WAIKKAL
Area: Sri Lanka
Country: Sri Lanka


Location:
34 miles N of Colombo, 12 miles N of Bandaranaike international airport. 5 miles N of Negombo.

Telephone code from UK:
94 31

Position:
At N end of SW coastal strip.

Description:
Little more than a small rambling village along the main road, which also incorporates a number of tiny hamlets. Little to interest tourists staying at the beachfront hotels apart from a couple of rather large Catholic churches, some upmarket villas and several brick and terracotta-tile factories, which provide the materials for most of the local buildings.

Suitability:
For independent sun-seekers not too concerned about the beach. Hotels in the area tend to focus on eco-minded clients.

Accommodation:
Primarily all-inclusive self-contained complexes.

Shopping:
A few businesses aimed at locals. Kochchikade Sunday market, two miles away, is worth a visit for its local flavour. Porcelain and local handicrafts worth considering.

Beach:
Narrow stretch of long but often scruffy sand. Not very suitable for swimming, especially during the summer season when rough waters prevail.

Entertainments:
Bird watching, cycling and conducted walking tours. Hotel based in evenings.

Eating:
Hotel based apart from couple of mediocre establishments near lagoon.

Public-transport:
Motorised rickshaws outside hotels. Buses on main road to Negombo.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Negombo. Full day: Sigiriya and Dambulla; Kandy; elephant orphanage.