Saffron and Blue

In and around Kosgoda, there’s masses to do culturally, historically and recreationally. A ten-minute walk from Saffron & Blue brings you to a turtle hatchery – a must-see experience, particularly on a moonlit night. Eco boat rides through the mangroves, water skiing, antique hunting and temple explorations are some of the best-loved local offerings. While the historic town of Galle – with its charmingly restored boutique hotels, cobbled streets and glorious ramparts – is just an hour’s car journey away. And then there’s the beach, just moments away from the villa.

Distances
- 132 km from Colombo International Airport
- 78 km from Colombo
- 56 km from Galle Fort

Things To Do

Saffron & Blue’s staff will have a wealth of information about nearby places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa.

- Bentota’s fine stretch of sand is great for swimming from October to April, and with care at other times of year. The main beach has lifeguards, so look out for flags. The stretch to the south is prettier and quieter though not so good for swimming.

- Visit Lunuganga, the magnificent 23-hectare estate of the late architect Geoffrey Bawa. Comprising a beautifully renovated old house, a number of gorgeously-positioned buildings and intertwining terraces designed to overlook the gardens and frame the views; this garden is a true inspiration. Tours are best followed by a delicious rice and curry lunch or high tea.

- Learn all about Sri Lanka’s five species of endangered marine turtles at the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, just along the beach from Saffron & Blue. The project has been running since 1988 and its main aim is to monitor local sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites. Hatchlings are released into the sea most evenings.

- Wander through the Brief Gardens. The estate of Bevis Bawa, brother of architect Geoffrey, boasts terraces, manicured lawns, borders of tropical blooms and hidden garden courtyards whilst the low-slung house is filled with interesting artwork, sculptures and personal photographs of Bevis posing with Hollywood movie stars.

- Go windsurfing, surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, body boarding, banana boating, tube riding, jet-skiing and deep sea fishing with the Sunshine Watersports Centre, one of the most established water sports operators in Bentota.
Head to Bentota village and explore this rural inland hinterland by bicycle. You can visit a Buddhist temple and also stop off at Lunuganga for tea. Guided tours can be organised, or hire a bike and explore on your own.

- The huge Ariyapala and Sons Mask museum in Ambalangoda, documents the history of kolam (folk) dances and sunni yakuma (healing) dances through interesting, well-laid out displays showing the evolution of each mask and their unique style. There’s a shop here too and you can see mask makers in action.

- Hikkaduwa’s souvenir shops are spread out along the Galle Road; wander among stalls selling painted masks, wood carvings and spices, and have a look at the colourful local artwork on display. There are also a few clothing outlets and a couple of shops – notably Mambo’s A-Frame Surf Shop – selling surfing essentials: boards, wax and branded clothing.