Weligama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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 Colombo 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 ₹16,398 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
₹16,398
₹22,029 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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! (209 reviews)
"Beautiful views, tranquil setting, friendly staff. Loved our stay and would stay there again"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2024

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Weligama Bay Resort
Weligama Bay Resort
4.5 out of 5
Matara Road, Pelena, Weligama
The price is ₹11,388 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
₹11,388
₹14,782 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)
"This is an amazing resort with amazing ambiance and staff, direct access to the beach and a beautiful pool, we had 5 days of heaven in a villa and could not ask for anything better, everyone soo helpful and welcoming, bed super comfortable, food delicious, very central to tuk tuk around to the beaches ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Weligama Bay Resort
Mandara Resort
Mandara Resort
4 out of 5
416 A Pelena Mirissa, Weligama
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Weligama Beach are ...
7.6/10 Good! (35 reviews)
"It is a nice peaceful resort. The staff especially in the resurant and pool side was so nice and friendly. The main drawback with this resort is it's not a good place during rainy season as it's on the bank of estuary. As the river water comes with force during rainy season the sea is muddy and cannot ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

Mandara 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.
Kenno's Korner
Kenno's Korner
3 out of 5
241/85, Bandrawatta, Kapparatota, Weligama, Southern Province
Stay at this 3-star villa in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Turtle Bay Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Très bien situé, belle vue sur la mer. Accueille chaleureux, dîner local somptueux."

Reviewed on 11 Sep 2023

Kenno's Korner
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, a rooftop terrace and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Turtle Bay Beach ...
Cinnamon House by The Serendipity Collection
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home
3 out of 5
Morris Rd, Galle, Southern Province
Stay at this 3-star villa in Galle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and dressing gowns. Popular attractions Galle Harbour and Sahana Beach are located ...
Jetwing Galle Heritage Home
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