Things To Do
in Moratuwa
Moratuwa is a bustling city located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse population. The city is famous for its skilled craftsmen who excel in traditional handicrafts, especially in wood carving and furniture making. Moratuwa is also home to numerous educational institutions, making it a hub for students and academic activities.
Its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and lively markets make Moratuwa a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
- "Ayubowan" - Hello
- "Suba dawasak" - Good day
- "Aparada" - Sorry
- "Hondai" - Good
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $0.75
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Moratuwa Beach, enjoy a relaxing morning walk on the sandy shores. Grab a refreshing coconut drink from a local vendor.
Visit the nearby temples to immerse yourself in local culture and architecture. Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at a seaside restaurant.
Catch a stunning sunset on the beach, perfect for photography. End your day with a peaceful stroll along the shore.
Explore the lush greenery of the surrounding parks, perfect for a morning jog. Take in the fresh air and wildlife around you.
Head to an eco-friendly cafe for a delicious lunch amidst nature. Enjoy birdwatching or reading a book under a tree.
Return to your accommodation and unwind with a nature-themed movie. Enjoy the tranquility that surrounds you.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Moratuwa has a vibrant community with various cultural and religious activities.
- It's known for its beautiful beaches and coastal attractions.
- The town has a growing economy with thriving manufacturing and shipbuilding industries.
- There are several educational institutions and universities in and around Moratuwa.
- Moratuwa is well-connected to Colombo and other major regions through public transport.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
- The cost of living may be higher compared to rural areas.
- Some areas may face problems with waste management and pollution.
- Limited recreational and entertainment facilities compared to larger cities.
- Natural disasters like flooding can affect certain parts of the town due to its coastal location.
Best Activities in Moratuwa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a relaxing day at the picturesque Mount Lavinia Beach, known for its golden sands and calm waters. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Explore Bolgoda Lake, the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka, and take part in activities such as kayaking, boating, and fishing. The tranquil surroundings make it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the scenic Bolgoda Canal, surrounded by lush greenery and offering opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
Experience the natural beauty of Attidiya Bird Sanctuary while enjoying a peaceful picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings. You can observe a variety of bird species and immerse yourself in the serenity of the area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Moratuwa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Moratuwa
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful lakeside park with enchanting views for photography
Iconic promenade along the coast offering stunning sunset views and photo opportunities
A lush green space in the heart of Colombo, perfect for capturing natural beauty
Colorful market by the water, ideal for capturing vibrant scenes and local life
Food in Moratuwa
Moratuwa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour fish curry using goraka (garcinia) as a key ingredient. It's a must-try for seafood lovers and can be found in most local restaurants and food stalls.
Must-Try!
A Dutch Burgher culinary legacy, lamprais consists of a combination of meat, rice, and sambol chili sauce, all wrapped and baked in a banana leaf. Look for it at traditional eateries and some cafes.
A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, egg, and a choice of chicken, beef, or mutton, all stir-fried with spices. Try it at local street food stalls for an authentic experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Moratuwa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the bustling Moratuwa Market to experience a vibrant array of fresh produce, seafood, spices, and local street food stalls offering an assortment of savory snacks and sweets.
Head to the beach area to discover an array of makeshift stalls serving up delicious seafood, grilled corn, isso wade (shrimp fritters), and other local snacks, all with a picturesque ocean view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Moratuwa, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite forms of address and greeting them with a traditional gesture of respect.
It is recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites in Moratuwa, to show respect for the local culture and customs.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in Moratuwa, so it is important to be mindful of cultural norms regarding physical contact in public spaces.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Moratuwa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Moratuwa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, but is appreciated for exceptional service in hotels and restaurants.
Payment in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka is commonly done in cash, but major credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments. Some smaller shops and vendors may not accept cards, so it's advisable to carry cash for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Moratuwa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Moratuwa with warm and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.
Expect occasional rainfall and high humidity, but still a good time to explore Moratuwa and its surroundings.
Expect heavy rainfall and some thunderstorms, making outdoor activities less favorable during this season.
Another period of occasional rainfall and high humidity, but the rain can be refreshing and the landscape lush and green.
Moratuwa at Night
Hiking in Moratuwa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking location with beautiful views, well-suited for both beginners and experienced hikers. The trails lead through lush greenery and offer a chance to explore local wildlife.
Located slightly inland, Peter's Hill offers a moderate hiking challenge with rewarding views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is marked and suitable for day hikes.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sinharaja features rich biodiversity and a variety of hiking trails through dense rainforest. It's a bit farther from Moratuwa but an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.
While a bit of a drive from Moratuwa, Ella Rock provides a challenging hike with stunning panoramic views. It's a popular hiking destination for both locals and tourists.
A tranquil area close to Moratuwa, Kottawa offers easy hiking trails that are suitable for families. It’s ideal for a leisurely day out in nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Moratuwa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Moratuwa by plane.
Located in Katunayake, approximately 35 kilometers north of Moratuwa, Bandaranaike International Airport is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka.
Located in Mattala, approximately 210 kilometers southeast of Moratuwa, this airport serves as a secondary international airport in Sri Lanka.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka, predominantly Buddhist.
The largest ethnic minority in Sri Lanka, primarily Hindu, with a significant presence in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
Followers of Islam, constituting a significant minority in Sri Lanka, particularly in coastal areas.
Descendants of European colonists, mainly Portuguese and Dutch, with a unique cultural heritage.
A smaller ethnic group in Sri Lanka, primarily Muslim, with origins from the Malay Archipelago.
The Soul of Moratuwa
Discover the essence of Moratuwa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Moratuwa, with numerous clubs and playgrounds where both amateur and professional matches are held.
Football enjoys significant popularity, with local teams participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Rugby has a strong following, particularly among school teams and youth clubs in the area.
Athletics is promoted in local schools and institutions, hosting events that encourage community participation.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and local tournaments, fostering community engagement and teamwork.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Moratuwa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Moratuwa offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options like vegetable kottu, lentil curry, coconut sambol, and various fresh fruit juices.
While traditional Sri Lankan cuisine heavily features rice, some restaurants are increasingly catering to gluten-free diets and offer dishes like string hoppers, hoppers, and seafood with gluten-free sauces.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Moratuwa with these cultural adventures.
