Listly by Joanna James
Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Beruwala is a beautiful coastal town, offering a perfect blend of tropical island charm and rich cultural traditions. Just a short distance from the bustling commercial capital, Colombo, this beach escape offers an easily accessible destination teeming with thrilling adventures to fulfill all your summer desires.
Beruwala Beach, fondly referred to as 'the Golden Mile', boasts a coastline adorned with shimmering golden sands that extend for miles on end. Mind you, this is not the typical whitish sands found on many beaches. Water sports enthusiasts have plenty of options at Beruwala Beach. Adrenaline-rush seekers can look forward to water skiing, diving, parasailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a leisurely experience of simply unwinding with a sunbathing moment and a refreshing swim, Beruwala Beach is a good destination to add to your itinerary.
Immerse yourself in the artistry and tradition of mask-making in Sri Lanka by visiting the Ambalangoda Mask Factory and Museum. The most fascinating section of this museum happens to be the workshop where local artisans masterfully carve wood into intricate designs. The vibrant hues of traditional colours will leave you spellbound and you can unleash your own creativity by letting your inspiration strike with an unpainted mask!
The Brief Gardens were designed by Bevis Bawa who was an esteemed landscape artist in Sri Lanka. This enchanting garden spans over 20 acres and has been maintained without changing its core essence for an impressive 85 years. Bevis Bawa was the elder brother to Geoffrey Bawa, renowned as the father of tropical architecture who introduced the concept of 'Tropical Modernism' to the architectural world. For architecture fans, you have the chance to experience the intricacies of Geoffrey Bawa's architectural marvels with a stay at Heritance Ayurveda in Beruwala, a resort designed by the maestro himself.
Indulging in a tropical island escape isn't truly fulfilling without experiencing the rejuvenating touch of Ayurvedic spa treatments at an Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka. Ancient healing traditions offer Panchakarma treatments that purify the body and soul. Herbal medication can reduce your stress levels through relaxation treatments. For instance, "Shiro Abhyanga" is an ayurvedic head massage where warm herbal oils are used for a head massage that can reduce anxiety. Undergoing these treatments amidst the tranquil setting of a coastal resort will truly ensure that your vacation getaway is nothing short of extraordinary.
For nature lovers, a boat ride along this picturesque waterway spanning approximately 64 kilometres through lush mangrove forests is a phenomenal experience. The mangrove forests are a haven for biodiversity. From fish and crabs to elusive crocodiles, the Bentota River promises a bewitching experience. If you are lucky, you might even spot a crocodile sub-bathing on the river bank! This river is also home to endemic bird species and migratory birds. A pair of binoculars will come in handy.
A charming little island that is approximately half a mile offshore from Beruwala town, Barberyn Island is home to one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. The Barberyn Lighthouse stands tall at 100 feet, its white granite tower contrasting beautifully with the backdrop of swaying palm trees and the emerald green ocean. You can take a ferry ride to the island and pack up a little picnic basket to create a truly magical island experience. Don't forget to bring your camera along; this is a great location to snap some iconic pictures.
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.