Weligama (‘Sandy Village’), about 30km east of Galle, is an interesting and lively blend of international beach resort and raucous Asian fishing town. You can spend a happy day wandering around, getting a feel for local life, dipping your toes in the ocean and marvelling at the denizens of the deep, who end their days being hacked up and sold from the roadside fish stalls.
Close to the shore – so close that you can walk out to it at low tide – is a tiny island known as Taprobane . It looks like an ideal artist’s or writer’s retreat.
Scenic though the bay is, Weligama Beach is a bit shabby and not geared for sunbathers. It’s primarily a fishing village, with catamarans lining the western end of the bay. It’s a very good place to learn to surf with soft, sandy beach waves that rarely exceed a metre. Among other places, both the Samaru Beach House and the Weligama Bay View, next door, rent boards and provide lessons. Weligama is known for its lacework, and stalls are located on the main road along the coast.
Snorkelling at Weligama is good, or you can scuba dive. This operation, close to the harbour at the western end of the beach, runs PADI courses as well as excursions such as wreck dives. It can also organise whale and dolphin diving and snorkelling trips.
Accommodation is spread out along the beach road, but compared with nearby Mirissa, most of it seems somewhat overpriced
and poor value. For eating, tuck into some fresh-fromthe- ocean seafood at the waterfront Dinesh Seafood Restaurant opposite Taprobane. Island and for dessert head to the AVM Cream House opposite the bus station, which some readers swear blind has the best fruit juices and salads around.
