WELIGAM BAY VILLAS – MIRISSA
The Hotel
Mirissa is a
small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka in the Matara District,
approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) south of Colombo, the commercial
capital of the island. Mirissa is the largest fishing port on the south coast
and is known for its tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish. In 1980 the first
tourist accommodation was built; however it wasn't until the mid-1990s that
tourism to the town started to increase dramatically. Situated at an elevation
of 4 metres (13 ft) above sea level, Mirissa's beach and night life make
it a popular tourist destination. Through the years it has gained recognition
and popularity as the island's main whale and dolphin watching destinations.
Weligam Bay
Villas, tastefully constructed on a cliff twenty-meters above sea level overlooking
the turquoise Indian Ocean, is an exotic sanctuary with a bird’s eye view of
the surrounding bay. There are few places in Mirissa to rival this tranquil and
panoramic location. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to the
popular tourist destinations along the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The
climate models that of the Mediterranean, blessed with sunshine almost all year
round, but with the added advantage of a pollution-free breezy, plush, green,
enchanting environment.
Weligam Bay
Villas offer fourteen spacious private villas, coupled with a restaurant that
offers international and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Being a sea-side resort
there is no shortage of delectable fresh seafood such as cuttlefish, prawns,
mullet, lobsters and other exotic types of fish that are purchased on a daily
basis from the fishing boats that bring them in at dawn and dusk. Our
internationally experienced chefs offer a magical culinary experience to our
guests with globally authentic cuisine. If you require a private moment our
well stocked bar offers fine alcoholic beverages and smooth cocktails to
heighten the pleasure of your idyllic beach holiday.
Come! Be mesmerized by this romantic location offering a discreet ambience to the delight of connoisseurs on the lookout for a spiritual uplifting experience, being in complete harmony with nature’s bounty.
Come! Be mesmerized by this romantic location offering a discreet ambience to the delight of connoisseurs on the lookout for a spiritual uplifting experience, being in complete harmony with nature’s bounty.
Excursions
- Whale
and dolphin watching
Mirissa is on the migration path of spinner dolphins, pygmy blue and
sperm whales, who travel to the warmer waters of Southeast Asia from November
to April. Our chartered whale watching tours will give you an experience of a
lifetime to get a closer look at nature at its best. Sri Lankan seas are
demarcated by the International Whaling Commission, which speaks volumes of the
potential whale watching has in Sri Lanka.
- Diving
and Snorkelling safaris
Diving and snorkelling safaris are conducted by experienced instructors
to give you that spellbinding experience in the warm Indian Ocean. Enjoy a fascinating
journey to the underwater world, coral reefs, swimming with turtles, fish and
whales and perhaps witness a few shipwreck sites from WWII.
- Water
Sports
Mirissa, Weligama and Ahangama are considered ideal destinations for
lovers of all types of water sporting activities like water skiing, jet skiing,
wind surfing, canoeing, snorkelling, sailing, deep sea fishing, and sport
fishing.
Cultural experiences
If our visitors wish to get the feel of the culture of the area, which
is very different to the rest of the island, as you may notice if you are on a
traveling tour of the island, there are many practices that are endemic to the
south of Sri Lanka. A few of the following must be experienced when you are in
Mirissa, to make your visit truly worthwhile.
- Devil
Dancing
This is a tradition that is fast declining with the development of
modern science. However, remote villagers in the south still practice these
traditional dances to keep the culture alive. To witness this rapidly
disappearing colourful devil dance, which in the olden days people believed had
healing powers to eradicate unseen forces that bring ill-health and
unhappiness, you are in the best place in Sri Lanka.
- Snake
Farm
The snake farm located approximately 14km from Weligama on the Akuressa
Road has been owned by three generations of the same family. There are around
20 different types of snakes ranging from very large to very small. The farm
also acts as a place of conservation of certain rare species and on an average
releases about 25 snakes to the wild per annum. If you are a reptile enthusiast
or just curious to learn about different types of snakes that are indigenous to
the country, this is the place to visit.
- Turtle Hatchery
The "Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery" is a non - profit
organization situated in Habaraduwa (23km from Mirissa). This farm which
started in 1986 has released up to 500,000 sea turtles to the ocean to date. You
could witness how the turtle conservation is done and if you are lucky you will
be selected as part of a volunteer group who releases the turtles back to the
ocean.
- Stilt-fishermen
It is almost a seventy-year old tradition unique to Sri Lanka, which started
during World War II as a method of adaptation when there was a shortage of
food. Initially ship wrecks were used, and thereafter, rough stilts were
erected on coral reefs. Two generations of fishermen have endured this
physically demanding existence at dawn and dusk along a 30-kilometer stretch of
southern shores of Sri Lanka between Unawatuna and Weligama (Mirissa to
Weligama is 8km).
This practice is mind-boggling and not for the faint hearted. On a vertical
pole driven into the sea bed, a cross bar is attached on which the fishermen balance.
With one hand they hold the stilt and on the other hand they have a fishing rod
or a line to catch spotted herrings and small mackerels, which are then kept in
a plastic bag tied around their waist or the pole. In days gone by these bags were
woven out of coconut leaves. Nets are not used as the fishermen believe that if
the fish get disturbed they may not return to these fishing fields, so they
spend long hours patiently stilt fishing unobtrusively, so the fish stay around
for a longer time because they don’t get disturbed.
- Lace
makers
Beeralu lace making is practiced as a cottage industry in many areas in
the south, a craft said to have originated during the Portuguese rule in Sri
Lanka when women were taught how to create lace designs to decorate their own
attire. Weaving beeralu lace is a time-consuming task as it requires patience
and attention to detail. Tools used for crafting include beeralu (wooden
bobbins), beeralu kottey (a tiny cushion shaped pillow), thread, pins and graph
paper. Beeralu kote is a rectangle platform made of soft wood on to which another
small pillow known as kotta boley made of wood with a straw or coir padding is
attached to fit the wooden bobbins to. It is an intricate hand craft that has
generated an income to these villagers for decades. These beautiful patiently woven
lace garments are sold in shops around the island and are very much sought
after by discerning customers.
Nearby places to
visit
- Galle
Fort
A UNESCO designated world heritage site, the Galle Fort in the Bay of
Galle was built initially in 1588 by the Portuguese. Thereafter, it was
extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards.
It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which
even after 423+ years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive
reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. It has
a unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of
European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th
centuries. Many important buildings, including hotels and restaurants, are
housed within the Fort and one of the few remaining living Forts in the world.
A relaxing day leisurely walking around the fort enjoying ancient architecture
whilst experiencing world-class cuisine and spas, will no doubt make a
memorable day. Approximately 42km from Mirissa.
- Koggala
Lake
Koggala Lake is one of the biggest natural lakes in Sri Lanka. Situated
22km from Mirissa, the lagoon is a heaven for nature enthusiasts who are
seeking sites to explore and to enjoy the rich bio diversities and eco systems.
There are eight small islands scattered around this lake and they consist of
lush mangrove swamps. Anchored in mud, the mangrove roots are coated with a
variety of creatures, including barnacles, oysters, and crabs, as well as
nurseries for many types of fish. The boat weaves through these dense mangrove
forest and surrounding islets, and there monitor lizards and a number of
colourful birds, about ten of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, to keep you
entertained during the ride.
Amongst the islands the most famous is ‘Madol Doova' (Mangrove Island),
which is described in detail by a very famous Sri Lankan author, Martin
Wickramasinghe in his novel named after the island, a tale surrounding the survival
and escape of four friends on a drifting boat that lands on this island. The
boat ride in the Koggala lagoon is a delightful and tranquil experience that
shouldn’t be missed.
In addition to the wildlife and the breath-taking scenery, there is one
of the most captivating temples in Southern Sri Lanka, with remarkable
Kandyan-style paintings dating back to the 19th century. Kathaluwa Buddhist
Temple (Kathaluwa Purvarama Maha Vihara) is one of the main tourist attractions
in the lagoon. Amongst the meticulously painted images you can see some of the
colonial rulers which include Queen Victoria herself, as a mark of appreciation
for her support rendered to Buddhism in the face of British missionary
Christianity.
- Martin
Wickramasinghe Folk Museum – Koggala
This folk museum captures the essence and ideologies of Martin Wickramasinghe,
one of Sri Lanka’s celebrated writers of the twentieth century. Among the
memorabilia exhibited include the writer’s personal belongings, as well as photographs
and objects related to traditional Sri Lankan life.
- Kustarajagala
Rock Carving
Kustarajagala is in the coastal town of Weligama, approximately 8km from
Mirissa. This larger than life statue is carved in solid rock and is thought to
be one of the best statues in the Mahayanist Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is
believed that the statue belongs to the 6th – 9th century,
but the origination of it is not clear. Legend
has it that it was carved by a king who was cured of a severe skin disease.
Experts believe that this statue is probably a Bodhisattva figure (a person who
is destined to become a Buddha in a future life) or of a god. The most common
belief is that this represent the “Awalokitha” or the “Avaloktheeshvara”
Bodhisattva of the Mahayana Buddhism. This is due to the presence of four
meditating Buddha figures on his headdress and the lotus in his hand.
“Avaloktheeshvara” Bodhisattva is one of the most powerful healers of mankind
according to Mahayana Buddhism. It is interesting to note that even the folklore
about this statue relates to the healing of a king.
- Matara
Located 11kms from Mirissa it is a large metropolitan town, centered
around the Dutch built “star” Fort, town square, a large Buddhist temple
central to the town, Nilwala river, and the beautiful lighthouse in Dondra.
Some parts of Matara still carry forward the charming architecture of a bygone
era.
- Polhena
Beach
Polhena, a beach located in Matara approximately 10km from Mirissa, has
a 4 km (2.5 mi) long coral reef which is about 200 m
(660 ft) off the shore. Because of this, the water near the shore is
relatively calm and is a common spot for tourists to swim, and for scuba
diving, surfing and sunbathing along the beach. The lush greenery and trees
that adorn this area make it a very pleasant location to relax and align with
the local culture.
Golf Link Hotel- Trincomalee
The Hotel
A little known
fact ingrained in the aura of Trincomalee is that with the turn of the modern
era, English authors and poets used Trincomalee as inspiration for literature
and poetry. This was personified by none other than Sir Arthur C. Clarke who
discovered underwater ruins with photographer Mike Wilson and described the
city and the ruins in Reefs of Taprobane and would go on to write 2001: A Space
Odyssey based on his experiences in the city.
Today, it is not
all about the sun, surf and the beach in this celebrated town located on the
North East Coast. Trincomalee is home to a wonderful golfing resort aptly named
Golf Link Hotel, Sandy Bay, Trincomalee. This course has all the latest golfing
equipment with obstacles including sand bunkers and water hazards which continue
to win fame from esteemed golfers who are keen to have a golfing holiday par excellence,
away from the accustomed chilly climates of the hills.
Golf Link Hotel
is located in a picturesque location flanked by a breathtaking view of the Indian
Ocean. A clean and natural environment provides visitors an unforgettable
glimpse of nature’s offering and provides the perfect setting for a host of
water sports and beach activities as well as a game of golf.
Restaurant and
bar
Among the varied
features of Golf Link Hotel, the one that is acknowledged by many visitors is
the Fine Dining Restaurant and the club house. No golfing holiday will be
complete without mouthwatering meals that are prepared catering to the
gastronomical desires of varying clientele.
The á-la-carte and set menus designed and prepared by well-trained chefs
include Western, Sri Lankan, Chinese, and Indian delicacies, which are bound to
delight you. The club house serves local and international beverages to quench
one’s thirst after a tiring round of golf.
Scenic yet
challenging, the Golf course is perfectly located in Sandy Bay, Trincomalee.
This 9-hole course offers many hours of challenging, enjoyable and unique
rounds of golf for a par 3, routed through picturesque, undulating grass
fairways and greens, complete with magnificent trees. Views of sparkling
waters, bays and coves enhance the experience, creating a stunning environment,
nature’s bounty is bestowed on the glory of this golfing paradise as it has
almost 365 days of sunshine to mesmerize the ardent golfer looking for rest and
relaxation together with sporting action with a tropical climate.
Excursions
- Whale
and Dolphin watching
Trincomalee is one of two places in Sri Lanka where you can observe these
giant mammals of the ocean. The ideal time for these whale and dolphin watching
tours in Trincomalee is from May to October, where sightings are more frequent.
The Sri Lanka Navy hosts these tours on the east coast of Sri Lanka.
- Snorkelling
The extensive coral reef around Pigeon Island, one of two marine
national parks in Sri Lanka, makes snorkelling or diving near the reef a
pleasurable experience. The magnificent flora and fauna is an amazing
experience that should not be missed.
- Sea
Bathing and Sun Bathing
Nilaveli beach is a suitable place to sun bathe and relax, however there
are other stretches of wide soft sandy beaches in Trincomalee that would give
an equally enjoyable relaxation by the coast. Not all beaches are safe to swim
in, so tourists are advised to make inquiries before going out into the sea.
Please do ask the inquiries desk in our hotel for recommendations.
- Boat
Ride in the Bay
Boat rides in and around the bay add to the entertainment. Lots of
inland visitors also take advantage of this activity. Boat services are
available to Pigeon Island, the Red Rocks, the Coral Garden and Irakkakandy
Lagoon. If you would like a prolonged and relaxing three-hour cruises, there
are full-board cruises available twice a day, as well as a fun cruise and
sunset cruise.
- Visit
to Pulmoddai
Visit Pulmoddai town which is approximately 55km, to have a tour around
the Ilmenite factory premises (with prior permission). Arisimalai beach is a
calm beach where the sand is totally black with valuable minerals like Ilmenite,
magnetite and rootile. Those finer sands are separated at the factory based on
density difference and magnetic properties. There is a folklore related to the
sandy beach that looks like rice around the beach, of a shipwreck carrying rice
near Pulmoddai bay from India. The name Arisimalai, Arisi being the Tamil word
for rice and malai being mountain translates to rice mountain. Tamil is the dominant
language in these parts of Sri Lanka and to date bears witness to the 30-year
civil war which ended in 2008.
Things to see
and places to visit
- Pigeon
Island
Pigeon Island, thus called as it is the nesting area for rock pigeons, is
1km off the Nilaweli beach with its powdery white sands and glittering coral
gardens, tantalising with possibilities. The island is beautiful, with rock
pools and paths running through thickets, but the underwater paradise with its
reef and shallow clear water making snorkelling almost as satisfying as diving,
attracting tourists and locals alike to this location.
- Lover’s
Leap
Lover’s leap is a formation of cliff-like rocks with a 350ft drop,
hidden away on the edge of the Swami rock within the premises of the famous
Koneswaram Kovil. It is so-called as a result of two similar legends where two
heartbroken women jumped off the cliff to their death. One revolves around a
Dutch girl, Francina van Reed, who was engaged to a young Dutch officer who
broke the engagement and went back to the homeland. Francina watched the vessel
taking her lover leave the country from this vantage point and leapt to her
death as it was sailing past. It is also said that her father who was a
gentleman of rank in the civil service in Holland built a monument around the
Swami Rock and dedicated it in Francina’s name in the 1600. The second story is
somewhat similar except for the name and the nationality of the lady: her name
was Marina and she was from the United Kingdom.
- Trincomalee
Second World War Cemetery
Located along the Trinco - Nilaveli Road (approx. 5km from Trincomalee),
the war cemetery records 303 WWII causalities. A special memorial – the tomb of
the Unknown Warrior - commemorates a naval man buried in Trincomalee (St.
Stephen’s) Cemetery whose grave could not be found. The cemetery is maintained
by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission. The visiting hours are 9 AM to 4.30 PM.
- Hot
Wells
The hot springs of Kanniya located 4km from Trincomalee have a history
that spans over 1000 years. What is remarkable about this location is the fact
that it has seven hot wells which consist of water varying in temperature. These
hot water springs are connected with the Hindu culture. According to folklore these
were started by King Ravana to perform the last rites for his mother who passed
away whilst he was away at war. These wells are a major attraction among
tourists and locals. The visiting times are from 7am – 7pm on weekdays and 6am
– 7pm during the weekend.
- Girihandu
Seya
The Girihandu Seya is reputed to be the first Buddhist temple built in
Sri Lanka during the Lord Buddha's period and is an important shrine where
Buddhists worship in Sri Lanka. The recorded history of Girihandu Seya goes
back to the 3rd century BC.
Information on an inscription on the site states: “2661 years ago, two
brothers, international traders named Thappassu and Bhalluka, gained the sacred
hair relic of the Lord Buddha. They protected and brought it here and laid it
in this stupa. This stupa which is called the Girihandu Seya was constructed
and completed within 75 days of the enlightenment of the Lord Buddha. The
ancient Kings, Girikandisiva and the 6th Agbo constructed the Vetadageya
(circular shrine house) and the stone steps leading to this Vetadageya which is
built on a little rock hill. This was the 1st stupa built in the world and the
first Buddhist temple constructed in Sri Lanka. The Lord Buddha had stepped
into this sacred place”.
The stunning vista that greets you of the 1500 acre forest that
surrounds the seya when you climb the 300 steps to the top is simply
breathtaking. This temple is an archaeological site and is protected under the “Antiquities
Ordinance and Antiquities” (Amendment) Act of 1998. It is located in Thiriyaya
close to Trincomalee Pulmoddi road, approximately 29 miles north of
Trincomalee.
- Trincomalee
Town
The recorded history of Trincomalee dates back to 2,500 years, with the
civilian settlement associated with the Koneswaram temple in the pre-modern
era. As one of the oldest cities in Asia, it has served as a major maritime
seaport in the international trading history of the island with South East
Asia. The town was colonized by the Portuguese, then Dutch and finally by the
British. A leisurely walk around the town will give one insight into the local
culture and its history.
If you are traveling directly from Colombo, Trincomalee town is approximately
257km to the North of Colombo. This popular town can be reached by the main
roads as well as by trains. There are also flights manned by the Air Force for
those who wish for a quicker mode of transportation. www.helitours.lk flight duration is just
1 hour and there are flights every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 0730 hrs
departing from Rathmalana Airport
- Trincomalee
Bay
Trincomalee Bay is open towards the northeast and has three
differentiated parts. The main bay, also known as Koddiyar Bay, is located in
the south and southeastern side and fairly regularly shaped, as well as
enclosed and deep, forming a large natural harbour in the shores of the Indian
Ocean. The commercial harbour is located in the 5 km long and 4 km wide
northern indentation, also known as China Bay, west of which is the China Bay
Airport, in the event you are flying into Trincomalee. Tambalagam Bay is a
mostly shallow western indentation of the main bay stretching westwards for 8
km.The bay includes a few islands: Round Island, Elephant Island and
Clappenburg Island in the main bay, and Great Sober Island and Little Sober
Island in China Bay. The latter two are wildlife sanctuaries.
- Trincomalee
Beach
Nilaveli and Uppuveli located to the north of the city are among the
best beaches of the Eastern Coast of in Sri Lanka. Shallow seas spreading out
hundreds of meters into the sea, these beaches provide a safe environment for all
types of water sports. Nilaveli is the most popular attraction in Trincomalee.
Situated about 10Km from Trincomalee town it is one of the most beautiful white
sand beaches in the world. You cannot miss an opportunity to experience these
spectacular beaches in the warm sunshine.
- Koneswara
Hindu Shrine
On a spectacular cliff overlooking one of the world’s largest natural
harbours, lies the Koneswara Kovil a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
It is at the head of Konesar Malai (Swami Rock) on the dramatic Gokarna Bay.
Surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery all around the brightly coloured Koneswaram
is a classical-medieval temple which is believed to be one of the largest pagodas
in the ancient times known as the Temple of A Thousand Pillars. However, during
the Portuguese colonization of Sri Lanka in the 17th century, this temple was
razed to the ground and it was rebuilt subsequently. The dates of construction
of the temple have been debated, with some scholars citing the original to
around 400 BC, whilst others believe that this temple was built initially in
the 5th century and restored later in the 18th century.
- Naval
Base Tour
The Naval Base Tour will be ideal for those with a background in the services.
This tour includes a visit to the Naval museum, which is a grand 18th century
Dutch colonial building renovated and used as a museum; coral drove beach,
Elephant point and finally a boat ride in the Trincomalee bay.
- Marble
Beach
The beach is located in a stunning environment with grassland, trees,
resting huts, restaurants, rocks, the resort, and the calm and safe bay with
crystal clear blue water. It is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling when
the sea is calm. If you like a brief encounter with fauna, the grazing cattle,
the monkeys, the colourful peacocks and different species of Sri Lankan birds
could be enjoyed during the walk up to the beach through the forest area. The
beach is maintained by the Air Force and if you are hungry they also have an
authentic restaurant for you to enjoy a meal.
-
Fort Frederick
Occupying the neck of a narrow peninsula, Fort Frederick has been a
defensively important site for centuries. A fortress was initially constructed
here by the Portuguese in 1623 and later rebuilt by the Dutch. The British took
over in 1782 (look out for royal insignias crowning the tunnel-like gateway
that pierces the fort’s massively stout walls).
Jungle Beach Hotel by
Uga Escapes
The 5-star Jungle Beach Resort is located in Trincomalee, just 27 km from
Trincomalee Bus and Railway Station in the
Nilaveli – Pullmudai road in Kuchchaveli. It offers a
well-appointed spa and a variety of recreational options, 35km away from the
China Bay Airport if arriving from Air travel. The hotel has 3 different
chalets to reservation, Lagoon chalets, Beach Chalets, & jungle Chalets. Guests
can sample a fine selection of local and international dishes at the
restaurant. This property is also rated for the best value in Nilaveli. Guests
are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this
city. Guests can go on a fishing trip, cycle, or indulge in a relaxing body
massage. Other choices include canoeing plus water sports and snorkelling
facilities are available at the hotel
Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Chaaya
Blu Trincomalee is a luxurious 4-star beachfront resort located 6.5 km from
Trincomalee. It provides spacious accommodation with a freshwater pool, 3
dining options. Chaaya Blu Trincomalee has a PADI certified dive centre that
provides water sport activites such as snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving. Captain's
Deck serves a range of Asian and continental dishes. The Crab Restaurant offers
delicious seafood, featuring crab specialities. Drinks and light snacks can be
enjoyed at the Rumhold. Chaaya Blu Trincomalee is located on the north-eastern
coast of Sri Lanka, the fifth largest natural harbour in the world. It is 265
km from Bandaranaike International Airport and 260 km from Colombo City.
Amaranthe Bay Resort &
Spa
Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre,
Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa is located just 5 km north of the Trincomalee
town on the beautiful East Coast. At Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa you will
find a restaurant that serves unparalleled international and local
cuisine. Other facilities offered at the environment-friendly luxury
resort include meeting facilities, a games room and a tour desk. An array of
activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling,
fishing and canoeing. The property is located at a 15-minute drive from
the Trincomalee Airport and 20-minute drive from the sacred Koneshwaram Temple
and the beautiful Marble Beach.
