22 Things to Do in Weligama, Sri Lanka

Weligama is the centre of all things surfing on the south coast of Sri Lanka. The town is spread along Weligama Bay, which stretches for 3km from point to point, and features one of the best beginner-friendly surf breaks in the world. The town is a bustling mix of tuk tuks and buses screeching through the back roads, bougie cafes serving smoothie bowls and avocado toast, multi-storey surf and yoga camps, fish market stalls and little local eateries cooking rice and curry.

I’ve spent many weeks in Weligama over two different trips to Sri Lanka. It’s where I’ve completed two surf camps, spent many hours with surf instructors on the beach, worked at cafes, and been to yoga classes. While it can be a chaotic town, it’s somewhere I’ve grown to really like in Sri Lanka.

If you’re planning on visiting Weligama on your Sri Lanka itinerary, then here’s everything you need to know and all the best things to do in Weligama.

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Is Weligama Worth Visiting?

The main attraction in Weligama is the beginner-friendly beach break in the bay. It’s the main centre of surfing for beginners in Sri Lanka and is the best place to learn. For this reason, many people come for surf lessons or to join a surf camp.

If you’re not interested in surfing, then most would say to skip Weligama. The beach is not as nice as in Mirissa, the cafes are good, but you can find similar ones in Hiriketiya or Ahangama, and the traffic is a bit chaotic making it noisy and busy. 

But, Weligama is in a convenient location; very central between many places on the south coast, so it does make for a good base for exploring. You can head to Ahangama, Galle and Unawatuna to the west or Mirissa, Madiha and Hiriketiya to the east, all easily from Weligama. 

For me, Weligama has been a great place to stay for a while, surf every day, go to yoga, and eat good food, while still feeling like your part of a local town. It’s not for everyone, but I enjoy it every time I stay.

Still Can’t Decide? Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya: Which is Better to Stay?

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How to Get to Weligama

Weligama is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka. You can reach it easily by train, bus, tuk tuk or private car.

One of the most scenic ways to reach Weligama is by train. There is a station for Weligama on the southern train line that runs along the coast from Colombo to Matara. There are several departures every day; you can purchase tickets at the station. The journey should take about 3 hours.

You can also take any of the local buses that travel along the south coast. You’ll find frequent departures all day from Colombo and Galle to Matara, where you can get off in Weligama. You don’t have to pre-book, just turn up at the station, say you want to go to Weligama and get on the next departure. Make sure it’s a local bus which uses the coast road, not the express highway buses that travel inland to Matara. The journey is long though, taking about 4 hours. Otherwise, if you take a highway bus you’ll have to change for Weligama.

For something more convenient and comfortable, it’s very easy to take a tuk tuk or private driver from anywhere in Sri Lanka directly to your accommodation. Prices are usually very reasonable but agree with your driver before setting off. By car, you can reach Weligama from Colombo in less than 2.5 hours.

Read next: 26 Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Where to Stay in Weligama

There’s no shortage of accommodation in Weligama. You can find something for every budget from hostels and budget guesthouses to surf lodges and hotels. I’ve stayed in several places during my visits, here’s where I recommend.

Hangtime Hostel: The best hostel in town, this longstanding favourite has everything you could want with dorm rooms, private rooms, yoga classes, rooftop café, co-working space, and gift shop all under one roof. 

Rusara Guest House: This local homestay is a popular choice amongst budget conscious travellers who want their own room just steps back from the beach. Basic but comfortable, the owners are really helpful with whatever you need.

Madla Rooms: Another budget friendly choice for those looking for some privacy, this local guesthouse has just a couple of double rooms which are beautifully decorated and incredible value. It’s just down a side road not far from the beach.

MrMango Weligama: Just two minutes walk from the beach and plenty of restaurants this guesthouse has several nice spacious rooms at midrange prices. The owner is super lovely and happy to help with anything. 

Kickin’ Surf Lodge: Not far from the main road in Weligama this beautiful lodge is the perfect place if you’re ready to splurge on a comfortable and beautiful stay without being at a large scale resort. The rooms are beautifully decorated, plus there’s a shared kitchen and outdoor garden. They also offer a dorm room, if you want to save but still stay somewhere super nice.

Sapiens Home Weligama: This is set up for digital nomads and those looking to be away from the chaos of the main road as its located across the river. It’s still only a 15-minute walk to the beach though. It features large rooms, an outdoor pool, lush garden and onsite restaurant, with a coworking space for those needing to work.

KOMOREBI Weligama: This small scale hotel has a bohemian vibe and stunning sea views from the rooftop. It’s located outside of Weligama near Fishermans Village, so it’s perfect for those wanting to escape the chaos and stay somewhere quiet.

Find more: Best Places to Stay in Weligama: Hostels, Guesthouses, Surf Camps, & Resorts

Where to Eat in Weligama

I could write an entire book on the places to eat in Weligama. It really has such great food, and you can find everything from beachfront seafood restaurants to Instagram-worthy cafes, and tiny local restaurants serving spicy rice and curry. I’ve eaten at my fair share of places, so let me share my favourites.

• Hangten Rooftop Café: The rooftop restaurant above Hangtime Hostel has one of the best views in town to watch the surf while you eat. Open all day they have a great menu filled with Western and local favourites, with vegan and gluten free options too. They have live music some nights.
• Dulnetha Restaurant: One of the most popular local restaurants in Weligama, Dulnetha is the best place to get rice and curry at any time of day. The serving sizes are huge and it’s the perfect place to go with a group of friends and share several plates.
• Moochies Café: The best café in town, Moochies has become a brunch institution in Weligama with a beautiful courtyard where you can try smoothie bowls, avocado toast and burgers. They offer vegan and gluten free options.
• Layback Rooftop Café: The perfect place for a nice meal in a bougie setting. This rooftop café is above Layback Surf Camp and offers absolutely delicious brunch and lunch menus, moving to cocktails and tacos for the evening. 
• Sam’s Place: This is a great local restaurant just across from the beach with large serving sizes and fair prices, I visited here several times with friends for dinner.
• AEY Restaurant: This tiny unassuming spot is my got-to for a cheap and plentiful local meal. Serving sizes are huge for the price and the family running the place are lovely. They only have a few tables, so get in quick.

Plus, I recommend more cafes below!

Best Things to Do in Weligama

While surfing is the main attraction, there’s plenty of other things to do in and around Weligama to keep you busy for a few days. Whether you want to learn to surf or just enjoy the cafes and explore surrounding beaches on day trips, here are the best things to do in Weligama.

Watch Sunset from Weligama Beach

Everyone tends to gather down on the sand of Weligama Beach for sunset. Whether you’re going for a sunset surf or playing beach volleyball, it’s always a fun place to sit and admire the colourful sunsets that Sri Lanka is so well-known for on the south coast.

Go Surfing at Weligama Main Point (or Learn to Surf)

Weligama is the centre of surfing on the south coast. The huge bay is home to a consistent beach break that offers surf all year round. The sandy bottom makes it the best place for beginners to learn in Sri Lanka with plenty of space in the huge bay to accommodate lots of surfers.

Weligama Main Point is further out from the beach and generally over to the lefthand side of the bay. The waves are bigger here and the line-up is often packed with intermiedate surfers trying to test themselves. On days of big swell, the waves here can be very big with plenty of close outs.

Beginners tend to stick in waist deep water closer to the beach. The entire bay is lined with surf schools all offering lessons and board rental. You can expect to pay about US$20 for a private lesson with any of the schools. I can recommend both Ama Surf School and YAKA Surf School if you’re looking for lessons directly on the beach.

If you just want to rent a surf board it costs between 500-1000LKR per hour.

Join a Week-Long Surf Camp

If you want more than a surf lesson or two, then I highly recommend joining a surf camp. There are plenty of surf camps in Sri Lanka, with most of them basing themselves in Weligama. 

A surf camp is basically a surf and stay program where you get accommodation and surf lessons in a package deal. Most surf camps also offer surf theory classes and video analysis, so you can progress quickly.

At lot of them offer week-long programs, although it varies between camps. You’ll find large-scale international surf camps in Weligama, but I highly recommend going with a small, locally owned one.

I’ve done two week-long surf camps at Layback in Weligama and I can highly recommend them. I progressed a lot from a beginner to an intermediate surfer. All the instructors are fantastic and it’s an overall great place to stay too. Plus, you can add yoga classes to the program too.

Surf at Fishermans (Intermediate-Advanced Surfers Only)

More of a hidden gem than other surf spots along the coast, Fishermans is a beautiful reef break with a consistent right-hand wave. The only catch is that you need to take a boat out to the spot or be faced with a very long paddle out. There’s one guy who seems to have monopoly on taking surfers out, and he charges 1000 LKR per person for the privilege.

The waves here are known for their long, mellow rides, which are perfect for intermediate surfers or advanced beginners who are ready to make the jump to their first reef break. It’s usually one of the least crowded surf spots on the south coast and is my favourite place to surf.

Visit Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach is the OG beach town in Sri Lanka. It was one of the first places to attract tourists on the south coast and it’s not hard to see why. The beautiful bay has golden sand and swaying palm trees lining the coast.

The town itself is split by the main coastal road, with all the side streets filled with villas, homestays, hostels, cafes, and restaurants. It’s worth heading to the beach here if you’re looking for somewhere to lie on the sand, as it’s a much prettier spot than Weligama Beach.

Just be aware that it’s incredibly busy in high season from November to April, and you might struggle to find a free spot on the sand.

Find Secret Beach in Mirissa

I hate to break it to you but Secret Beach is far from a secret. But it is one of the prettiest spots in Mirissa. Its name really comes from the fact that it’s quite hidden, so you’ll need to follow Google Maps to actually reach it.

I trekked there from Mirissa Beach, but it’s better if you have a tuk tuk or scooter as the road is a bit steep. You’ll eventually find this hidden cove with sparkling clear water and a small beach.

There are a few locals who have set up beach chairs and small restaurants under the palm trees so you can buy some food and a drink and use the chairs for a few hours of sun bathing.

Escape the Crowds at Jungle Beach or Coconut Beach

If you really want to escape the crowds and find a beach to relax on the sand without a bunch of people, then head 5-10 minutes west of Weligama to either Jungle Beach or Coconut Beach.

Both places feature beautiful golden sand and clear water with relatively gentle waves so you can go for a swim. You might even spot a turtle as they’re commonly seen in the shallows at these spots.

Go Whale Watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is known as one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. The whale season typically runs from November to April, with the peak period being from December to March for the best chances of seeing several whales.

You can see blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, dolphins and rarely killer whales. Whale watching trips usually take about half a day and leave early in the morning from Mirissa Harbour.

Climb Parrot Rock at Sunset in Mirissa

To one end of Mirissa Beach you’ll find Parrot Rock, a small rock island that lies just a few metres offshore. It offers an elevated viewpoint with beautiful sunset views over Mirissa Beach and the coastline.

However, it’s only safe to reach the rock at low tide, as you must wade through the water to reach it on a sand bar. Then, you have to climb some rocky steps to reach the top. It gets quite busy at sunset time, but it’s certainly worth it for the view.

Eat Fresh Seafood on the Beach

Weligama Beach is lined with fishing boats that are dragged on the sand as fisherman bring in the daily catch. If you want to try some of the freshest seafood you can possibly have, then I highly recommend enjoy a meal at Fish Point in Weligama.

Real Fish Point is a seafood restaurant right on the sand on Weligama Beach. You can select from their array of seafood that has been pulled in for the day and sit back on the sand and wait for it to be cooked up for you. Whole red snapper, tuna, squid and calamari, it’s all worth it for the experience. 

Join a Yoga Class

If you want to stretch out the body after surfing, you’ll find a few places offering yoga classes around Weligama, especially during the season.

I regularly went to classes at Movement of Joy, a small shala right in the heart of Weligama. I really enjoyed the classes here and it’s on the more budget-friendly side. You’ll find the weekly schedule posted on their Instagram They close down for the off-season though.

Hangtime Hostel is another place that offers yoga classes. You can join as a walk-in or pay for a pass which covers multiple classes. Plus, they also have a yoga + brunch deal, which includes yoga and vegan pancakes as a package. They’re open all year round.

Hang Out at Hangtime Hostel

More on Hangtime Hostel. This is a real Weligama institution for backpackers and surfers alike and it’s definitely the ultimate hang out spot. With arguably the best location right on the beachfront road in the middle of town, Hangtime is your one-stop shop for everything you need.

Offering dorm rooms, private rooms, co-working space, rooftop café with the best view and food, yoga classes, and a surf-yoga shop, it really has it all. It’s right across from the surf, so it’s perfect for those wanting to stay and surf or just grab brunch after surfing. I spent many days at the rooftop café working on my laptop while watching the surf, but have never stayed there personally. 

It gets busy in high season, with special live music and other events on at the café.

Work at a Café or Coworking Place

With all that Weligama has to offer, it’s no surprise that it attracts a lot of digital nomads and those who are working online. While some nomads prefer quieter spots like Ahangama or Midigama, Weligama still offers a great place to get some work done post-surf.

There are several places to co-work at, including:

• Nomad Café: One of the most iconic cafes in Weligama which attracts plenty of nomads who want to get some work done over a coffee. Although not a specific co-work place, it’s accepted here as long as you buy some food.
• Hangtime Hostel: As mentioned above, this hostel has a designated co-working area or plenty of people just head to the rooftop café to bring their laptop and work with the view.
• Plan B: A designated cafe and co-working place in Weligama, this new space has quickly become the go-to for working online. With proper desks, AC, and high-speed internet, you can purchase a day pass and get credits to use at their cafe.
• Outpost Café: Part of a broader network of co-working spaces in Asia, you can either opt for a co-work and co-live combination or just co-work. With private rooms and beautiful amenities like a swimming pool, yoga space, onsite cafe and lounge, plus a big co-working space for everyone. Check availability here.

Read more: Digital Nomads in Sri Lanka: Guide for Remote Workers

Try a Cooking Class

Sri Lankan cuisine is my absolute favourite in the world, so I highly recommend joining a cooking class at least once on your trip. Weligama has a few cooking class options around town for you to try. They usually include cooking several curries, rice and roti dishes, plus enjoying the feast afterwards.

Karu’s Kitchen offers lunch and dinner, plus a cooking class for those interested in learning how to cook with all the spices in Sri Lankan cooking. It’s one of the longest running cooking classes in Weligama, so it’s worth checking out.

Sunset Drinks at Ceylon Sliders

Ceylon Sliders is a trendy, surf lifestyle concept hotel and cafe that combines a boutique hotel, an all-day café, surf shop, and rooftop bar in Weligama.

Open from morning until late, this is the go-to place for post-surf coffee, sunset drinks or purchasing a new surf suit (I bought my first two piece surf suit from them two years ago and still wear it). Happy hour on the rooftop is the best place to grab a chill drink with friends, plus they often have special live music events too.

Indulge in Brunch at Any of the Cafes

The brunch scene in Weligama is strong, similar to what Ahangama and Mirissa have to offer, with a combination of trendy, smoothie bowl and coffee style cafes and locally owned home cooked local restaurants.

If you’re looking for a feed post-surf, there’s an endless array of choices depending on what you’re after. I’ve spent weeks in Weligama over several trips, so I’ve tried my fair share of cafes. Here are my favourites:

• Moochies Café: Easily one of the most popular cafes in all of Weligama, this place is worth the hype. Down a side road in the middle of town, Moochies has one of the best brunch menus you can find. Plus the beachy décor and open courtyard make it a lovely place to enjoy a post-surf smoothie bowl or avocado toast or chicken burger.
• Flow Café: A similar vibe to Moochies but much smaller and more intimate, this café has great healthy food, including plenty of vegan options. From pancakes to bagels and smoothie bowls, it’s a great place to head straight from the beach.
• KOPI: A small little coffee shop with a pretty courtyard. KOPI in Weligama focuses on employing local women, so it’s a great place to support. The menu is small but delicious, all served in beautiful pottery (which you can also join in their pottery classes!).
• Day Long Restaurant: A great locally owned place where you can get a great deal for breakfast. I ate here every day for a week after surfing, and it was my go-to for a cheaper meal. Their breakfast sets are the best deal with both local breakfast options like string hoppers or western-style cooked breakfasts all served with a juice and tea or coffee for good price.
• Layback Rooftop Café: Part of Layback Surf Camp, this rooftop café is an Instagram-worthy spot, with some of the most delicious western-inspired dishes you can find. The overnight oats, brunch bowl and smoothie bowls are worth the higher price. Plus, if you’re a matcha fan, this is the place to come too.

Admire the View from Tiki Bar

Tiki Bar Weligama has one of the best locations in town. Perched on a cliff high above Weligama Bay, it offers panoramic views over the coastline with Fishermans Point right below.

It’s an open-air bar and restaurant with happy hour cocktails and a menu filled with fresh seafood on offer. I highly recommend a visit at sunset, or if you’re up for a party then their Friday night DJ sets attract a crowd.

Browse Beachfront Cafes and Boutique Shops in Ahangama

Escape the bustle of Weligama and head to Ahangama for a day of shopping and café hopping. Ahangama is the more bohemian version of Weligama in many ways but also on a much smaller scale. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Weligama, so it’s easy to reach.

The main road of Ahangama is lined with bougie beachfront cafes straight out of your Instagram feed. Try Cactus for the fanciest of them all (they also have a cool shop too) or Marshmallow Surf Cafe.

Plus, the boutique shops are the best places to discover local brands building the surf lifestyle vibe in Sri Lanka with graphic tees and linen pants. Secrets of the Sun and Tropical Essentials were my two favourites. Or check out Cruise Culture’s shop which is on the main road between Ahangama and Weligama, they have the coolest locally made and owned surf street apparel.

Read more: 14 Best Things to Do in Ahangama & Midigama

Visit the Inland Rice Fields

You don’t have to travel far inland from Weligama to discover a world of quietness and lush greenery. Just a few mintues by scooter or tuk tuk inland and you’ll stumble across green rice fields surrounded by swaying palm trees.

There are a bunch of homestays and guesthouses set up there too if you want to escape the craziness of Weligama but not be too far away.

Party at Doctors House in Madiha

Doctors House is a 200-year old former Dutch Ayurvedic Hospital turned surf and travel village right on the ocean in Madiha. It’s located just 13km from Weligama or a 25 minute drive. It offers a bit of everything from private bungalows, dorm rooms, restaurants and bars, surf shops, and tattoo parlour and hairdresser and barber. Literally everything!

However, the real reason many people visit the Doctors House is for their legendary Wednesday night party. Going from sunset until midnight, this party takes place every week during the south coast season and is often packed full to the brim of surfers, backpackers, locals, and everyone in between. They also have a party on Saturday nights too.

Take a Day Trip to Galle

If you base yourself in Weligama, then you can easily head out on day trips to other places on the south coast. Galle Fort is definitely worth a day on your itinerary, as it’s just an hour from Weligama.

Galle Fort is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, with the colonial-era fortress offering postcard worthy scenes. Cobblestone streets, intricate architectural details, tea shops, and artisanal souvenir shops, all make for a perfect place to just wander the streets for the day.

The historic lighthouse is the perfect location to snap a postcard shot of Sri Lanka, especially at sunset with the stunning views from the fort walls. You can take any bus heading along the coast road towards Galle. Or, take the train for something slower and more scenic. The quickest way is to take a tuk tuk or private driver.

If you want to escape Weligama for a night, then you could also stay in a renovated colonial era building inside Galle Fort for a night.

Read next: Best Things to Do in Galle in 48 Hours

Go on a Day Trip to Hiriketiya Beach

In the other direction, you can also head to Hiriketiya Beach for a day too. This is a bit further away and would take nearly 2 hours by bus, but only an hour or so by tuk tuk. 

While I stayed in Hiriketiya for weeks, you could certainly still visit for the day if you just want to check it out. It’s a stunning horse-shoe shaped bay tucked amongst the jungle near Dickwella.

What was once a tiny village has exploded in recent years as surfers, yogis, and backpackers have piled in to experience the laidback vibe and beautiful scenes. The bay is home to an epic surf break, while the streets are filled with small cafes and restaurants.

In high season the place is packed, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, then a day trip may be enough. But if you visit in shoulder or low season, then I’d recommend staying for a few nights as there’s nowhere else quite like it in Sri Lanka. 

If you visit for the day, I suggest checking out:

• Walking to Blue Beach Island
• Brunch at Bunch Café or Dunis Hoppers Café 
• Surfing in Hiriketiya Bay (board rentals and lessons available on the beach)
• Lemon Grass Café for local rice and curry (the best in the country in my opinion!)

Read more: Complete Guide to Hiriketiya Beach

More Sri Lanka Travel Guides

• South Sri Lanka: Ultimate 2 Week South Sri Lanka Itinerary
• Sigiriya: Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya: Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
• Ella: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella: An Essential Guide
• Kandy: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy
• Surf Camp: Layback Surf Camp Review in Weligama
• Ahangama: 14 Best Things to Do in Ahangama & Midigama
• Hiriketiya: Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Little Coastal Paradise
• Tangalle: 11 Best Things to Do in Tangalle
• Jaffna: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna
• Trincomalee: Trincomalee Travel Guide: Underrated Beach Destination in Sri Lanka
• Colombo: Best Things to Do in Colombo in 24 Hours
• Galle: 2 Days in Galle Fort: Best Things to Do in Galle
• North Sri Lanka: 10 Day North Sri Lanka Itinerary
• Arugam Bay: 10 Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay
• Delft Island: How to Visit Delft Island: Sri Lanka’s Remote Island Near Jaffna
• SIM Card: Buying a SIM Card for Sri Lanka, Which is Better?

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