Top 5 Things to do in Beruwala – a tour never to be forgotten

The city of Berewele in southern Sri Lanka is dominated by the Muslim population. In fact, this city marks the first Muslim settlement in the country since the Beruwele port was set up by the Arab traders in the 8th century. Since then the payer being called out 5 times a day is a familiar sound in the region and tens of mosques have come up around Beruwele. Perhaps the most significant mosque in the city is the Masjid ul Akbar also known as the Kachimalani Palli among the locals. Being one of the oldest mosques in the city, the Kachimalani Palli is significant since a pious man is buried within the mosque premises. A shrine has been set up on his grave and some Muslims visit this grave during significant occasions. During the month of Ramadan the Masjid Ul Akbar particularly comes to life and the whole city is up till dawn in almost every day of this auspicious month.

Although predominantly a Muslim region, citizens of all faiths live harmoniously in Beruwela and the grand Buddhist and Hindu temples located here stands proof to that. The Giant Buddha Temple in Beruwela is an appealing attraction since it houses an impressive Buddha statue that towers at an impressive height of 160 feet. The Pushparama temple is also similarly an interesting place to visit and has the typical Hindu motifs adorning all corners of this place of worship. From the large collection of prayer flags to an array of Hindu deities, this temple is an excellent location to absorb a little bit of Hinduism during the few minutes spent here.

Being a coastal city of Sri Lanka, Beruwele is blessed with a stretch of pristine beach which is ideal for swimming or even simply relaxing. The beach next to Masjid Ul Akbar is popular among visitors but it is extremely crowded especially around the holidays. If you are looking for a purely undisturbed stretch of beach your only option is to try and stay at the Cinnamon Bey Beruwela . This Sri Lanka beach resort has a private beach for its guests that is both well preserved and relatively quiet. You can also indulge in a number of water sports on this beach such as surfing, jet skiing and boat riding.

The Beruwela Harbor is yet another popular attraction in the city which displays to its guests a very down to earth, authentic version of a harbor. It is very fishy this harbor but does boast the freshest collection of seafood and lobsters.

Like most of Southern Sri Lanka, Beruwela boasts a pristine garden of corals underneath the surface of the ocean. Indulge in a snorkeling expedition and explore the underwater treasures that Beruwela has in store.