Things to Do in Waskaduwa

A quiet stretch of golden sand with calm waters, good for swimming or walks. Less crowded than nearby Kalutara or Beruwala beaches.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Go early morning (6-7am) to see local fishermen hauling their nets. Bring your own towel and water – no rental shacks here.

A lively morning fish auction near the beach, where locals bid on fresh tuna, snapper, and prawns. No admission fee, and watching the process is free. Small stalls sell grilled fish and curry for 100-200 LKR.

🕐 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM

💡 Best time is 5:30-7am. Bring a small bag to buy a piece of grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf – it's breakfast fare here. Wear shoes; the floor gets wet and slippery.

Sprawling Buddhist temple complex with a massive seated Buddha statue, colourful murals, and a bo tree. Built in the 18th century, it's a calm spot with good views over the coast.

🕐 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

💡 Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Offerings of lotus flowers are sold at the entrance for about 50 LKR. Best light for photos is late afternoon.

One of Sri Lanka's oldest sacred bo trees, grown from a cutting of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. Surrounded by small shrines and a white stupa. Entrance is free, but donations welcome.

🕐 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

💡 Visit during a full moon (Poya) day to see locals in white robes offering flowers and lighting oil lamps. It gets busy after 4pm, so arrive around 2pm for quiet.

A crumbling three-storey colonial mansion built in 1900 by a local aristocrat. Check the ornate woodwork, stained glass, and grand ballroom. Entrance fee is 500 LKR (approx £1.50) – cash only.

🕐 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

💡 Ask the caretaker to take you up to the roof – the coastline view is worth the climb. Go before 11am to avoid the school groups from nearby Kalutara.