'Thick coconut groves melting into golden sands, the dazzling Indian Ocean and hardly a distraction in the world – Ahungalla is a little piece of tropical paradise.'
This sleepy west coast fishing village hardly merits a mention on maps of the island. So if you're out for bright lights, this is one place best crossed from your list. Ahungalla's beach is by far its biggest draw. A to-die-for expanse of white sand set between clear blue waters and dense palm plantations, it's so beautiful you'd be forgiven for thinking you've discovered your own personal slice of paradise. When you can tear yourself away, the village centre is well worth a look. With its rickety shops and roadside stalls piled high with traditional baskets, batiks and handicrafts, it's a one stop shopping spot for gifts to take home. And before hitting the sands again, settle into a cosy beachside cafe for a lazy lunch of fragrant fish curry accompanied by a pitcher of chilled ginger beer or lager. When you feel sightseeing is in order, Kosgoda turtle hatchery awaits along The Beach. Kept in tanks until they're strong enough to survive the sea, the baby turtles here are a wonder to behold. You may even be allowed to set one of these gentle creatures free into the ocean yourself. Further south, bustling Ambalangoda is the hub of Sri Lanka's 'devil mask' production and makes an enthralling trip. Worn by the island's traditional devil dancers to ward off evil spirits, these scary-looking wooden masks fill the shops, their fearsome, bug-eyed faces leering from every corner. Make sure you visit a local mask museum to return the favour and see how they've changed through the ages. If you're lucky you may even catch a masked dance performance while you're here.
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Ahungalla hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Ahungalla include Heritance Ahungalle.
More Sri Lanka holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Sri Lanka? Our Sri Lanka holiday destinations include Ahungalla, Bentota, Beruwela, Colombo, Kalutara, Negombo, Wadduwa and Waikkal.
Beaches
Sri Lanka is famed for its paradise-like beaches and Ahungalla is no exception - the town plays host to an idyllic palm-fringed beach made up of fine, golden sands lapped by warm, aquamarine waters. The neighbouring town of Ambalangoda also has an impressive sweep of sandy beach.
Eating out
Away from the hotels, it might be worth hunting out a traditional Sri Lankan restaurant. The island boasts a unique cuisine that's dominated by the fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown locally, and by recipes bought in over the centuries by invaders and traders. Influences include Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and English.
Nightlife
The pace of life here is relaxed and so most evenings are centred around the hotel complexes. However, there are a couple of bars where you can enjoy a quiet drink as the sun sets over the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean.
Shopping
Ahungalla has a handful of shops where you can buy holiday essentials and curios. The southern province as a whole is well known for its carvings, in particular colourful masks that are worn during traditional dance performances made from soft wood and brightly painted. Other local crafts include batiks and hand woven cotton, all of which are very reasonably priced and make for great souvenirs and presents.
Local information
Head to one of the inland villages for a slice of real Sri Lankan culture where genuine 'devil dancers' still perform rituals and complex routines to drive out spirits causing illness. About 10km away from Ahungalla lies the site of Sailatalarama. Crowning a domed hill, this temple has a 35m-long reclining Buddha statue. The views from the hillside over the surrounding plantations and countryside are stunning.
Location
86km south of Colombo, 9km north of Ambalangoda
Transfer time
About 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
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