Ambalangoda (Sri Lanka) is a small settlement in the western part of the island, located between Hikkaduwa and Bentota. In some sources, the town is called the suburb and beach of Hikkaduwa. However, this is incorrect, since Ambalangoda is an independent city with its own beach and attractions, although the map shows that one village smoothly passes into another, there is no clear border.
General information
Among tourists, Ambalangoda is famous for its mask museum. It is here that you can not only see, but also buy not just a mask, but a real work of art made of wood. Each piece is handmade, decorated with carvings and painted. In addition to masks, masters make unique dolls.
The village has a beach, but, of course, the infrastructure is somewhat inferior to the coasts of neighboring cities, which are more developed in terms of tourism.
Ambalangoda is visited by tourists who prefer deserted places, privacy and tranquility. Some vacationers compare the town with a small village – there are few hotels and restaurants on the shore, the nature is natural, practically untouched by the human hand.
Nevertheless, the tourist infrastructure is still there. You can stay in small hotels or guest houses. Ambalangoda has local travel agencies, cafes, shops, and a small market. Public transport links to other cities are established – there are bus and train stops.
Attractions
Among the attractions of Ambalangoda, there are museums where masks and dolls are displayed as exhibits. They are located in the central part of the city, the distance between the buildings is only a few hundred meters. Here, vacationers can not only look at the products, but also buy them as a souvenir in memory of Sri Lanka.
The Ariyapala Mask Museum
it is distinguished by more interesting and expressive exhibits. Visitors are given guided tours and detailed information about the exhibits. However, the narration is conducted in English.
Near the museum there is a workshop, where craftsmen work, you can see the process of making masks.
All products are carved from the local tree that grows on the island of Kadura. It can be found in swamps. The process of cutting and decorating the mask is already the last stage, before which the wood is treated in a special way-dried, smoked for a week. This is necessary so that insects do not appear in the wood. After that, the master works with wood – cuts out details, covers them with paint and varnish. Dolls are made according to a similar scheme.
- At the entrance, everyone can leave a voluntary donation.
- The museum is open from 8-30 to 17-30.
Buddhist Temple
Ambalangoda is home to the Galgoda Sailatalaramaya Maha Vihara Temple, where you can view the largest reclining Buddha statue in South Asia, which is 35 meters long. To get to the temple, you need to overcome more than 200 steps.
The temple is considered the oldest in the southern part of the island. The building was built in 1867, and its entrance is decorated with the largest gate in Sri Lanka.
Flora and fauna
Sri Lanka has more than 3 thousand tropical plants (almost 25% of them are blooming). You can find a significant number of ferns, orchids and decorative deciduous bushes, more than 700 types of medicinal plants.
The animal world is no less diverse and vibrant – more than 400 species of birds. Some of them live on the island permanently, while others migrate annually from Scandinavia.
Related article: Where to go on safari in Sri Lanka-4 nature reserves.
How to get to Ambalangoda
From Colombo Airport
First, from Bandaranaike Airport, you need to get to Colombo Fort Bus Station by bus number 187. You can get to the town by going from Colombo in a southerly direction. Any bus service to Galle, Tangalla or Mattara is suitable. For information about the direction, see the bus itself. You should not use the number to navigate.
The largest road artery — Galle road, as well as the railway-passes through the resort.
From Hikkaduwa, you can get to:
- By public transport;
- A rented car;
- Taxi or tuk-tuk.
The map shows that the distance between the popular Hikkaduwa and Ambalangoda is 10 km. Buses from Colombo City Centre to Hikkaduwa stop at the resort on request.
It is important! The distance to Colombo is 107 km, you can get there by car in 1.5 hours, a taxi will cost$40-50. The train journey takes 2 hours.
Ambalangoda Beach
Ambalangoda Beach is sparsely populated, a place in Sri Lanka suitable for a secluded holiday surrounded by local exotics.
The main advantage of the beach is the absence of a large number of tourists. There is no need to look for a place where you can comfortably sit on the sand and swim. There are no reefs on the beach, the descent is gentle and safe. There are no opportunities for active sports on the beach, but you will need to go to Hikkaduwa.
Ambalangoda’s coastline is 2 km long. The sand strip is wide, not pointed. The tourist infrastructure is represented by small hotels, guest houses and cafes.
Hikkaduwa Beach is 15 km away, while Induruwa Beach is 20 km away.
Weather and climate
The weather in Ambalangoda is characterized by very high humidity and warmth. Throughout the year, the temperature remains within +29 degrees. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean also varies slightly – from +26 to +29 degrees.
The tourist season starts in November and lasts until April.
At this time, the entire south-western coast of Sri Lanka has minimal precipitation, the temperature is +28-30 degrees (felt at 32-35 degrees). The weather is ideal for those who like to bask in the sun thoroughly and get a good tan.
In May, the rainy season begins, which lasts until October. The wettest months are May and October, with heavy, tropical downpours.
In the rest of the summer months, the amount of precipitation decreases, and it rains mainly in the afternoon. During the rainy season, surfers come to the resort most often, because the ocean is stormy.
On the map of Sri Lanka, Ambalangoda is undoubtedly a unique holiday destination, as you can relax here at any time of the year, regardless of the weather.
Ambalangoda (Sri Lanka) is an exotic place where almost no human presence is felt. Here you will find silence, harmony of man with nature and absolute tranquility.
