Highlights
- Walk the long palm-lined beach
- Watch fishermen bring in their nets in the morning
- Take a boat on Bolgoda Lake to see birds and mangroves
- Stay at an Ayurveda resort for a treatment programme
Overview
Wadduwa is a coastal town about 30 km south of Colombo, between Panadura and Kalutara. Its long beach is backed by coconut palms and a string of resorts, and it is a popular choice for Ayurveda stays and for a first or last night close to the capital.
Ayurveda
Several resorts specialise in Ayurveda, with programmes of herbal treatments, oil massages, yoga and diet planned by doctors. Siddhalepa Ayurveda spa is linked to one of Sri Lanka's best known herbal medicine makers. Plan at least a week for a full treatment programme.
Beach and village
The beach is long and wide, with fishermen bringing in nets in the mornings. The sea can be rough, especially from May to September, and there are few lifeguards, so take care.
Nearby
Kalutara, with its Bodhiya and Richmond Castle, is about 20 minutes south. Colombo is about an hour north.
Getting there and when to go
Wadduwa is on the coastal railway and the Galle Road, and about an hour or more from the airport via the expressways. The best weather is from about November to April.
Beach safety and tips
Sea conditions on this coast change with the monsoon. Red flags, strong currents and rip tides are common from about May to September, and lifeguards are few, so swim only where locals or hotel staff say it is safe. Cover up when visiting temples and villages, removing shoes and hats at shrines. Tuk tuks are the easiest way to get around locally; agree the fare first or use a ride app where available. Carry some cash, as small shops and guesthouses may not take cards.
Hotels in Wadduwa
For accommodation, see hotels in Wadduwa, with options for different budgets.
Nearby lakes and towns
Bolgoda Lake, a large brackish lake system just north of Wadduwa, is used for boating, water sports and bird watching, with mangroves and small islands. Panadura, a few kilometres north, is remembered for the Panadura debate of 1873 between Buddhist and Christian speakers, an event that helped spark the Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka. South of Wadduwa, the Kalu Ganga reaches the sea at Kalutara, where boat trips run on the river.
Where to stay
Stays range from large beach resorts to Ayurveda retreats and villas. See things to do in Wadduwa.
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