Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya Temple Visit.

Jump into Tuk Tuks and trundle a few kilometres down the road to the local temple in Dikwella, an incredible 18th-century temple or ‘sacred city’. They are proud to have the largest seated Buddha in Sri Lanka. There are incredible ornate statues, carvings and murals of the Buddha's life; but there are also a few surprises in store for you as you explore - expect the unexpected this afternoon!

Hirikeyiya Bay.

Tucked away down a narrow track on the other side of Dikwella is an enchanting little bay called Hiriketiya. It’s a local surfing Mecca and a honey pot for people watching! ‘Hiri’ is a heavenly horseshoe of calm waters and sunbathing at one end, with huge waves and surfing at the other.

It’s a great place to visit whether you want to go swimming in the sea, have a spontaneous surfing lesson, visit some of the cafes or home spun shops… or just sit back and watch the world go by.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Today's adventure comes in the morning. We’ll rise before dawn and travel to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, where we will take rafts and punt across the tranquil waters. We’ll then disembark and climb to the top of the huge rock with its spectacular views across the bird sanctuary and the ocean beyond. Grace will guide us through a meditation session at the top, enabling us to feel the power of the sunrise. When we’re ready we’ll continue our journey around the sanctuary before returning to the villa in time for brunch.

Bike Ride.

We’ll pedal from the local town of Tangalle, winding through the back roads past paddy fields and tea plantations, through villages where kids play cricket in the street and aromatic smells waft out from the colourful houses.

Our eventual destination is the incredible Mulkirigala Rock Temple - a huge temple built into the rock that rises 200m out of the ground, decorated with incredible paintings, sleeping Buddhas and religious offerings. The phenomenal view from the top is worth the hike.

At the summit, when you feel on top of the world, Grace will lead a short meditation practice. We will then return by minibus to the villa.

After all the adventures of the past few days, Thursday will feature cooking workshops from Jay and the afternoon is purely for relaxation at the villa.

Tallala Bay & Natural Pools

For those who want to explore more, we can jump in Tuk Tuks and head to the untouched beauty of Tallala Bay, only 10 minutes away. We can walk the beach, watch locals playing cricket or climb up the steps clinging to the hillside to reach the Treehouse Restaurant for a cooling drink.

On our return, we have the option to stop off and swim in the natural salt water tidal pools. These are carved into the rocks, filling with salt water as the waves bring in the tide.