Joanna James
Be it sandy shores, verdant wonders, fishing harbours to ancient Buddhist temples, the peaceful hamlet of Beruwela, which is situated along Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is a region well worth investing your time and energy in in 2025. Here are 5 of the very best attractions in Beruwela.
The brainchild of landscape architect, the late Bevis Bawa; the spectacular environs encompassing Brief Garden must be jotted down in your travel itinerary whenever thoughts of holidaying in Beruwela begin swirling through your mind. Expertly transformed from a mere rubber plantation, this attraction, which was the former country home of the great man himself, currently offers educational and insightful tours across one of the island’s most loved tropical gardens. Admire examples of homoerotic sculpture, paintings that depict the locals and their ways of life coupled with how the intricate details of architecture and the natural world merge.
Rising to an imposing 122 feet in the air, Barberyn Island Lighthouse which is found half a mile offshore from Beruwela on Barberyn Island is truly a sight for sore eyes. Built by the British in 1889, Barberyn Island Lighthouse or ‘Beruwela Lighthouse’ offers an opportunity to not just enjoy a boat tour but also learn of the attraction’s storied past through the eyes of the lighthouse keeper. As you wander across the island, you will stumble upon an abandoned well, an old clay-roofed hut and plenty of lush foliage that would combine for a refreshing and serene escape in beautiful Beruwela.
Located a stone’s throw from Heritance Ayurveda is Moragalla Beach, sandwiched between Beruwela Beach and Bentota Beach respectively. Seen as one of the more incredible activities to do in Beruwela, Moragalla Beach will appease the laidback as well as the adventure-savvy beachgoer. With golden white sands, an inviting blue ocean and an assortment of water sporting activities to try your hand at, Moragalla Beach interestingly, affords visitors with an opportunity to call by an island referred to as ‘Moragalla Dharmadhveepa.’ If you were to be so bold and organise a boat trip, then you place yourself in an excellent position to go on a hike and spend time on the island’s temple from where sweeping panoramas can be indulged in.
Heralded as an archaeological marvel of the rarest breed, the stunning site of Kande Viharaya must be next on your list of things to do when in and around Beruwela. Dating back to the 18th century, this Buddhist temple is perched atop a mountain and is considered an important centre for Buddhist education through the functions of the Kshethrarama Pirivena, which is entrusted with the task of educating monks in the country. As you approach this place of worship, a giant statue of a sitting Buddha will greet you before you are led towards the temple’s most fascinating landmarks. These include the Bodhi Tree, Stupa and a Relic Chamber, which contains paintings that evidence the Kandyan era.
An excellent way to get up to speed with how life is lived in these parts of the Emerald Isle, beelining for the Beruwela Fishing Harbour at the crack of dawn will come off as one of the most enjoyable escapes embarked upon. Though not for the faint of heart, given how crowded and raucous the atmosphere can get, you may tour the Harbour and witness how trading activities are carried out with amazing ease.
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.
