Explore

Beyond the Resort

Hidden coves a short walk away, ancient temples and misty hill country a day’s drive. The south coast is yours to discover.

Things to See & Do

Your Base for the Southern Coast

Dickwella sits at the quiet heart of Sri Lanka’s southern shore. Spend a lazy afternoon on a nearby beach, or set out early for a day among ancient wonders, our team is always happy to arrange a driver, suggest the best time to go, or pack a picnic for the road.

Transportation can be arranged upon request. Please contact the reception for more details.

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Illustrated map of Sri Lanka showing the routes from Ivory Resort Dickwella to Galle, Mirissa, Yala, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya and other highlights

Your Journey Begins Here

Where Will You Wander First?

HUMMANAYA BLOW HOLE

Hummanaya is the only known natural blow hole in Sri Lanka and one of the most unique coastal attractions near Dikwella. Located on a rocky shoreline, this natural formation forcefully shoots seawater high into the air through a narrow opening in the rocks, creating a spectacular sight, especially during high tide and rough seas. The power and height of the water spray depend on the strength of the waves, making each visit a different experience. The surrounding coastal area also offers beautiful ocean views and is a great spot for photography and short walks. Hummanaya is an easy and enjoyable stop for guests looking to explore Sri Lanka’s natural coastal wonders.

DONDRA LIGHT HOUSE

Dondra Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, located at Dondra Head, the southernmost point of the island near Matara. Standing proudly along the coastline, this historic lighthouse has guided ships for decades and offers stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, coconut plantations, and the endless sea. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for photography and a short coastal visit. Dondra Lighthouse is a perfect addition to a relaxed sightseeing trip along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

MULKIRIGALA ROCK TEMPLE

Mulkirigala Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple complex built on a massive rock formation, often referred to as the “Little Sigiriya” of the south. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, the temple is an important religious and cultural site in Sri Lanka. Visitors climb a series of steps to reach several levels of cave temples, each featuring beautifully preserved Buddha statues, wall paintings, and murals depicting stories from Buddhist history. From the upper levels, the views of the surrounding countryside are calm and scenic. Mulkirigala offers a peaceful and culturally enriching experience, ideal for guests interested in history, spirituality, and traditional Sri Lankan heritage.

MIRISSA WHALE WATCHING

Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching, offering the chance to see the magnificent blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, along with sperm whales and dolphins. The experience takes place in the open ocean and is truly unforgettable. Whale-watching tours usually start early in the morning and are conducted by experienced crews using safety-equipped boats. Sightings depend on sea conditions and nature, but Mirissa is well known for its high success rate during the season. This excursion is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventure along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Photo by Oliver Frsh on Unsplash

Day Trip

GALLE

Approx. 62km from the hotel

Galle is a historic city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, best known for Galle Fort - a fortified old city originally built by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. The fort is surrounded by impressive stone sea walls and features car-free streets lined with buildings that reflect Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture. Highlights include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church and the iconic Galle Lighthouse, located at the southeastern tip of the fort.

Places to visit & things to do

01
Turtle Watching – Habaraduwa
Visit a turtle hatchery where rescued sea turtles are protected and cared for before being released back into the ocean.
02
Koggala Lagoon Boat Tour
A relaxing boat ride through Koggala Lagoon, visiting several small islands including Cinnamon Island and Bird Island.On Cinnamon Island, you can learn about traditional cinnamon cultivation and processing.On other islands, you may spot fish, monkeys, and a variety of birds in their natural surroundings.
03
Tea Factory Visit – Ahangama (Optional)
If you wish, we can arrange a visit to a local tea factory, where you can see how Sri Lankan tea is processed and enjoy a fresh cup at the end of the tour.

UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants up close in their natural habitat. The park is centered around the Udawalawe Reservoir and features wide open grasslands, making wildlife sightings frequent and clear. A safari in Udawalawe offers excellent opportunities to observe elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, and a wide variety of birds, including eagles and peacocks. Due to the open landscape, it is especially popular among nature lovers and photographers.Safaris are conducted in open 4x4 jeeps, typically during the early morning or late afternoon, which are the ideal times to experience animal activity.

BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK

Bundala National Park is a beautiful coastal wildlife sanctuary in southern Sri Lanka, best known as a paradise for birdwatchers. Its lagoons, wetlands, salt pans, and scrublands provide an important habitat for hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and herons. A safari through Bundala also offers opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, wild boar, and water buffalo in their natural surroundings. The park’s peaceful landscapes and rich birdlife make it a quieter and more relaxed wildlife experience compared with some of Sri Lanka’s larger national parks. Safaris are conducted in open 4x4 jeeps, with early morning and late afternoon generally offering the best opportunities for wildlife and bird sightings.

SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

Sinharaja Rainforest is Sri Lanka’s last remaining primary tropical rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. This dense rainforest is home to a wide variety of endemic plants, birds, reptiles, and insects, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. A guided walk through Sinharaja allows visitors to explore lush forest trails, small streams, and hidden waterfalls while listening to the sounds of the jungle. The forest is especially famous for mixed bird flocks, where many species can be seen together in a single sighting. Sinharaja offers a truly immersive nature experience and is ideal for guests seeking adventure, tranquility, and a deeper connection with Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The park is made up of dry forests, open grasslands, lagoons, and rocky outcrops, creating a unique natural habitat for a wide variety of animals and birds. A guided safari through Yala offers the chance to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, and many species of birds in their natural environment. The experience is both thrilling and peaceful, making it one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka. Safaris are usually conducted in open 4x4 jeeps during the early morning or late afternoon, which are the best times for wildlife sightings.

Photo by Dulana Kodithuwakku on Unsplash

Photo by Sach on Unsplash

Photo by Dulana Kodithuwakku on Unsplash

Photo by Matt Dany on Unsplash

Day Trip

ELLA

Approx. 150km from the hotel

Ella is a charming hill-country town surrounded by lush green mountains, tea plantations, and misty valleys. Known for its cooler climate and breathtaking scenery, Ella offers a perfect escape into nature with scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and iconic railway experiences. It is a popular destination for hiking, photography, and relaxed exploration.

Places to visit & things to do

01
Ravana Ella Waterfall
One of the widest and most famous waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
02
Nine Arch Bridge
An iconic colonial-era railway bridge set amidst dense jungle and tea fields.
03
Little Adam’s Peak
A gentle hike with rewarding panoramic views.
04
Optional experiences (additional charges apply)
Scenic train ride from Ella to Demodara, one of the most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka.
05
Buduruwagala
An ancient Buddhist temple complex with impressive rock-carved statues.
06
Diyaluma & Upper Diyaluma Waterfalls
Stunning waterfalls with natural pools and viewpoints.

Photo by Uravrgphotographer on Unsplash

Photo by Shameera Carrim on Unsplash

Photo by Arif Rasheed on Unsplash

Photo by Chathura Anuradha Subasinghe on Unsplash

Day Trip

KANDY

Approx. 268km from the hotel

Kandy is a historic city located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is considered the cultural capital of the country. Surrounded by hills and centered around a scenic lake, Kandy is renowned for its rich heritage, traditional arts, and religious significance. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Places to visit & things to do

01
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic)
One of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, housing the revered Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
02
Kandy View Point
A stunning lookout offering panoramic views of Kandy city and the lake.
03
Gem Museum
Learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous gemstones and their history.
04
Peradeniya Botanical Garden
A beautifully maintained garden featuring a vast collection of tropical plants, orchids, and towering palms.

Photo by Shashank Hudkar on Unsplash

Day Trip

Sigiriya

Approx. 321km from the hotel

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations, famous for its ancient rock fortress and rich cultural heritage. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, Lion Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views from the summit, along with fascinating frescoes and landscaped gardens that date back over 1,500 years.

Places to visit & things to do

01
Sigiriya Village Tour
Travel by tuk-tuk into the heart of a traditional village.
02
Natural Boat Ride
Enjoy a peaceful ride on a river or village lake surrounded by nature.
03
Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch
A freshly prepared traditional meal served in the village.
04
Village Cooking Experience
– Take part in making local favorites such as pol sambol using fresh coconuts.
05
Traditional Food Preparation
See how finger millet is ground using a natural stone grinder and experience other village activities and daily life. This experience offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.

Getting Around

Transportation can be arranged upon request

Please contact the reception for more details.

Call Reception Contact Us