Beaches
Over one thousand kilometers of palm fringed sandy beaches encircle the
Island. Sri Lanka is never out of season for a beach holiday.The beach
resorts in the West Coast, South Coast and the East Coast are the most
popular with people who enjoy taking a dip in the warm waters and relaxing
on the sandy beach.
West Coast Beaches
Two best beaches on the West Coast are Mt. Lavinia and Negombo. Number of
tourists arrive in these beaches to enjoy in well-developed beach resorts.
Mt. Lavinia: Mtl Lavinia, located 11km off Colombo, along
the road to Galle is a wonderful beach resort. Completely safe for bathing
it is a nice bathing spot with clean sandy beaches. Mount Lavinia has a
hidden meaning. It reminds of an affair between a British Governor and a
local damsel who used to meet at the holiday house of the Governor. The
house was located on the very spot where Mt. Lavinia Hotel is located now.
May be for this reason young people love to visit Mount Lavinia.
Negombo: Negombo is the most important beach resort
in the West Coast of Sri Lanka. Long-stretched sandy beaches and a safe sea
are prominent attractions in Negombo, a conventional fishing town. Besides
enjoying various activities sports on the beaches, one can also visit fish
market trading variety of fish including prawns, crabs and seer. Visiting
the place in morning can be extra beneficial for this is the time when the
fishing crafts return to the shore with their catch.
South Coast Beaches
During the months of October to April, the southern coastal belt is the
most popular and vibrant. This time the monsoon moves north east and the sea
becomes calm with blue skies. For passing winter vacations this is an ideal
place. Prominent beach resorts in South Coast are Beruwala, Bentota and
Hikkaduwa.
Hikkaduwa: This beach is located 99 km from Colombo.
Underwater beauty makes this place very attractive. This marine sanctuary
abounds with rare corals and tropical fish. Indulge in snorekelling for
enjoying colourful corals and beautiful shoals of fish. As an option you can
also take a ride in a glass bottom boat.
Beruwala: The beach is famous for its masks and puppets
used for devil dancing. Located 56 km off Colombo Beruwala signals the
beginning of a beach stretch of 130km. In past few years a string of resorts
have developed here. One can bath in the sea year round. This place is
considered the first Muslim settlement in the island. The ligthouse here
attracts several people.
