Joanna James
The southern belt is the most popular coastal stretch in Sri Lanka; there you will find plenty of activities dealing with water sports, treks, historical temples and verdant river excursions.
The most popular resort town along the southern coast is Bentota; it is adjacent to Beruwela a fabulous fisher town that offers rolling surf and sandy shores for relaxing and play. Due to the close proximity of these towns, it is easy to make use of services offered around either; the Sunshine Water Sports Centre sits beside the Bentota River and is ideal for renting out various equipment dealing with water sports. Amateurs too can make use of the beginner courses on windsurfing, water skiing and surfing or body boarding. Enjoying the gorgeous blue Indian Ocean is a must when touring the south and these sports provide loads of adrenaline pumping actions.
Located along the Galle Road in Bentota, this is an excellent place for some rest and relaxation. Take a break from long lazy stints at the beach and head over to the Chaplan Tea Centre where comfy wicker chairs are yours to sink into as you savour Sri Lankan tea and biscuits. There is also good quality tea for you to purchase. If you are hankering for the quieter pleasures of life remember that a seaside hotel in Beruwela is an excellent choice as the town is quieter and more laidback than the touristy environs of Bentota.
The most fascinating aspect of Sri Lanka is its diverse culture brought on by the many ethnic groups that make up the population. You can visit a variety of historical religious sites around the southern coast such as vintage cathedrals in Galle, ancient Buddhist temples and the Kechimalai Mosque in Beruwela. Beruwela was the site for the islands very first Muslim settlement that took place in 1024. The mosque believed to sit on the site the first settlers landed is testament to this and draws many pilgrims during main festivals.
No matter where you are staying in the south coast, a trip to the port city of Galle is a must. Home to World Heritage Site the Old Dutch Fort the city is loved for its ancient colonial heritage. The well-preserved fort is a treat to explore complete with cobblestone streets, colonial style villas and vintage churches.
The southern belt is well known for its Ayurveda treatments and the place is home to some of the best Vedas. The islands top Ayurveda resorts are located along this stretch with Beruwela being a firm favourite due to its laidback nature and stunning beach. Do look for a holistic resort that rests along the Beruwela Beach like Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara. Relish the many treatments on offer aimed at total healing of mind, body and soul.
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