Things to do - Excursions
Lets Enjoy !
Excursions
Matara, capital of the South, is a city with a large university campus, and people are young and vibrant. You will find a large fruit & vegetable market, several temples and many shops of all kinds.
We can organize you in Tuk Tuk, car or minivan the following excursions.
Matara Colonial Quarter
Stroll to the side of the Clock Tower, the Ramparts, the Dutch Reformed Church and Dutchman street, right into The Colonial Quarter of Matara Fort. (10 min from Hotel)
The Fruit and Vegetable Market
The Fruit and Vegetable Market of Matara on the sea front. An explosion of colors and tropical flavors.
Every Wednesday and Sunday morning. (10 minutes from Hotel)
We will also bring you to the market on Sri Lankan Buffet Day to purchase all the ingredients to cook your first real Rice & Curry.
Totamuna Fish Market
Totamuna Fish Market at the mouth of the Nilwala River.
Shrimps, squid and fish from the Indian Ocean, amid fishing boats, will makes you feel as if you were a local ! (10/15 minutes from Hotel).
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Matara
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Matara, facing the beach. A church that has an incredible history.
At school time and during the catholic religious festivals, a moment of colors and authenticity. (10 min from Hotel)
Matara Sea Temple
A Great Sacred Temple to discover, the Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya Temple of Matara (10mn from Hotel)
The colonial lighthouse of Dondra
The colonial lighthouse of Dondra which is the most southern point of Sri Lanka is an amazing visit. The view from the top embrace all the south coast reefs and beaches.
Every evening at nightfall, it lights up to the left of Vanina Villas 's beach and shine all night till morning light.
The great Hindu and Buddhist temples
The great Hindu and Buddhist temples of Dondra with their sacred elephants is an interesting and amazing place. (15mn from Hotel)
In July Dondra festival is an important meeting and also have its own Perahera procession during several days.
The Batik Manufacture
The age-old art of the work of the patterns and colors of these beautiful fabrics, applied to shirts, sarongs, dresses, paintings, will be explained in this small Batik Craft factory (15mn from Hotel)
The Tea Plantation
No need to go to the center and mountains of the island, you will be able to visit a beautiful Tea Plantation and Manufacture in the hills of the hinterland (30 mn from Hotel)
Galle Fort
Galle Fort, the city with its colonial past (churches, museums), its ramparts over the ocean, winding alleys with hundred-year-old houses, the lighthouse and also plenty of great restaurants and shops (50 min from Hotel).
We'll organize for you a day trip going by train from Matara station then come back Hotel with a minibus
Polhena Beach
Polhena, a cosy seaside village with an ideal reef for snorkeling and its famous Madiha surf spot (15 mins north)
Weligama Beach
Weligama, a large sandy bay, a small harbor, easy surf spot (25 mins to the north)
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa. A lovely bay with a good surf spot and a lively tourist village, bars, restaurants (20 min to the north)
Iriketiya Beach
The heavenly cove of Iriketiya. You would feel like in the movie La Plage (30 mn to the South), crystal water for snorkeling, surf spots for all levels, reef & sandy bottom.
River Cruise
Go for a River boat trip ( 3 hours excursion, 10 minutes from Hotel ) on the Nilwala river. Maximum 6 people.
Myriads of birds spinning towards the paddy fields and river, crocodiles on the banks, luxuriant vegetation.
Whales and dolphins
Discover Whales and Dolphins off Southern Coast.
Accessible from Mirissa Harbour located 15mn from Hotel. You'll start your boat trip at 07:00am and will be back around 02:00pm (breakfast, tea coffee, sandwiches included).
You'll watch cetaceans as Blue whale, Bride Whale Sperm Whale or Killer Whale. But also myriad of botlenose and spinner dolphins cruising around the boat.
Excursion also cruise around south point of Sri Lanka and you'll also be able to use fishing rod material if you like it, to bring catch of the day.
Diving center
The Diving Center of Polhena beach is located in a lovely secluded cove (15 min from Hotel). Serious Pro Team taking you for underwater adventure in South Sri Lanka waters.
The Sea Turtles Farm
The Turtle Hatchery at Habaraduwa and Kogala or Wijaya Beach (35 mn drive). Watch and sometimes swim with Sea Turtles.
Open according to the season.
The Snake Farm
The Snake Farm. Visit to the house of a lover and defender of snakes. Cobras, Pythons, Polenga, scorpions… in a wilderness setting. A non touristic excursion, interesting to better understand these little critters (1h30 visit, 30mn by road)
Udawalawe Reserve
Udawalawe Reserve in the Southeast. Elephants, buffalos, gazelles, crocodiles …
1 Day Safari. Departure 6:00 am return 4:00 pm, located 2,30 hours from Hotel.
Direct departure from Vanina Villas in air-conditioned minibus transfer to the reserve and Jeep in the park (vehicle of 6 - 8 pers)
Bundala Game Reserve
This Animal sanctuary is a rich bird life with approximately 197 species around. You can find several species of migratory waterfowl.
This has led to the declaration of the park as Sri Lanka 's first ‘Ramsar' wetland – one of great international importance especially for migratory waterfowl.
Let\'s cruise around Matara Area
Matara, capital of the South, is a city with a large university campus, and people are young and vibrant.
You will find a large fruit & vegetable market, several temples and many shops of all kinds
Matara Colonial Quarter
Stroll to the side of the Clock Tower, the Ramparts, the Dutch Reformed Church and Dutchman street, right into The Colonial Quarter of Matara Fort. (10 min from Hotel)
The Fruit and Vegetable Market
The Fruit and Vegetable Market of Matara on the sea front. An explosion of colors and tropical flavors.
Every Wednesday and Sunday morning. (10 minutes from Hotel)
We will also bring you to the market on Sri Lankan Buffet Day to purchase all the ingredients to cook your first real Rice & Curry.
Totamuna Fish Market
Totamuna Fish Market at the mouth of the Nilwala River.
Shrimps, squid and fish from the Indian Ocean, amid fishing boats, will makes you feel as if you were a local ! (10/15 minutes from Hotel).
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Matara
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Matara, facing the beach. A church that has an incredible history.
At school time and during the catholic religious festivals, a moment of colors and authenticity. (10 min from Hotel)
Matara Sea Temple
A Great Sacred Temple to discover, the Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya Temple of Matara (10mn from Hotel)
The colonial lighthouse of Dondra
The colonial lighthouse of Dondra which is the most southern point of Sri Lanka is an amazing visit. The view from the top embrace all the south coast reefs and beaches.
Every evening at nightfall, it lights up to the left of Vanina Villas 's beach and shine all night till morning light.
The great Hindu and Buddhist temples
The great Hindu and Buddhist temples of Dondra with their sacred elephants is an interesting and amazing place. (15mn from Hotel)
In July Dondra festival is an important meeting and also have its own Perahera procession during several days.
The Batik Manufacture
The age-old art of the work of the patterns and colors of these beautiful fabrics, applied to shirts, sarongs, dresses, paintings, will be explained in this small Batik Craft factory (15mn from Hotel)
The Tea Plantation
No need to go to the center and mountains of the island, you will be able to visit a beautiful Tea Plantation and Manufacture in the hills of the hinterland (30 mn from Hotel)
Galle Fort
Galle Fort, the city with its colonial past (churches, museums), its ramparts over the ocean, winding alleys with hundred-year-old houses, the lighthouse and also plenty of great restaurants and shops (50 min from Hotel).
We'll organize for you a day trip going by train from Matara station then come back Hotel with a minibus
Polhena Beach
Polhena, a cosy seaside village with an ideal reef for snorkeling and its famous Madiha surf spot (15 mins north)
Weligama Beach
Weligama, a large sandy bay, a small harbor, easy surf spot (25 mins to the north)
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa. A lovely bay with a good surf spot and a lively tourist village, bars, restaurants (20 min to the north)
Iriketiya Beach
The heavenly cove of Iriketiya. You would feel like in the movie La Plage (30 mn to the South), crystal water for snorkeling, surf spots for all levels, reef & sandy bottom.
River Cruise
Go for a River boat trip ( 3 hours excursion, 10 minutes from Hotel ) on the Nilwala river. Maximum 6 people.
Myriads of birds spinning towards the paddy fields and river, crocodiles on the banks, luxuriant vegetation.
Whales and dolphins
Discover Whales and Dolphins off Southern Coast.
Accessible from Mirissa Harbour located 15mn from Hotel. You'll start your boat trip at 07:00am and will be back around 02:00pm (breakfast, tea coffee, sandwiches included).
You'll watch cetaceans as Blue whale, Bride Whale Sperm Whale or Killer Whale. But also myriad of botlenose and spinner dolphins cruising around the boat.
Excursion also cruise around south point of Sri Lanka and you'll also be able to use fishing rod material if you like it, to bring catch of the day.
Diving center
The Diving Center of Polhena beach is located in a lovely secluded cove (15 min from Hotel). Serious Pro Team taking you for underwater adventure in South Sri Lanka waters.
The Sea Turtles Farm
The Turtle Hatchery at Habaraduwa and Kogala or Wijaya Beach (35 mn drive). Watch and sometimes swim with Sea Turtles.
Open according to the season.
The Snake Farm
The Snake Farm. Visit to the house of a lover and defender of snakes. Cobras, Pythons, Polenga, scorpions… in a wilderness setting. A non touristic excursion, interesting to better understand these little critters (1h30 visit, 30mn by road)
Udawalawe Reserve
Udawalawe Reserve in the Southeast. Elephants, buffalos, gazelles, crocodiles …
1 Day Safari. Departure 6:00 am return 4:00 pm, located 2,30 hours from Hotel.
Direct departure from Vanina Villas in air-conditioned minibus transfer to the reserve and Jeep in the park (vehicle of 6 - 8 pers)
Bundala Game Reserve
This Animal sanctuary is a rich bird life with approximately 197 species around. You can find several species of migratory waterfowl.
This has led to the declaration of the park as Sri Lanka 's first ‘Ramsar' wetland – one of great international importance especially for migratory waterfowl.
Let\'s cruise around Matara Area
Matara, capital of the South, is a city with a large university campus, and people are young and vibrant.
You will find a large fruit & vegetable market, several temples and many shops of all kinds
Matara Colonial Quarter
Stroll to the side of the Clock Tower, the Ramparts, the Dutch Reformed Church and Dutchman street, right into The Colonial Quarter of Matara Fort. (10 min from Hotel)
The Fruit and Vegetable Market
The Fruit and Vegetable Market of Matara on the sea front. An explosion of colors and tropical flavors.
Every Wednesday and Sunday morning. (10 minutes from Hotel)
We will also bring you to the market on Sri Lankan Buffet Day to purchase all the ingredients to cook your first real Rice & Curry.
Totamuna Fish Market
Totamuna Fish Market at the mouth of the Nilwala River.
Shrimps, squid and fish from the Indian Ocean, amid fishing boats, will makes you feel as if you were a local ! (10/15 minutes from Hotel).
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Matara
The Church and Convent of Our Lady of Matara, facing the beach. A church that has an incredible history.
At school time and during the catholic religious festivals, a moment of colors and authenticity. (10 min from Hotel)
Matara Sea Temple
A Great Sacred Temple to discover, the Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya Temple of Matara (10mn from Hotel)
The colonial lighthouse of Dondra
The colonial lighthouse of Dondra which is the most southern point of Sri Lanka is an amazing visit. The view from the top embrace all the south coast reefs and beaches.
Every evening at nightfall, it lights up to the left of Vanina Villas 's beach and shine all night till morning light.
The great Hindu and Buddhist temples
The great Hindu and Buddhist temples of Dondra with their sacred elephants is an interesting and amazing place. (15mn from Hotel)
In July Dondra festival is an important meeting and also have its own Perahera procession during several days.
The Batik Manufacture
The age-old art of the work of the patterns and colors of these beautiful fabrics, applied to shirts, sarongs, dresses, paintings, will be explained in this small Batik Craft factory (15mn from Hotel)
The Tea Plantation
No need to go to the center and mountains of the island, you will be able to visit a beautiful Tea Plantation and Manufacture in the hills of the hinterland (30 mn from Hotel)
Galle Fort
Galle Fort, the city with its colonial past (churches, museums), its ramparts over the ocean, winding alleys with hundred-year-old houses, the lighthouse and also plenty of great restaurants and shops (50 min from Hotel).
We'll organize for you a day trip going by train from Matara station then come back Hotel with a minibus
Polhena Beach
Polhena, a cosy seaside village with an ideal reef for snorkeling and its famous Madiha surf spot (15 mins north)
Weligama Beach
Weligama, a large sandy bay, a small harbor, easy surf spot (25 mins to the north)
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa. A lovely bay with a good surf spot and a lively tourist village, bars, restaurants (20 min to the north)
Iriketiya Beach
The heavenly cove of Iriketiya. You would feel like in the movie La Plage (30 mn to the South), crystal water for snorkeling, surf spots for all levels, reef & sandy bottom.
River Cruise
Go for a River boat trip ( 3 hours excursion, 10 minutes from Hotel ) on the Nilwala river. Maximum 6 people.
Myriads of birds spinning towards the paddy fields and river, crocodiles on the banks, luxuriant vegetation.
Whales and dolphins
Discover Whales and Dolphins off Southern Coast.
Accessible from Mirissa Harbour located 15mn from Hotel. You'll start your boat trip at 07:00am and will be back around 02:00pm (breakfast, tea coffee, sandwiches included).
You'll watch cetaceans as Blue whale, Bride Whale Sperm Whale or Killer Whale. But also myriad of botlenose and spinner dolphins cruising around the boat.
Excursion also cruise around south point of Sri Lanka and you'll also be able to use fishing rod material if you like it, to bring catch of the day.
Diving center
The Diving Center of Polhena beach is located in a lovely secluded cove (15 min from Hotel). Serious Pro Team taking you for underwater adventure in South Sri Lanka waters.
The Sea Turtles Farm
The Turtle Hatchery at Habaraduwa and Kogala or Wijaya Beach (35 mn drive). Watch and sometimes swim with Sea Turtles.
Open according to the season.
The Snake Farm
The Snake Farm. Visit to the house of a lover and defender of snakes. Cobras, Pythons, Polenga, scorpions… in a wilderness setting. A non touristic excursion, interesting to better understand these little critters (1h30 visit, 30mn by road)
Udawalawe Reserve
Udawalawe Reserve in the Southeast. Elephants, buffalos, gazelles, crocodiles …
1 Day Safari. Departure 6:00 am return 4:00 pm, located 2,30 hours from Hotel.
Direct departure from Vanina Villas in air-conditioned minibus transfer to the reserve and Jeep in the park (vehicle of 6 - 8 pers)
Bundala Game Reserve
This Animal sanctuary is a rich bird life with approximately 197 species around. You can find several species of migratory waterfowl.
This has led to the declaration of the park as Sri Lanka 's first ‘Ramsar' wetland – one of great international importance especially for migratory waterfowl.
Let\'s cruise around Matara Area
Matara, capital of the South, is a city with a large university campus, and people are young and vibrant.
You will find a large fruit & vegetable market, several temples and many shops of all kinds