Ahungalla - අහුන්ගල්ල

This is an absolute lazy destination, and a good base to travel to many interesting destinations of Sri Lanka's southwest coast. Ahungalla beach - This lovely stretch of beach plays host to some of the most luxurious hotels on the west coast and is lined with post card perfect coconut groves. Shopping in Ahungalle and thereabouts, basket ware and handicrafts can be bought from local street side vendors. The area around Ahungalla, particularly Ambalangoda, is famous for its traditional hand carved masks made from light Kaduru wood and painted with vegetable paints. Some of the more elaborate masks feature fearsome faces with fanglike teeth and bloodthirsty tongues. There is a moonstone quarry in Meetiyagoda and you can buy some of these enchanting stones at reasonable prices. Sri Lankan handicraft Centre - on the left hand side of Galle road 10km from Ahungalla you will find the centre where you can see basket weavers at work. Don't miss the frantic market on Tuesdays for good bargains. (Distance From Colombo : 96 km)