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One day, while browsing Youtube, I saw a video of Polhena Beach that caught my attention. The video showed the beach’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by coral reefs, making it feel like swimming in a pool. As I continued to watch the video, I learned that the beach is well-maintained, with soft white sand and shallow water stretches far out, making it perfect for non-swimmers or those who want to take a relaxing dip.
The amenities at the beach seemed impressive too – there were bathing and changing areas, shops selling beautiful seashells, and restaurants serving delicious food. Polhena Beach seemed like the perfect spot for me.
Luckily, I had a small task that had been pending for months. I thought It is a good opportunity for me to visit the town and kill two birds with one stone “දෙපායෙන් එක්පායෙන් ” (de-paya-en ek-paya-en) and complete my task while also taking a trip to the Polhena beach.
Journey to Polhena Beach
I went on a train from Colombo to Matara. The train depart at 8:00 AM. As I was in the AC class, The train seat was comfortable and had air conditioning. There was a food cart with snacks and meals. I opted for the left-hand side of the train as it provides a better view of the ocean and the coastal towns. The train went “chugga chugga” on the tracks and the wind blew coolly. As the train approached Galle, I viewed a glimpse of the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took 4 hours and 30 minutes to get Matara.
When I got to Matara, I got off the train. I was happy and tired after the 4 and half hour trip. The train ride was fun and I liked seeing the countryside. It was already afternoon, so I decided to have a light lunch. It was hard to find a halal meal near the station, so I chose to have some fruit juices instead.
Then I took a tuk-tuk to Polhena Beach. The ride was short and fun. As I got close to the beach, I could smell the ocean and hear the waves. The tuk-tuk driver was a nice man from the area. He told me stories about the beach and made me excited to get there.
I was happy to finally see the beach. The driver dropped me off and I walked to the water. When I arrived at Polhena beach, I was blown away by how beautiful it was. The water was even more blue and clear than it looked in the video, and the sand was even softer and yellower. I spent the whole day swimming and playing in the water, and I even tried my hand at fishing from one of the tall sticks.
Activities at Polhena Beach
Snorkeling
I have to admit that I’ve always been a bit hesitant to try snorkeling in Sri Lanka due to the strong currents and rough seas. However, after watching a video of Polhena Beach on YouTube, I was determined to overcome my hurdle and give it a try.
I was having a hard time figuring out the best spot for snorkeling at Polhena Beach. I had been walking along the shore, looking at the coral reefs and trying to decide where to go, but I just couldn’t seem to find the right spot.
Then a friendly fisherman approached me and asked if I needed any help. I explained my problem to him, and he smiled and said, “”Ah, ඔයා ස්නෝකලිං බොත්ත සෙත්තෙන් දුටුනාද “Ah, you’re looking for the best spot for snorkeling, eh? ? Well, I can help you with. He told me I should go to the southern end. Then walked to that point.
I put on my gear and jumped into the water. The moment I dipped my head underwater, I was amazed by the colorful fish and coral reefs. It was like swimming in an aquarium!
I saw giant green turtles swimming lazily, and schools of fish darting past me. The water was crystal clear, and I could see everything so clearly. I spent 2 hours snorkeling in different session, exploring the underwater world and taking in the beauty of the ocean. It was an unforgettable experience, and I was so grateful to have had the chance to see such incredible marine life.
Go for Fishing
After snorkeling, I met a friendly local fisherman named De Silva. He invited me to join him on his boat and showed me how to fish using stilts. I had to balance on the stilts above the water, which was a bit challenging at first. But with De Silva’s guidance, I soon got the hang of it.
We set off into the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, the sun beating down on us. De Silva showed me how to cast my line and wait for a bite.
As we waited for a bite, De Silva told me stories about his life as a fisherman. I was fascinated by his stories and felt grateful to be able to experience the local culture firsthand.
After a while, I decided to give up as I was feeling tied. I thanked him for showing me the ropes and for sharing his knowledge with me.
Watch Sunset
As the sun began to set, I settled down on the beach to watch the stars come out. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. I knew that I would never forget my trip to Polhena Beach, and I couldn’t wait to go back and explore more of Sri Lanka.
Where to Eat at Polhena Beach?
Reef Edge Seafood Restaurant
I was very hungry after a long day. I smelled yummy seafood cooking at Reef Edge Seafood Restaurant. I walked into the cozy café, greeted by the warm smile of the staff. I ordered a plate of kottu roti, a traditional Sri Lankan dish, and a seafood platter featuring a variety of fresh catches. The price range was reasonable, from 2.00 to 20.00, making it an affordable option for a satisfying meal. They have outdoor seating with amazing views.
Bob SL Restaurant
They have a lot of Sri Lankan cusines and vegetarian options on the menu. It’s a great place for families, with a welcoming atmosphere and big portions of food at reasonable prices. The owner is a nice person too.
I ordered coffee and it took about 10 minutes to arrive. It was hot and strong, and came with fresh milk and sugar. The prices were okay.
There is also a lot of parking space in front of the restaurant. But be careful, there are a lot of mosquitoes at night, so bring some spray.