Seenigama Devalaya , සීනිගම දේවාලය

The Seenigama Temple, Halle is a popular name among the Hikkaduwa Tourist Attractions. The Seenigama Temple, Hikkaduwa is known as the Seenigama Devalaya in the colloquialSinhalese. As is evident, Devalaya is the term for temple. The Seenigama Temple inHikkaduwa is situated on the coast of the sea, beyond the 96 km post on the Colombo Gallehighway. Thought to be over a millennia old, the Hikkaduwa Seenigama Temple is approximately 1300 ears old. However, there is no evidence to provide evidence to this speculation. Whatever historical records have been exhumed, structural evidence states that the Seenigama Temple is above 300 years old. 

 

The Seenigama Temple, Hikkaduwa is a testimony both of the historical as well as cultural facet of Galle in Sri Lanka. If you are keen on exploring the conventions of temple worship and knowing all about the temple traditions of Galle, the SeenigamaTemple or Seenigama Devalaya is a must visit. The sanctuary is also known as the Seenigama Devol Temple, owing to its patron deity, Devol. Devol is a god of the Buddhist pantheon. The Devol Deviyo or Devol culture is prevalent among theSinhalese and continues to be the most accepted of all forms of worship by the fisher folk in the southern and western lowlands. Devol ceremonies are prominent and often practiced along the coastal areas. Some also guarantee the success of fishing. 

 

The Seenigama Temple, Galle is extremely sacred as it is believed that the deity resolves the problems of human beings. The shrine of the god on the shore was recently constructed. The land on which the Seenigama Temple, Galle was originally located is now an island and can be approached only by boat. The island itself is small with a deep freshwater well.

Surfing in Arugam Bay

Situated in the district of Ampara, Approximately 314 km from Colombo, Arugam Bay is Known as one of the best three surfing spots in the world. this typical fishing village to the south of the small town of Pottuvil can be reached via A4 from Colombo. The unspoilt town of Srugam Bay offers an abundance of opportunities for those with a passion for water sports and underwater photography.

Sri Lanka Windsurfing is a popular water sport among the foreign tourists who visit the palm fringed pristine beaches of Sri Lanka. The most popular surfing beaches of the island are Hikkaduwa of South Western coastal belt and Arugam bay (International surfing competition venue) of Eastern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Since the early 60’s Sri Lanka attracts surfers from all over the world. The Windsurfing opportunities offered in Sri Lanka attracts the amateur windsurfers as well as the world class Windsurfers participating in international Windsurfing competitions.

The resplendent waters surrounding the moon-shaped curl of soft golden sand in the eastern shores of Sri Lanka are known to be one of the best ‘point brakes’ in the world. Experience and ride through the majestic waves of the ocean as they break in an exhilarating rush. Surfing is best in Arugam bay during the season of April to October each year. During this time is conducted the UK Pro-Surfers Association’s Sri Lanka Surf Championships, an event open to all and where the entire place becomes a hub of activity as the best Surfers across the seas comes together to participate in the thrilling event in one of the finest Surfing hotspots in the world.

Bentota

Facing the Indian Ocean, a tropical lagoon and a major river Bentota offers water sports possibilities nowhere else to be found.Apart from swimming, body-surfing or diving in the sea, you can jet-ski, windsurf, parasail or enjoy a romantic river safari on the river and lagoon.

Being one of the most established beach resorts in Sri Lanka, Bentota is known for its professional touristic infrastructure.The many 5* hotels are often build in fantastic locations and even if you don't stay there drop in for a tea and enjoy the scenery.

But Bentota is not only 5*. You still can find many mid-range and budget places along the river or the southern beaches.

Especially for families Bentota is a well sought after destination.Safe swimming conditions combined with fun water sport and exciting excursions are providing for the ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka.

Bentota, Sri Lanka is 90 km from Sri Lanka's international airport and 60 km from Colombo.

Introducing Unawatuna

Lying behind a crescent of beach lapped by turquoise waters, Unawatuna’s setting is so perfect it could be a cliche. Easily the most popular beach town in the South, Unawatuna doesn't offer the same opportunities for surfing or diving as other parts of the coast but the waves are good for swimming and the sands are clean and white.

Unawatuna has a classic mellow traveler vibe and pretty much every bit of development is aimed at the mostly young visitors who flock here. With the coast road a kilometer away, Unawatuna isn't plagued by the same kinds of traffic irritations found at many other beach towns. It’s quiet, which only adds to the allure. At night people wander the beach, sipping cold beers at the many simple beach side cafes.

In late 2004, however, this idyllic scene turned horrible. The tsunami caused major damage, washing away many of the guesthouses and killing hundreds. Thanks to generous donations from foreigners who had vacationed here, as well as the efforts of teams of foreign volunteers, who were drawn by Unawatuna’s natural allures, reconstruction happened faster here than any other place in Sri Lanka.

Unfortunately, the calamity was not turned into an opportunity to right some of the previous excesses of development. Business owners ignored plans for a setback from the water and rebuilt their places right on the sand. Some guesthouses sit on the high-tide mark. This, coupled with an unsightly pile of rocks dumped in the middle of the beach, detracts from the area’s natural beauty.

Visit Sri Lanka - Wonder of Asia

Two weeks in beautiful Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Galle, Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) and Mirissa.