Beaches

Negombo Population: 140,000 District: Gampaha Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 37 km A characteristic fishing town 37km. 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 are caught in the lagoon. Mount Lavinia Population: District: Colombo Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 12 km Just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate city suburb and the beach is one of the better known even in colonial times. It lies alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sand is the softest and the waves calm and clear. The Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. Beruwela  Population: 136,000 District: Kalutara Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 56 km 56 km. south of Colombo, Beruwela marks the beginning of a 130 km. stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. Good bathing may be had in the bay all year round. Bentota Population: 48,000 District: Galle Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 62 km 62 km. south of Colombo, the Bentota Resort Complex is a romantic rendezvous of river 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. Ambalangoda Population: 74,000 District: Galle Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: A half hour's drive from Bentota is Ambalangoda, home of devil dancing and mask making. Hikkaduwa Population: 97,000 District: Galle Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 98 km 98 km. south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the place for underwater delight. Site of the famed coral gardens; hire a glass bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Don't purchase or encourage sale of corals. Galle Population: 97,000 District: Galle Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 98 km 116 km 116 km. south of Colombo, is the most important southern town with an old-world charm. Believed to be the 'Tarshish' of the Bible, its natural harbour was a famous fort in days gone by. Famous for its Dutch fort, lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing. Weligama Population: 68,000 District: Matara Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 98 km 143 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. East Coast If Sri Lanka is Serendipity, beach lovers will find lots of it on the east coast. The coast line here is uneven with many bays and sheltered coves. On some beaches here you can walk a mile into the sea. Trincomalee  Population: 91,000 District: Trincomalee Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 257 km 257 km. from Colombo, Trincomalee is the ideal refuge for the beach addict, with its fine natural harbour and excellent beaches. Batticaloa  Population: 71,000 District: Batticaloa Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 314 km 314 km. from Colombo, Batticaloa is famous for its 'singing' fish and picturesque lagoon. Kalkudah  Population: 56,000 District: Batticaloa Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 282 km 32 km. from Batticaloa, Kalkudah, with its clear calm reef protected sea is ideal for bathing. Passekudah, close by, has a fine bay with clear waters. A popular tourist centre with a modern hotel and other facilities. Nilaveli  Population: District: Trincomalee Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 271 km 14 km. from Trincomalee, Nilaveli was the venue for the 1985 International Funboard Championships. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling. Whale watching in the sanctuary is a speciality. Arugam Bay  Population: 27,000 District: Ampara Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 314 km 314 km. from Colombo, a most beautiful bay with good surfing. The East coast offers infinite possibilities for all kinds of water sports and underwater photography. The many ship-wrecks of the coast are a tempting challenge to the diver.