Weligama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Weligama
Weligama
Weligama
Weligama
Weligama

Relax on the sandy beach and experience the laid-back charm of this fishing town, which is a good base for touring Sri Lanka’s glorious southern coastline.

Get away from busy tourist crowds and visit the less-traveled resort of Weligama. This low-key fishing town sits between the Polwatta Ganga stream and Weligama Bay, a horseshoe-shaped cove with craggy bluffs. The name Weligama means Sandy Village. The town’s recreational lifestyle revolves around the attractive Weligama Beach.

Spend your days enhancing your tan, swimming and overlooking the glistening Indian Ocean. Perfect your surfing ability in the relatively small waves. Rent equipment and arrange lessons at stands along the beach. Paddle out though the shallow water to Taprobane Island, where a luxury hotel sits inside a neo-Palladian mansion.

Stroll along the beach road and browse the displays of handicrafts and exotic fruits at the market stalls. Watch fishermen arrive on colorful boats with the day’s catch, which is often served at the town’s bars and restaurants. Visit religious landmarks such as Kapthurai Mosque.

Use local buses and rickshaws to reach attractions outside the town center. Take a tour of a working tea plantation at the Handunugoda Tea Museum. See original artifacts from the life of a well-known Sinhalese author at the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum.

Pristine beaches lie within a short drive of Weligama. Travel west to Mihiripenna Beach and Unawatuna Beach. Hike up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda and secluded Jungle Beach. To the east is Mirissa Beach, popular for surfing and whale watching. Observe fishermen balancing precariously on wooden stilts at Polhena Beach.

Another interesting place to see is Matara. Its attractions include the 17th-century Star Fort and the Shrine of Our Lady church. Cross the bridge at Matara Beach to a headland and the Parevi Duwa Temple.

Get to Weligama easily via buses and trains that depart from ColomboOpens in a new window and many coastal towns. Guesthouses, homestays and luxury hotels provide accommodations to suit all travel budgets. Sri Lanka’s beaches are best between November and April when you can expect warm, dry days filled with sunshine.

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
700 Matara Road, Pelana, Weligama
The price is ₹13,645 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹13,645
₹18,331 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
"This hotel is very luxurious and has amazing people who provide brilliant service. Best hotel in Sri Lanka."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux

Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux

5 out of 5
Abimanagama Rd, Weligama, Southern Province
The price is ₹41,836 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹41,836
₹55,930 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 13 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Turtle Bay Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"We had the most unforgettable stay at Cape Weligama while celebrating our anniversary. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality stood out — and to our surprise, we were upgraded to a stunning luxury villa room with the breathtaking beach view & pool. 🌊🌴 Every detail felt thoughtful ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux
Weligama Bay Resort

Weligama Bay Resort

4.5 out of 5
Matara Road, Pelena, Weligama
The price is ₹12,698 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹12,698
₹16,723 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Weligama Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (67 reviews)
"Lovely spacious room with a wonderful view, pool clean and in a lovely spot, breakfast plentiful and very tasty. The staff were very friendly and welcoming - would stay again for sure."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Weligama Bay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cinnamon House by The Serendipity Collection

Cinnamon House by The Serendipity Collection

3.5 out of 5
220 Kalukanda Rd, Kapparathotha Road, Weligama, SP
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Turtle Bay Beach are located ...
Cinnamon House by The Serendipity Collection
Sana Guest

Sana Guest

3.5 out of 5
No.175 A2, Weligama, Southern Province
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Kushtarajagala ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Lovely stay close to the beach and the town
"The owner is so lovely and made sure I had everything I needed and more while I was there."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Sana Guest
Padmi Villa

Padmi Villa

3 out of 5
No. 315 Main Street, Weligama, Southern Province
Stay at this 3-star beach villa in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Kushtarajagala Statue are ...
Padmi Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Weligama

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really easy to navigate to other towns/areas in the south (via tuk tuk). Loved visiting Mirissa beach (so lush & relaxing!) and afternoon spent in Galle (old town is fantastic for shopping & food). Really enjoyed my time here as a solo traveller!

Cities near Weligama