Joanna James
The coastal town of Beruwala is located around 60 kilometres south of Colombo and is an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat by the ocean. Here are 5 top enriching cultural and natural experiences to enjoy in the town for a different take on your island coastal escape.
One of the most scenic locations to visit in Beruwala is the Brief Garden, designed by Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The garden was a rubber plantation estate before it was converted into a lush tropical garden that combines Sri Lankan tradition with distinctly English and Italian landscapes.
You can enjoy a walking tour through the garden and revel in its natural beauty and intriguing architectural designs. After that, head to the main house and explore a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs that detail the life and experiences of Bawa.
The Masjid Al Abrar is the first and oldest mosque in Sri Lanka, built by Arab spice traders in 920 AD. Located within a lush landscaped garden with a large pond, the mosque has undergone several phases of refurbishment to preserve its structure and historical value.
The mosque displays a remarkable blend of Islamic and Sinhalese architectural styles, and can currently accommodate around 3000 devotees at once. Upon visiting this historical structure, one is surrounded by a notable serenity brought about by the surrounding landscapes and the spiritual ambience from the mosque.
Another memorable experience to enjoy in Beruwala is visiting the town’s fishing harbour, one of the largest fishing harbours on the country’s western coast. It was once an important port used by merchant vessels for centuries. Now the harbour is filled with the vibrant colours of traditional fishing boats, all docked by the harbour and its walkway, making it one of the most intriguing sights to see.
If you’re out in the area by around 6 in the morning you’ll see several fishermen already out for the day’s fresh catch. You can even visit later in the morning when the harbour takes on a slightly more chaotic atmosphere with locals visiting to buy varieties of fish and fresh seafood.
Located around half a mile from the shores, Barberyn Island beckons adventurous travellers staying at hotels in Beruwala, Sri Lanka to explore its natural landscapes. The island, which extends for more than 8 acres, features an archaic lighthouse that stands 122 feet tall and continues to light up the surrounding waters and shores of the island. You can visit the island and explore the conical, granite lighthouse tower along with the surrounding vegetation and calm sandy beaches that add to the charm of this uninhabited land.
Of course, your visit to any coastal town won’t be complete without a visit to the beach. There are several beaches within and just outside of Beruwala which feature beautiful coral reef gardens. Beruwala Beach and Moragalla Beach both feature vibrant species of hard coral fish, luminescent reef fish, reef sharks, turtles and more. If you’re at nearby hotels like Heritance Ayurveda, you can visit any of the town’s diving centres that offer guidance and equipment for diving adventures.
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.
