The
soft sands, the ebb and flow of the tides, the tranquil waters- in Sri
Lanka there is everything that an ideal beach holiday has to offer. You
can swim in the calm waters, have a sea bath ,bask in the sun or even
roll and slide on the beach; you can watch the sun go down the horizon
like a fireball immersing in the vast ocean.
Visit these
Negombo
37km. north of Colombo and 6 km. from the International Airport,
Negombo is an ideal fishing town as well as a paradise for the seafood
buffs. You can enjoy watching the old world fishing crafts like the
outrigger canoes and the catamarans bringing a variety of marine fishes
like seers, skipjacks, pomfrets and amber-jacks. In the lagoon lobsters
and prawns are caught and served as fascinating delicacies in the
restaurants.
Nilaveli
14 km. from Trincomalee, Nilaveli is a water sports hub. Fishing,
angling, water skiing, snorkelling- all are here for you. You can even
have close encounters with the leviathan in the sanctuary.
Mount Lavinia
Just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is the most popular beach
because of its close proximity to the capital. It is situated beside a
wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The
Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of
the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. You can not afford to miss this place
out!
Beruwala
56 km. south of Colombo, Beruwela is the starting point of the 130
km.long stretch of beach. In the past few years great strides have been
made in the field of resort development in this area. The bay around
remains ideal for bathing almost for the whole year.
Bentota
The Bentota Resort Complex is an ideal romantic beach holiday with a
teeming growth of hotels, shopping arcades and cafeterias. There is also
an open air theatre which shows folk and mask dancing. It is located 62
kms south of Colombo.
Ambalangoda
Ambalangoda is famous for its devil dance. Also, the best wooden masks
of Sri Lanka are from this place. Its a half an hour drive from Bentota
to Ambalangoda.
Hikkaduwa
It is the place where you can have a glimpse of the fascinating
underwater world and see the creatures that inhabit the unfathomable
depths of the sea. The famed coral gardens are located here. Just get
hold of a glass bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and plunge into
the ocean! Hikkaduwa is 98 kms south of Colombo.
Galle
116 km. south of Colombo, Galle is town of prime importance in the
southern part of the island. It has an an old-world charm pervading its
air. Its natural harbour was a famous fort in the days of yore. Today,
the place holds fame for its Dutch fort, lace making, ebony carving and
gem polishing.
Weligama
27 km. from Galle, Wellingama is blessed with its picturesque bay, and
an off shore islet which provides fantastic stuff for the eyes of a
visitor. Weligama is also the home of the famous stilt fishermen.
East Coast
The east coast has a lot to offer to the tourist. The uneven coastline
dotted with many bays and sheltered coves. In some beaches one can walk
even a mile into the sea.
Trincomalee
With its fine natural harbour and excellent beaches, Trincomalee is the
perfect hang out for a beach buff. Its 257 kms away from Colombo.
Batticaloa
It is the famous 'singing' fish and picturesque lagoon that attracts
tourists to this serene beach, 314 kms from Colombo.
Kalkudah
32 km. from Batticaloa, Kalkudah is a popular tourist centre with the
fine bay Passekudah lying close by. The calm reef protected sea is an
ideal place for having a sea bath. There is also a popular hotel along
with other amenities required for serving the tourists.
Tour
to South Sri Lanka
