The gigantic sand swept bay of Weligama is one of the island’s prime fishing areas. To the west the water is a staggering turquoise as the calm sea hosts a collection of catamarans that characterise this gaping bay along with the island of Taprobane that stands just offshore. If not already moored at sea, big fishing catamarans can be seen being pushed off the slice of golden sand into the sea at dusk, and then dragged back onto them as dawn breaks and crowds of buyers await. Loaded with fish, the tiled tables lining the road along the beach are presided over by sellers loudly promoting their wares, while ladies sit quietly twirling bobbins in tiny shops nearby, creating delicate lace items to sell to passing visitors, as they have done for years. To the eastern side of the bay the waves roll in and provide a scenic location for surfers whilst inland the sprawl of Weligama town is generously hidden by a cloak of green. Towards the back of town is a megalith that stands in memory of Kustaraja, a leper king who was apparently cured of his debilitating disease by drinking copious amounts of the region’s refreshing king coconut water. Trains run from Colombo to Weligama and there are a generous collection of conveniences in town from banks with ATMs and money changing facilities to grocery shops and minimarts. The best restaurants in Weligama can be found in the larger hotels, although the standard of food is not nearly as good as in Galle.