There is a drop-shaped island on the world map with beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque hills, impressive waterfalls, rich wildlife and many historical sights. This island is called Sri Lanka - an island nation off the southern tip of India.
From this article you will learn:
Where is Sri Lanka on the world map
Sri Lanka is a relatively small country. Therefore, for a guideline, it is better to choose a larger neighbor - India. At first it's worth find India on the map And its southernmost edge, next to which is island, its shape is reminiscent of a drop. That's what it is Sri Lanka.
Separates India and Sri Lanka from each other narrow strait only 35 km wide.
It is believed that earlier the island of Sri Lanka was connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, from which a chain of shoals and coral islands, called the Adam's Bridge, remains to this day.
Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. The waters of the Indian Ocean extend south from Sri Lanka all the way to Antarctica. In the southwest, Sri Lanka is adjacent to a long chain of coral islands - Maldives. A trip to Sri Lanka can easily be combined with a holiday in the Maldives.
An article that will help in planning your trip - How to combine holidays in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and save on air tickets.
Dimensions of the island of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a relatively small country. Sri Lanka island area 65 thousand km 2, which is 263 times less than the area of Russia, 9 times less than Ukraine and 51 times less than the area of the nearest neighbor of Sri Lanka - India.
Length of Sri Lanka- 432 km. Maximum island width- 225 km. Seems like a short distance. But because of the narrow roads, rather heavy traffic and the presence of mountains, it is impossible to drive fast.
A trip from one point of the island to another can take quite a long time. For example, to overcome about 250 km from the beaches in the south of Sri Lanka to the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya in the center of the island, it will take 5-6 hours.
An ordinary road in an ordinary city (Galle, south of Sri Lanka) Sri Lanka or Ceylon - what is the name of the country
The island known to us as Sri Lanka has changed its name several times:
- Arab traders knew Sri Lanka as an island of gems - Serendip. In the fairy tales "1000 and 1 one night" Sinbad the Sailor visited the island.
- Sinhalese (75% of the population of modern Sri Lanka) arrived in Sri Lanka from northern India in the 6th century BC and named the island Dinhala Dwipa("Lion Island") or simply Lanka("Earth").
- The Portuguese, having captured part of the island in 1505, called it ceilao.
- The Dutch ousted the Portuguese from the island in 1656 and changed the name slightly to Ceylan.
- As a colony of Great Britain from 1802 to 1948, Sri Lanka was called Ceylon.
- Only in 1972 the island Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka which literally means "blessed land".
Ready travel itinerary - "The best in Sri Lanka in 12-14 days" .
Sri Lankan tea is still called Ceylon tea, however, like some other goods grown or produced in Sri Lanka.
Ceylon tea is still harvested by hand - Full name of Sri Lanka - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
- From 1983 to 2009, there was a civil war in Sri Lanka, from which the northern and eastern parts of the island were badly damaged.
- In December 2004, a tsunami hit the eastern and southern coasts of the island, traces of destruction can still be seen.
- Sri Lanka has three capitals:
- The administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura (Kotte).
- Colombo- the largest city of Sri Lanka and the economic capital of the country.
- Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
- You can relax in Sri Lanka all year round thanks to the warm tropical climate and the shift in the rainy season. More details - in the article
Many tourists ask where the island of Sri Lanka is located on the map, in which country. We explain that the island-country is located in the Indian Ocean, in the southeast of India. The island is separated from it by a strait 50 kilometers wide.
In recent years, holidays on the island have become popular. This is a real exotic for the inhabitants of the northern latitudes, who have never seen much sun in their lives, and many have never been to the ocean. Therefore, the island seems to us like a lost dream.
Since there was an opportunity to fly back and forth, how not to use it. Tourists go to soak up the sun, buy outlandish souvenirs, breathe not in the sea, but in the ocean air. They are fascinated by the opportunity to see whales. The island is favorably located, the locals used this advantage to their advantage and began to export coconuts, spices, and Ceylon tea to the mainland.
Country on an island
The city-country is home to 21 million people, a significant part of which is employed in the tourism business. To finally understand where the island is located, remember the school geography course and find the island of Ceylon on the map. This is the English name for the island of Sri Lanka.
The capital is the city of Colombo, where 700 thousand people live. In terms of area, the island is comparable to the islands of Ireland and Tasmania. The coastline stretches for almost 1300 km. Plenty of beaches overlooking the ocean. The nature of the island is remembered for a long time by tourists for its uniqueness. Imagine that after such a number of hours you will be transported from some Kostroma to the tropics. Wouldn't the plateaus there and the lush woody vegetation in which the island is buried seem like a miracle.
History has left its mark on him. Until the middle of the 19th century, it was a colony of European countries, which inevitably affected development. The first states on the island appeared in the fifth century BC, so it has a rich history. From the 16th century it was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland.
These predatory countries have spread their influence everywhere, continuing to hold the whole world in their hands and decide its fate. The modern state in Sri Lanka is called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, which is headed by a president.
The main distinguishing features that attract tourists are the combination of tea plantations - the main souvenir of tourists, rice fields, quaint hills, Buddhist temples, warm sea, precious and semi-precious stones, unusual flora and fauna, spice plantations and idyllic beaches.
Local population
The cultural center of the island is the city of Colombo. Two main nations live here - Sinhalese and Tamils. Therefore, the country has two official languages: Sinhalese and Tamil. And in coastal areas, people understand English, which is necessary for communicating with tourists. I wonder if anyone understands Russian or other Slavic languages?
The colonial past is reflected in the living descendants of the Portuguese and Spanish colonizers. But they are no more than 15% of the population. I wonder how the indigenous people feel about them? Doesn't he avenge the past, doesn't he consider him outcasts? Or maybe, on the contrary, they have retained their leading positions in management and business. And they continue to live happily ever after, exploiting the local population. In general, all this is interesting, and for real tourists - an uncharted niche that you will definitely want to know.
Sri Lanka is a developing country with a large part of the population employed in agriculture. They cultivate tea plantations, fish, extract rubber, precious stones, collect coconuts, grow spices, extract precious metals and develop the textile industry.
In recent years, the tourism industry has been developing at a rapid pace. More and more people want to fly here from all over the world. And the inhabitants of the northern hemisphere strive to spend half a year, leaving winter for a warm summer on the ocean shore. What may seem interesting is that all four world religions are recognized and practiced here: Islam, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity.
Rest in pleasure!
The island has a favorable atmosphere for relaxation! Unlike the northern latitudes, the climate is exactly the opposite. In our summer period it is stormy, but in the rest of the year you can easily enjoy a light breeze.
The humidity is really high here, too susceptible travelers and people with chronic diseases will need acclimatization. If you study the climatic features of the coast well, you can stop where it is most favorable.
For example, the coast, washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, resembles the sea. Lazy waves slowly run up on the sand and run back into the sea. If you want to watch the ever-roaring surf, you can go to the ocean coast, which occupies almost the entire rest of the island.
Gifts and souvenirs
Many tourists are wondering what is better to bring from Sri Lanka. Of course, this is not an idle question for those who have climbed to the ends of the earth. Ceylon is famous for its excellent tea, plantations of which are everywhere. But it is impossible to try all the growing varieties. Tourists are also attracted by products made from precious and semi-precious stones.
As for gold and silver, you should think carefully. These metals are exported, no one can vouch for the quality of the metal. Here you can buy real spices and even see how they grow. These, of course, are not tea plantations, but the vegetation is very outlandish for the usual latitudes.
The stores sell countless jewelry for every taste and budget. The main thing is to be able to choose them. Of the traditional local products for which the island is famous - Indian cotton. It differs in special softness, as well as products from it. Therefore, Indian cotton is valued an order of magnitude higher than any other, feel free to buy it and take it home - you won't lose, everyone will be satisfied.
In addition, tourists in any country are attracted by national dishes and exotic fruits, which can be purchased everywhere both fresh and dried. Stock up on natural essential oils for memory and gifts, souvenirs, which are specially made for tourists and, thus, they are distributed all over the world. However, be careful with the seeds. It is strictly forbidden to import seeds and plants that have not passed phytosanitary control into the territory of Russia.
Where to stay?
The worldwide web has a rather colorful and detailed description of each of the famous resorts of Sri Lanka. Here, as they say, for every taste and budget. The cultural capital of Colombo is also famous for its popularity, it seems to tourists as a city of contrasts. Here, along with fashionable buildings, the shacks of the poor huddle. Eternal idleness and eternal hunger side by side.
This can be observed in any major eastern city. That's how life works. In the south of the island stretches the beautiful beach of Mirissa. This is a sandy beach, a secluded place, suitable for a romantic getaway. There are no usual and noisy tourist attractions. That's why he's good. It was chosen by novice surfers riding the waves. And having learned, they move to more violent places between the rocks.
What to eat?
As for the national cuisine, you will definitely try it, but it is better to do it in small restaurants that are frequented by local residents. In hotels, tourists are served quite European dishes and Europeanized national dishes, not as spicy as they are used to here.
Curry is the spice of all time. Locals prefer vegetarian food, the main ingredient of which is rice. The local cuisine has Indian national roots, therefore it is similar to the national dishes of India.
wild nature
The flora and fauna on the island will amaze you no less than anything else. Relic animals are found here, which are no longer in the water point of the globe. The same applies to the equatorial forests on the slopes of the mountains. They contain such rare species of trees that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Naturally, these animals, plants and birds are very few and are on the verge of extinction. The tourism business for them is a kind of stress and an additional threat to life.
Fraudsters are everywhere
A separate warning to tourists is to beware of scammers. They lie in wait everywhere, in cafes, restaurants, transport, traders in the bazaar, first of all, will break you such a price for a product that you do not give. You can always bargain, especially since it is welcomed in the country.
The same is with the drivers, they will never name the real cost of the trip, and, looking around the tourist, they will definitely try to charge him more. It's not personal, it's just business.
Onward to Sri Lanka!
So, you have decided to visit Sri Lanka. You can buy a two-week tour for two, or embark on a trip on your own. It is worth taking care of an e-visa, air tickets, medical insurance necessary for tourists traveling abroad. Book a hotel, book a transfer, provide guides or plan your own route for future excursions. Or maybe you just like to lie on the beach most of the time, and in the evening wander around the neighborhood or go sightseeing.
Many people wonder if a family vacation is possible in Sri Lanka? It is possible, but keep in mind that children find it difficult to tolerate such long flights. And most importantly, a long acclimatization awaits them on the island, which is unpleasant. Sri Lanka is the realm of the tropics, a riot of colors and vegetation. Among the animals that can attract tourists are monkeys, Asian elephants, palm squirrels.
Climatic zones
Since the island has a length, natural areas replace each other. Mountains occupy a significant part of the island and rise to a height of up to 2500 meters. Here are the famous tea plantations. But there are also local attractions that tourists consider it a duty to visit. For example, the giant Bambarakanda waterfall.
The tropical regions are the second climatic zone on the island. And the third, the most remarkable for tourists, is the coastal zone with beautiful equipped beaches. This island does not know snow, it does not go even in the mountains, where the temperature drops to a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius. And with the right humidity, it's peppy and pleasant and easily tolerable.
Island where dreams come true
The island of Sri Lanka on the map and in life is an exotic place. Arriving there, you find yourself in a kind of paradise, with outlandish coconut palms, smelling of the sea breeze and leaving vivid memories of your vacation on this wonderful island.
Those who like to travel thoroughly can prepare in advance and see the island on a world map in Russian or an interactive map on the Internet with the names of various objects of the island in Russian. It is small in size, you can travel far and wide and learn everything about the life of local natives, who willingly find a common language with tourists.
How much does a vacation cost?
It is estimated that a flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka will cost less than, say, from St. Petersburg. From other cities it is more expensive, airlines have their own troubles, it is not destined for a mere mortal to understand them. Prices for tours are fickle and change throughout the year. It is possible to track and buy a trip for two for quite reasonable money.
How much to fly?
Question: how long does it take to fly, it is known that Aeroflot will arrive in 8 hours and 35 minutes. In which plane to do it - you decide
Why do you need Sri Lanka?
In general, a holiday in Sri Lanka is recommended for those who are fed up with standard Turkey and Egypt, who want a real exotic, to see live Indian elephants, not just alive, but living in nature, in the wild, or serving as pets to local residents. Isn't this a real exotic, worthy of diversifying the leisure of a successful person who can afford to get to know his native planet more closely, love it more and take care of it.
SRI LANKA
(Republic of Sri Lanka)
General information
Geographical position. Sri Lanka is an island state in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of India, from which it is separated by the Gulf of Manara and the Strait of Polk.
Square. The territory of Sri Lanka occupies 65,610 sq. km.
Main cities, administrative divisions. Capitals - Sri Jayawardanapura (administrative), Colombo. The largest cities: Colombo (616 thousand people), Dehiva la Mount Lavigna (196 thousand people), Jaffna (129 thousand people), Sri Jayewardanapura (109 thousand people). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 25 districts.
Political system
Sri Lanka Republic. The head of state is the president, the head of government is the prime minister. The legislature is the parliament.
Relief. In the central part of Sri Lanka there is a mountain range. There is the highest point of the country - Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m). Nearby are two plains with a relatively cool climate.
The famous Ceylon tea is grown in the valleys.
Geological structure and minerals. The bowels of the country contain reserves of diamonds, other precious stones, phosphates, granite, marble.
Climate. The country's climate is mostly hot and humid, but the mountainous regions are cool. The average annual temperature in the valleys is about +32°С, in the mountainous regions - about +21°С.
Inland waters. The country's rivers are short and fast. The longest river - Ma-haveli-Ganga flows into the Indian Ocean near the city of Trincomalee, among other rivers stand out Kelani, Kalu and Aruvi-Aru.
Soils and vegetation. Dense jungles occupy vast areas in the southwest of the country. The slopes of the mountains are also covered with forests. Various palm trees, mangrove trees grow in coastal areas. In the so-called wet zone of the country, there is a lot of mahogany and several types of rubber and fruit trees. In the dry zone, ebony and satinwood are more common. Orchids, hyacinths, acacias, eucalyptus trees, cypresses grow in large numbers almost throughout the country.
Animal world. Among the representatives of the fauna stand out cheetah, leopard, several species of monkeys, elephant, a large number of different species of birds and insects.
Population and language
The population of the country is about 18.933 million people, the average population density is about 289 people per 1 sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: Sinhalese (Singhalese) - 74%, Tamils (Indian and Sri Lankan) - 18%, Moors (Arabs) - 7%, burgers (Dutch), Malays, Veddas. Languages: Sinhalese, Tamil (both official), English, Dravidian.
Religion
Buddhists - 69%, Hindus - 15%, Christians - 8%, Muslims - 8%.
Brief historical outline
According to Hindu legend, most of Sri Lanka was conquered in ancient times by Ramachandra, who was the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu. The written history of the country is found in the Mahavamsa chronicle. It was started in the VI century. and was conducted by Buddhist monks until 1815. According to the chronicle, the island in 504 BC. e. was conquered by the Indian prince Vijaya, whose descendants ruled Sri Lanka, then called Singala, for several centuries. From the end of the 3rd century n. e. until the middle of the 12th century. Sinhala was dominated by Tamil kings and other invaders from southern India.
At the beginning of the XV century. the island was occupied by Chinese troops, and Singala was divided into several small states. In 1517, the Portuguese, who had established friendly relations with one of the local rulers, built a fort in Colombo. Their influence grew, and by the end of the XVI century. The Portuguese controlled a fairly large area of the island. In 1638-1639. The Dutch by force captured almost the entire island and it was under their influence until 1796, when the island actually came under the control of Great Britain.
In 1798, the entire territory of the island, with the exception of the kingdom of Kandy, became a royal British colony. In 1803, Britain also occupied the kingdom of Kandy, and in 1815 annexed it to the royal colony. On February 4, 1948, the colony became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. At that time the country was called Ceylon. May 22, 1972 the country was named the Republic of Sri Lanka. Since 1983, a civil war has been going on in the state with the Tamils, who demand autonomy up to secession. In late 1995, government troops carried out a successful operation against the Tamils, capturing the rebel-controlled province of Jaffna. However, the war did not stop.
Brief economic essay
Sri Lanka is an agricultural country with a developed plantation economy. The economy remains dependent on foreign, mainly British, capital and the external market. The role of the public sector is growing. The basis of the economy is the production for export of tea (one of the first places in the world), rubber and coconut palm products. Food culture-rice. Cattle are used mainly as draft power. Fishing. Extraction of graphite, precious stones, salt. Industry: processing of agricultural raw materials, light, food. Export: tea, rubber, coconut palm products.
The monetary unit is the Sri Lankan rupee.
A Brief Outline of Culture
Art and architecture. Kandy. Rock with footprints of the Buddha; Temple of the Tooth, where the tooth of the Buddha is kept. Anuradhapura. The "Bo" tree, grown from the branch of the tree under which the Buddha rested when the blessing descended upon him. Colombo, Kandy, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, Galle, Trincomalee. Museums with collections of historical exhibits.
Since Sri Lanka is a fairly large island, which has many beaches and resorts, you should not ignore the issue of choosing a vacation spot on this island. It is important to remember that at the same time in different parts of Sri Lanka there can be very different weather. So if you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then do not forget about the climate. Even if you have found a resort in Sri Lanka that suits you completely, do not be too lazy to look at the climate in this resort in the month in which you plan to make a trip.
The most popular resorts of Sri Lanka are located in the west and south of the island, but there are also several good resorts located in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Since the west and south of the island were not so badly affected by the civil war and the 2004 tsunami, the development of tourism here went much faster than in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the popular resorts are located in the south and west of the island, despite the fact that the north and east of Sri Lanka have great potential in the field of tourism.
If you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then our article about the resorts of Sri Lanka can be very useful for you. In this article we will present short descriptions of the popular resorts of Sri Lanka, but you can always get more detailed information on a particular resort on our website. After reading all the information, you will already be able to understand which resort in Sri Lanka is better to choose for a vacation at one time or another of the year.
Map of Sri Lanka with resorts
To begin with, it would be nice to know about the location of all the resorts on the map of Sri Lanka. This page provides a general map of the resorts of Sri Lanka and a map of the southern coast of the island with resorts. Perhaps some of the resorts described in this article are not marked on the maps, but the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka are marked.
Beruwala Resort
This resort is great for couples, although all tourists can find good conditions for relaxation in Beruwala. When it is winter in Russia, the weather in the area of the resort of Beruwala in Sri Lanka is warm and relatively dry. This is the peak tourist season here. From May, the weather begins to change, as the southwest monsoon comes here, which brings strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The resort of Beruwala owes its great popularity among tourists to its beach. This is a magnificent sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, and with countless palm trees and colorful bird life. Another plus of Beruwala is a wide selection of accommodation for every taste and budget. There are both simple guest houses and luxurious villas for rent. But large hotel complexes are especially popular here, which offer not only the possibility of all-inclusive meals, but also numerous sports and recreational activities.
It is worth noting that the resort of Beruwala in Sri Lanka has focused on wellness holidays. Several hotels in this resort specialize in Ayurveda. Therefore, if you want to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Indian healing, Beruwala is definitely the right place for those who want to combine a holiday on a beautiful beach with Ayurveda.
The Beruwela resort is located about 56 km south of the capital Colombo and 90 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport. As a rule, the duration of the trip from the airport to this resort by taxi is about two hours.
Beruwala Beach, 1.2 kilometers long, pleases with its light fine sand. If you also think of the crystal clear ocean and the countless coconut palms that provide shade on the beach, it's not hard to see why Beruwala is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Families with children will appreciate the shallow waters around this beach, which offer good conditions for swimming and swimming. Thanks to the reef, Beruwala is also a good place for snorkeling and diving.
At the southern end of the beach, the Bentota River flows into the Indian Ocean. The diverse flora and fauna of the river and its valley invites you to explore in detail. Boat trips of three or more hours pass through beautiful mangrove forests to Little Adam Peak.
Bentota Resort
Over the past 40 years, Bentota has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a first-class resort. Large hotels with spacious swimming pools, specialized restaurants and luxurious wellness centers are no longer always able to accommodate everyone who wants to relax in these resort complexes that fit perfectly into the beautiful landscape. Like many other resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota has several hotels with an all-inclusive concept. Guests from all over the world appreciate the hotels operating according to this concept not only for the numerous included services, but also for the fact that they do not need to think about spending during their holidays and do not need to constantly count money.
In addition to the large hotel complexes, Bentota also has guest houses for backpackers on a budget. As a rule, such guest houses are located a few steps from the beach.
The undisputed trump card of the resort of Bentota is a magnificent sandy beach. This is a four-kilometer beach with light and very fine sand, which is bordered by a strip of palm trees. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the good conditions for surfing, sailing, diving or snorkeling on this beach. But those who just want to swim in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean will also find a suitable place for themselves. In the northern part of the beach, the ocean is usually quite calm, so this place is ideal for swimming. Higher waves can be seen in the southern part of the beach.
Bentota is located right at the mouth of the river of the same name, about 62 km south of the capital of Sri Lanka. The international airport is located about 100 kilometers from Bentota. It can be reached in about an hour and a half drive.
Bentota Ganga, which flows into the Indian Ocean near the resort, is home to countless birds and other representatives of the diverse flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. We recommend taking a boat trip through the mangroves along this river to Little Adam Peak.
An interesting place of peace and serenity is located 10 kilometers from the resort of Bentota. This is a garden designed by Bevis Bava in 1920 with beautiful tropical plants that can be seen in a paradise with small ponds and winding paths.
If you want to get an idea of the life of the locals, then you should visit the weekly market in the nearby village of Aluthgama. While walking around the market, you can see a lot of interesting things, including unique goods that are sold only in Sri Lanka.
Resort Hikkaduwa
If you are interested in the most popular resorts of Sri Lanka among Russian tourists, then you simply have no right to ignore the resort of Hikkaduwa.
Initially, there was a small fishing village on the site of the Hikkaduwa resort, but later a secret place appeared there for "chosen" tourists. Today Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts in Sri Lanka. Despite the many hotels, this place has retained its charm.
The beach resort of Hikkaduwa in the far southwest of Sri Lanka is a popular destination, especially for active tourists. During the day, most tourists here go in for water sports, and in the evening they spend time in bars. Hikkaduwa resort is especially popular among young people. Divers and surfers appreciate the good nightlife in Hikkaduwa, which is mainly concentrated in the southern part of the resort.
Recently, in addition to small hotels and guest houses, Hikkaduwa has also received large resort hotels that offer all the necessary amenities so that guests do not have to leave the hotel grounds.
The sandy beach of Hikkaduwa is covered with fine light sand and countless coconut palms. Surfers can look forward to good waves on this beach. Both beginners and professionals will be satisfied with the conditions for surfing here. In general, Hikkaduwa is considered the best place for surfing in Sri Lanka, where there are many surf schools, board rental stations, as well as shops offering everything you need for surfing.
The coral reef near Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous diving spots in Sri Lanka. However, it is located close to the coast. Many of the corals are sadly dead, but the variety of colorful fish will satisfy even seasoned divers.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is located about 115 kilometers from Hikkaduwa, and the international airport near Negombo is 147 kilometers away. Therefore, the trip from the airport to Hikkaduwa by taxi will last from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Galle, the most important city on the south coast of Sri Lanka, is about 25 minutes drive from Hikkaduwa.
Nature lovers are advised to take a boat trip to the lagoon near Dodanduwa, which is only five kilometers south of Hikkaduwa. You can also go to the lake of the same name, where there is a beautiful temple on an island in the middle of the water. To the north of the city is a moonstone mine. During a tour of this place, you can get an idea of how popular jewelry is made.
Resort Kalutara
Tourists who are only interested in the best resorts in Sri Lanka, for some reason, often overlook the resort of Kalutara, which, together with Wadduwa, Beruwela and Bentota, forms the most important resort region on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. This is due to long, beautiful beaches, excellent water sports facilities, and an excellent hotel industry. These prerequisites are also complemented by magnificent surroundings that boast their lush nature and countless coconut trees. The Kalutara area is also famous for its mangosteen fruits, which are considered the best on the island.
Along the beautiful beach of Kalutara there are many hotels that offer a high level of comfort and service. Spacious resorts blend harmoniously into the tropical environment and are fully adapted for foreign guests. Spacious swimming pools, good restaurants, as well as exclusive wellness centers where Ayurvedic treatments are often performed, are found in many of these hotels. As in other resort areas of Sri Lanka, hoteliers in Kalutara are increasingly using the all-inclusive concept, which is especially popular among guests from Russia and Europe.
Kalutara's bustling city center has small markets and shops that offer a wide range of souvenirs. The selection ranges from textiles or small pieces of art to the palm frond or coir bedding that Kalutara is known for.
The quiet, kilometer-long beach of Kalutara is one of the most popular in the country. Particularly pleasant is the northern area of the beach, where the sandy beach has remained almost untouched. Kalutara Beach offers ideal conditions for walking, as well as swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
The Kalutara resort is located at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River, about 45 kilometers from the capital and 80 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport. It will take you 1.5 to 2 hours to travel from the airport to Kalutara.
The main attraction of Kalutara is the Gangatilaka Vihara temple complex. At the center of the temple is the impressive Dagobah, whose white dome is visible from afar. Although the temple has no historical significance, it is still a popular pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. The reason for this is the 2000 year old Boddhi tree under which the Buddha was enlightened. For visitors, the fact that Dagobah is the only one accessible in Sri Lanka is a special reason to visit the temple. Also a popular place for excursions is the Kalu Ganga River, where boat trips are held. The flora and fauna on the lush banks of the river, as well as the opportunity to watch local fishermen while they work, have made this excursion very popular with tourists.
Marawila resort
If you are thinking about which resort in Sri Lanka to choose, then it is important to understand how you want to spend your time. If you are a fan of outdoor activities and water sports, then the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, which is located north of Negombo, is most likely to suit you. However, you can find a peaceful place here away from the crowds of tourists.
Only a few hotels in the Marawila area have been carefully integrated into nature in order to preserve the originality of the surroundings. Hotel buildings have no more than three floors and offer a high level of comfort. Luxury hotels with spacious swimming pools, international restaurants and various sports and leisure activities often offer an all-inclusive concept for their guests. But there are comfortable middle-class hotels and simple guest houses in the resort area of Maravila.
The three-kilometer-long Marawila Beach is washed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on one side, and on the other side it is bordered by a strip of countless coconut trees that provide the necessary shade for sunny days. Families with children and those tourists who cannot swim will appreciate the shallow waters of this beach. Like all beaches in Sri Lanka, Marawila Beach is also open to the public. Water sports enthusiasts and anyone who wants to become one can find good conditions for diving and surfing on this beach. Diving tours to the reefs, where there are many colorful fish and coral reefs, are recommended for all diving enthusiasts.
Marawila resort is located in the Gampaha region, north of the famous tourist resort of Negombo. About 30 kilometers - this is the distance you need to overcome in order to drive from Colombo airport to Marawila. As a rule, the journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Although Marawila does not have a dream beach, this resort is a famous place in Sri Lanka because the village is the center of batik in Sri Lanka. The exclusive company Budhi operates here, which has branches in the capital, as well as numerous small family businesses. Although the art of batik originated in Java, the people of Maravila have been practicing this craft for many years. Art lovers should visit one of the companies where they can watch the colorful fabrics being made and learn about the complex manufacturing process. If you want, you can buy some of the fabrics, which will be much cheaper than in souvenir shops, especially in other parts of Sri Lanka.
Resort Negombo
Once a small fishing village, Negombo has grown into Sri Lanka's fifth largest city of under 150,000 inhabitants. Today, the city, although one of the most important fishing ports on the west coast, is a well-known holiday destination. Already in the 1970s, tourism began to develop in this region of Sri Lanka.
The beautiful beach, good water sports facilities, as well as historical buildings and various cultural influences have made Negombo a popular holiday destination. Along the long sandy beach of Negombo there are large and small hotels of different levels of comfort and in different price categories. Especially popular among travelers are large hotels offering comprehensive services and a high level of service. Almost every major hotel has its own wellness center offering massages, treatments and Ayurvedic treatments.
There is some pattern in Negombo associated with the level of hotels when moving from north to south. Hotels in the north tend to be more luxurious but also more expensive than those in the south of the city. Behind the beach is the main road of Negombo, where there are numerous restaurants, cafes or souvenir shops. It is also worth adding that Negombo has a rather vibrant nightlife.
Negombo Beach is well suited for families with children, as the entrance to the water is gentle. The eight-kilometer beach has tall palm trees that provide shade, but such palm trees are not everywhere. Not far from the shore stretches an interesting coral reef with colorful marine life. In addition, in the waters near Negombo there is a shipwreck Kudapaduwa.
Negombo has an excellent location: the capital of Sri Lanka is only 40 kilometers south, and Colombo International Airport is only six kilometers south of Negombo. Due to its proximity to the airport, Negombo is ideal not only for a long beach holiday, but also for a stopover at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.
The Portuguese, Dutch and British played an important role in the history of Negombo. Evidence of the city's interesting past are numerous buildings and churches, as well as the colonial old town. The most impressive site here is the "Cinnamon Canal" - a 100-kilometer canal leading from Colombo to Puttalam. It was created in order to facilitate the transportation of a popular spice.
Resort Wadduwa
The fishing village next to the resort of Kalutara is well known for its fantastic beach and charming surroundings. Lovers of a relaxing holiday and water sports will appreciate the beautiful sand and clear ocean in this place.
Wadduwa is a popular destination for foreign tourists, but it is also a popular holiday destination for locals. So it is not surprising that on weekends there are a lot of people here. But on the rest of the week, the atmosphere in the resort is quite calm.
Wadduwa has accommodations for every taste. Many of the hotels here operate under the tried and true all-inclusive concept, which includes food, as well as numerous sports and recreational activities. The large resort hotels on Wadduwa Beach have been intelligently integrated into the lush landscape. Therefore, they are characterized by low, usually only two-story buildings.
Wadduwa has several shops selling traditional wood carvings and other souvenirs, as well as several restaurants and bars. Also worth a visit is the original village of Wadduwa, home to local fishermen and rice farmers.
If you choose Wadduwa as your holiday destination in Sri Lanka, you will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The golden yellow sandy beach of Wadduwa is one of the most beautiful places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by fine sand, countless shady palm trees and the sparkling ocean. Moderate waves offer good conditions for windsurfers. At the same time, the beach is relatively safe for bathers most of the year.
Resort Koggala
To the east of Galle you will find beautiful beaches that are not yet covered by mass tourism. One of these beaches is Koggala, which belongs to the resort of the same name. Despite the fact that the resort offers good tourist infrastructure, the three-kilometer-long beach does not feel overcrowded. Koggala Beach is wide and covered with fine sand, as well as countless coconut trees and bizarre rock formations.
Koggala Resort is especially popular with couples who appreciate the peaceful and tranquil environment. At Koggala Beach, walks along the ocean provide much-needed rest and relaxation. Families with children also sometimes choose this place to relax, because the gentle entrance to the ocean is ideal for children.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Koggala that offer simple and comfortable accommodation. The concept of "all inclusive" is not as common here as in the popular resorts of the west coast of Sri Lanka.
The main town on the south coast, Galle, is only 15 kilometers from Koggala, while the charming town of Matara is only 30 kilometers east of this resort. True, the distance to Colombo International Airport is quite impressive, because it is 175 kilometers. Therefore, it will take you about three hours to get from Colombo airport to Koggala.
The resort of Koggala is famous for its fishermen who fish from a pole. In many other fishing villages in Sri Lanka, this traditional fishing technique is already history. However, in Koggala, during the morning and afternoon hours, guests can see fishermen sitting on poles.
The large lake Koggala is located a few kilometers from the resort of the same name. Although it is actually a natural lake, the water in it is salty due to the fact that ocean water still flows into it. Boat trips are organized on this lake, during which you can admire the mangroves and tropical plants growing along the shores, as well as a variety of animals and birds that live in the area. There are several islands in the lake, such as the island with the temple of a Buddhist monk or the island of cinnamon, where the same family of cinnamon is grown and processed.
Another interesting place is the Folk Museum of Koggala, which is located in a beautiful garden. The museum is located in the birthplace of the most important Sinhalese writer of the 20th century, Martin Wickramasing. Numerous exhibits give an insight into the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka, as well as the work of a famous author.
Resort Tangalle
Located away from the main tourist centers of the western and southern coast of Sri Lanka, the small fishing village of Tangalle has not yet been affected by mass tourism. Although there are several guest houses and small hotels on the coast, their number is still small. Small but sophisticated boutique hotels on Tangalle Beach offer a good level of comfort.
The resort of Tangalle attracts with its calm atmosphere: here tourists enjoy relaxing on the picturesque beach during the day and quietly spend time in restaurants and cafes in the evening. Tangalle is also a stopover for some travelers on trips to the famous Bundala and Yala National Parks, which are located to the east of the city.
Tangalle's two-kilometer beach is covered with golden yellow sand and is well suited for swimming. Not far from this beach, you will find other picturesque bays and deserted beaches, such as Rekawa Beach, located ten kilometers from Tangalle.
The resort of Tangalle is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, about 37 kilometers west of Matara and 80 kilometers from Galle. To the east is only the larger city of Hambantota, which is located about 50 kilometers from Tangalle, in close proximity to the Bundala National Park. The famous Yala National Park, also east of Tangalle, can be reached in about two hours. A taxi ride from the international airport, which passes through the interior of Sri Lanka, usually lasts from 3 to 3.5 hours.
An interesting place near Tangalle is the "Howling Hole", which is a hole in the rock with a diameter of about one meter and a depth of 20 meters. She "shoots" strong fountains of water every 10-15 minutes. During the southwest monsoon, from May to September, the height of such a fountain can reach 15 meters.
Trincomalee Resort
Now it's time to present the best resorts in Sri Lanka for holidays on the east coast. The most popular of them are Trincomalee and Batticaloa. We will talk about them below.
Beautiful beaches and a photogenic harbor are located in the coastal city of Trincomalee, in the northeast of Sri Lanka, on a peninsula. Trincomalee is the capital of the eastern province and is often referred to as "Trinko". Of particular note here are the beaches in the north of the city, the natural harbor surrounded by hills, the ferry port and the idyllic suburbs.
The Trincomalee resort is of interest mainly to beach lovers and nature lovers, as well as people who just want to get to know the busy life of a typical Sri Lankan city. However, if you are looking for interesting sights, then you will be disappointed with this harbor city, as there is not much to admire here. The main attraction of the city is the so-called Fort Frederick with the Hindu sanctuary Koneswaram, which is located on Swami's rock, at an altitude of about 130 meters above sea level. Here, next to the main Shiva temple, there is a small Ganesha temple.
Fort Frederick is certainly worth seeing, but today it is mainly used as a barracks by the Sri Lankan military and therefore only a small part of it is open to the public.
There are several small islands off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Trincomalee region, one of which is Pigeon Island. This island has a very beautiful coral reef that attracts snorkelers and divers. The island can be reached in just 10 minutes by boat from Trincomalee.
Batticaloa Resort
On the shores of the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of Sri Lanka is the little visited and small town of Batticaloa. It has retained much of its original charm. Being half located on an island in a lagoon, the city was only slightly damaged by the tsunami. The 54 km salt water lagoon has truly picturesque spots that are recommended to be explored during a boat trip.
The resort area of Batticaloa is mainly known for its "singing fish" phenomenon, the existence of which has not yet been proven. However, it is even mentioned in the Encyclopædia Britannica. To experience this phenomenon, one must plunge the oar into the water on a moonlit and still night and keep an ear on the other end of the oar. In this case, you can hear different subtle sounds. This natural phenomenon has not yet been scientifically proven, but it is still the main attraction of the area.
More tangible sights are the many Hindu temples of Batticaloa, as well as the magnificent 17th century Dutch fort. It is located right on the lagoon. Many remains of the walls are well preserved.
Also of interest in Batticaloa is the Lady Manning Bridge, which connects the land to the island. The steel bridge dates from the British colonial period and is one of the longest bridges in Sri Lanka.
Off the coast of Batticaloa, the Japanese air force sank the British aircraft carrier Hermes in 1942. The sunken aircraft carrier is located at a depth of 55 meters and is one of the most interesting diving sites in Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in beaches in the Batticaloa area, then the best of them, in our opinion, is Kallady Beach. It is not very crowded and is therefore recommended for those looking for a quiet place to relax.
