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Mount Lavinia
An immediate city suburb in the south of Colombo, Mt Lavinia can get quite crowded on weekends. It lies alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. Its main attractions, is the Mt Lavinia hotel which was the residence of the British governor, built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland.
Beruwala
About 58 km south of Colombo, Beruwala is the site of the oldest Moor settlement on the island (1024 AD) and the town even today retains a somewhat Arabic character. This is the beginning of a 130 km stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. There are several good beach resorts; built almost next to each other along the coast with beautiful tropical gardens and in such a way so as not to disturb the landscape. The bay offers good bathing possibilities the year round.
Bentota
Very close to Beruwala, the beach there is beautiful and the sea so calm and shallow that one can walk in for some distance. This is of course ideal for kids and bad swimmers. The Bentota River that curves inland behind the coast offers water sport opportunities for wind surfing, water skiing and catamaran rides.
Ambalangoda
84 km south of Colombo, Ambalangoda has a small but beautiful beach to the north of the town center; most famous for its mask carvers you can find a lot of shops selling them on the northern side of the town.
Hikkaduwa
The most popular beach area, Hikkaduwa has a varied choice of beach and sea. Quite famous for its 'coral sanctuary', a shallow area enclosed by a reef is full of multicoloured corals, and colourful tropical fish. A short distance southwards, as the reed fades out, there is a wider beach with good waves for board or body surfing. Glass bottomed boats; masks, snorkels and flippers can all be hired here. Enjoy the underwater delights but we urge you to not be tempted into buying or encouraging the sales of coral.
Galle
Close to Hikkaduwa is Galle, a historically interesting town. Though lacking a beach, the town has a beautiful natural harbor with spectacular views from the town fortification walls. It is a must-see, especially since it can be easily reached for a day from Hikkaduwa. The port of Galle, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts surround the headland that forms the older part of Galle, and shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches. This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached from the flow of history. The New Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch governors in 1684, is a colonial gem with a wonderfully atmospheric bar. The town is also famous for lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing
Weligama
30 km south of Galle is Weligama - where along the coast you'll see stilt fishermen. Each fisherman perches on a pole embedded in the sea bottom close to the shore and castes his line out for fishing.
WNSO Sri Lanka is part of Worldwide Nepalese Students' Organisation (WNSO)