Dickwella beach
Dickwella, a quaint locale nestled in the southern reaches of Sri Lanka, boasts a pristine beach that is a destination in its own right. While it lies in close proximity to the towns of Tangalle and Matara, Dickwella shines as an independent resort, offering a picturesque beach where the traditions of fishing and trading thrive amidst its serene beauty.
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Beach description
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Dickwella Beach, a hidden gem on the Sri Lankan coast that beckons tourists with its tranquil allure. The area's tourism is still burgeoning, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle, making it an idyllic retreat for honeymooners or those seeking a peaceful escape. Whether you're looking to swim, dive, or simply explore the local culture, Dickwella's placid waters welcome underwater adventurers, families with children, and travelers who prefer to steer clear of bustling shopping centers and noisy throngs.
Shielded from civilization, gusty winds, and tumultuous waves, the beach is a sanctuary partitioned by capes and reefs. Fishermen often encounter sandbanks even at a distance from the shore, contributing to the area's reputation as a safe haven for swimming.
Visitors are invited to engage in a variety of leisurely activities: construct majestic sand castles, bask in the sun's warm embrace, investigate the surrounding rocks and reefs, or seek out the exotic local flora and fauna.
While the public area of the beach lacks man-made conveniences, nature's offerings are plentiful. For those desiring a touch of comfort, sunbeds and refreshing cocktails are available at a selection of the area's sparse cafes and hotels.
Discover the Optimal Season for Your Dickwella Getaway
The best time to visit Sri Lanka for a beach vacation largely depends on which part of the island you're planning to explore. Sri Lanka's beaches are at their best during two distinct periods, thanks to the island's two monsoon seasons affecting opposite coasts at different times of the year.
- West and South Coasts: The ideal time to visit beaches on the west and south coasts is from November to April. During these months, the weather is dry and sunny, providing perfect conditions for beach activities and relaxation. Destinations like Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Bentota are particularly enjoyable.
- East Coast: For the east coast beaches, such as Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, and Passikudah, the best time is between May to September. This period avoids the Yala monsoon, which affects the southwest of the island, ensuring that visitors to the east coast can enjoy clear skies and calm seas.
Regardless of the coast, it's always advisable to check the weather forecast and local advice as climate patterns can vary. By choosing the right time for your visit, you'll be rewarded with Sri Lanka's stunning beaches at their most inviting.
Video: Beach Dickwella
Infrastructure
Dickwella may not boast a plethora of attractions beyond tours, yet it is far from a forgotten town. The local market, operational solely on Saturdays, along with several supermarkets - Cargills Food being the most prominent - provides ample service. Here, purchasing alcohol is possible, a rarity in many other resorts. However, smokers should note that cigarettes are not sold locally; they must bring their own or rely on auto rickshaw drivers who know where to procure "underground" goods. Banks and ATMs are readily available. The most vibrant area is along Tangalle Road, which links the neighboring towns of Tangalle and Matara. Further from the road, tranquility prevails, ensuring an undisturbed vacation.
Hotels in Dickwella are not clustered but rather dispersed along the coast, some even beyond Tangalle Road. The absence of cheap guest houses is notable, and those in operation provide services at average prices. It is recommended to research and book a hotel suite prior to arrival.
For those not in pursuit of opulence, the 4-star Dickwella Village Hotel offers a quaint yet well-maintained green space, featuring spacious suites with comfortable beds. Plumbing and air conditioning are reliably operational. Suites are cleaned daily, with towels replaced accordingly. Guests can enjoy delectable breakfasts and dinners. Each suite boasts an ocean view, and stepping out of the hotel places you directly on the beach.
For dining options, beachside cafes serve well-prepared food at reasonable prices. The menu includes seafood and starters, with a generous assortment of spices, particularly curry. For those with milder palates, rice is available to temper the heat. While meat dishes are on offer, the standout selections are tuna, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Rice noodles and flapjacks, either savory or sweet, are also popular choices.
Dickwella is a paradise for exotic fruit enthusiasts. The coconut, especially the orange variety known as king coconut, is a local favorite. An abundance of bananas, mangoes, papayas, and sapodillas can be found, along with pricier mangosteen, passion fruit, and tamarind - though bargaining at the market is encouraged. The ice cream quality has earned high praise from visitors.
Tea is customarily served with milk and sugar, and hotels typically provide all the necessary accompaniments, including cream. However, there are no special tea ceremonies to note.
Weather in Dickwella
Best hotels of Dickwella
All hotels of DickwellaUseful information
- You can get to Dickwella from the Colombo International Airport, it takes about 5 hours. Takes a bit less if you use the toll road. And that's the easiest way to get here. If you choose public transportation, you'll need to change a lot of buses, which may get tiring for a traveller from afar.
- Dickwella welcomes visitors all year long. The best time to visit is from November till April, when there's little rain and low waves. The period from May till October is quite rainy.
- Renting a bike or a car may be problematic. Only few hotels offer this service.
- You should take insect repellent with you, as the bugs can be quite annoying.
- The main sight near Dickwella is mother nature itself. Many foreign and Sri Lankan tourists come here to visit the Wewurukannala Temple. It's known for the 50 m tall statue of Buddha.
Other sights in the nearby towns and elsewhere include:
- The lighthouse and cape in the south of Dondra Island.
- Old Galle Fort.
- It's worth visiting the neighboring Matara and Tangalle.
- Turtle nursery near Unawatuna.
- Yala National Park.