Negombo

Negombo is the sought-out haven for both the Foodie and the Beach bum. A stone’s throw away from most hotels and home-stays on the beach front, Foodie’s can walk along Porutota Road and wander in to any one of the many establishments offering a wide array of sea-food delicacies and enjoy a decadent meal. The fresh sea food, is sure to have you salivating and craving for more!

Visitors can also enjoy the Negombo beach, by visiting the Negombo Beach Park. However, the Park can get quite crowded on weekendsand public holidays in which case, you may venture in to a restaurant on the beach for your meals and ask to use their beach. Natureenthusiasts may take a boat ride down the Negombo Lagoon which has extensive mangrove swamps home to several varieties of water birds. Do try and stop for a fresh toddy, from one of the many coconut estate’s lining the Lagoon on your way back.

A predominantly Roman Catholic town, Negombo is sometimes known as “Little Rome” due to the many highly ornate Portuguese-era RomanCatholic churches found within the town. The Old Dutch Fort ruins situated at the mouth of the lagoon, is another relic of bygone eras,however, as it is now the town’s prison, we recommend that you admire its architecture from the outside.

Also culturally significant is the Angurukaramulla Temple with its 6 ft. Buddha statue and dragon entrance which is said toward of all evil. You will also find intricate murals and the moss covered ruins of a historic library at this serene and peaceful site.

A fishing town, the Main Fish Market is the life blood of Negombo and anyone who seeks to understand the culture of this sea faring city must pay a visit to the Main Fish Market. Witness the fisherman, untangling their nets and bringing in the catch, or see how dried fish is made with the excess catch at the market and if you’re looking for fresh out of the water sea food, there is no better place than the Main Fish Market.

Mirissa

Unwind with the relaxed and laid-back vibe of Mirissa beach. This idyllic stretch of golden sand is ideal for a lazy evening stroll and an early dinner along the shore. A short trip to Coconut Tree Spot, a Coconut plantation atop a small outcrop is the perfect spot to witness a breathtaking sunset. If you’re looking for a calm and serene dip in the sea, head over to the “Secret Beach” which is tucked beneath a Coconut grove and hidden from the main shore of Mirissa. Enjoy a private and more secluded dip in the crystal-clear waters of “Secret Beach”.

With great waves Mirissa, is an ideal location for both the experienced surfer or a beginner. Experienced surfers may also visit the less crowed Weligama to catch some truly spectacular waves. Visitors should bear in mind that ideal surfing conditions are from October to March each year.

Visit the many reef areas in an around Mirissa for an extraordinary snorkeling or diving experience. Feast your eyes on a riot of colour courtesy of the reefs and its inhabitants. The best part about snorkeling at Mirissa is that it is suitable even for beginners ensuring that no one misses out.

Mirissa also has several dive spots for the more experienced swimmer such as Lopsta Point, Napoleon Point, Diyambagala Point, Godagala Point and many more.

Mirissa is one of the foremost destinations for whale watching in Sri Lanka. Head out by boat to see these majestic beasts up close. Home to the famed Blue Whale, whale watching at Mirissa is an experience that you will never forget. Truly witness the awe-inspiring size of the largest mammal on earth, and its true majesty at Mirissa.

Kalpitiya

The Bar Reef situated at the northern end of Kalpitiya is the largest reef in Sri Lanka, and boasts a wide diversity of marine life. Snorkeling at the Bar Reef you can feast your eyes on colorful varieties of fish, manta rays, turtles and even reef sharks.

Setting off early morning from Alankuda beach, this is the starting point for off shore whale and Dolphin watching. These waters are home to spinner, bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the elusive Dugong. Seeing these majestic creatures in their element, is truly an experience to remember. For the sportier visitor, Alankuda Beach also offers a range of water sports such as wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing and even sailing.

The Puttalam lagoon is not to be discounted and offers its own variety of water-based excitement. Hop in a boat, canoe or kayak and explore the lagoon and the scenic mangroves or island hop between the 14 tiny islands off the coast and lagoon.

Home to diverse habitats, Kalpitiya is also home to large sand dunes. Ride in a 4WD along these deserted sand dunes situated between the ocean and lagoon and enjoy a riot of colour as the sun sets.

For those looking for a little bit of history, a visit to the Kalpitiya Dutch Fort is in order. Commanding the entrance to the Puttalam Lagoon and once a major cinnamon cultivation, Kalpitiya was of particular interest to the Dutch.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa Beach has now become somewhat of a legendary tourist hotspot. This fun little beach town, with its pristine waters is ideal for snorkeling and diving. A coral sanctuary, enclosed by a reef, these shallow waters are home to multi-colored corals and marine life. For the diving enthusiasts, Hikkaduwa has over four different shipwrecks to explore. The Hikkaduwa Beach is also reputed to be the second-best surfing spot in Sri Lanka, ideal for visitors looking to catch some waves. If looking for a little variety, Pitiwella Beach is similarly well suited for fishing, diving and boat safaris.

Those looking for a more secluded and quiet escape to paradise, might find themselves more at home at the Narigama Beach situated a mere 5 kilometers away from Hikkaduwa. Serene and docile, this is a nice escape from the fun, bustle and party that is Hikkaduwa.

The hatchery is a conservation farm for sea turtles and is home to a variety of turtle species. The hatchery looks to provide turtles with safe nesting grounds and even rehabilitates nesting turtles. Open from around 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., if you visit the hatchery in the evening, you may also be able to experience the releasing of hatchlings to the sea.

Hikkaduwa was one of the many coastal towns devastated by the tragic 2004 Tsunami. The remembrance of the victims of the 2004 Tsunami the Community Tsunami Museum was set up which strives to educate the communities on Tsunamis and to preserve the memories of the 2004 Tsunami. The Tsunami Honganji Vihara hosts a Buddha Statue that was declared open on the 26th of December 2006 in commemoration of the 2004 Tsunami. An exact replica of the 175 ft. 5th Century Bramiyan Buddha Statue, this statue is unique for the pulp like material used in order to derive the colour and texture of the statue.

The Seenigama Muhudu Vihara is another noteworthy shrine situated in close proximity to Hikkaduwa, and is known for providing retribution to victims of theft.

If you’re looking for an excursion away from the sand, sun and surf, a leisurely excursion on the Hikkaduwa Lake is the ideal way to spend the day. Boat tours along the lake which is home to numerous birds may be arranged along with a lakeside lunch.

Galle

The Old Fort at Galle has been maintained in pristine condition and remains in use to-date as a hustling-bustling tourist hotspot. An extraordinary historical and archeological site, the Fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century and later extensively fortified by the Dutch. With an abundance of quaint shops, gem merchants and tiny museums at every turn it is easy to spend entire days exploring the Fort. The Fort also boasts a wide array of eateries. Recommended stops for Foodies include, the Old Dutch Hospital, Peddlers Inn and Café, The Tuna and the Crab, Indian Hut and Isle of Gelato. In the evening head over to Flag Rock the Southern most tip of the Fort, an excellent look out to catch the sunset.

You can also embark on an evening stroll along a beautiful hilly path to reach the Japanese Peace Pagoda atop Rumasalla Hill and partake in the daily 5.30 p.m. ritual.

Galle is yet another place from which visitors may go Whale Watching and enjoy these gentle giants. Do keep in mind that you will have to start the day at the crack of dawn and hire a boat to take you out to sea. Jungle Beach is by far the most popular and instagramable beach situated in near proximity to Galle. With deep blue waters and golden sandy shores, this is the place to enjoy a serene and scenic day. The Unawatuna beach situated a stone’s throw away from the Galle Fort, is a crowd favourite. Ideal for a dip in the sea and a lazy afternoon on golden sands with a chilled beer in hand. There are plenty of restaurants situated on the beach to keep you hydrated and well fed throughout the day.

A day excursion to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is ideal for wildlife lovers looking to take in the endemic flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. A tropical rainforest it is home to approximately 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic mammals and 95% of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds. Those looking for something a little closer to home with less travel may take a leisurely canoe ride along the Unawatuna Lagoon and enjoy the prolific wildlife, fauna and flora as they paddle through the mangroves.

Bentota

For those who haven’t quite found their sea legs yet Bentota offers several relaxing indulgences on land including the spectacular Saman Villas where one can rejuvenate with a Ayuerveda spa treatment for a fresher and livelier mind and soul. However, keep in mind that visitors are requested to make an appointment in advance and carry a set of extra clothes along with them.

The Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa is serene and peaceful and the perfect place to have a leisurely lunch, to relax and soak in the feel of a bygone age. Those who wish to have a sneak peek into the history of Bentota and its surrounding areas should definitely pay a visit to this place.

Trekking in Bentota is a very peaceful experience as you have the sea by your side the whole time. The treks are not very arduous as most parts of the land are flat. You will experience the eco-friendly life style of a pleasant remote village, unspoiled by modern concrete buildings or urban lifestyle and can also enjoy a cooling dip in chilled fresh water ponds along your trek.

For fun and gaiety, head straight to Cinnamon Island where you can relax in the sand and indulge in other recreational activities like surfing, scuba diving and much more. If you’re an adventurer looking for things to do in Bentota, you must visit the island. It is a charming and lovely small island where travellers can learn the techniques of producing and harvesting cinnamon.

Sprawling under an endless canopy of palm trees, the beaches continue several kilometres south from Bentota. The attractive southern end of Bentota beach, i.e. south of the railway station, comprises a wide & tranquil swathe of sand that's home to one of the island's finest clusters of top-end luxury hotels, tastefully located & set at decent intervals from one another down the coast. The Turtle Care Centre is home to all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka which nest at the hatchery. The centre functions mainly as a hatchery and makes huge efforts to increase the rate of hatching and survival of baby turtles in their very initial stages.