Taprobane Island
Ptolemy's Taprobane
Ptolemy's Taprobana as published in Cosmographia Claudii Ptolomaei Alexandrini, 1535
19th-century reconstruction of Eratosthenes' map of the (for the Greeks) known world, c.194 BC
Taprobane in the Catalan Atlas (1375): "Illa Trapobana".
Scuba Diving in Pristine Waters, Taprobane Island
Taprobane Island
TAPROBANE ISLAND, Weligama Overview
Taprobane island is an island located near the Weligama bay, which is also known as the Sand Village. It is a tiny island, nearly two and a half acres and has one, single villa made in the 1920s! So, you can complete the entire tour of the land is just half a day! The villa is a great place to stay and enjoy the feeling of having a private villa all to yourself.
But don't be thinking that that's the best thing about this place. Even though the island is small, there are many activities one can take partake. Since the island is located 150 meters from the coast, the only way to reach here is by surfing or by boat, if you do not know how to swim. The height of the water is also quite low, reaching about 4 to 5 feet in height, at most.
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Things to Do at Taprobane Island
There are many exciting things to do around the island such as:
Beaches
Not only does the island have a great beach near it, but the location of the island itself also marks as the centre from which other famous beaches can be visited.
Thalpe, Mirissa and Unawatuna beaches are some of the nearest ones. Not visited by many, even during the holiday season, you will be able to spend quality time amidst the peaceful scenario and clean sandy lands. The beaches can be visited within a single day trip, or extend as four days' trips, whichever is convenient for you. Tuk-Tuks and car rides for all are readily available.
Witnessing the Local Dance Traditions
If you are lucky enough, you might be able to see the Devil Dance, which is a popular local dance performed in the villages. If you are keen on understanding why these dances are performed and wish to know the rituals of the olden days that continue in the communities, then you can ask your tour providers to plan a trip during the times to witness the Devil Dance.
Surfing
The ocean at Ski Lanka is the best place for surfing. You may be well aware by now that this beautiful country is home to several beautiful and clean beaches. Surfing for all kinds of surfers, from beginners to pros, can be done across all these sites which are within a few hours' reaches from here.
Adventure Sports
Mountain bike rides and other activities such as kite surfing, canoeing, diving, and snorkeling, are only some of the favourite activities done around the island. Speak with your tour operator to know what other activities are available.
Shopping
Who doesn't like shopping? When you are here, do not forget to visit the great antique shops here. You will find plenty of stores selling handicrafts. Boutiques, galleries and jewellery stores which are amongst the best in the world!
Beaches
Not only does the island have a great beach near it, but the location of the island itself also marks as the centre from which other famous beaches can be visited.
Thalpe, Mirissa and Unawatuna beaches are some of the nearest ones. Not visited by many, even during the holiday season, you will be able to spend quality time amidst the peaceful scenario and clean sandy lands. The beaches can be visited within a single day trip, or extend as four days' trips, whichever is convenient for you. Tuk-Tuks and car rides for all are readily available.
Witnessing the Local Dance Traditions
If you are lucky enough, you might be able to see the Devil Dance, which is a popular local dance performed in the villages. If you are keen on understanding why these dances are performed and wish to know the rituals of the olden days that continue in the communities, then you can ask your tour providers to plan a trip during the times to witness the Devil Dance.
Surfing
The ocean at Ski Lanka is the best place for surfing. You may be well aware by now that this beautiful country is home to several beautiful and clean beaches. Surfing for all kinds of surfers, from beginners to pros, can be done across all these sites which are within a few hours' reaches from here.
Adventure Sports
Mountain bike rides and other activities such as kite surfing, canoeing, diving, and snorkeling, are only some of the favourite activities done around the island. Speak with your tour operator to know what other activities are available.
Shopping
Who doesn't like shopping? When you are here, do not forget to visit the great antique shops here. You will find plenty of stores selling handicrafts. Boutiques, galleries and jewellery stores which are amongst the best in the world!
Different Tours at Taprobane Island
Tea Plantations Tour
In this tour, one can adventure through unexplored tea plantations in the Galle region for a day's tour or you may ask your hotel to book your excursion.
Old Fort Tour
Many well-preserved forts from the time the Dutch had ruled this place are waiting for you to explore. The well-known Galle forts have been recognized as United Nations World Heritage Sites as well. Apart from the forts, you can also visit the nearby Buddist temples that are gaining popularity as destinations for calm and quiet.
Massage & Spa Tours
If you are visiting for a relaxing trip, then you have come to the perfect country. Specializing in many natural spa treatments and messages that have come from history as old as a thousand years, you will rejuvenate your spirit amidst nature.
Photography Tour
The entire island provides an excellent spot for photography. Those who love capturing some of the best moments of nature, the photography tour is a must. You can also visit the nearby locations where the stilt fishermen perched in a crane-like stance for fishing, will give you the best shots at photography.
National Park Tours
National parks such as Yala National Park, Sinharaja and Adams Peaks are within a few hours' reaches from here. You can hire a rental car for not only reaching the sites but also for the entire tour.
Temples and Relics Tour
As mentioned earlier, Sri Lanka has many temples around the country. Some are from commonly practiced religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, but many come from the beliefs of the locals. Ramayana Tour is also included in this activity. You will be witnessing all the sites that are believed to be associated with the epic of Ramayana.
In this tour, one can adventure through unexplored tea plantations in the Galle region for a day's tour or you may ask your hotel to book your excursion.
Old Fort Tour
Many well-preserved forts from the time the Dutch had ruled this place are waiting for you to explore. The well-known Galle forts have been recognized as United Nations World Heritage Sites as well. Apart from the forts, you can also visit the nearby Buddist temples that are gaining popularity as destinations for calm and quiet.
Massage & Spa Tours
If you are visiting for a relaxing trip, then you have come to the perfect country. Specializing in many natural spa treatments and messages that have come from history as old as a thousand years, you will rejuvenate your spirit amidst nature.
Photography Tour
The entire island provides an excellent spot for photography. Those who love capturing some of the best moments of nature, the photography tour is a must. You can also visit the nearby locations where the stilt fishermen perched in a crane-like stance for fishing, will give you the best shots at photography.
National Park Tours
National parks such as Yala National Park, Sinharaja and Adams Peaks are within a few hours' reaches from here. You can hire a rental car for not only reaching the sites but also for the entire tour.
Temples and Relics Tour
As mentioned earlier, Sri Lanka has many temples around the country. Some are from commonly practiced religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, but many come from the beliefs of the locals. Ramayana Tour is also included in this activity. You will be witnessing all the sites that are believed to be associated with the epic of Ramayana.
Food in Taprobane Island
You will get delicious local Sri Lankan food here at the villa. However, if you are looking for continental cuisine, you will also find that here. The menu also consists of salads, fusion and western food items. Being located near the ocean, you can expect the list to be dominated by seafood such as fish, jellyfish, octopus, weeds, and crustaceans.
Where to Stay in Taprobane Island
Taprobane Island is a great villa to stay and visit. You can book the villa for an entire day or more for a private vacation with family, friends or a special someone. The villa was built in the 1920s and has been an excellent site winning much hearts since then. People from all around the world come here, hoping to get the experience of staying in their very own private island. The villa is also surrounded by a beautiful garden which is maintained by the staff. The spacious patio and verandah open up every day to a marvellous sight in the early mornings and evenings.
The elegance is reflected in the golden era furnishings that decorate the house from the interior.
The elegance is reflected in the golden era furnishings that decorate the house from the interior.
How To Reach Taprobane Island
The island and villa are at a distance of only one hundred and eighty meters from the Sri Lankan southern coast. The town of Galle is also within 30 to 40 minutes distance from here.
As the island is a small place, you can get many buses and tuk-tuks. If you are looking for a more comfortable ride, air-conditioned cars and vans (for larger groups) are available. They can be booked before your trip or on the spot at many of the stored. Your hotel may also be able to arrange for a tour to Taprobane Island.
As the island is a small place, you can get many buses and tuk-tuks. If you are looking for a more comfortable ride, air-conditioned cars and vans (for larger groups) are available. They can be booked before your trip or on the spot at many of the stored. Your hotel may also be able to arrange for a tour to Taprobane Island.
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