Saffron & Blue

In and around Kosgoda, there’s plenty 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 a few footsteps from the villa.

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Things to do

Attractions worth getting out of bed for…

• Turtle Time
  With a beach in reach, the Turtle Hatchery is just a 10-minute walk from the Villa. This fascinating sanctuary will give you a first-hand glimpse of mother turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs. You can even release baby turtles to the ocean at sunset – a life-changing experience.

• Lunuganga for the Day
  Lunuganga is the country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa; one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects. This amazing estate with its never-ending enchanting gardens was his first muse, and is a great way to immerse oneself in the whole ‘Bawa’ experience.

• The Beauty of Brief
  Brief Garden is a beautiful bolthole accessible via wild paddy fields and narrow country lanes. Created by legendary landscape artist, Bevis Bawa, Brief is a place that can’t be experienced briefly. Right in the centre of its myriad gardens lies a serene house surrounded by birdsong and the rustle of the wind. This tropical eden is open to visitors virtually every day.

• Galle Fort
  A quaint little town with great character, Galle weaves tales of old romance and adventure. Built by the Dutch in the 18th century, the Fort boasts striking bastions, grass-covered ramparts, a soaring lighthouse, and cobbled streets lined with buildings from a time gone by. It’s best experienced through a leisurely amble, to take in the colours and textures, the cosy restaurants, exotic art and all kinds of interesting curios, local fashion wear,    and    charming    boutiques. A signature purchase from the area is silver jewellery, set with local semi-precious gems. Ibrahim Jewellers on Church Street is one of our favourite haunts! Also, don’t leave Galle without checking-out the surrounding beaches and the hair-raising ‘cliff jumpers’.

• Bentota Water Sports
  Freshwater or seawater, Bentota is ripe with adventure for the adrenaline-seeker. At the gentler end, there are banana boat and tube rides, river canoe safaris, and wind-surfing. Alternatively, there’s the rush of jet-skiing, water-skiing, and even parasailing. A variety of thrills – all just a short drive away from Saffron & Blue.

• Hikkaduwa
  This riveting little coastal town with its ‘70s vibe, packs quite a trip. Hikka (as the locals call it) has a fun mix of chilled-out bars and restaurants. The roti shops are the most popular street food of Hikka. The main street also houses a variety of stores with its own unique style of fashion inspired from the flower power era. The weekend beach parties attract all the young ravers. For the more nautically-inclined there are glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling and scuba-diving tours, to explore the famed underwater coral reef.
  

• Kande Vihare
  Escape the modern world as you know it, and step into an ancient arena of worship and archaeological design. Built in 1734, on the crest of a hill (hence its name), Kande Vihare is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the South of Sri Lanka. The site houses many historical artefacts – including a towering seated Buddha.

• Ambalangoda
  12Km kilometres from Saffron & Blue is yet another town with its own unique charm. Ambalangoda is the capital of Sri Lankan mask-making, and has its very own workshop, mini cultural centre & museum – as well as a library that holds important literature on this traditional craft. Not to be left out are the area’s many antique and artefact shops, which turn out beautiful reproductions in wood, stone and metal. In fact, one such outlet – Southern Antiques– produced many of the signature pieces that adorn Saffron & Blue.

• Madu Ganga
  10Km from Saffron & Blue is a serene river, Madu Ganga, a spellbinding sight for the soul. Experience a tour of the natural beauty of the mangroves. From deep, mysterious caves, to breathtaking stretches of turquoise water, Madu Ganga will pique your senses in the best possible way. Observe elusive fauna, including crocodiles and water snakes, and witness traditional fishing methods along the shallow end of the river.