Top Things to do in Dodanduwa
- 1. NorLanka Travels - Day Tours
- 2. Tsunami Photo Museum
- 3. Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara
- 4. Community Tsunami Museum
- 5. Hikkaduwa Lagoon Safari and Day Fishing Camp
- 6. Tsunami Honganji Vihara
- 7. Water For Elephants
- 8. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
- 9. Galle Fort
- 10. Hikkaduwa Beach
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What to do and see in Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka including NorLanka Travels - Day Tours, Tsunami Photo Museum, Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara, Community Tsunami Museum, Hikkaduwa Lagoon Safari and Day Fishing Camp, Tsunami Honganji Vihara, Water For Elephants, Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, Galle Fort, Hikkaduwa Beach.
Restaurants in Dodanduwa
1. NorLanka Travels - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
We arrange day trips from Hikkaduwa to Galle Fort, surf-trips to Welligama, air-port pick up and airport drop. We also arrange all kind of round-tours upon request. Please visit our webpage or Facebook for more details.
Reviewed By GandCAdventures - Bangkok, Thailand
We pre-arranged a one-way airport transfer from Colombo Airport to a small hotel in Hikkaduwa with Norlanka, who were recommended by the hotel.
The driver was not at the meeting area when we got to through Arrivals at the airport (on time). After calling staff at the Norlanka office, we were able to locate the disheveled driver who was holding our name sign by his side. Not wearing a Norlanka uniform, unkempt appearance, and inappropriate footwear for driving a long distance.
Our immediate gut-reaction upon sight of him is that this journey was not going to go well.
He fetched a decent Toyota car (no Norlanka logo's) and as we quickly established that there was little English language ability, we just confirmed the destination and let him get on with the journey.
We realise that driving standards vary from country to country, so the cutting lanes & horn use etc in the city limits was no issue. However, once we hit the Expressway towards the South Coast, the driver was in his own world, and never in his own lane! We're unsure if it was fatigue (...or something smoked...), but as we drifted from left lane to right lane with cars blasting us as they passed, we got to the point of offering him coffee or a rest, with just a laugh in response. As the situation stretched on, I tried to indicate that I was willing to drive if he didn't want to (couldn't) - again, a laugh in response.
Needless to say, we pressed on and we made it. We were quite pleased that when we reported the experience to a Norlanka representative at the hotel, that she was very apologetic and disturbed by our recounting of the journey. We thankfully accepted a discount on the fare, which was not our intention, but given the experience, received as being appropriate.
We acknowledge that Norlanka have numerous 'Excellent' reviews on TA, and are pleased that many others have had more positive tour and transfer experiences with the group. However, we felt that we should provide an honest review of our experience, just as we would have if it had been "5-Balls". We can understand that "it is a busy time of year" and that "regular drivers were not available", but your business reputation and the safety of your clients is reliant on your driving staff & vehicles, so if you cannot confirm their ability, its perhaps best to let your clientele know this and let them decide if they still wish to use your firm. If we had been with small children or driving at night, the journey would have been freaking scary.
At least it's good to know that our "gut-reactions" are very reliable.
2. Tsunami Photo Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Maioha - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This was our third visit to the Tsunami Photo Museum and, again, a reminder of the terrible tsunami that struck that part of the Sri Lankan coast. Each time we go there, we gather more insight into the tragedy that occurred there, especially the estimated 2,000 who died in the train nearby on that fateful Boxing Day morning.
3. Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Welcome to Sea Turtle Hatchery - Mahamodara. We rescue turtles who are in danger of loosing their lives to the fishing industry whether they are caught in nets or hunted for meat. We currently have 40 turtles, including 4 types of turtle. All are welcome to come and visit to see and learn about Tara turtles here in Sri Lanka.
Reviewed By JNK65 - Hutton Rudby, United Kingdom
Well worth stopping off. Only small as is the entry fee of 500l. A guide explains about the different types of turtles and shows various ones that have been rescued by fishermen. They also hatch eggs and release young turtles into the see thus helping their survival. Only spent about 20 minutes but well worth the time
4. Community Tsunami Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Community Tsunami Museum is aimed educating communities on Tsunami and preserve the memories of 2004 Tsunami. This museum is the continuation of the efforts of Third Wave Volunteers lead by Dr. Alison Thompson (author of The Third Wave - A volunteer Story and the director of Film Third Wave). This museum will take you a touching journey through science and history of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
5. Hikkaduwa Lagoon Safari and Day Fishing Camp
Overall Ratings
5 based on 54 reviews
Our company started in 1998 by my Family and still we manage it very well as a Real ECO Tourism Company. I am Lahiru, My Father is Yasarathna & My Mother is Deepani. We are warmly welcome you here and so happy to share about our Village life, Culture, Country life, Buddhism, Environment, Animals, Birds with you and give a real Village experience here. We only use Traditional ECO Friendly Catamaran Riding by Paddles and Man power (No Motor Boats - No Pollution), It because we need to earn money while saving our Nature for next Generation. Please contact us by email / Phone / Viber / IMO / Whatsapp for details or reserve your Lagoon Safari / Fishing Tour / Kayaking Tour. Because we do private Tours for you / Your Family / Team. Also it is possible to arrange free transportation by our Official Tuk Tuks from your Hotel in Hikkaduwa area Morning or Afternoon Tour Daily # Traditional # Lagoon Safari # Birds / Water-lizards / Bats watching # Fishing Tours # 2 to 3 Hours # Kayaking # ECO
Reviewed By emmalancs - lancashire
My 2 teenagers and boyfriend have just spent the day with Lahiru and his family on their Lagoon Safari. It was magical. Lahiru's knowledge of the wildlife, his beautifully relaxed and friendly attitude all made for a perfect day out. The 1m wing spanned fruit...MoreDear Emma and Family, We were so glad to meet you all at Our Small paradise and share our rural life style/ Events. Thanks so much for leaving us review. Always You are warmly welcome to "Lagoon View" Cheers. Greetings from Lahiru & Family
6. Tsunami Honganji Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By Kep70 - Brigg, United Kingdom
After visiting the stone memorial across the road we stopped here to look at this beautiful statue and visit the small museum next door. Generously donated by the Chinese this statue represents the height of the 2nd wave that caused so much destruction in many peoples lives. To think what actually happened here on that fateful day certainly brings a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye.
7. Water For Elephants
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Chez05 - Buxton
I am an animal lover with a realistic outlook but in hindsight should not have paid a visit to this place.
As the other reviews mention, it's in a peaceful environment but the animals are heavily chained and during our visit Lotus could only stand in one spot. He had chains around his feet that prevented him from moving. When asked why he was so heavily chained the reply was he was sick and needed medication.
If you are an animal lover please don't visit.
8. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Kkristen70 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Very nice walk on the “walls of Galle”. Historical site with excellent views of ocean and inland. Plenty of refreshment sites and beautiful colonial style buildings and hotels. Take a walk through Pedlar street “shopping street”. Local art/clothing etc. at decent prices.
9. Galle Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The history of Galle extends thousands of years to biblical times. In more recent times it was a prize to be possessed for western traders in search of wealth and glory. Its beautifully preserved colonial Dutch fort with its quaint city with cobblestone streets within is a place time forgot. Close by are magnificent Beaches, rainforests and other attractions. It is definitely a fascinating place to visit.
Reviewed By Kkristen70 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Very nice walk on the “walls of Galle”. Historical site with excellent views of ocean and inland. Plenty of refreshment sites and beautiful colonial style buildings and hotels. Take a walk through Pedlar street “shopping street”. Local art/clothing etc. at decent prices.
10. Hikkaduwa Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By STEWY88 - Doncaster, United Kingdom
There are 2 stretches .... One smallish patch of sand where the boats go to the corals and the other vast stretch around the corner where the surfers go
They are both spectacular ... One is very safe ( children ) with the added attraction of 2 resident ( large ) turtles wallowing around in the shallows quite happy to be handled .
The longer Surfing beach had hidden dangers ... Huge waves and undercurrents sometimes ... I was soon out of my depth and swept further and further out despite trying to swim closer in . Eventually I gave in and let myself be carried along knowing there was a shallow reef further down .
Thankfully it worked but I paid the price and was cut to shreds on the corals ( legs / feet / arms)
Be very very wary if you swim in this area .
Lots of welcoming beach bars/ restaurants and free sun beds ... Some of them are doing a good trade .. Others are run down .
There is a huge waste/ litter problem and the beach is crawling with feral dogs but it's spectacular nonetheless and well worth spending time walking and exploring .
Parts of it come alive in the evening with log fires barbecues and loud music .
Exciting !!!!! and a must when in the area
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