Mangroves Safari
You don’t even have to leave the hotel for this adventure. Right in our backyard, start this boat safari in the KapuEla river and enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna and different wildlife as you cruise through calmly. It’s truly a serene experience everyone must try…!
Galle Fort
This historic living monument is just 8 km from Villa AYU. The fortress is an UNESCO world heritage site and is a pivotal aspect of Sri Lankas history. The fort was built during the Dutch colonization period in Sri Lanka and went through the hands of Dutch, Portuguese and the British!
Spend the day and walk along the cobblestone streets admiring the different influences or sit by the ramparts of the fort which overlook the ocean and Galle town. It’s impossible to miss the beautiful lighthouse so take a picture with it and enjoy as it lights up the fort at night.
Turtle Conservation Site – For the animal lover
Five out of the seven species of sea Turtles come ashore to nest on Sri Lankan Beaches, making it an ideal country for the tourists to go Turtle Watching.
The Turtle can only be approached when she starts laying the eggs because by then she is engaged in a very mechanical, almost trance-like behavior and it is unlikely for her to be frightened by spectators.
Stilt Fishing – For the inquirer
Historically, this art of fishing in Sri Lanka started after the Second World War when some innovative fishermen used discarded ‘iron poles’ to make stilts by planting them in the reef, which has been replaced with timber poles today. It’s a traditional Sri Lankan method of fishing for mackerel and other smaller fish delicacies.
It’s fascinating to see how these fishermen stand on these wooden stilts and flick their wooden poles around to lure in the fish which they sell in local markets.
Rain Forest – Kanneliya / Singharaja – For the nature lover
You don’t need to go to the Amazon to have a rainforest experience because Sri Lanka has two right here! You’ll be surprised to know that over a half of the surrounding trees & plants are not to be found anywhere else in the world except in Signharaja – the Tropical Rain Forest and an Unesco World heritage Site. It’s blooming with lush greenery because it rains almost every day…!!
Train Ride – For the explorer
Looking for an exhilarating experience among the locals? Take the train from Hikkaduwa to Matara and enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries along the way. In the town of Matara, do some at local markets and don’t be afraid to test your bargaining skills! You can also visit a neighboring beach where you have the chance to snorkel with gigantic turtles and find some exotic fish. Board back the train heading towards Colombo and get down at Hikkaduwa.
Visit Mirissa – For the beach lover
The Famous Beach town not to be missed along the southern coast.
Click here to read about 12 amazing things you shouldn’t miss in Mirissa!
(https://travelintimenow.com/things-to-do-in-mirissa-sri-lanka/)
Moonstone Mines – For the adventurer
Sri Lanka is known for its quality in gems, especially sapphire. Visit the moonstone mines and go down into the deep, narrow shafts from which the stones are mined to witness the process yourself. The mysterious gem, as captivating as the full moon gleaming in the night sky, is considered sacred and has been used in jewelry for centuries.
Tea Trail
You hear Ceylon everywhere in Sri Lanka but ever wonder what it is? Ceylon tea is the main crop of Sri Lanka and which countries from all over the world adore. The number one export in Sri Lanka is its tea.
Spend the day as a tea plucker and see how intricate the process is and the accuracy with how fast the workers pluck. The workers must swiftly pluck the leaves at the bud and toss them behind in the basket hung over their head.
Originally designed and created by the British over a 100 years ago, this tradition is still in perfect operation. The process is a very artisanal one, unchanged for a century.
Cinnamon Trail
Similar to Ceylon Tea, Cinnamon has been rooted deep in Sri Lankas history. Legend holds that the Roman emperor Nero burned as much as he could find of this precious spice on the funeral pyre of his second wife Sabina in A.D. 65 to atone for his role in her death.
Experience and explore it for yourself and see the cultivation and harvest of this spice which is processed into many products.
Dancing Masks & Puppets
Experience the rich taste of Sri Lankan culture which boasts bright and colorful displays. See how the traditional dance masks are made just about 15 km away from Villa AYU. Witness how they convert a mere wooden log into an attractive finer artwork that’s been practiced in the same way over the centuries by generations.
Ayurveda Massage
No vacation is complete without a massage to relax your mind and body. At Villa AYU, you can experience an authentic ayurvedic massage using ancient Sri Lankan methods that have been passed on from one generation to another.
All guests who stay over three nights are entitled to a free foot massage at the ayurvedic center located within the hotel.
We also offer all other massages and herbal treatments upon request.
Yoga – Upon Request
“ To Unite “ the meaning, Yoga the systematic exercise that enhances physical and psychological well-being.
Diving
Surfing
Snorkelling
Kayaking
Catamaran Ride