2015 Nov 28
by Anuki Premachandra
From the long sandy beaches, to the picture perfect blue shimmering waves, Beruwala, located 55km South of Colombo and 92km south of the Colombo Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake. Beruwala is the very first beach destination tourists stop at along the belt of our beautiful beaches down the western coastline. The beautiful beaches that bask in the glorious sun is well complemented with the lush greenery of the coast.
Located away from the urban madness, the rhythmic splash of the waves and the bronzed shores are ideal for the perfect summer getaway. The beautiful broad and long, silky beaches are called the “Golden Mile”; a pristine beach of golden sand, well sheltered by the palm groves that spread along the coastal stretch.
The Beruwala Fishing Harbour must definitely be on the things to do list. A walk around the Beruwala fishing harbour at the dawn of the first few rays of day will give you the sight of fisherman offloading their morning catch from their canoes, boldly and brightly coloured. The live fish dance in their nets as the weary fishermen sort and make a count of them for the day’s sales. Among the tropical fish are also, bright red lobsters, silky orange prawns and other delicacies. The Beruwala fishing port is also a traditional fish market. Piles of dry fish and the fresh, off the hook live ones fill the stalls as the women of these fishermen engage in the market of these fish for a day’s living.
A 10 minute boat ride will arrive you at the well maintained and functional light house of Beruwala. This giant beauty is located off the beach of Beruwala at the lush Berberyn Islands, embodied in picturesque, tropical greenery, a climb to the top will give you a breath-taking ariel view of the beautiful Beruwala beach and the sea that unfolds itself for the miles to come.
The temple that houses Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddhist temple is also just around the corner. Kande Vihare proudly hold a 160 ½ ft tall statue constructed in Bhoomi Sparsha Mudra.
The Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya houses the tallest ancient Marble statue of the Buddha, also in Beruwala.
About 7km from Beruwala, you arrive at the beautiful Brief-Gardens, the beautiful house and garden of the famous landscape architect, Bevis Bawa, developed since 1922. It is a beautiful hillside garden with intricate sculptures, both traditionally done that evokes the rustic nature of Sri Lankan art and living. The beauty of the sculptures being that it was done by Bawa himself and other, talented artists.
Places to stay:
- Cinammon Bey Beruwala
- Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara
- The Eden Resort and Spa
- The Palms Hotel
Things to do
- Beruwala Fishing Harbour
- Boat ride to the lighthouse
- Kande Vihare Buddhist Temple
- Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya
- Breif-Gardens
- Enjoy your getaway to paradise
The “sister villages” Beruwala and Bentota are famous for its gorgeous stretch of honey coloured sandy beaches and backed by the gently swaying palms and the lush tropical greenery. Bentota also offers a classic getaway for those of you who want to bask all day long under the magnificent rays of the Sri Lankan sun. These destinations are usually sunny all year round, so it feels like summer whenever you decide to go there. Stay tuned for our upcoming article next week for another beautiful destination along the coast of the Western sandy beaches for your ideal December/all year round getaway.
