WEST COAST SRI LANKA
You don’t have to be on Sri Lanka’s west coast for long to realise that the coastline has something of a multiple personality. North of the capital is Negombo, a cheerful beach town crowned with church spires that is, thanks to its proximity to the airport, a staple of almost every visitor’s Sri Lankan journey. Head further north, though, and you enter a wild and little-visited region that seems to consist of nothing but coconut plantations and lagoons, sparkling in the sun and filled with dolphins.
South of Colombo’s chaos is a world that oscillates between the dancing devils of traditional Sri Lankan culture in Ambalangoda, the chic boutique hotels and uncluttered golden sands of Bentota and the down-at-heel but ever-popular backpacker party town of Hikkaduwa. Whichever part of the west coast you choose, you can be sure you’ll end up spending longer here than planned.
Ahungalla
Ahungalla is a small coastal town, located in Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 12 metres (39 ft) above the sea level.
Ambalangoda
Ambalangoda is a coastal town located in Galle District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Governed by Ambalangoda Urban Council, the town is famous for its ancient devil masks and devil dancers.[2] It is approximately 107 kilometres (66 mi) south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 13 metres (43 ft) above the sea level.
Balapitiya
Balapitiya is a coastal town, in south west Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. Situated 80 km (50 mi) south of Colombo, about a two-hour drive from the capital. It is the nearest town to the Maduganga River.
Bentota
Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province, governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo and 56 kilometres (35 mi) north of Galle. Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, at an elevation of 3 metres (9.8 ft) above the sea level. The name of the town is derived from a mythical story which claims a demon named 'Bem' ruled the tota or river bank.
Beruwala
Beruwala has everything from the tropical weather with perfect holiday spots to seaside resorts and attractive beaches. Apart from these attractions, Beruwala is famous for Ayurvedic treatments as almost all the hotels provide special herbal messages and stream baths. So, let’s take a tour to Beruwala and discover its beauties.
Hikkaduwa
Things are particularly lively during the annual Hikkaduwa Beach Fest, a three-day beach party in July/August with visiting international DJs and crowds of hedonistic locals and foreigners partying on the beach. Other attractions include excellent local surf, plus good diving and snorkelling. Beach and sea aside, there are also several interesting Buddhist temples around Hikkaduwa, all easily reachable by Tuk-tuk or bicycle – though be very careful cycling along the treacherous Galle Road.
Induruwa
The best for relaxing since it has an uncrowded beach amidst a small quiet village along the waet coast of Sri Lanka. The Maadu river is also close by along with a handful of beautiful water lagoons. Induruwa is also known for its rich flora and fauna. Ayuruvedic practices are also set up in this small village.
Kalutara
Kalutara is a major city in Kalutara District, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It is also the administrative capital of Kalutara District. It is located approximately 40 km (25 mi) south of the capital Colombo.
Once an important spice-trading center, the town's name is derived from the Kalu Ganga River ('Black River' in native Sinhala). In the 11th Century, the town was temporarily made a capital on the orders of a South Indian Prince. The region was later planted with coconut trees, whose by-products are used for both internal and external trade. The location also boast fortifications (Kalutara fort) dating back from the times when Portuguese, Dutch and British vied for control of the area.
Kosgoda
Kosgoda is a small coastal town located in Southern Province in Sri Lanka. The area of Kosgoda is home to a population of nearly 3,000 people. It is approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi) south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1 metre (3.3 ft) above the sea level. The area is becoming one of the most vibrant tourist areas in Galle District in Sri Lanka due to the locations beautiful beaches, Kosgoda Lagoon (perfect place for watching birds and boat trips) and the it's Turtles and Turtle hatcheries.
Wadduwa
Wadduwa is a town in the Western Province of, Sri Lanka.It situated in the western coast of Sri Lanka about 33 km south of Colombo.[1] It spans from within the 30.5 to 36.5 km area along the Galle Road and sideways 4.5 km for the land side and around 1 km for the seaside too. It is also famous for its rich cultivation of coconut palms and as a major producer of toddy and vinegar. There are few historical places in the area such as ancient Buddhist temples. Wadduwa is popular for the products made from coconut fibre such as brooms,carpets etc. Wadduwa is governed by Panadura pradeshiya Saba.