Joanna James
The southern coast is pretty popular among locals and tourists for its beaches and easy accessibility from Colombo. Read along to explore the areas.
Bentota - Located in the south-western coastal belt about 64km away from Colombo is the laid-back town of Bentota- a tourist attraction. It is just where the Bentota River opens up. It was here, that the Portuguese built a small fort during the 17th Century.
The Bentota Lagoon is one of the most popular spots for a wide array of watersports like parasailing, windsurfing and jet-skiing. If you are looking for an adrenaline pumping experience, look no further than this!
For a more romantic date, take the river safari during dusk and indulge in the beautiful colours of the sky that reflects in the water. Watch as the sun turns into the moon and the stars come out of its velvety dark blanket. This is a great way to celebrate a special moment or milestone with your significant others.
The town is known for providing tourists with the perfect beach getaway and therefore there are many luxury resorts and boutique hotels in Bentota. You will be spoilt for choice! Since Boutique hotels are the most preferred type of accommodation among tourists these days, Saman Villas is a great option for those who wish to escape reality and indulge in luxury comfort.
Unlike any gardens, this is a unique one, designed by a well-known artist and brother of the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Bevis Bawa has used the space of five acres quite creatively and uniquely, just like his brother. The sculptures that are found scattered across the garden, seamlessly merge into the surroundings and yet still manage to stand out simultaneously. The grounds are serene and meticulously maintained. There is a sense of serenity that one could feel simply taking a walk in the garden. It is only 11km away from Bentota town and is a great option for a day excursion.
If you are an avid bird watcher or a nature enthusiast or a biologist/ecologist, this safari through the mangroves is highly recommended. There are more than 110 bird species to look out for. The boat safari can be chosen from many tour companies in the vicinity.
Just south of Bentota is another quiet little village named Induruwa with an offshore reef that makes it a great place to swim safely in the beach. It is a great option for a family picnic.
One of the clusters of temples in the area, this temple is notable for its pillars, stone carvings and inscriptions that portray the medieval period.
Aluthgama, another coastal town is known for its uncrowded and serene beaches. There is also a turtle hatchery on the beach where you can volunteer to help the turtles into the sea once they are deemed safe by the staff.
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