Things to do on Sri Lanka's West Coast

Activities in Beruwela, Bentota and Hikkaduwa

Sri Lanka's west coast is a long-standing tourist region serving a mix of package and independent travellers. A succession of broad, sandy beaches stretch from Wadduwa to Hikkaduwa. From that point on, Red Dot prefers to refer to the Galle coast, which is increasingly influenced by the famous old fortress town. Small towns such as Beruwela, Bentota, Ambalangoda, Ahungalla and Hikkaduwa offer many traditional holiday activities – and a few surprises.

You can explore the spectacular coastal scenery surrounding Bentota and Beruwela in a private catamaran. Sail to an islet for some snorkelling and paddle-boarding before taking a speed boat to a lighthouse marooned on an island.

The west coast is a great spot for watersports between December and April when the seas are calm. These include snorkelling, jet-skiing, scuba-diving, surfing and kite-surfing. Whale and dolphin watching boat excursions are also available.

Traditional mask making is a part of Sri Lanka’s culture and folklore – and Ambalangoda is regarded as the centre of the craft. Watch a master craftsman at work creating the masks that were once held to protect against disease and ensure an auspicious life.

Experience one of the finest country homes in Sri Lanka with a visit to Lunuganga once owned by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect. A staff member will lead you through the exquisitely designed gardens and show you round the sparse but beautiful house which is littered with fascinating paintings and photographs. You can also stay here: check out the Red Dot collection.

More Bawa influences are seen at Brief Garden, 10kms inland from Bentota, the one-time home of Bevis Bawa, brother of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s legendary architect. Sprawled across 20 acres, these gardens are well worth a visit.

Take a canoe or boat trip on the broad expenses of the Kalu Ganga. This river begins its journey to the sea on the western slopes of Adams Peak, Sri Lanka's holy mountain and flows slowly west, its banks lined with jungle, rubber plantations and communities using the river in their daily lives. Exploring the backwaters by canoe or boat is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Looking for jewellery? The semi-precious gemstone known as `moonstone’ which has a milky bluish glow similar to that of the moon, is found only in the village of Meetiyagoda, inland from Ambalangoda. You can watch the stones being cut and polished.

Turtle conservation is encouraged by the Kosgoda Conservation Project. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is a fascinating one. Red Dot supports responsible turtle conservation which brings proven benefits.