Prominent among the mansions in Balapitiya are the Brahmanawatta Walawwa, where Senpathi Don Cosmo Wijesekara, the leader who led the massacre of the Portuguese at Randeniwela in Uva, was born, and the Maha Kappina Walawwa, where nobles descending from the Brahmins who arrived at Sri Lanka in the 11th century lived.
Baddegama Ambalam is situated near Ging Ganga in Baddegama town. From Baddegama town, turn onto Nagoda Road and travel about 100 meters. The road curves around a lake-like channel and then merges with the old Hikkaduwa road, which runs parallel to Ging Ganga. Baddegama Ambalam is located at this junction, nestled among several small shops.
Unawatuna’s golden sands are perfect for soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, or reading a book with the sound of waves crashing in the background. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, and the presence of lifeguards ensures a safe and relaxing experience.
Thalpe offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of other beaches. If you crave a serene atmosphere for relaxation, this is your spot. Imagine long stretches of golden sand, calm blue waters lapping at the shore, and the gentle rustle of palm leaves overhead. Here, you can truly unwind and soak up the beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastline.
At the entrance of the Galle Fort stands a granite obelisk, serving as a war memorial. On February 28, 1921, Mr. R.B. Hellings, Government Agent of the Southern Province, unveiled this memorial. It was erected to honour the servicemen from the Galle District who sacrificed their lives during World War I (1914-1919), with their names engraved upon it.
Along the Galle Road in front of the High Court Complex of Balapitiya lies a monument erected by the public to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII on August 9, 1902. The monument is a pillar made of stone with a large square base with the side facing the road with the inscription.
Thawalama Batahena Ambalama is one such rest stop constructed at a location where ferrymen and wagoners converged. It is believed that the area acquired the name “Thawalama” due to its association with caravans loading goods onto wagons.
The story of Katalua Atadahe Valuwa in Habaraduwa Divisional Secretariat begins with the Portuguese Navy Lieutenant Owen Ferdinands who came to Sri Lanka around 1630. At this time, the coastal area of Sri Lanka was under Portuguese rule.
The Dutch Reformed Church, with gables on the eastern and western walls, but no tower, was completed in 1755. It is similar in style to the ones in Negapatnam and Cochin in India, even including the walls. It is built on the site of an earlier Portuguese convent. Around the church and within the walls is a small graveyard.
The Yakkalamulla Polpagoda Ambalama is made of brick and mortar with a half wall traversing around the building. Nine brick walls supports the roof the building. The roof is tiled using Gam-Ulu, Semi Cylindrical Clay Tiles. If you are traveling via the Southern Expressway, you can take the Imaduwa Exit and proceed towards the Imaduwa town. From there, take a left turn towards Polpagoda and cover a distance of approximately 7.4 km to reach your destination with ease.
Beaches of Hikkaduwa has been a popular tourist destination since 1970’s and was the most popular beach known internationally for a very long time.
A survey tower on the Unawatuna Rumassala Hill has been called as Edward’s Pillar, Galle Tower in the past by various authors. The tower under discussion is called Burton’s Pillar obviously due the inscription at the foot of the pillar. This survey tower is obviously built by W. Burton in 1875 of the Public Works Department which is now called Survey Department of Sri Lanka as per the carving on the bottom.
This building adjacent to the Ambalangoda Inn was built by the Dutch in 1750 as a rural church. This oblong building took the same form as other small churches built by the Dutch. Later it was used as a warehouse, a stable, a village court and a court building.
Rumassala , known to colonialists as Buona Vista, is the subject of many legends. It is featured in the Ramayana, as the home of the beautiful Queen Sita.
Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya or KDN is is the last large remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka other than Sinharaja and was designated as a biosphere reserve in 2004 by the UNESCO.
Seenigama Devalaya is a popular destination to those visiting the sinister “Devol Deviyo” who is known for the power of placing curses on adversaries.
Hiyare is a secondary lowland rain forest with a high diversity and endemism of species. There are 12 species of dragonflies and 3 butterfly species endemic to this area.
Bentota Bemvehera Gane Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the five temples which belonged to the Bentota Rajamaha Viharaya which was built during the king Devanampiyatissa.
Bodhimalu Rajamaha Viharaya has been built during the reign of the minister Devaprathiraja of the king Saddhatissa (137-119 BC) by the minister Devapathiraja. It is believed that one of the first 32 samplings of from Sri Maha Bodhi is planted here.
Udakotuwa Bodhi Sameepa Bentota Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the five temples which belonged to the Bentota Rajamaha Viharaya which was buit during the king Devanampiyatissa.
