Golden Sands of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island south of India with a magical touch of elegance. This island is a rich nation with multi cultural citizens,rich history embedded in our roots and a fantastic coast line unlike seen in many parts of the world. A typical Sri Lankan who lives in these coastal areas have a divine sense of hospitality.Over the last decade this beautiful island has been attracting tourist locally and internationally on to the coastal areas with golden sandy beaches and clear waters. The people soon adapted to greeting our foreign friends and making a living out of it 

The length of Sri Lanka's coastline is around 1,340 kilometres, or 832 miles.

 Numerous elements, such as mangrove swamps, steep cliffs, and sandy beaches, define the shoreline. Popular tourist sites, the western and southern shores are renowned for their sandy beaches.

Coastal regions that are well-known include Galle, Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, and Mirissa. These regions are well-known for their historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and water sports in addition to their beaches.

History - Ancient ports that served as major commerce hubs have contributed significantly to the history of Sri Lanka's coastal regions. The colonial architecture of cities like Galle, which has been maintained, is a testament to the impact of European powers in the area.

The Port of Colombo, the most well-known seaport in Sri Lanka, has a rich marine history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was a key stop on the old spice route. Arab, Chinese, and Roman traders landed to the island to sell spices, and they were the first to use the port.

The port underwent many modifications and improvements in the years that followed the country's 1948 declaration of independence. The initial renovation created the famous Queen Elizabeth Quay, which has 16 ports next to the quay, transit sheds, and several warehouses. Following the second change, the harbour underwent renovations and could now accommodate containerized freight as early as 1980. In the early 1990s, the Port of Colombo gained attention as a modern container port and a highly strategic centre with the installation of gantries, cranes, and a deeper access channel. The port had a comparative edge over all others in the area because of its advantageous position.

https://www.sagt.com.lk/port-of-colombo/history.html

Unawatuna

 

Unawatuna Beach, which is tucked away on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is a monument to the natural beauty and charm of the place. A tropical paradise that draws visitors from all over the world is Unawatuna Beach, which is well-known for its immaculate sands, blue seas, and abundant marine life. This article investigates the charms of Unawatuna Beach, focusing on its natural beauties, cultural diversity, and distinctive experiences.

The stunning beauty of Unawatuna is the first thing that draws tourists here. Soft, golden sand spreads as far as the eye can see on the round beach. A pleasant break from the sun is offered by the softly swaying palm trees in the tropical air. Visitors are enticed to take a relaxing plunge in the Indian Ocean's warm, clear waves as they lap against the coast. The gorgeous surroundings provide the ideal atmosphere for rest and renewal.

 

 

The best time to travel ?  

The best time to take a dip in the south would be from December to April and from June till September. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels around Galle and Una to welcome your stay. All these properties cater for customers who wants to have the luxury holiday and also for those who are on a budget.

What activities could be done in Unawatuna?

In Unawatuna it is a must to visit the Galle fort and the Japanese Pagoda. If you are a lover of surfing you would call Unawatuna the perfect spot, but if you find the place too crouded for your taste Mirissa Beach or thr Jungle beach might be the place for you to spread your wings and surf freely.

How to get to Unawatuna beach ?

If you are travelling from Colombo there are 3 modes of transportation.

·        Bus

·        Train

·        Private transport

Since the highway is available it only takes an hour and few minutes to the destination. There are highway busses which are comfortable and affordable which starts from different parts of Colombo. If you prefer the train it could be got on from the Fort railway station.

Nilaveli

 

About 16 kilometres north of Trincomalee is the seaside town of Nilaveli, home to the Nilaveli Beach. The waves on this stunning white sand beach are perfect for snorkelling, diving, and surfing. The well-known Piegon Island is located about 2 km out to sea, while Red Rock Beach, a collection of reddish-colored boulders, is located even further north. One of Sri Lanka's best and most exquisite beaches is Nilaveli.

Because of the numerous plant, fish, and coral species that call Nilaveli home, the area is rich in biodiversity. There are livestock and verdant coconut palm trees in the neighborhood. The majority of the population of Trincomalee is Hindu, and they revere cows. All year long, a lot of people visit Nilaveli Beach because of its golden sand and turquoise seas.

https://destinationlesstravel.com/things-to-do-in-nilaveli-beach-sri-lanka/

Things that could be done in Nilaveli

·       Pigeon Island

Take a boat ride to Pigeon Island and swim with the sharks and turtles.
the small island which is a 10 minuteboat ride is a must to go to as you could be exploring the waters filled with corals and aquatic life. The cost for taking a boat will only cost 5000 rupees and its totally worth the money. Pigeon island is also a national park.

     Fort Fredric

Known by several names, including Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, Fort Fredrick was constructed in 1624 CE by Portuguese colonists in Trincomalee. It was constructed on top of Swami Rock, Konamamalai, using the remains of the legendary old Hindu Koneswaram temple.  A new settlement of Portuguese and Tamil inhabitants, fifty Portuguese troops, and a chapel dedicated to "Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe" were also constructed on the Konamalai headland. In 1665, the Dutch disassembled and rebuilt the Fort of Triquillimale, calling it Fort Fredrick.

https://www.themiracleisland.com/fort-frederick.php

 

·        Maritime and naval history museum.
A magnificent Dutch colonial building from the eighteenth century has been restored and made into a museum. Ground floor displays educates the history of Sri Lankan naval warfare to the era of Marco Polo. Much helpful information on the east coast's flora and wildlife, particularly that of Pigeon Island, may be found upstairs.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/the-east/trincomalee/attractions/maritime-naval-history-museum/a/poi-sig/1568582/357468

 

Negambo Beach

 Known for its beaches that stretch down its western coast, its centuries-old fishing industry, and the Dutch Canal that runs through the core of the city, Negombo is a coastal city that is one of Sri Lanka's major commercial hubs. Even though the nation was still ruled by the Dutch, it was a significant producer of cinnamon. Negombo, also referred to as "Little Rome" by the locals, is mostly populated by Roman Catholics and has several churches. The city is a well-liked first stop for visitors coming in Sri Lanka and is only a short 15-minute drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport.

Both residents and visitors enjoy Negombo's beaches, which provide a variety of recreational opportunities like windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, and jet skiing. At dusk, couples wander along the coastlines, and residents may be seen dashing into the surf for midnight swims after dark. Along with a number of small local shops that are frequently visited by tourists seeking for mementos, the beach is flanked with eateries that provide fresh seafood that is brought directly from the ocean to your plate. The city comes alive at night, but Negombo is also a well-liked last stop for travellers who want to unwind by the beach before their flights because of its proximity to the airport.

Negambo also has a number of luxury hotels and villas. By night time all the restaurants comes alive with their authentic fusion cuisines which gives a vibrant atmosphere to the area and also an apatite that cant be ignored.

https://www.lovesrilanka.org/negombo-beach/ 

Arugam Bay

 

The Famous beach town Arugam Bay is situated on Sri Lanka's east coast and is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, relaxed vibe, and world-class surfing conditions.

The season which starts from July to September,  is when the weather is hotter and dryer, and when waves are at its highest. Additionally, as Arugam Bay usually experiences rainy, damp weather until March, this indicates that it is the busiest time of year for tourists.

There are so many things to do when you are not hitting the ways in Arugam Bay. Some may like to book a motor bike and start exploring wildlife. There are also many yoga centers as the trend there is to be health. You could also visit the hippie market to buy amazing little ornaments made by the locals and also the foreign community. There are many places like the elephant rock or the wiskey point if you feel a bit more adventurous.

https://www.thecoastalcampaign.com/arugam-bay-things-to-do/ 

Mount Lavinia

 

The city of Mt Lavinia has a different atmosphere compared to other parts of Colombo. Its mostly populated with tourist, locals that love to party and many restaurents of a verity of cosines from a very low to a high price point.

The Beach and the city was named after Lady Lavinia who was a dancer. The reason her name got famous is because she had an affair with the British Governor who resided at the now Mt Lavinia Hotel.

Mt lavinia beach is a place where people love to take long walks, walk the dogs or after a hard day of stressful work relax in the open restaurents eating delicious food and sipping cocktails.

This place is always busy because it has easy access from the airport,close to the main cities of Colombo and close to the highway.

Hotels and restaurants around Mt lavinia.

There are many hotels priced from 4 star hotels to hostels. Some of the hotels that most tourist visit are ,

·        Mt Lavinia Hotel

·        The Breeze

·        The pent house above sea

Some of the restaurents are places that has been around for a while. They have been surving customers with quality food and have always treated customers with joy and a smile on their faces.

·        Catermeran

·        Lavinia Breeze

·        Steam boat

https://1001beach.com/en/south_asia/sri_lanka/mount_lavinia

Eco Tourism Development

 

Sri Lanka is a growing nation. Mater of fact our main source of trying to get in money to the country is by tourism. along the lines of trying to bring in more tourists and earning dollars is a very sensitive problem. When all promotions are done to attract tourist to visit at a very low cost will certainly do the trick, but what about conserving what has to be conserved, what about the wild life and nature. That’s where eco tourism comes to play.

Community based tourism is one way of helping out. It is when the communities come together and benefits from tourism. For example by being a tour guide, renovating houses for tourist to rent and giving them an experience of local cultures, stories and food.

The Sri Lankan government is encouraging responsible tourism practises in collaboration with a range of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and business partners. One way to do this is by teaching visitors and the community about the value of environmentally friendly tourism and conservation.

Projects for saving the endangered species, and implementing new ways for the eco system to grow must be done in order for sustainable tourism.

In conclusion I believe this beautiful island has a long way to come back to its former glory. Developments have to happen in order for the tourist to feel happy and comfortable. Modes of transportation has to be reinvented as what we have is a silly joke. The standard of food should always be monitored to see if they go with the guide lines of health and safety. People should be educated along the tourist areas on how to treat guest and earn a living while contributing to the community and the island.