Joanna James
Beruwala is a hidden gem of a coastal town in Sri Lanka and has garnered loving praise from the visitors who made it there. It is a lovely representation of Sri Lankan culture as a whole and this guide will show you the best things you can do at this underrated spot.
A calm beach, soft sand, and a stunning view, what more could anyone ask for? Head down to the Bentota beach with your current read and prop down on the cool sand and relax for hours. The beach is usually deserted except for a few vendors and the seagulls inhabiting the area so that you can enjoy some nice peace and quiet.
If excitement is more your forte, Beruwala Beach should be your go-to. A long, winding beach that has the colour of honey, you can find multiple water-based activities such as jet skiing, parasailing or even a boat safari. As an added bonus, you might even find turtles emerging from the sea for nesting.
After a tiring day of activities, refuel by heading over to one of the many hotels in Beruwala. Sri Lanka is famous for its beachside resorts, as evidenced by the popularity of hotels such as Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara. At these resorts, one can enjoy the finest foods that include freshly caught seafood and other delicious dishes.
Located about 16km from Beruwala, in the district of Kalutara, this prestigious temple was founded in 1734. It is named after where it's situated (Kande is Sinhalese for mountain, so it literally translates to the temple in the mountain).
The Kande Viharaya contains the usual features of a temple; Stupa, Bo Tree, Image House, Relic Chamber, Sri Vishnu MahaDevala and the four Maha Devalas. The great Jataka stories of the Buddha, his teachings, and depictions of his life, are all engraved onto the walls of the temple, and you can spend hours walking around deciphering these rich stories. This temple is one of the finest examples of authentic Buddhist culture and the values of peace and kindness practised by Sri Lankans.
As an island of great cultural diversity, you can find monuments from most major religions in Sri Lanka. The Kechimalai Mosque was built by Yemeni Muslims who landed in Sri Lanka. Their attachment to the mosque was such that two of them were buried just outside of it, while another's tomb rests in the mosque itself. As a mosque that hosts a tomb, it can be classified as a Darga.
The mosque is a splendid work of architecture, and it stands majestic and tall, a true symbol of devotion. Explore the teachings of Islam, an eye-opening experience, and one that may leave you truly humbled, magnified by the orphanage next door to the mosque.
As one of the most important fishing harbours along the west coast, the harbour is vibrant with activity. Head over to the harbour early in the morning to witness the fishermen setting out on their daily fishing expeditions.
The harbour is also one of the most picturesque locations, with boats of vivid colours and a bustling fish market giving you plenty of inspiration for some beautiful shots from your camera. The harbour has a long history, having been used by merchants for centuries due to it being a naturally shielded stretch of port. Strike a conversation with the locals for more insight, as they will surely have numerous tales and myths for you to ponder over.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
