AHUNGALLA

Ahungalla is a small coastal town, located in Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 12 metres (39 ft) above the sea level.

History

Ahungalla is known primarily for its sandy beach, accompanied by a wide palm belt, considered to be one of the best on the island.

The village is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Bentota, 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the provincial capital Galle at Cape Point Ahungalla. The neighboring villages are Kosgoda to the north and Balapitiya in the south. Southeast of the town is the mangrove area of Madu Ganga.

The largest and most well-known building in the town is the luxury hotel, Heritance Ahungalla (formerly Hotel Triton), designed by notable Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, and constructed from 1979 to 1981.

As with the entire region Ahungalla was devastated by the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

Transport

Ahungalla is located on the Coastal or Southern Rail Line (connecting Colombo through to Matara), and the A2 highway, connecting Colombo to Wellawaya.

Facilities

Ahungalla railway station - few trains however stop at this station

Attractions

Ahungalla beach