InduruwaInduruwa only recently attained the status of a holiday resort, yet it already boasts a well-developed infrastructure. Modern, comfortable hotels have been built, including the well-known Emerald Bay and Induruwa Beach resorts. There are also numerous small restaurants and cafés serving both local and European dishes. The menu primarily features fish and seafood. In the evening, various shows take place on the hotel grounds, and there are discos. Around Induruwa, there are deserted beaches surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The village of Induruwa is framed by beautiful hills and coconut groves. It is an ideal place for anyone looking to escape the hectic city life, noise, and crowds, to stroll leisurely through quiet lanes, enjoy unspoiled nature, and visit Buddhist temples. The hotels in Induruwa are located directly on a beach that stretches for many kilometers beyond the town limits. From the room windows, there is a view of the ocean. The sea view can also be enjoyed from the loggias, which are furnished with tables and wicker loungers. It is a particularly pleasant place to experience the sunset – with a delicious fruit cocktail in hand.
AhangamaThe beach resort of Ahangama is located in the south of the island of Sri Lanka, 136 km from Colombo, 40 km south of Hikkaduwa and 20 km south of the city of Galle, between Koggala and Weligama. Like all resorts in the south of Sri Lanka, Ahangama boasts clear, turquoise sea and beautiful beaches surrounded by lush tropical greenery. The resort is suitable for travelers who prefer a quiet family holiday in a hotel and would like to take occasional excursions. For nightlife lovers or solo travelers, Ahangama may seem a bit boring due to the lack of entertainment, so it is recommended to travel here in the company of your own group. Surf lovers, on the other hand, who want to combine a beach holiday with their favorite sport, will particularly appreciate Ahangama. In certain months of the year, the waves in this region can be quite strong, so one should be careful when swimming and not swim too far out into the ocean. From Ahangama, you can take several exciting day trips: – to Galle to visit the old fort and its historical buildings, the Dutch church and the museums, – to the Buddhist island in Ratgama Lake – a place of incredible peace and beauty, – to turtle farms, – to a spice plantation, – as well as to Buddhist and Hindu temples.
AhungallaThe holiday resort of Ahungalla is located 78 km from Colombo on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is ideal for a quiet beach holiday. Here you can admire tropical and oceanic landscapes and enjoy peace and relaxation. Ahungalla is a town in Sri Lanka that is characterized by the beauty of the sea and the tropical climate. This resort is particularly popular with those who are looking for peace and relaxation and want to enjoy nature. In addition, Ahungalla has an impressively good tourist infrastructure. The small town is very close to the capital Colombo – only 78 km away. Ahungalla is a beautiful place: tropical forests, waterfalls, golden beaches and historical buildings make the region particularly attractive.
BentotaBentota is a popular resort town on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is located at the point where a river flows into the sea, 65 km south of Colombo. The town has several hotels, a train station, and a shopping center. Every year, colorful folkloric costume shows take place here. This is an ideal place for families and young travelers: magnificent sandy beaches and impressive landscapes leave even demanding vacationers not indifferent. The golden sandy beach of Bentota is among the best on the entire west coast. Many hotels are located directly on this fantastic coast and offer an unforgettable view of the ocean. On the coast, there are diving centers with experienced instructors that are open from October to March. In addition, numerous other sports are offered: water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, golf, and tennis.
BeruwalaBeruwela is located 56 km south of Colombo. In recent years, new hotels have been built in Beruwela and the tourist infrastructure has been significantly improved. In the sheltered bay, you can swim safely all year round. All conditions for a relaxing holiday have been created here: the azure water of the ocean, endless sandy beaches, and coconut palms along the coast. For lovers of cultural and informative excursions, numerous tours are organized – with visits to unique architectural landmarks, Hindu temples, national parks, and nature reserves.
GalleGalle is a city and port in southwestern Sri Lanka and the capital of the Southern Province. According to historical sources, Galle was called "Tarshish" in ancient times. It is said that King Solomon exported precious gemstones and ivory from Sri Lanka from here. The city was a significant trading center where Persian, Greek, Roman, Arab, Malay, and Indian merchants conducted their business. Until the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505, the city bore the name "Gimhathitha." In 1640, the Portuguese were replaced by the Dutch. By 1663, they had built the massive granite Fort of Galle (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) – the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European colonial powers. In 1796, the city was captured by the British. During British rule, Galle lost its importance as a port city, as the new rulers preferred the development of the port of Colombo. Today, Galle has a developed food industry (especially fish processing), as well as glass and textile industries. The city is one of the most important tourist centers in Sri Lanka. In addition to the Fort of Galle, the most significant sights include St. Mary's Cathedral (built by Jesuits) as well as numerous Hindu and Buddhist temples.
DickwellaThe resort town of Dickwella and the beaches in the south of the island (over 100 km south of Colombo) are among the cleanest and widest beaches in Sri Lanka. The sea here is calm, and corals have been preserved on the seabed. Dickwella is a true tropical paradise with golden beaches, unique waterfalls, lush tropical vegetation, and ancient monuments. The golden sandy beach, the crystal-clear, sapphire-blue water, and the colorful coral gardens are only a small part of what the coast of Dickwella has to offer. Every year, more and more tourists come to Dickwella to improve their health. The ancient treatment methods of Ayurveda and aromatherapy – tested over centuries and supplemented by modern technologies – help to reduce stress and fatigue, cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system, and have a unique rejuvenating effect. For active vacationers, numerous activities are offered here: rafting, climbing and trekking in the mountains, jungle hikes, eco-tours, diving, fishing, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing, and many other water sports. The hotels in Dickwella offer accommodation in all comfort classes.
KalutaraKalutara is a holiday area in the southwest of the island and is particularly known for its sports clubs. It is an ideal place for water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, diving, and sailing. If you want to relax, find peace, and relieve stress, Kalutara is an excellent choice. Most of the resort's hotels have SPA centers, and Ayurvedic treatments are widely available. Here you can completely leave everyday life behind and enjoy soothing and health-promoting treatments.
KoggalaKoggala is one of the most famous holiday resorts south of the capital Colombo in Sri Lanka. On the coast, there are diving centers with experienced instructors that are open from October to March. The holiday town of Koggala is located 130 km south of Colombo and 12 km south of Galle. The famous Sri Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe was born in Koggala. His most famous novel "Madol Doova" is directly linked to a small island in Koggala. It is said that Koggala only appeared on the geographical map thanks to this novel. Koggala is also home to an interesting museum of folk art and culture, which houses hundreds of exhibits and attracts numerous tourists all year round.
KosgodaKosgoda is a small town located 65 kilometers from Colombo. Here you can observe more than five species of sea turtles that are hatched at local turtle farms. There, they are fed, cared for, and released into the open ocean three days after hatching. Here you can see both newly hatched baby turtles and adult animals. The most popular hotel in the town is the Kosgoda Beach, which is highly appreciated by lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. Opposite the hotel is a small restaurant owned by a friendly Sinhalese family. There, you can supplement the hotel menu with fresh shrimp and try the traditional Sri Lankan specialty "Rice and Curry". For just 15–20 USD, you can arrange for a tuk-tuk driver to take you to the nearby resort town of Bentota, where you can buy souvenirs.
MarawilaMarawila is a tourist resort in Sri Lanka that offers its visitors endless beaches with soft, golden sand as well as hidden bays and lagoons.
Mount LaviniaMount Lavinia is a charming town in Sri Lanka that simultaneously feels like a natural extension of the suburbs. Even during the time of British colonial rule, this place was one of the best-known and most popular areas on the island. The sand here is dry, the water is crystal clear, and the waves are small and calm. The Governor's House, built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, has since been converted into the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel.
NegomboNegombo is a popular holiday resort located about 12 km from Sri Lanka's airport, north of Colombo. The resort impresses its visitors with a rich history and culture. Here you can experience a true journey through time, see untouched nature, observe national festivals, learn more about Buddhism, and even reach the edge of the world – to the famous World’s End viewpoint.
TangalleTangalle is a beautiful resort town in Sri Lanka. The atmosphere of friendliness and tranquility that prevails in this amazing city is the result of the deep-rooted, centuries-old influence of Buddhist teachings on the worldview and way of life of the Sinhalese. Buddhist philosophy is also reflected in the numerous sights: in magnificent temples built with great devotion, in remote monasteries with impressive murals, and in huge Buddha statues – the most peaceful and benevolent deity in the world. In the evening, as well as when visiting national parks and nature reserves in Tangalle, it is recommended to use insect repellent (against mosquitoes and other insects). If you are planning an overnight jungle tour, you should take malaria prophylaxis tablets in advance.
UnawatunaUnawatuna is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is a village with many tourists, numerous guesthouses, and a small lagoon where you can swim very comfortably – it is even ideal for children. The lagoon is colorful and picturesque, and a natural breakwater dampens the ocean surf almost completely. However, if you want to feel the power of the ocean, it is enough to walk a few kilometers to the left – there, the waves hit the coast unimpeded. Unawatuna is one of the few places on the island where there are diving opportunities as well as diving schools.
HikkaduwaThe town of Hikkaduwa on the south coast of Sri Lanka is often referred to as a "coral sanctuary." The word "coral" can be found in the names of many hotels in Hikkaduwa. The coral reefs attract divers with a great variety of fish species and turtles. In the crystal-clear water, a snorkel and a mask are all you need to see the wonderfully bright colors of the underwater world. In addition, you can also observe the fantastic underwater world from a glass-bottom boat. Be sure to bring souvenirs from Hikkaduwa for your friends – the famous Ceylon tea plays an important role among them. The world-famous Ceylon tea, the symbol of Sri Lanka, is grown in valleys protected from northern winds by mountain ranges. Until 1972, the country was called Ceylon. The water temperature averages 26 degrees. The best time for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka is from October to April.
ChilawChilaw is one of the most famous holiday resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka. The city is located about 50 kilometers from the international airport. A little further south are the popular holiday areas of Marawila, Waikkal, and Negombo. Mahatma Gandhi, the "Father of India," visited Chilaw in November 1927 during his first and only stay in Sri Lanka, which was then still called Ceylon. This visit is considered historic: Gandhi was invited by the freedom fighters Charles Edgar Corea and his brother Victor Corea, who lived in the city. The brothers founded the Chilaw Association and the Ceylon National Congress and campaigned with great dedication for the independence of Ceylon. The Corea family was closely linked to Chilaw. To this day, it is said in Sri Lanka that Chilaw is known for its three "C"s: Crabs, Coconuts, and Coreas. The magnificent nature, the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean, and the unique ancient culture of Sri Lanka form a special combination that will make your holiday unforgettable. Chilaw is not only interesting for beach lovers, but also for friends of historical sights. A real jewel of the region is the ancient Hindu temple Munneswaram, where large, colorful festivals take place every year, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Yala National ParkA holiday in Sri Lanka can hardly be called complete if you have not visited at least one of the national parks. The creation of parks and nature reserves in Sri Lanka dates back to the 2nd century BC. One of the rulers at the time issued a royal decree banning the hunting of animals and reptiles, as well as the felling of trees and the gathering of certain plants. By wanting to protect nature, he – without knowing it – laid the foundation for the country's first nature reserve. Today, there are more than twenty such parks and reserves in Sri Lanka, which attract not only nature lovers but also eco-tourism enthusiasts all year round. One of these parks, which can be visited all year round, is Yala National Park. It is located about 300 km from Colombo in the southeast of the island and was founded in the late 1930s. Today, Yala is a huge area of over a thousand square kilometers, divided into a western and an eastern administrative zone. However, with a standard tourist visa, you can only visit the western part; for the eastern area, you need a special permit, which is only granted to selected individuals or researchers. The western part of Yala, which is open to tourists, offers sufficient infrastructure for visitors despite its wild nature. There is accommodation for every taste – comfortable hotels with air conditioning and good service at comparatively moderate prices, which usually start at around one hundred dollars per night. For lovers of a nature-oriented, exotic stay, however, there is hardly anything better than the campsites. These consist of large tents or huts, are very affordable, and an overnight stay including meals rarely costs more than thirty dollars. In addition, Yala is known for its numerous inexpensive restaurants and the many small shops with souvenirs that will remind you of your holiday for a long time to come. One of the biggest attractions of Yala National Park – and the reason why many visitors leave the beaches and go on a jeep safari – is the impressive variety of animals that live here peacefully. Many tourists who pay several hundred dollars for a three-day safari end up bringing back entire short films, especially about the well-known leopards, which are not afraid of humans and hardly react aggressively. In total, about forty leopards live in the park, coexisting peacefully with other big cat species. For lovers of large animals, encountering herds of elephants becomes an unforgettable experience. Gazelles, buffaloes, and deer also make every safari a fascinating insight into the world of the wilderness. The park is particularly impressive in the evening hours, when the sun sets and the animals gather at the waterholes. At this time, you can observe sloth bears, various monkey species, wild boars, and many other jungle inhabitants. Driving past natural bodies of water, you often see crocodiles basking in the sun and occasionally opening their powerful jaws. Yala Park is particularly well-known among experts for its five species of sea turtles that live here. The variety of bird species is also impressive – peacocks, flamingos, and many other exotic birds accompany visitors with their songs and calls. The landscape in Yala National Park is also varied: plains, hills, and rock formations ensure that the drive is anything but monotonous. When planning a trip to Sri Lanka and especially to Yala Park, you should ask your tour operator whether safari tours, jeep excursions, and unrestricted photo and video recording are included in the price or whether they must be booked directly at the hotel. This is important because the quality of the tour depends heavily on the guide's language skills. If you speak different languages, you might miss out on a lot of exciting information about Yala Park.
WadduwaWadduwa is one of the most famous holiday resorts south of Sri Lanka's capital. On the coast, there are diving centers with experienced instructors that are open from October to March. In Wadduwa, there is everything you need for a comfortable holiday – good, quiet seafood restaurants, cozy cafés, as well as numerous souvenir shops and jewelry boutiques.
WeligamaWeligama is a very charming small town where you can find old colonial villas with unique wooden carvings as well as Buddhist dagobas and Catholic churches in its streets. The town's most famous landmark is the figure of the god of death, known as the "Leper King," carved out of a three-meter-high boulder. Not far from the village lies Yala Rock – a rocky area with stone blocks up to 15 meters high. There are also interesting caves here, which are home to various species of fish and turtles.
PasikudaPasikuda is a small resort town on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. It is part of the neighboring resort town of Kalkudah. The hotels are located directly on the ocean in Pasikuda, while the infrastructure – market, train station, local cafés – is located in Kalkudah and a little further east in the next village.
TrincomaleeOn the beaches of the most famous holiday town on the east coast of Sri Lanka – Trincomalee – the weather is sunny all year round. The sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers, and the sea is warm and calm. Along the coast, there are many small bays that protect swimmers from the wind, and the town itself is situated in an ideally protected natural harbor bay. The east of Sri Lanka is less developed for tourism, so you can find almost untouched corners of wild nature here. Not far from the town, seven hot springs bubble out of the ground, where you can take relaxing baths.
