Beyond the seclusion of Sama Retreats you’ll find many things to do in the vicinity and further away – such as the Southern cultural hub of Galle.
Does a night of vibrant beats and devil dancers sound intriguing? Just give us 24-hour notice, and we can organize a cultural show featuring traditional low country ceremonial drums and dancing unique to the Southern region of Sri Lanka.
Learn about the rare turtles that visit the Southern coast with a visit to a turtle hatchery and conservation site. The projects rescue and protect turtle eggs – ensuring that they hatch safely. The baby turtles are then released back into the ocean.
On our coastline, fishing is the way of life. Take a little time out with our naturalist to visit a nearby fishing village and to watch the hussle and haggle at the local fish market known as a ‘Lellama’. You can even take your pick off the catch of the day for our Chef to prepare to your liking.
Float beneath the mangroves and be at one with the nature around you. Take a serene trip down the river with a boat safari on the Madu Ganga. You can explore the mangrove forests, little islets and discover the wonderful biodiversity around the river. The excursion includes a 1 hour boat safari and a visit to the Kothduwa island temple. You can even enjoy a fish pedicure therapy on request.
If you want a break from quiet pursuits and take in some beachside action, there is a wide range of water sports to enjoy within easy reach. Take your pick from canoeing, jet skiing, banana boats, parasailing, windsurfing and more.
Described as an experience of almost overwhelming aesthetic pleasure, Lunuganga is the country estate of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa – known as the father of tropical modernism. Now open to the public, the15 acre gardens lie on the banks of the Dedduwa Lake.
One of the important Buddhist temples in the district and formally recognised as a key archaeological site, the Aluthgama Kande Viharaya was built in 1734. Situated high on a rocky hill, the temple is home to a sacred Bo Tree (Ficus Religiosa) believed to be more than 300 years old. It also houses a gigantic Samadhi Buddha statue – which at 48.8 m (160 ft) in height, is considered to be one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world.
Spanning over 20 acres, Brief Garden was the beautiful country home and estate of landscape architect Bevis Bawa. His haven of magical ambience once hosted many celebrities – from Sir Lawrence Olivier, Vivien Leigh to Agatha Christie, and many others. Established in 1929, the garden still welcomes visitors throughout the year.
The Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple that houses exquisite murals and a dagaba (stupa) that is believed to be built between 250 BC and 210 BC by an ancient king. Destroyed during the colonial era it has now been restored and said to hold the tooth relic of Lord Buddha’s third disciple, – buried in the stupa. The main temple also features a 25-foot long statue of a sleeping Buddha.
Take a half day or day trip out to the hub of all cool and the cultural capital of Southern Sri Lanka. The Dutch Fort at Galle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally built in1588 by the Portuguesehas weathered storms both natural and manmade to survive intact to this day. The old city walled within it is often described as a treasure trove of colonial grandeur, entertainment, and great culinary experiences.
