My TOP 10 Things to Do in Weligama, Sri Lanka

Even though I only stayed in Weligama for about three nights, I still ended up here quite a bit. Where I was based in Ahangama was just a quick 15-minute scooter ride away, so I found myself cruising over to Weligama often—for breakfast, sunset, or just to see what was going on.

Weligama, like most of my favorite beach towns on Sri Lanka’s south coast (Ahangama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya…), doesn’t have a long list of “sights”—but that’s kind of the point. It’s a laid-back surf town. The vibe is chill, the pace is slow, and the best things to do here reflect that.

Of course, surfing makes the list—this is Weligama, after all—but if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re looking for more than just surfboard rentals.

So I put together a mix of my favorite things to do in Weligama, based on my own time and own experience here. That means cafes I kept coming back to, a yoga spot I loved, an amazing dinner I still think about, and a few day trips that are worth the effort.

My intention here is to help you figure out whether Weligama is your kind of place (spoiler: it might be), or if you’re already in town, to give you some easy ideas to fill your next few days.

Alright, let’s get into it—here’s my guide on the best things to do in Weligama.

1. Surfing in Weligama

Surfing is what put Weligama on the map. Like so many beach towns around the world, it started with the surfers—and the rest followed. The beach here is long, sandy, and ideal for beginners, which is exactly why it’s become such a hot spot for surf lessons and camps.

If you already know what you’re doing, there are board rentals everywhere. Just walk along the beach and you’ll find plenty of spots to grab a board. There are also tons of surf coaches offering one-off lessons if you’re somewhere in the middle.

What Weligama also does really well? Surf camps. I haven’t personally stayed in one, but one of my close friends just got back from a two-week stay at Kima Surf Camp, and he raved about it. It’s set in this stunning old colonial mansion right in Weligama, fully renovated, with a pool, great meals, a lovely community, and super skilled surf coaches. He said it was the best decision he made on his trip—and I fully trust his taste.

2. Yoga at Hangtime Hostel

Weligama might not have the same yoga scene as Ahangama, but the rooftop class at Hangtime Hostel seriously surprised me—in a good way.

The setting alone is worth it: you’re up on the rooftop, with views of the ocean on one side and the jungle on the other. Mats are provided, and the teacher (shoutout to Lenni!) led a great power vinyasa class. It didn’t feel too easy or too intense—just a really good flow that left me feeling energized and was perfect for me.

They run classes daily at 9am, and drop-ins are only 2,500 LKR, which is actually cheaper than most places in Ahangama. Worth it for the view alone, honestly.

3. Sunset at The Cliff

My favorite spot for sunset in Weligama is The Cliff. It’s a bit out of town heading toward Ahangama, so you’ll need a scooter or tuk tuk, but it’s always worth the ride.

The setup is amazing—right on the rocks, open-air, and every seat has a view of the ocean. It’s one of the few places in Weligama where you actually feel like you’re at a proper sunset bar.

Food and drinks here are also some of the best in Weligama. I usually go for the grilled octopus with their fatbread on the side—it comes with little dips and dressings and it’s just so good. Their cocktails are strong too, not just some juice with a splash of rum.

Definitely book ahead if you’re coming for sunset on a weekend. It gets busy.

4. Try My Favorite Breakfast at Nomad Cafe

I’m not even exaggerating—Nomad Cafe might be the number one reason I kept riding over from Ahangama to Weligama. The brunch here is that good.

When I first found it, it was just a tiny spot with maybe five tables. Since then, they’ve expanded quite a bit, but the vibe is still super chill. Their coffee is easily the best flat white I’ve had in Weligama, and the food? Unreal.

My go-to was always the rösti eggs benedict—perfectly poached eggs with hollandaise on a crispy hash brown. So simple, but so well done. I also tried their shakshuka and was seriously impressed. This place knows what they’re doing.

If you’re into brunch, this is the spot. Best cafe in Weligama, hands down.

5. Coworking at Plan B

You don’t have to be working to hang out at Plan B, but that’s what I usually came here for. It’s a coliving space, coworking hub, and cozy little cafe all rolled into one—and honestly, one of my favorite spots for digital nomads in Weligama.

The cafe is tucked into a shaded courtyard that’s super relaxed, with plenty of people on their laptops sipping flat whites or grabbing brunch. But even if you’re not working, you’ll still feel totally welcome here.

I’ve been a bunch of times and tried a lot from their menu—smoothie bowls, hoppers, eggs Florentine… it’s all so good. They’ve also got good vegan options and great coffee to go with it. Whether you’re here to work or just chill, Plan B is a winner.

6. Amazing Dinner at Maru

I’ll be real with you—the food scene in Weligama just isn’t as strong as what you’ll find in Ahangama. So if you’re after something a bit more upscale or creative, I’d say hop on your scooter and head to Abrazo or Abode in Ahangama instead.

That said, I did find one spot in Weligama that really delivered: Maru. It’s right on the ocean and all about fresh seafood. I loved their shrimp ceviche, and I also had the teriyaki poke bowl, which was super tasty (honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of their poke options).

A huge bonus is, they’ve got a pool on site, and when we came for lunch, they let us use it—so it’s a great pick for both lunch and dinner. Come for the food, stay for the ocean breeze (and maybe a swim).

7. Safari at Yala National Park

Doing a safari at Yala National Park is one of those bucket-list experiences that’s 100% worth the hype—and while it’s not technically in Weligama, it’s a super popular day trip or overnight from here, so I’m definitely including it.

If you’re staying in Weligama and want to do a safari, here’s how it usually works: you leave really early in the morning (I’m talking 4 or 5am), drive about 2.5–3 hours to Yala, hop in a jeep, and spend a few hours spotting elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, and—if you’re lucky—a leopard.

I booked my safari through a local tour company that picked me up in Weligama, and everything was taken care of—transport, guide, park fees, the whole deal (and yes, I did see a leopard). It’s a long day for sure, but if you’re into wildlife or just want to do something totally different from the beach and surf scene, this is a solid pick.

If you’ve got time, I actually recommend staying overnight near Yala and doing the morning safari from there—it’s way less rushed and you get way more out of it.

8. Cocktails at Zephyr Weligama

One of my favorite cocktail bars in Weligama is Zephyr. I know there are a bunch of cool rooftops around with great views, but when I actually want a good drink—not just the scenery—I come here.

I found it kind of by accident one night when I was looking for a relaxed spot for post-dinner drinks, and that’s exactly what Zephyr is perfect for. It’s got a laid-back vibe, nothing too flashy, just a solid cocktail bar that does things right. I tried the espresso martini (which was genuinely good) and their mojito, which was fresh and super well-balanced. A few people in our group ordered food too, and I was honestly surprised by how good it looked. The serve small plates that actually make sense with cocktails. The grilled tuna especially looked so delicious.

Zephyr is definitely on the pricier side for Weligama, but they do have a pool you’re allowed to use, so it kind of evens out.

9. Handunugoda Tea Estate

If you’re looking for a really easy and scenic little day trip from Weligama, I’d definitely recommend heading to the Handunugoda Tea Estate. It’s only about 45 minutes away by scooter or tuk tuk, and it’s such a peaceful spot to explore—especially if you want a short break from the beach.

I actually did the tour myself, and it was way more interesting than I expected. It starts with a walk through the tea plantation, and then they take you into the old factory where you get to see how everything’s made—from picking the leaves to drying and packaging. The estate is known for producing “Virgin White Tea,” which is hand-harvested without the leaves ever touching human skin. Sounds a bit dramatic, but when they explain the process during the tour, it’s actually super cool.

At the end, they let you taste a bunch of different teas (some really unique ones too), and the tasting room has such a beautiful view—just endless green hills and trees. It’s a really chilled and lovely way to spend a few hours.

10. Day Trip to Galle

If you’re staying in Weligama for a bit, I’d definitely recommend setting aside a day to visit Galle. It’s only about 45 minutes away by tuk tuk or scooter, so super easy to do as a quick day trip—and it’s such a different vibe from the beach towns along the coast.

I’ve done this trip a couple of times now, and it’s always a nice change of pace. Galle Fort is the main area you’ll want to explore. It’s a historic old fort built by the Portuguese and then taken over by the Dutch, but these days it’s full of little boutique shops, art galleries, cute cafés, and restored colonial buildings. You can just wander around, grab an iced coffee, check out the ocean views from the old fort walls, and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.

It’s not a huge place, so half a day is usually enough unless you want to do some shopping or stay for dinner. Personally, I like going in the late afternoon so I can walk around while it’s not too hot and then stay for sunset by the lighthouse.

FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Weligama

What Are Things to Do in Weligama with Kids?

Weligama is great for a relaxed family trip. The main beach is super calm and perfect for beginners (surf lessons for kids are a thing here), and there are plenty of beachfront cafés where parents can chill while the little ones play in the sand.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Weligama?

I’ve tried quite a few spots, and my personal favorites are Nomad Café for brunch, Maru for seafood by the ocean, and The Cliff for sunset dinner and cocktails. Weligama’s food scene isn’t as strong as nearby Ahangama, but there are definitely a few hidden gems if you know where to go.

How Do I Get from Weligama to Hiriketiya Beach?

Super easy—it’s about an hour by scooter or tuk tuk, depending on traffic. If you’re not comfortable driving, you can ask your guesthouse or hotel to arrange a driver for the day. Hiriketiya is totally worth a visit for a beach day or a surf session.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Weligama?

Besides the beach itself, I’d say don’t miss Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa(especially for sunrise), Zephyr for a cocktail, and a surf lesson if you’re new to it. You can also use Weligama as a base to explore nearby places like Galle, Ahangama, and the tea plantations.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Weligama

Weligama definitely has its charm and more than enough going on to keep you busy for a few days. But to be totally honest, I think Weligama is best for surfers. If you’re here to surf—or want to learn—this is the place. The waves are super beginner-friendly, and there are tons of surf schools and camps around to help you get started.

If you’re just looking for a chilled beach town to hang out in, though, I’d say there are better options nearby. Personally, I prefer Ahangama or Hiriketiya for the beach itself, the overall vibe, and the restaurant and café scene.

Either way, I hope some of my experience from Weligama helps you plan your time and gives you a few fun ideas to check out while you’re here.

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