Every tourist, going on a trip to any of the countries, wants to cover as many sights as possible and historical sites. Before that, you need to study the country very well in order to make your vacation as vivid and memorable as possible. In order to understand which resort in Sri Lanka is best to go to, first you need to decide on the goals that you are facing. It will be difficult to cover all the sights at the same time, but the main goal of vacationers in this direction is not them. Tourists come here to lie on clean beaches, swim in the crystal clean water and delicious food for a reasonable price. Each resort has its pros and cons.
Tangalle
This place is most often chosen by romantic couples. Here you can find a large number of small bays, palm trees, beautiful nature and the almost complete absence of people, which creates an incredible cozy atmosphere. A beach holiday here cannot be compared with any other resort in its beauty and uniqueness. There are not many restaurants in this resort, although they cook very tasty food there. At the end of summer and at the beginning of autumn it is very big waves, therefore, if the goal is to come just to swim, then it is better to choose another month or go to another resort, where it is more calm.
Unawatuna
This resort is considered by many to be universal, because it simultaneously combines an excellent beach holiday and a large amount of entertainment, without which it is difficult to imagine any trip. In the daytime, you can sunbathe, swim, and in the evening visit nightclubs, bars, discos. Here on the beach there is a special place where you can swim with small children. The only downside to this beach is that it is very narrow. The width of the beach is no more than 2 m wide. There are always people here, due to which the water is almost always a little muddy. Local merchants sometimes do not allow a normal rest and very importunately offer their goods to vacationers who come to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere.
Hikkaduwa
Of all the resorts in Sri Lanka, this one has the most developed infrastructure, so vacationers can find big variety good hotels, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and other establishments for every taste and financial possibilities. The main advantage of the resort is that the beach is wide enough and the water is clean. One of the disadvantages is that here you can meet a large number of so-called package tourists who are sent by domestic travel companies.
Mirissa
If you are looking for the coziest and most beautiful beach on the island, then you should go here. There is always a pleasant atmosphere here. There is no large flow of tourists, therefore, accommodation prices are an order of magnitude lower than in other parts of the resort. This place is often visited by surfers from different countries peace. Local residents make very good money on this, despite the fact that they rent out a room to visiting athletes for a relatively small fee. The main disadvantage is that it is almost impossible to find a really comfortable place to stay in this resort. In the evening it is boring and there are practically no places to have fun. Especially for a Russian tourist, Mirissa can seem like a boring place if the purpose of the trip is not only to visit beautiful places and sights, but also all possible interesting entertainments.
Sri Lanka is rich in first-class beaches, modern hotels and a host of ancient sights. Entertainment - entirely quiet-peaceful: picnics, fishing and diving. The capital of Colombo, waterfalls and national parks - everything about Sri Lanka: tours, reviews, weather, prices.
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The style of rest in Sri Lanka can be briefly defined as follows: away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. It is unlikely that there is a more “slow” country in the world than Sri Lanka: no one is in a hurry here, everyone enjoys life - including the service staff in hotels (though this does not apply to top establishments - everyone runs around in soap, to please guests). Most of the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural, just like most entertainment. Noisy discos and smoke yoke until the morning are not in favor here, but picnics in nature, fishing or barbecue on the beach - as much as you like. Well, diving, of course. What Sri Lanka cannot please is its proximity to our immense: the flight here is long.
In general, it is very simple to determine a person who will definitely like it here. Firstly, there are few blank pages left in his not the first passport. Secondly, he is either interested in world culture and history (and ancient Sri Lanka is very rich in interesting monuments), or he is a desperate sea daredevil who wants, in addition to palm trees, sand and the sea, to have a diving center nearby, and surfer headquarters. Thirdly, he will certainly look askance at your fragrant cup of tea. After all, Ceylon, aka Sri Lanka, supplies a quarter of the world with this drink.
Regions and resorts of Sri Lanka
Money
The monetary unit of the country is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), in 1 rupee 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 LKR = 0.36 RUB (1 USD = 180.6 LKR, 1 EUR = 198.89 LKR).
It is better to exchange currency at Colombo airport. It makes sense to keep the check received at the same time until the end of the trip: in this case, upon departure, it will be possible to convert back unspent local money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. In addition, the currency is changed at any hotel and bank. The latter are open from 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday. For exchange, we recommend taking US dollars with you: they are accepted in all branches, and in tourist areas they can be paid directly at hotels and various retail outlets.
In large hotels and shops you can pay credit cards, there are ATMs in almost all cities of the country. However, it is better to warn the staff of your bank in advance about the upcoming visit to Sri Lanka: due to the critical level of financial fraud on the island, a credit card can be blocked at the first attempt to use it.
Sri Lanka Hotels
Police: 133, ambulance: 144, fire department: 122.
The best photos of Sri Lanka
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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 different areas Sri Lanka can have 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 did not suffer as much due to civil war and the tsunami of 2004, the development of tourism here was 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 especially popular here are large hotel complexes that 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 focused on wellness vacation. 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.
Beruwela resort is located about 56 km south of the capital Colombo and 90 km from international airport Bandaranaike. 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, Beruwela is also 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 west coast Sri Lanka, there are several all-inclusive hotels in Bentota. 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 big hotel complexes, in Bentota there are also guest houses for tourists with a small wallet. 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 given place ideal for swimming. More high 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 Bawa in 1920 with beautiful tropical plants that can be seen in a paradise with small ponds and winding paths.
If you want to get a glimpse of life local residents 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, on the site of the resort of Hikkaduwa, there was a small fishing village, but later there appeared a secret place for "chosen" tourists. Today Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts 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, which offer all the necessary amenities, allowing guests not to feel the need to leave the hotel.
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 mine moonstone. During a tour of this place, you can get an idea of how popular jewelry is made.
Resort Kalutara
For some reason, tourists who are only interested in the best resorts in Sri Lanka often overlook the resort of Kalutara, which, together with Wadduwa, Beruwela and Bentota, forms the most important resort region in the world. southwest coast 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 high level comfort and service. Spacious resorts blend harmoniously into the tropical environment and are fully adapted for foreign guests. spacious pools, good restaurants, as well as exclusive wellness centers, where Ayurvedic treatments are often performed, are available 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 - temple complex Gangatilaka Vihara. At the center of the temple is the impressive Dagobah, whose white dome is visible from afar. Although the temple does not have 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 lover active rest 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 borders on 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.
The Marawila resort is located in the Gampaha region, north of the famous tourist resort 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 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.
Beautiful beach, good opportunities for water sports as well 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 health center where massages, treatments and Ayurvedic treatments are offered.
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 Negombo Airport, it is ideal not only for a long beach holiday, but also for a stop 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 interesting past of the city are numerous buildings and churches, as well as the colonial Old city. 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. Relaxation lovers 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 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.
Main city 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.
big 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 enters it. Boat trips are held 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 when traveling 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. In the east is only more Big City Hambantota, which is located about 50 kilometers from Tangalle, in close proximity to the Bundala National Park. Before the famous national park Yala, which is 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 a vacation on 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 is truly scenic spots which are recommended to explore 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 many Hindu temples Batticaloa, as well as a 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 most long 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 places for diving 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.
TOURIST ANSWERS:
Almost all seaside resorts in Sri Lanka have beautiful beaches and good conditions for recreation. The cost of living depends more on the level of the hotel than on the resort. You can always find a suitable option, whether it is a luxury hotel or a guesthouse. Surprisingly, with a large number of hotels in the resorts, there are very few tourists on the beaches. Probably, this is facilitated by interesting excursions.
Bentota is a romantic resort 64 km from Colombo. Popular with honeymooners, couples and lovers of local oysters. Located at the mouth of the river of the same name in the southwest of the island. There is also a water entertainment center "Confifi Marina".
Beruwala is a resort located just north of Bentota. beautiful beaches conducive to a relaxing holiday, although water activities are also presented. The main attraction of Beruwela is the Kechimalai Mosque, so many Muslims live in the resort and even more of them come here.
Wadduwa is a wonderful place, very close (only 35 km) from Colombo. It attracts with numerous coconut palms and gorgeous sandy beaches. Developed infrastructure, a large number of hotels, shops and shops, restaurants and cafes, a diving center.
Kalutara is a colorful resort place near Wadduwa. Here you can feel the Portuguese, Dutch and English influences. Known for its spices, spices and delicious fruits.
Kogalla is a small but quite famous Sri Lankan resort. Remoteness from Colombo (more than 100 km) attracts tourists here who dream of relaxing from all the fuss. But all the infrastructure necessary for life and entertainment is here.
Nuwara Eliya is a famous mountain town. A real escape from the summer heat. Among the buildings built in the British colonial style, you feel like a real Englishman. Numerous waterfalls further emphasize the beauty of the place.
Mount Lavinia is the closest resort, just a few kilometers from Colombo. Wide sandy beaches attract tourists here. In addition, the city is quite large. Solitude is not to be found here. But hawkers offer fresh juices and souvenirs. Most comfortable spot to travel around the island.
Hikkaduwa is a resort in the south of Sri Lanka. Favorite place for divers and surfers. If you are not one of them, you can learn. Well suited for youth recreation. Here you can swim with turtles and feed them. But it is inconvenient to go on excursions.
Helpful answer?
To get to know the country and leave the best memories of it, I think you need to choose the perfect combination of a good hotel, beach and excursion program. First of all, you need to decide for yourself what the trip is designed for. Sri Lanka is a large island and here anyone can find entertainment to their liking.
The best resort and the best sea
In my opinion, one of the most the best resorts Sri Lanka is a small village of Unawatuna with the beach of the same name. This place is well suited for romantic couples for their honeymoon, nature lovers and families with children. Here good hotels with excellent service. There are very decent restaurants with a huge selection of the freshest seafood.
Snorkelers will find a completely unexpected entertainment in Unawatuna. As such, there are no corals in the usual sense for us, but there are a lot of fish that swim around the swimmer, closing a tight ring around him. A very unusual feeling from swimming among so many fish.
Before, it seemed to me that this was possible only in the depths of the ocean, as shown in documentaries Discovery channel. But on Unawatuna, I experienced this myself. And there you can swim with sea turtles, which feed 5-10 meters from the shore.
The sea is relatively calm here, and on the outskirts of the beach, where there are no waves at all, kids can safely swim. The water in Unawatuna is clean and the beach is cleaned daily.
Another significant advantage in favor of this beach is, in my opinion, the presence of a chic observation deck. It is so mesmerizingly beautiful here that you do not get tired of coming here again and again. You sit on the rocks near the cliff, in front of you is the raging sea, and the wave coming from the ocean now and then douses you with salt spray.
Where will vacation be cheaper?
The farther from the airport, the cheaper. Of course, this is not a law, but still more or less accurate. At a decent distance from the capital of Colombo towards Fort Galle, there are excellent and not expensive vacation spots - Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama. The sea and beaches there, as a rule, are cleaner and there are much fewer tourists.
Hikkaduwa is also suitable for active youth. There is also a reef with fish and sea turtles. You can take a glass bottom boat tour. But I want to warn you that for those who expect the same pictures from snorkeling in Sri Lanka as in Thailand, and even more so as in Egypt or the Maldives, you will not see this here. We could not find beautiful corals and bright fish here. But the island specializes in excursions for dolphins, and you can also snorkel by swimming next to the whale shark. I think such entertainment is no less interesting than the usual snorkeling in Egyptian waters.
The beaches of Hikkaduwa and Bentota are most of all chosen by Russian tourists. If you want to spend time in the company of Russian-speaking tourists, then you are here. But keep in mind that sometimes on these beaches, not only to lay a towel, you won’t even be able to walk calmly. There are a large number of hotels and with full settlement there are a lot of people on the beaches.
Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean located south of the peninsula Hindustan. The total area is 65610 sq. km, the length from north to south is 445 km, and from west to east 225 km. In the center of the island is the Central Mountain Range.
The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher.
The most high point islands - Mount Pidurutalagala has a height of 2524 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m).
Usually on weekdays, shops are open from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. Addresses of shops recommended by the Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism can be found in many guidebooks around the island.
In addition to tea, which, by the way, is allowed to be exported as a souvenir in an amount of more than three kilograms, silver and copper items are considered traditional souvenirs. These products are made in the Kandy region. Also beautiful pottery is also made in the Kandy area. They are painted mainly in red tones, decorating with various patterns. In the south of the island, various demon masks are made.
The oldest folk crafts include woodcarving and the manufacture of various fabrics. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich selection of precious and semi-precious stones and silk.
Tipping is not required. However, a receptionist at a hotel or a waiter at a restaurant will be happy with a few extra rupees.
It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing and a hat. Be sure to stock up sunscreen and sunburn lotion. There are no strict clothing requirements in the country, but you should not visit the temples in shorts, in clothes with an open back and shoulders, and you should also take off your shoes when entering the temple.
Climate
Equatorial, with monsoon seasons.
Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the summer rainy season. The rest of the months are pretty dry. Only in the northeast of the island does it rain in autumn, when the northeast monsoon passes over Ceylon.
The air temperature on the island practically does not change and is 26-28 C all year round. It is cooler in the mountains of the central part of the island, and at the coldest point, the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya, located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level, is about 15 C.
There is high humidity in Sri Lanka, and this is felt when you exit the plane, when you get the feeling that you are being doused with a warm, "bath", air stream.
Language
official languages- Tamil, Sinhalese and English. The total population is 15 million people. By ethnic composition the country is multinational, the population consists of Sinhalese, Tamils, burghers (descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch) and Moors (descendants of Arab traders).
Currency
From Monday to Friday, banks are usually open from 9.00 to 13.00-15.00. During the holidays, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, they do not work. Money exchange is allowed only in banks and organizations that have received permission to do so. The list of these organizations includes most hotels.
Transport
Movement is left-handed.
Resorts of Sri Lanka:
Ambalangoda
Ambalangoda is a colorful port town in the south of Sri Lanka. Located on the oceanfront, 122 km from Colombo International Airport. This picturesque corner is famous throughout the island not only for its beaches, but also for its handicraft traditions.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is located next to a picturesque fishing village, 3 km from the town of Pottuvil. It is worth coming here at least for the sake of the local Pottuville Point beach. It is one of the top 10 surf spots in the world. From April to October, blowing on the coast strong winds raising huge waves.
Ahangama
Ahangama is a small village, 20 km from Galle. This perfect place for a calm beach travel. Peaceful atmosphere, exotic nature and the whisper of the ocean… Isn't this a dream vacation? Weligama Bay, popular with surfers, is a 10-minute drive away.
Balapitiya
Balapitiya is a seaside town in the southwest of Sri Lanka, 80 kilometers from Colombo. It sprawled at the confluence of the Maduganga River into the ocean. There is a large selection of luxury accommodation compared to neighboring Ahungalla. The resort offers guests a relaxing holiday, away from the hustle and bustle.
Waskaduwa
Vaskaduwa is a small and cozy resort-type village on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Local beaches are distinguished by calm waters, a gently sloping sandy bottom, picturesque natural beauties and the absence of a large number of tourists.
Dikwella
Holidays in Dikwella will appeal to those who prefer to spend their free time alone with nature. On the territory of a small provincial town there are no large-scale entertainment centers, high-end restaurants and expensive boutiques. People come here for a quiet relaxing holiday.
Mount Lavinia
Mount Lavinia is a popular resort area Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is located 15 km from the largest tourist center of the island of Colombo, on the picturesque coast of the Laccadive Sea. Holidays in Mount Lavinia will appeal to those who love lively sandy beaches and appreciate comfort.
