A Journey through Geological Wonders and Wild Camping Adventures
Are you looking for a unique beach camping experience in Sri Lanka? Look no further than Ussangoda Beach, a special environmental system located on the south coast of the island. This beach area is protected as a national park, thanks to its geographical, biological, and archaeological value.
Ussangoda National Park is the 21st national park established in Sri Lanka, and it is unique compared to other beaches on the island. Its landscape is covered in lush vegetation, and the high ground closer to the beach is something rarely seen in Sri Lanka. Ussangoda’s soil is also reddish in color, which adds to its uniqueness.
To reach Ussangoda beach, head to the Ussangoda junction in the Hambantota district. The beach is located about 2.5km from this junction and is a bit above sea level. You can reach Ussangoda from Hambantota or Tangalle in less than 40 minutes by car, or from Ella in about 2.5 hours via the (Colombo-Galle-Hambantota-Wellawaya Rd/A2).
Mostly visitors starts their journey from Colombo Fort by Train. Take the train from Colombo Fort to Matara (this journey takes around 3-4 hours). Get off at the closest train station to Ussangoda Beach, which is most likely the Beliatta station. From the Beliatta station, take a bus or tuk-tuk to Ussangoda Beach (this should take around 30-40 minutes).
To get to Ussangoda beach from Beliatta by bus, you can take a bus heading towards Tangalle or Hambantota (depending on availability). If you get on the Tangalle bus, you will have to get to another bus from Tangalle heading towards Hambantota and get off at Ussangoda Junction. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to reach Ussangoda beach or you can walk, which is approximately 2.5km away
Make sure to bring enough water, snacks, and sunscreen for the trip. Also, it’s recommended to check the train and bus schedules ahead of time to ensure a smooth journey.
Once you reach the Ussangoda National Park area, you’ll need to walk through the park to reach the Ussangoda beach campsite. Make sure to gather some firewood from the park area as there is none available at the campsite for making a bonfire.
When you arrive, take a walk along the scenic beach and enjoy nature. The best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset, which is an amazing sight to behold. Ussangoda is also famous for sightseeing and photography, so be sure to bring your camera.
For the ultimate camping experience, pitch your tent by the beach. There are two camping locations available, but be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. The primary camping location is near the view point by the beach, but if it’s already occupied, there is a secondary location a bit further away.
If you are lucky to camp near the Ussangoda Viewpoint, the beach area is considered safer than other spot. Additionally, you can enjoy swimming as there is a coral barrier protecting the beach.
During your camping trip, take the time to explore the surroundings and capture some photos. But be sure to collect wood for a fire, as wild elephants from Kalametiya Park have been seen roaming the area. As the evening sets in, gather around the campfire to share stories and experiences with your fellow campers.
The next morning, explore the geological and archaeological significance of Ussangoda. Its placement, soil structure, and flora are unusual, and there are many folk stories related to this site, including that it may be part of a meteor or in proximity to a meteor hit. It is suspected that the soil has a high concentration of minerals/metals giving it its unique color. Ussangoda is also located near another archaeological site, “Miniha Gal Kanda,” where evidence for prehistoric human existence has been found.
Before you leave, clean up the area and take any plastic lying on the beach and nearby bush areas to the trash bins located about half a kilometer away. Overall, Ussangoda Beach camping is an experience you won’t soon forget. So why wait? Plan your trip today and enjoy the beauty of this unique environmental system in Sri Lanka.
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