Getting There
Although it is possible to get to Dikwella, Sri Lanka over land or water, the best way is to fly.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
It can take anywhere between 3 hours to 5,5 hours to reach Dikwella from Colombo International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
AIRPORT TAXI
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. It is recommended to negotiate about the price before getting into the car, as metered taxis do not travel long distances from Colombo.
HIRED MINIVANS
If you are travelling in a larger group, hired minivan is the best option to reach Weligama. The service is available through the travel agencies in the Colombo airport at the arrival level.
TRAIN
The train journey is one of the fastest, picturesque and affordable options to get to Dikwella. Though may be not the most comfortable mode of transportation if travelling in the second and third classes, as you may not be able to reserve a seat in advance. Trains to Matara depart from Colombo Fort once a day. From Matara train station you can opt a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach Dikwella.
BUS
Buses depart from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus terminal every two hours, and go to Matara city, which is around 20 km away from Dikwella. From Matara, you can take either taxi of tuk-tuk to get to Dikwella.
Getting Around
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
PRIVATE CAR
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
WALKING
Wandering around Dikwella is the best way to get a closer look at the city, stroll along shops, markets and places of interest. The city isn’t large and can be easily covered on foot, though if you are planning to explore other beaches and locations, you might need to rent or hire transport.
TUK-TUK
If you are planning to travel further afield, tuk-tuk is a convenient and a very affordable way to explore the nearby locations. You can simply flag one down the street, but before getting inside the three-wheelers always negotiate the price. Also, if you can drive the tuk-tuk, there are a couple of rental shops, where you can hire a vehicle at a very reasonable cost.
RENTAL SCOOTER
If you prefer travelling on two wheels, motorbike rental shops are widespread in Dikwella. However, take into account that the traffic can be somewhat chaotic in Sri Lanka, so a certain level of experience is required. Moreover, you should have an international driver license on your person at all times, and for your safety always wear a helmet.