West-Coast
Sri Lanka’s west coast covers the coastal belt just south of Colombo all the way down to Hikkaduwa. Galle coast is increasingly influenced by the famous old fortress town. The west coast has a long-standing tourist tradition and offers broad tropical beaches for a mix of independent and package-tour travellers in small towns such Beruwela, Bentota, Ambalangoda, Ahungalla and Hikkaduwa.
Weather
With the west coast’s weather governed by the south-western monsoon, the best weather is expected between late November and April. Average temperatures rarely drop much below 30C. Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons. Essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west coast, as well as south-west coasts and hill country, between May and late July. August is often a good month. The west coast is not affected by the less severe north-east (“maha”) monsoon which hits the east from November to January. There is also an unsettled inter-monsoonal period in October.
Getting There
Little more than an hour south of central Colombo, as you cross the Kalu Ganga Bridge, Sri Lanka’s West Coast really begins. From this point on all the way to Galle, the tiny main coastal road, known as the Galle Road, hugs the picturesque coast line and runs parallel to the rickety old railway which limps all the way to Matara. The west coast motorway also offers fast access from the airport or Colombo
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Globally, all seven species of marine turtles are endangered. Of these seven, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is fascinating to observe. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which primary operates as a hatchery, is a great place to observe collected and rescued eggs hatch and then safely released into the sea.
Duration: 1 hour
Best time: Year-round
Visit Temples in Aluthgama and Ambalangoda
Visit some of the renowned temples in the coastal towns of Aluthgama and Ambalangoda with your chauffeur-guide. The Kande Vihara in Aluthgama, the Galgoda Sailatalaramaya Maha Vihara Temple and Sunandaramaya Mahavihara in Ambalangoda are some of the most popular temples in the area which attract devotees from all parts of the island. Each has its own unique features and history which will give you an insight to Sri Lanka and the different types of architecture found in Temples.
Duration: 2 hours
Best Time: Year-round
Brief Gardens
Brief Gardens are the architectural landscaping masterpiece of Bevis Bawa, the brother of iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Although often overshadowed by Lunuganga, the country house and gardens designed by Geoffrey, Brief Gardens are spectacular and are a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon if you fancy a change from the beach.
Duration: 2 hours
Best Time: Year-round
Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga
Lunuganga is the one-time countryside retreat of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, and now attracts a steady stream of admirers eager to see the house and the beautiful gardens in which it rests.
The house itself is a charming retreat, which celebrates oneness with nature. Spacious and bright, the character filled rooms are adorned with exquisite paintings. Everywhere you wander in Lunuganga, you will come across fascinating views framed by either a balustrade, a window, wooden arches or simply through a doorway.
Duration: 3 hours
Best Time: Year-round
Gangatilaka Vihara
Located just past the bridge in Kalutara, this Buddhist temple built in the 1960s is easily accessed from its roadside location. The gigantic white Dagoba is believed to contain sacred relics of the Buddha. There are also interesting murals that depicts the life story of Buddha. The narrow windows below these murals provide for panoramic views of the Kalu River and the town.
Duration: 2 hours
Best Time: Year-round
