Batigama holidays

Holidays to Batigama raise the bar when it comes to beach days – there’s a trio of sandy coves edged with tropical trees.

Beaches aplenty

The village of Batigama is on the south coast of Sri Lanka, and it’s fringed with postcard-perfect beaches. The coves here have crumbly sands and a flurry of wildlife – keep your eyes peeled, as it’s a popular spot for turtles. There are three main bays to choose from, the biggest being Dickwella Beach. You’ll find a few sunbathers dotted about, along with people dipping in and out of the sea with kayaks and surfboards. For a beach day with a difference, you could head east down the coast to Blue Beach Island – it’s a little chunk of land just off the shore, and you can reach it by walking across a sandbar. It takes about 15 minutes to drive here from Batigama.

Surf’s up

Hiriketiya Beach – sometimes nicknamed Hiri – is a hotspot for surfers, especially between October and March when the waves are at their best. You can stroll down to this sandy swathe in around 20 minutes from Batigama’s main bay, and there are lots of surf schools to choose from if you fancy getting out on the water. If you’d rather watch from the sand, you’ll still have a great time here – it’s a scenic spot for sunbathing, and there are a few bars and restaurants sprinkled along the edge of the sand, too.

Temple views

All over Sri Lanka, there are Buddhist temples decorated with ancient statues, murals and carvings. Some are up in the hills, and some are nestled by the sea – one even has the UNESCO World Heritage stamp of approval. A popular temple to visit when you’re staying in Batigama is Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara. It’s one of the most important cultural sites in the south of Sri Lanka, and is built into the side of a rock. The temple’s split into seven sections, and there’s a path taking you through it. You can drive to this historical spot in about 40 minutes.

A trip to Tangalle

Tangalle’s one of southern Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist spots, and along with an extra helping of pristine beaches, you’ll find plenty of activities to join in here – think cooking classes and yoga sessions. The town’s lively and colourful, and you can reach it from Batigama in about half an hour’s drive. It’s got one of Sri Lanka’s largest bays, and you should make sure you check out some restaurants while you’re there, too. Yellowfin tuna, also known as kelawalla, is one of the country’s signature dishes, and there are shedloads of seafront eateries where you can try it.