West Coast

The west coast of Sri Lanka is a beautiful stretch of coastline that runs along the western edge of the island nation.

The West coast– Stretches from Chilaw to Negombo via Colombo all the way down to Hikkaduwa and is considered a beautiful stretch consisting of Golden beaches especially as you head towards the south west coast. The west coast is the most buzzing region of all in this island nation and attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Getting There

The commercial hub of Sri Lanka is a 1 hour drive from the country’s international airport and many find it to be the best option as the base, at the start of their journey and also at the end.

Accommodation

Many five start hotels are found in the city of Colombo. Several villas and boutique hotels too have come up in recent years offering visitors the option of quiet luxury.

Food & Drink

Colombo’s extensive list of restaurants serve up multi ethnic gastronomical delights that are guaranteed to tickle the taste buds of even the most seasoned of gourmet food lovers.

Shopping

Colombo is known for affordable yet quality shopping it offers and has been recognized as a popular shopping destination in the region in the recent years.

Events

Experience the vibrant night life in Sri Lanka as this city is home to many a club, casino, pub and also host many international events regularly. Furthermore several religious festivals take place annually on the streets of Colombo, the most popular one’s being, the Duruthu Perehara of the Kelaniya temple, Nawanm Perehara of the Gangaramaya temple and the Vel procession a Hindu festival dedicated to God Kataragama.

Colombo

The commercial Capital of Sri Lanka which is considered a cosmopolitan city by many is located on the west coast of the island nation and is also the home of it’s main port since the early 20^th century, this city attracts many tourists every year who want to experience it’s historic colonial architecture and many other places of interest including, Temples, Kovils, Mosques, Churches, Meuasems, restaurants that serve up multi ethic gastronomical delights, affordable shopping and it’s buzzing nightlife.

Galle Face Green

This sprawling space overlooking the Indian ocean is located very close to one of Colombo’s major landmarks, -The Galle Face Hotel, a colonial style building which epitomizes the old world charm of a by gone era.

Fort

redominantly reputed as a site of the former Portuguese defenses is now a hub for the country’s ever expanding corporate offices including the modern twin towers and another famous landmark which is The Bank of Ceylon Tower.

The Seema Malaka –This is the work of a famous architect of Sri Lanka, Geoffrey Bawa, it sits on a Pristine lake in the city and is a pretty sight by night when the lights come on. This temple is an extension of one of Colombo’s most famous temples-Gangarama which houses many a Buddhist artifact donated by a multitude of countries from around the globe.

Kelaniya Temple-Located around 10km from the Colombo city center is a Buddhist temple most revered by the Buddhist community of the country as this temple is believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha himself on his third and last visit to this country.

Sri Subramanian Kovil-A kovil dedicated to God Subramanian also known as God Katharagama is among one of Colombo’s revered kovils and boasts of many an impressive artifact belonging to the Hindu faith.

Andrews Scots Kirk- This inter denominational church showcases gothic style architecture.

Old Dutch Hospital-New Shopping Precinct- This former hospital at present, is one of Colombo’s newest tourist attractions and is one of the trendiest locations in the city to dine and shop.

Viharamahadevi Park-(Former Queen Victoria Park) –A sprawling park with lush tropical trees and many species of birds is a spot for relaxation or a quiet stroll.

Nelum Pokuna Theater-( Lotus Pond)- Yet another newly and uniquely constructed theater for the benefit of many a Sri Lankan performing Artists is located in the heart of Colombo.

BMICH- A state of the art exhibition center which has been the venue of many sate functions and large scale private functions.

Old Parliament- The building used until the new parliament complex was opened in 1983 is situated facing the Galle Face Green and has an old world charm appeal to it.

New Parliament Complex-Located in the capital city of Kotte, the new complex situated overlooking the Diyawanna oya (river) and surrounded by lush greenery was designed by one of Sri Lanka’s renowned architects, Geoffrey Bawa.

Dehiwela Zoo- Widely considered as the main zoo of the country is home to many captive animals from around the globe.

Department Stores & Shopping Malls

ODEL
A leading shopping destination where shoppers could find a variety of designer wear ,high street clothing and an extensive range of perfumes, cosmetics, shoes and bags.
Crescat Boulevard

Considered as one of the up market shopping malls, is centrally located and is easily accessible to guests staying in any of the five start hotels in Colombo.

House of Fashions

A haven for bargain shoppers, a variety of reasonably priced garments, accessories, home décor, plus much more..

Cotton Collection

A collection of trendy cotton wear and accessories to compliment, is what is showcased in this store.

Leather Collection

A store which showcases some of the best shoes and bags available in the city.

Barefoot

This store is full of colorful handloom material and other garments made from Handloom produced in house.

Paradise Road

A shop that showcases unique pieces including perfumed candles, candle holders, and ceramic wear amongst many more.

Main Street Pettah

This street side market offers every imaginable nick knack and then some at nominal prices, it is also an ideal opportunity to experience the market culture of Sri Lanka.

Handicrafts

Traditional handicrafts of Sri Lanka are a must have for anyone touring this beautiful island nation, these range from wall hangings, wood carvings, jewelry, to a variety of colorful, eye catching beautifully designed items.

Tea Shops

World famous Ceylon tea is available under many a leading brand in every nook and cranny of this city.

Getting There

Accessible via the International airport the main city of the north west coast is situate less than 30 minutes from Katunayake.

Accommodation

A string of guest houses and up market hotels are available in Negombo and Waikkal, Browns Beach, Jetwing the Beach being highly recommended hotels in the area.

Food & Drink- Lagoon seafood including crabs and prawn are a common feature on most menus in these fishing towns among other fresh seafood food such as fish and lobster. Many beach side cafes, guest houses and hotels offer interesting choices of seafood based dishes

Shopping- Two of the main fish markets on the island happen to be located in and around Negombo, namely Duwa fish market and the Chillaw fish market , therefore it goes without saying that fresh seafood is the best buy in these parts.

Events- Whale and Dolphin watching in Kalpitya is a seasonal activity that takes place in these parts, various religious festivals including feasts of several catholic churches also are a common happening in the North west coast along with the annual Munnasewarwm pagent which takes place in August.

Negombo-To the north of Colombo is found a village which was once famous for it’s cinnamon cultivation under the Dutch rule back in the day, this village known as Negambo is also known as the village of honey ( Meegamuwa) as it is renowned for it’s production of high quality coconut honey. It is now a famous fishing town, ruins of what was once a famous port could also be witnessed along with the many simple fishing boats used by the fishermen of this village.

The Town-Negombo being the center of the Catholic community of Sri Lanka it is home to a multitude of churches as during the period of Portuguese rule many of the fisher folk were converted to Christianity and the village has since remained a focal point of the followers of this faith.

Old Dutch Fort– The scanty remains of this once important structure is what can be witnessed by visitors now, it was once used to guard the Cinnamon lands and was also de faced on many occasions and rebuilt by the Dutch and the Portuguese and finally demolished by the British in order to build a prison.

Duwa– This island Is famous for its fish market which sells the likes of Lagoon, prawns, crabs and Lobster among an extensive list of seafood and it has also been noted for the Christian play ”Passion” which is staged every Easter by the villagers.

Mary’s Church– One of the most famous landmarks in this village is a church belonging to the Roman Catholic faith and is home to an image of Our Lady of Madhu among many other saints.

The Beach-Even though generally not the safest waters to swim in the Negombo beach is an ideal place to observe how the local fishermen haul in the nets from the sea with their days catch chanting “Hela elaiya, eli elaiya and also to get up close and personal with their simple boats also known as “Oruwa”. A string of hotels and guest houses can be found along the beach

Negombo Lagoon– Boating excursions is a popular activity in these parts, especially along the lagoon and also along the Maha Oya River. Snorkeling and deep sea fishing too are popular activities in these parts.

Muthurajaela– The largest marshland of Sri Lanka is home to abundant aquatic birdlife and other interesting wildlife, excursions along these wetlands is a popular activity not to be missed.

Waikkal– A town popular for production of tiles as the raw material (High quality clay) for the production of the same is found in abundance in the surrounding areas. Visitors are able to spot a string of tile manufacturing factories along the way including stacks of freshly baked tiles.

Marawila-Famous for its Batik production, a trade introduced by the Dutch is also home to many interesting Catholic churches.

Chilaw-To the North of Negombo is this fishing town, it’s main features being the famous Hindu shrine Munneswaram kovil and it’s buzzing fish market.

Munneswaram Kovil– A shrine dedicated to God Shiva is a popular pilgrimage center. This impressive shrine also houses statues of other Hindu Gods and Goddess. The main festival is held in the months of August or September every year apart from the pujas that take place daily.

Wilpattu National Park- Passing Chillaw and the dry zone town of Puttalam further up to the north is the largest National park found on the island. Wilpattu is home to diverse wildlife including big game such as, elephant, leopard, deer, sloth bears and abundant avian species and even reptiles such as crocodiles.

Getting There

The west coast is accessible via Galle road which offers a scenic drive along the coastline.

Accommodation

Several up market beach resorts along with mid range guest houses and even cabanas are an easy find in these areas as the west coast is a pioneer tourist destination. The Blue water in Wadduwa, the Heritance in Ahungalla, The Lighthouse hotel and Eden resort are among the extensive list of accommodation available in these parts.

Food & Drink

Many beachside restaurants are common sight in these parts apart from the hotel’s restaurants. Fresh seafood food being the popular choice on menus, the west coast also is popular for its vibrant nightlife.

Shopping

Range from various handicrafts to jewelry and even antiques all of which are reasonably priced.

Events

Apart from the usual nightlife entertainment that takes place, a group of drummers named Elephant foot drummers have made a name for themselves performing in various nightspots in Hikkaduwa with their interesting fusion beats.

Kalutara

Essentially the starting point of the south west coast is situated about 40 km to the south of Colombo and is home to the Gangattilaka Vihara the only hollow Dagoba with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha inside, where visitors are actually permitted to step inside and witness. Kalutara is not a popular spot for swimming due to rough waters even though a string of beach resorts are to be found along the coast.

Wadduwa

Is another nice quiet stretch of beach beyond Kalutara which attracts tourists due to numerous up market hotels.

Beruwela

A popular stretch of beach for visitors to lounge or indulge in a dip only in some safe spots recommended by the resorts along the beach. This town is also the home to the first Muslim settlement and also the oldest mosque on the island, the Kachchimalai mosque.

Aluthgama

Is a buzzing town with a fresh seafood market among other fresh produce, it also has a string of guest houses located close to the lagoon. Boat rides across the lagoon takes visitors to Paradise Island on the beach.

Brief Gardens

The former residence of famous author Bevis Bawa and brother of the famous architect of many of the chic hotels on the island Geoffrey Bawa showcases some interesting landscapes . Some interesting artwork by Bawa also could be found in an adjacent building including an interesting collection of photographs and furniture.

Bentota

A Popular beach destination is also home to the lagoon where a host of water sports take place, many up market hotels are also found along the coast.

Bentota Village

Is home to small coir factories (rope made out of coconut husks) and a couple of temples.

Wanawasa Rajamaha viharaya

In the village of Bentota is found this big temple which features a model of Adam’s Peak among other artifacts and remains of an underground temple.

Galapata Vihara

Located close to the lagoon this temple features murals and other Buddhist artifacts. Extracts from the Mahawamsa carved on a rock remains its biggest showpiece.

Bentota River

A great way to experience the bird life and other wildlife and also to get up close to the mangroves alongside the river are guided boat safaris. An excursion to a coconut factory is also possible.

Sea Turtles Hatcheries

Several of these hatcheries can be found along Bentota, eggs are brought and buried along the beach under the watchful eyes of the people responsible for these projects, once they are hatched they are then kept in shallow tanks where they are fed and looked after for a few days after which they are released into the sea.

Induruwa, Kosgoda and Balapitiya

A stretch of beach not so popular for swimming as the waters are deemed rough in these parts however are popular destinations for relaxation in many of the hotels and guest houses found along the coastline.Kogoda is also home to the biggest turtle hatchery in the country.

Turtle Hatchery

Run by the department of wildlife this hatchery is the very first to be introduced on the island and houses all species of turtle who visit the island to be released into the ocean when they are ready to fend for themselves.

Madu River

A river journey on this remarkable river affords visitors to witness beautiful mangroves, atolls and its breathtaking surroundings complete with aquatic birds and fish

Ambalangoda

Is the mask and puppet making center of the island and a low key coastal town. A variety of colorful masks generally worn by performers of folk dances make wonderful souvenirs.

Ariyapala Mask Museum

One of the pioneer mask museums showcases an extensive and interesting collection of masks is also a sales center.

Thalwatte Totagamuwa Temple

A popular temple among the locals and also among the royals of the bygone era.

Negrodhrama Temple

The murals displayed here are over 200 years old and this temple also houses a library that has ancient Ola leaf manuscripts on a range of subjects.

Hikkaduwa

Located 20Km before Galle is this vibrant coastal city, is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it offers many a marine activity and showcases a beautiful coral garden, buzzing night life and plentiful shopping for shopaholics consisting of traditional gems, jewelry, masks, antiques and a range of souvenirs.

Turtle Hatchery

Is where the rescued eggs are incubated and once hatched, they are nurtured, fed and trained and finally released back into the sea to live among the safety of the coral reefs and feed themselves.

Thotagamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya

This little known temple is located in a village named Thelwatte to the north of Hikkaduwa, it is home to a myriad of murals, sculptures, and wooden monuments. This temple is believed to hold miraculous powers and is set amidst beautiful scenery.

Coral Sanctuary

This shallow reef area is the popular home of beautifully colored tropical fish and remnants of once plentiful corals. Turtles too could be spotted occasionally specially during the full moon period. A popular spot for snorkeling too.

West Coast

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