Guiding light Make your way down the Sri Lankan coastline with Galle Fort Lighthouse leading your way
SRI LANKA COAST BY COAST
With varied beaches, big (and small) wildlife and sense-tantalizing trails, Sri Lanka’s coast is justly fabled – but which region is best for you? Explorer Marco Polo called Sri Lanka ‘the most beautiful island in the world’ and it’s easy to see why. Sri Lanka specialist Alison Hall has just returned from a research trip to the country, and shares her coastal travel tips.
THE SOUTH & SOUTHWEST COAST
Why go? For Sri Lanka’s best
beach hotels – everything from sleek, international resorts to smaller, boutique properties. 38 | AUDLEY TRAVELER
The sand also ranges from bronzed and palm-fringed to rose-gold and shell-speckled. With rough seas, swimming isn’t always possible; have a dip in your hotel pool instead and go to the beach for long ruminative walks, Indian Ocean-gazing and sunset-viewing. You’ll find cinnamon and low-level tea plantations to explore, too, while the national parks of Udawalawe (for elephant) and Bundala (for coastal birdlife) are possible to visit in a day.
In Kalutara, there’s the sacred Kalutara Bodhiya – its white dagoba is one of the few completely hollow stupas in the world. Plus, if you like architecture, this region is home to one of Geoffrey Bawa’s celebrated properties.
If you only do one thing… Visit Galle, with its elegantly restored smorgasbord of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial buildings. Try a traditional Sri Lankan mask painting workshop in
Galle Fort, or simply wander around the streets of boutique shops and restaurants.
Where to stay Mosvold Villa, where you can dine alfresco, overlooking the sea. The beach here is slightly more protected, making it possible to swim.
When to go December to April – although this is the busiest time, you stand a good chance of shower-free days.
