Discover the pearl of the Indian Ocean

The west coast of Sri Lanka offers miles of wide sandy beaches, natural wonders and vibrant cultural sites. The persons are super friendly and you’re feeling very secure in every single place, even on the somewhat chaotic streets. Be sure to try the colourful tuk tuks, a fun and low cost strategy to travel shorter distances. From the bustling capital of Colombo to the wide sandy beach of Bentota and the fascinating walled city of Galle Fort, this region is right for travelers searching for each leisure and adventure. You can explore ancient temples, enjoy fresh seafood and experience the nice and cozy hospitality that makes the west coast of Sri Lanka a must-see.

Galle Fort

Start your visit to Sri Lanka at Galle Fort, a captivating fortified town on the southwest coast that provides an enchanting insight into Sri Lanka’s colonial past. UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded by the Portuguese in 1588 and later ruled by the Dutch and the British until Ceylon gained independence in 1948 and have become Sri Lanka. The influences of all three countries are reflected within the charming cobbled streets, magnificent colonial buildings, churches and ancient city partitions. History buffs will enjoy a tour that begins on the Dutch Reformed Church, in-built 1750. with heritage interpreter Tharana Llyana Arachchi, booked through the wonderful Sensory pleasuresa brand new travel company offering customized experiences with local experts.

This well-preserved colonial fortress also has quite a few shops selling local products, cozy cafes, restaurants and delightful hotels. Fort Bazaara seventeenth century merchant’s house converted right into a boutique hotel, has 18 stylish guest rooms and a fresh, modern interior that evokes an oriental atmosphere. Charming boutique hotel The dealer has twelve rooms, a phenomenal large terrace and an ideal bar. The bungalow is a superb bar and restaurant with tempting cocktails like Galle Crush or Lankan with local arrack. The arc is run by Sri Lankan-born chef Charitha Sham, who returned home after a 15-year stint in New York to open an upscale seafood-focused restaurant. Stop by for a delicious collection of teas like ginger honey and cinnamon and homemade ginger cookies at Petite Royal Dutch Caféhidden at Leyn Baan Street No. 72.

Kosgoda

Somewhat further up the coast, about 30 miles north of Galle Fort, lies the small village of Kosgoda, which has a protracted tradition of Buddhist worship and is home to a variety of ancient temples and non secular sites. The most famous is the Kosgoda Raja Maha Viharaya, a Sixteenth-century Buddhist temple. Kosgoda can also be often called a breeding ground for sea turtles.

A really special place, right on the beach, is the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Projectrun by Dudley Perera and his team of dedicated volunteers. Five (Green sea turtles, Olive ridley sea turtles, Loggerhead sea turtles, Hawksbill sea turtles and Leatherback sea turtles) of the world’s seven species of sea turtles nest on the local beach in Kosgoda and have to be shielded from poachers.

You can visit the Kosgoda Turtle Breeding Centre where rescued turtle eggs are hatched and you could have the prospect to assist release newly hatched baby turtles back into the ocean. The centre also rescues and heals turtles injured in fishing nets.

Bentota

If you proceed north along the coastal roads, you can find Kiranaan idyllic villa on an unlimited sandy beach on the Indian Ocean, which could be rented in its entirety or as one among the 4 double suites. Kirana, meaning “ray of light”, is a classy, modern villa near Bentota, a preferred beach resort in Sri Lanka.

The villa was designed by the Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatta which also includes the fashionable Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel nearby. Kirana is the sister hotel of Santani Wellness Resort nestled within the hills of a tea plantation near Kandy. Kirana is a phenomenal mix of contemporary design and plush, tropical flair. The 4 ground floor guest rooms, including two double rooms with king-size beds and a two-bedroom family suite (double/twin), are spacious and all open onto the garden overlooking the beach. A pleasant extra is the wonderful outdoor shower next to the most important bathroom in the main bedroom. The villa has butlers and a personal chef who will prepare delicious Sri Lankan curries whilst you loosen up beside the gorgeous 20-meter infinity pool. Meals are based on the Ayurvedic philosophy of ‘Rasa Haya’, which implies six tastes: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter and tart.

For a stunning afternoon stroll on the beach from Kirana Villa, head to Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel that has a small art gallery with local crafts and sculptures. There are also many paintings throughout the hotel and the reception has a shocking brilliant batik ceiling. The light and airy bar is great for cocktails or tea.

Short Garden

A captivating trip by tuktuk from Kirana Villa is Short Gardenthe home and garden of Bevis Bawa, now owned by Dooland De Silva, who was Mr Bawa’s long-time manager. Laid out in 1929, the gardens, which extend over five hectares, have hosted Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Peter Finch, Queen Ingrid of Denmark and Agatha Christie. Bevis Bawa, the brother of Sri Lanka’s most famous architect Geoffrey Bawawas a highly respected landscape architect and artist.

A visit to the garden could be followed by a tour of the home, which is crammed with artwork by Bevis Bawa and his artist visitors, in addition to photographs of his famous guests. Travelling to Brief looks like visiting a secret place, because the only access is via a winding gravel road just a few miles off the most important roads.

practical information

Since tourism accounts for at the least 10% of Sri Lanka’s economy, it is important to encourage travel there. And since this can be a poor country where the common monthly wage is around $200, tip generously.

Sri Lanka Airlines is the one airline with every day direct flights from London Heathrow, Paris and Frankfurt to Colombo. Kirana Villa and Galle Fort are each inside a two-hour drive from Colombo Airport. A mix of beach and retreat vacation can also be possible at Santani with a stay in Santani Wellness near Kandy and Kiranaat Santani Villa, No. 338/340, Warahena, Bentota.

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