Paradise of unlimited sun, sea and sandy beaches
Sun worships, prepare to stretch out, Curl your toes in the fine white sand. And get a glorious tan on sun drenched. Palm-Caressed beaches that Adorn over 1000 miles of the coast of Sri Lanka.
South Coast, West Coast & North Coast
Sri Lanka is a paradise of unlimited sun, sea, sand and surf all year round. The cost often twists and curves into little nooks, bays and coves, ideal romantic hideaway. The Indian Ocean clear, blue and peacock bright, at a warm 27 C. Kisses the beaches the south West Coast is at its best for sea adventures between November-April and East Coast the rest of the year.
You’ll find beach resorts with excellent facilities along the beaches that wind sinuous all the way down from Negombo to Hambantota. Diving and Snorkelling in these waters takes you into an entirely different and equally delightful world, scattered with fantastic coral formations and colorful tropical fish. You may also come across interesting sunken wrecks at certain points along the coast. Sea adventures could be easily arranged through your hotel or local travel agents.
You may also have the exciting opportunity of watching sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on our beaches (special spots) which could be arranged through your hotel or travel agent.
Fishermen along the coast still go out to sea in craft that have changed little in design through the centuries, and their long, weathered catamarans drawn up along the beach add to the picturesque beauty of the coast. You could even help the groups of fishermen drawing in the nets, and earn a fish for your lab our.
The sea is fine for bathing and surfing, and there are wide expanses of beach. The hotels often have barbecues and dancing on the beach. Seafood is the forte, and scrumptious luncheon buffets are a weekly feature. Firelight and throbbing drumbeats herald performances of traditional low Country dancing.
Short tours are often arranged from resorts to typical villages in the interior and points of interest, such as Hikaduwa(Underwater Coral formations and Marine National Park, Galle (Old Dutch Fort),Ambalangoda (Mask making) Bentota (Moonstone minew) and several Buddhist temples with interesting temple murals of the Buddhist revivalist period.
A short description of favored resorts follows with available accommodation in following pages for your information.
Katunayake – 31 km
Location of the main International Airport –Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake is a very popular transit stop for visitors proceeding to Colombo or taking an early flight back. Several modern hotels have sprung – up affording excellent facilities to the discerning travelers,
Negombo – 35 km
A characteristic fishing town north of Colombo, it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet’s paradise with sea food in plenty. Old-World fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, skipjack, herring and mullet, Pomfret and amber-jack while lobster and prawns caught in the lagoon. Apart from beaches and sea-food Negombo has a unique charm of its own with narrow streets small boutiques and Catholic Churches dotting the landscape.
KALPITIYA- N/WEST COAST 160 KM
Kalpitiya in the N/West Coast the newest tourist destination earmarked for development. The region in and around Kalpitiya can be called the birth place of our civilization. According to the Mahavamsa, the Great Chronicle and legend Prince Vijaya landed on its shores, married a daughter of a tribal chieftain of the Yakkha community and became king. The country was called Thambapanni( red earth) due to the red earth found in the region. Kalpitiya is a stretch of land skirted by sea on one side and lagoon on the other. Fourteen Unspoiled Islands basking in the sun, Rimmed by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean and wide sandy beaches waits to be discovered. Presentlction the attraction is the Dolphin the Whale population which could be watched without sailing out to the deep seas.
Mount Lavinia – 12 km S/West Coast
Just 12km south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate City suburb and the beach is one of the better known even in colonial times.
Bentota- 64 km
Bentita resort Complex in a romantic rendezvous of rive and sea with several hotels, railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open-air theatre showing folk and mask dancing-with clusters of palms overlooking everything. Interesting boat trips to the hamlets bordering the river and the Meethiyagoda Moonstone mines nearby. Most hotels have facilities for water sports.
Ambalangoda- 83 km
Home of the low country masked dancing (devil dancing) and mask making. An interesting mask museum and a delightful beach for sea bathing
Hikkaduwa- 99km
Hikkaduwa is the place for underwater delights. Site of the famed coral gardens, hire a glass-bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Marine National park
Galle- 116 km
Galle is the most important southern town with an Old-World charm. Believed to be “Tarshish” of the Bible, its natural harbor was a famous fort in days gone by. Famous for its Dutch fort, lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing.
Unawatuna – 124km
Close to Galle, is a beach resort popular with tourists as well as local travelers? It provides the beach facility Galle lacks. Hotel, guesthouses, and restaurants line the beach road amid lush green vegetation. A Fine Reef for snorkeling. Placid deep blue sea, frequented by turtles who come here to lay their eggs by night.
Koggala – Habaraduwa
Famous for its lake which was used during the Second World War a base for Catalina flying boats. It is also a favorite haunt of migrant birds in winter. Leisurely out- rigger boat ride will take you to Small Island which dot lake. Stilt-fisherman is a familiar sight here. You may also visit the Martin Wickremasinghe Museum of Folk Art and Culture (Closed on Mon. and Poya Day) The Purwarama Temple at Kataluwa shows a full range of back as the early 1800s.
Weligama – 140 km
27 km, from Galle with its picturesque bay, and an off shore islet where a French Count built his dream house, Weligama is where you will see the famous stilt fishermen.
Matara – 161 km
Built on the banks of the NilwalaGanga(river), it is an ancient settlement. The Dutch Star Fort (17-18 c.) still in good repair, the Weherahena Temple built underground with a colossal Buddha statue and the Polhena beach are its main attractions. Matara, is protected by a coral reef forming a lagoon between beach and reef with the famed Coral Gardens just beyond the reef. The Lagoon is safe for bathing throughout the year, and is a veritable marine wonderland. The sea off Mirissa harbor in Matara is among the best places for whale watching
Dondra
The Southernmost tip the Island. A colorful festival is held during Aug/Sep in honor of God Vishnu featuring elephants, low country and Kandyan dancing. Octagonal in shape Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouse (50 m) is found here.
