Joanna James
Some designate Sri Lanka's west coast as being from Marawila to Galle which is a mix of west and south coasts. You can expect fabulous adventures and experiences and some of the islands best beaches!
Galle is a one of the country's most historic cities. Occupied by the invading colonists since the 17th century, this beautiful city is home to the Old Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and aptly declared so. The fort built by the Portuguese in the 1600s was later taken over and reinforced by the Dutch and British. Galle is home to a natural harbour and is easy to explore from Ahangama hotels. Ahangama is a few minutes from Galle and ideal for staying away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sleepy hamlet home to Mosvold Villa is located around a gorgeous bay and perfect for tranquil days on the beach.
Kalutara sits between the Kalu River and Indian Ocean. The town is home to the Kalutara Bodhiya, which is home to an ancient Bo Tree, believed, to be a sapling of the one Buddha attained enlightenment under. The place is your gateway to the best beaches on the western and south coast.
Colombo is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, a bustling coastal city, the place is ideal for the modern tourist to let go relax and be in touch with the latest fads in fashion and cuisine. Must visit places for coastal attractions include famous Galle Face Green, a huge expanse of green that opens out to the Indian Ocean and Mt Lavinia a suburb towards the southern end of the city; popular for its huge sandy beach and marvellous collection of seaside restaurants. Enjoy dining under the stars, soft sand beneath your feet and the freshest seafood to tantalize your taste-buds.
Negombo Town has a variety of attractions; the culture buff will love exploring vintage colonial relics; such as the Old Dutch Fort, antiquated churches and boat rides along the once 100km long Dutch Canal. Negombo is also known as 'Little Rome' for the obvious reason the place is home to a vast number of churches. Most were established by the Portuguese and British, and are charming precincts to explore for period furniture and other artefacts; start at the 140 year old St Mary's Church the largest and most elegant. Negombo was and still is, a sleepy fisher village, leave behind the cosmopolitan city centre, drive down a tree lined road and you are treated to huge sandy beaches, framed by lush vegetation and swaying palm trees. Don't forget a sojourn to the Negombo Fish Market, largest in the country and full of local flavour.
Kalpitiya located to the north of the commercial capital, Colombo, is a gorgeous peninsula famous for its water sporting facilities as well as, thrills of whale and dolphin watching. Kitesurfing is the top attraction there, with plenty of well-trained instructors ready to teach you the ropes. Besides, there is a calm bay shaded by the peninsula that lets kite surfing fans enjoy the thrills of skimming over the ocean unhindered. Whale and dolphin watching safaris are almost always successful, hence, one must not forget the cameras, for pods of friendly dolphins, are known to swim right up to the boat.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
