a popular destination for photos thanks to Instagram. The huge number of palm trees that stand on the edge of this cliff is amazing. The cliff also offers views of the ocean, so a perfect backdrop is guaranteed at any point. You can go here specifically for a photo shoot, if you have free time.
Address: Mirissa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Sea turtle incubator in Kogalla
Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is a non-profit organization that is created to support and survive sea turtles, safely emerging their next generations. “Turtle Farm” is located in the suburb of Koggala Habaraduuve (7 km from Ahangama), on the territory of a wild beach. The center was opened in 2010, and since then the staff has released more than 100 thousand turtles into the ocean. The tour takes 1 hour, payment is made in rupees. The entrance fee is 500 rupees, the right to release turtles into the ocean is 1500 rupees. The staff of the organization has Russian-speaking guides.
In addition to clutches, the farm contains adult turtles in trouble. They are brought here wounded and hungry. Employees nurse the individuals, and then release them into the wild. Small turtles after birth spend several days in special tanks. When they are a little stronger, they are released into the ocean. After 30 years, they return to their native beach to make their own masonry and continue the genus.
Address: Habaraduwa, Kogalla, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Website: https://www.facebook.com/koggalaseaturtle/
The surroundings of Ahangama are interesting for exploring and learning about the local nature and traditional culture. In your free time after sightseeing, you can book a massage or aromatherapy, do yoga or meditation, visit the restaurant of classic Sri Lankan cuisine. The resort provides a lot of opportunities for a family holiday with children. Travelers highly appreciated the level of hospitality of the local population. For many of them, returning to Ahangama has become common for vacations.
Attractions Ahangama on map
