WEERAWILA

A NEW DAWN IN SOUTHERN TOURISM LANDSCAPE

- BY SANATH WEERASURIYA

Tucked between the legendary leopard territory of Yala and the serene wilderness of elephant roaming Lunugamvehera, Weerawila sits at the heart of Sri Lanka's Deep South-perfectly placed for those chasing adventure, wildlife and wonder.

Though still flying under the radar of mainstream tourism, Weerawila has quietly emerged as a hidden gem in Ruhuna. The tranquil beauty of Weerawila Lake, teeming with vibrant birdlife, now draws hundreds of nature lovers and adventure seekers eager to explore this unspoiled corner of the Deep South. This magnificent lake lies along the iconic A2 highway, popularly known as Galle Road-but far beyond the bustling towns of Galle and even Tangalle, deep into the serene southern wilderness.

Weerawila Lake is the sparkling heart of this peaceful southern hamlet, drawing travellers to a cluster of charming resorts nestled close to Debarawewa and Tissamaharama. More than just a scenic spot, the area is a haven for nature lovers-surrounded by bird sanctuaries and some of Sri Lanka's most celebrated wildlife parks, including Bundala and Lunugamvehera.

Visitors to Weerawila are treated to an authentic slice of village life, untouched by the rush of urban development. Here, the rhythm of daily living flows with the gentle pace of a traditional fishing village-serene, genuine and unspoiled.