Location: Aluthgama
Top Things to do in Aluthgama
Countries
10 Things to Do in Aluthgama That You Shouldn't Miss
Aluthgama is a coastal town in Kalutara District in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is approximately 63.5 kilometres (39.5 mi) south of Colombo and 68 kilometres (42 mi) north of Galle. Aluthgama is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota Ganga (River) mouth.
Restaurants in Aluthgama
1. Kande Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Kumi M - an airport somewhere!
After a long day of sightseeing down along the southern coast, we were ready to head back to our resort on the beach. However our driver asked if we were interested in stopping here. And I'm really happy he did in the end. I had looked this place up before our trip and yet I totally forgot about it for some reason (and it's only a few minutes from where we're staying too). It was one of the spots that I didn't want to miss. If you're just passing through the area it's not far from the Colombo-Galle main road.
The entrance way takes you up a hill (via tuk tuk) along a short road with short carved walls featuring the Korawak Gal (These area also on the steps leading up to the hill).
We were greeted by a fat and loud chicken - most likely overjoyed that he wasn't on someone's plate. (Other chickens and animals on the grounds have found sanctuary here).
We made a bee-line directly to the front of the statue. This Samadhi Buddha is enormous and one of the tallest sitting statues in the world. The light colors on Buddha stood out against the crisp blue afternoon sky and looked wonderful. (I'm posting photos).
Don't forget to take your shoes off. We arrived close to 5 in the afternoon so the stones were warm - almost comforting. (There are some stray dogs so watch out for poop).
Since we did not take the stairs up, we did not get to see the Thorana.
After staring at the giant statue and checking out the stair case with the awesome Makara Korawakgala, I decided to walk around the bottom instead of up the stairs between the marble lions.
The outside of the chamber below Buddha is lined with life-size figures of the kings of Sri Lanka including King Devanampiya Tissa - he was the man in charge when Buddhism came to Sri Lanka.
Upon entering the image chamber I got another second wind. The air was nice and cool and the sight is impressive. Stairs leading up and down take you to different sections of the room. It's dark and yet the frescoes inside are so vibrant. Here you can see the Jataka tales that show Buddha in previous births teaching lessons while in various forms (man, animal, god, etc.) There are so many paintings inside, I wish there was a guide available to explain each one. This room is really peaceful. There were a couple of ladies sitting on the stairs talking quietly and discussing the images. I wish I could've understood what they were saying. Take your time and look at the art as well as the room as a whole.
I think my group was done for the day. So I did not get to see the relic chamber, Bo tree (supposed to be 300+ years old!) or Devala. I kind of think I should've gone back for a second visit however there's another week of ancient places to visit yet to come!
This is a working temple and place of worship. It is also free of charge. You can make a donation if you'd like. It was not crowded when we arrived and non-worshipers were welcome too.
This could easily be a fast visit if you've got things to do or an extended one if you really want to look at the details and learn a bit more.
2. Bentota Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By fsillery - Birmingham, United Kingdom
A most beautiful beach which seems to go on for miles. After going into the sea in the UK and the water being cold it is refreshing just to walk in and the water is warm.I will miss this outstanding beach.
3. Beruwala Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By Kusal D
Actually this beach is so long and pretty, you can walk,you can surf,you can swim,you can eat seafood,you can try helicopters,you can get spa ,(light house ?,river Safaris ,lagoon ,fresh seafood,Bref garden,fishing,tours,jet ski )every thing all have
4. Sri Lanka Touren
Overall Ratings
5 based on 47 reviews
Guided day or multi-day tours to Sri Lanka to individual requirements with a qualified guide. Whether Safari in National Park, Temple tours or boat trips, for everyone.
Reviewed By Brendan J
My family and I had wonderful time with Anura. We particularly enjoyed our time in the car taking in all the new sites and chatting about the local culture. In comparison to another tour guide we had used previously Anura was clearly a great find. He has clean comfortable car and demonstrated his honest pricing when he offered a refund due to the changing itinerary of the trip.
Many thanks Anura, we hope to see you again!
5. Dara Gems & Jewellery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
For all your happy moments in life jewelry to symbolize eternal love, weddings, birthdays in your own taste come and see JEWELLERS FOR OVER 35 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED EXPERIENCE TO SATISFY YOUR NEEDS!!! + price range according to your requirements we serve you to cater to your need and your own budget + step in to see the beauty of the natural gems of Sri Lanka + we manufacture your jewllery as a valuable souvenir for life time
Reviewed By rehana h - cape town
Just returned from Dara Jewelers. Very helpful staff. Bought very fine silver jewelry at a good price. I needed to extend my chain and it was done on the premises. I highly recommend this store. Also staff communicated well in the English language.Thank you very much !! It's a pleasure for us to meet such a wonderful people!! We are always at your service!! Hope to see you again!! Keep in touch!! Thank you !!
6. Takeoff Surfclub
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
7. Lunuganga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By EuropeanDiversity - Cologne, Germany
The private parks of upper-class family estates can have something snobbish or can be over-designed, at times. This could have happened to Lunuganga as well if this magic piece of landscape had not converted his owner into a nature-loving architect. Geoffroy Bawa was a lawyer when he bought the estate and is said to have discovered his passion for design, nature and architecture here (and at his brother’s estate, Brief garden). Over decades, Bawa has developed this park into a holistic piece of landscape and architectural art, where he also experimented with shapes and materials that he then applied in some of his buildings (many in Colombo, and a few nearby in Bentota). Walking around the park will offer many discoveries including small sitting areas, ponds, terraces, stairs or platforms. However, not any part feels artificial or misplaced. Even some of his quite particular shapes seem to mimic some of the unique shapes and shades of nature around.
We had the pleasure of staying at the Lunuganga boutique hotel which allowed us to visit the park quietly, excessively and at different times of the day. It has an atmosphere that is hard to describe for it is obviously different from a typical park (this is more subtly designed) and also different from pure nature (this is more shaped than a wild garden would be).
The remains of some of Bawa’s work are still so visible that it feels as if he might have still worked here a few years back. It was very encouraging to hear that they plan to develop the estate further and also reduce public visits. Both is likely to continue the amazing work that was going on here for a number of decades.
8. Brief Garden - Bevis Bawa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 437 reviews
Reviewed By Clefsdor_65 - Vienna, Austria
We enjoyed visiting this beautiful property together with the history of this Aristocrratic Family in the Times of the British colony. A great artist and architect of Gardens design. Definitely recommendable. Pity that the foundations of Sri Lanka do not invest to keep it nicer. Renovations works are needed because it is falling a liitle bit apart in the Gardens.
9. Sea Turtle Protection Association
Overall Ratings
4 based on 842 reviews
Reviewed By Prabit M - Bengaluru, India
The team is doing a good job of helping turtles survive. Holding a turtle and releasing it in the sea is an experience.
They have multiple rate cards though. It will be good to travel there with a localites as they can get good ticket rates. It felt ok to donate for a cause, but felt odd that they charged twice the amount for entry.
10. Guide in Sri Lanka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Friends, my name is Rathu. I'm a Russian, English and German speaking guide on Sri Lanka. I am a certified guide with the right to conduct tours on Sri Lanka and has more than 12 years working with Russian tourists. My wife is Russian, her name is Olga. Together we organize excursions. She will answer your questions and help with the route and the decision of other organizational issues. As we work on a few guides who can speak English, Russian and German. Thus, we can organize a tour at any time convenient for you.
TAGS
