Bentota is 65 km from Colombo and is a popular and fully geared tourist resort. Before the era of mass tourism and the consequent construction of the National Tourist Resort of Bentota, the first foreigners to stumble upon this charming spot, must have been Arab merchant sailors, who also discovered Beruwela in the 11th Century a little further north.

Kosgoda is a beautiful village on the South west coast of Sri Lanka but is not for those looking for a party holiday. It is perfect for rest and relaxation with a plethora of spas, ayurvedic and otherwise, in the area as well as day trips to moonstone mines, turtle hatcheries, spice gardens and to towns such as Bentota and Galle.

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A two hour drive south from Colombo, (82 KMs from Colombo) either along the costal road or by train, you'll find Balapitiya, a small, picturesque village with golden soft beaches.Sweet water lagoons and the Maadu river with their amazing flora and fauna are making Balapitiya also and bird watchers.

Ambalangoda is a seaside town that during colonial times was much frequented by European residents, who appreciated the good accommodation, food, and bathing facilities. Today Ambalangoda retains its charm, the beautifully situated resthouse still stands (and there is an old Dutch church beside it), the fish remains excellent,

Hikkaduwa (98km south of Colombo on the west coast) appears to have been an early tourist destination in Ceylon, for J. W. Bennett reported in 1843 that it “is most pleasantly situated, and a great resort of picnic parties from Galle”.Traditionally associated with the cultivation of coconuts, rice and cinnamon, plumbago mining, and the manufacture of lace and drum frames,