Negombo

A characteristic fishing town 37km. north of Colombo, it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, skipjack, herring and mullet, pomfret and amber - jack while lobster and prawns are caught in the lagoon.

Mount Lavinia

Just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate city suburb and the beach is one of the better known even in colonial times. It lies alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sand is the softest and the waves calm and clear. The Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Beruwela

56 km. south of Colombo, Beruwela marks the beginning of a 130 km. stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. Good bathing may be had in the bay all year round.

Bentota

62 km. south of Colombo, the Bentota Resort Complex is a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open air theatre showing folk and mask dancing with clusters of palms overlooking everything.

Ambalangoda

A half hour's drive from Bentota is Ambalangoda, home of devil dancing and mask making.

Hikkaduwa

98 km. south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the place for underwater delight. Site of the famed coral gardens; hire a glass bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Don't purchase or encourage sale of corals.

Galle

Weligama

27 km. from Galle with its picturesque bay, and an off shore islet where a French Count built his dream house, Weligama is where you will see the famous stilt fishermen.

East Coast
If Sri Lanka is Serendipity, beach lovers will find lots of it on the east coast. The coast line here is uneven with many bays and sheltered coves. On some beaches here you can walk a mile into the sea.

Trincomalee

Population: 91,000

District: Trincomalee

Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny

Dist. from Colombo: 257 km

257 km. from Colombo, Trincomalee is the ideal refuge for the beach addict, with its fine natural harbour and excellent beaches.

Batticaloa

Population: 71,000

District: Batticaloa

Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny

Dist. from Colombo: 314 km

314 km. from Colombo, Batticaloa is famous for its 'singing' fish and picturesque lagoon.

Kalkudah

Population: 56,000

District: Batticaloa

Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny

Dist. from Colombo: 282 km

32 km. from Batticaloa, Kalkudah, with its clear calm reef protected sea is ideal for bathing. Passekudah, close by, has a fine bay with clear waters. A popular tourist centre with a modern hotel and other facilities.

Nilaveli

Population:

District: Trincomalee

Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny

Dist. from Colombo: 271 km

14 km. from Trincomalee, Nilaveli was the venue for the 1985 International Funboard Championships. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling. Whale watching in the sanctuary is a speciality.

Arugam Bay

Population: 27,000

District: Ampara

Typical Weather: Warm & Sunny

Dist. from Colombo: 314 km

314 km. from Colombo, a most beautiful bay with good surfing. The East coast offers infinite possibilities for all kinds of water sports and underwater photography. The many ship-wrecks of the coast are a tempting challenge to the diver.

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