Mount Lavinia
An immediate city suburb in the south of Colombo,
Mt Lavinia can get quite crowded on weekends. It lies
alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters
of the Indian Ocean. Its main attractions, is the
Mt Lavinia hotel which was the residence of the British
governor, built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland.
Beruwala
About 58 km south of Colombo, Beruwala is the site
of the oldest Moor settlement on the island (1024
AD) and the town even today retains a somewhat Arabic
character. This is the beginning of a 130 km stretch
of beach where resort development has taken immense
strides in the past few years. There are several good
beach resorts; built almost next to each other along
the coast with beautiful tropical gardens and in such
a way so as not to disturb the landscape. The bay
offers good bathing possibilities the year round.
Bentota
Very close to Beruwala, the beach there is beautiful
and the sea so calm and shallow that one can walk
in for some distance. This is of course ideal for
kids and bad swimmers. The Bentota River that curves
inland behind the coast offers water sport opportunities
for wind surfing, water skiing and catamaran rides.
Ambalangoda
84 km south of Colombo, Ambalangoda has a small but
beautiful beach to the north of the town center; most
famous for its mask carvers you can find a lot of
shops selling them on the northern side of the town.
Hikkaduwa
The most popular beach area, Hikkaduwa has a varied
choice of beach and sea. Quite famous for its 'coral
sanctuary', a shallow area enclosed by a reef is full
of multicoloured corals, and colourful tropical fish.
A short distance southwards, as the reed fades out,
there is a wider beach with good waves for board or
body surfing. Glass bottomed boats; masks, snorkels
and flippers can all be hired here. Enjoy the underwater
delights but we urge you to not be tempted into buying
or encouraging the sales of coral.
Galle
Close to Hikkaduwa is Galle, a historically interesting
town. Though lacking a beach, the town has a beautiful
natural harbor with spectacular views from the town
fortification walls. It is a must-see, especially
since it can be easily reached for a day from Hikkaduwa.
The port of Galle, splendidly illustrates the solidity
of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare
Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages
of time. Its massive ramparts surround the headland
that forms the older part of Galle, and shelters within
its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches.
This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems
almost detached from the flow of history. The New
Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch governors in 1684,
is a colonial gem with a wonderfully atmospheric bar.
The town is also famous for lace making, ebony carving
and gem polishing
Weligama
30 km south of Galle is Weligama - where along the
coast you'll see stilt fishermen. Each fisherman perches
on a pole embedded in the sea bottom close to the
shore and castes his line out for fishing.
