Negombo

Negombo, close to Colombo’s airport, grew from an historic little town with many legacies of its Dutch and Portugese settlers into Sri Lanka’s first beach resort. For the traveller without time to linger, Negombo is a superb town to taste beach life and rest before jetting back to the “realworld” or as a jumping off spot to visit Kandy and the hill country.

Villa Araliya is a new and prestige guesthouse just 20 minutes from the airport. Look out to sea during the evening and see the twinkling lights of all the ships dotted along the horizon as they anchor awaiting their daylight entry into Colombo Harbour. Or take a trip out by day for a spot of whale watching, the West Coast is breeding ground for the Blue Whale and the Sperm whale.

East Coast And North

 This coast of long white beaches, great surf and mangrove lagoons has been largely off the tourist routes during civil unrest. Now is the time to visit – no crowds and a particularly warm welcome by local people wanting to re-establish tourism. May to September is the time to go for the weather, activities and general up keep of the beach cleanliness.

Trincomalee and the Cultural Triangle can easily be combined to offer a wide range of holiday interests.

Galle

This coastline has the attractions of the West – some beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling opportunities, historic and interesting sights without the crowds. There is easy access to several National Parks – Bundala, Yala- and the old town of Galle is one of the most interesting in Sri Lanka.
                  Once a major port, Galle shows its colonial Dutch and Portuguese history. Most imposing is the Fort (a walled town and Heritage site) which houses the national Maritime Museum, the National museum and the more recent (1938) lighthouse. The Fort ramparts allow an hour or two’s gentle stroll, best taken at dusk to enjoy the sensational sunsets from the Western Bastions.

Bentota Beach

Head 60km south from Colombo to find many miles of beautiful sandy beaches and mangrove lined lagoons. As the road and railway follow the coast you may take a fast and, possibly scary, trip in an air conditioned bus or express train, or plan a leisurely journey by car enjoying the numerous resorts en route.
                                  Kalutura is entered by way of the double-span Kalu Ganga bridge and a roadside Boa tree where you may stop and make an offering at the magnificent temple to ensure a safe journey.