Mount Lavinia is a popular resort area in Sri Lanka, which, however, has very mixed ratings. Some sources in the network claim that this is a paradise for tourists, while others insist on the opposite version, calling Mount Lavinia almost the worst area in the country. And to separate the wheat from the chaff, we decided to look into this issue in detail and find out the whole background of this famous resort.
General information
Mount Lavinia is located 15 km south of Colombo – a city that served as the capital of Sri Lanka until 1982, and is now its commercial center. In the process of its expansion, Colombo began to cover the land of the surrounding areas, as a result of which it absorbed many suburbs. Today, Mount Lavinia, which merged with the city of Dehiwala, has turned from a separate object into a suburb of the former capital, on the territory of which the beach and hotel of the same name are located.
The resort is 45 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. The population of the district is about 220 thousand people. This area was first chosen by the British in the 19th century during the era of British colonization. In 1805, by order of Governor Thomas Maitland, a residence was built here, which he named after his beloved Sri Lankan woman named Lavinia. Today, the Governor’s house has become the elite Mount Lavinia Hotel in Sri Lanka.
Being one of the most visited resorts in the country, Mount Lavinia attracts travelers with its long beach, well-developed tourist infrastructure and local attractions. This is a great place for those who are staying in Colombo for a couple of days and decided to combine a walk around the city and its surroundings with a beach holiday.
Tourist infrastructure
Mount Lavinia is home to hotels of various price categories. Here you can stay both in an elite hotel worth $100 per night for two people, and in a budget guest house, where daily accommodation will cost between $18-25.
Particularly popular is the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel 4*, the only hotel in the resort with a private beach. The hotel has a private pool, fitness center and spa treatment rooms, as well as a large restaurant serving dishes to suit all tastes.
Along the coast of Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka, a whole chain of cafes and restaurants is lined up, there is no shortage of which in remote areas from the beach. Among them you can find both large establishments with a beautiful design, and small eateries. The restaurant’s menu includes Sri Lankan, Asian, Indian and European dishes. The highest level of service, according to tourists, is distinguished by the following establishments::
- La Rambla (seafood, Asian and Thai dishes)
- Governor’s Restaurant (Sri Lankan, European cuisine, vegetarian menu available)
- Barracuda Sea Food & Grill (seafood, Chinese, Thai, Sri Lankan menu)
The resort has many grocery stores, pharmacies and souvenir shops. Some supermarkets offer a large selection of fresh vegetables and fruits. In clothing stores, you can buy jeans and T-shirts for a very modest price, although there are also boutiques with higher prices.
Popular activities in Mount Lavinia include diving and snorkeling. You will also be invited to take a boat ride or go fishing. Lovers of passive relaxation will enjoy an Ayurvedic massage with the use of medicinal oils and herbs. Bike rental is available at the resort, and guests can explore the area and its surroundings. Well, fans of parties here can always visit local night clubs.
Beach
Mount Lavinia beach can’t be called one of the best in Sri Lanka, although for some it becomes just that. It is characterized by a sufficient length and not very wide coastline. This is a sandy coast with yellow sand, with a gentle approach to the ocean, which is characterized by small waves in high season.
Since the beach is very close to Colombo, there are a lot of locals here, especially on weekends. The coastline is quite dirty, and garbage collection is given a minimum of attention. Near expensive hotels, the situation with cleanliness is much better. The water is muddy with a green tint, and there are often bags and food wrappers in it.
Mount Lavinia’s public beach offers little entertainment. You won’t see any surfers here either. There are no sun beds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers and toilets on the beach. However, some cafes that stretch along the entire coast provide sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. And if you have dined in a restaurant, you can use them for free. Tourists who have visited here are advised to relax in the cafe area or on the private beach of Mount Lavinia Hotel, because it is cleaner and more comfortable there.
The city railway runs along the coastline, so you should forget about a quiet beach holiday here. Local souvenir dealers are also breaking the peace, one by one approaching the vacationers and trying to sell them unnecessary goods. Discomfort is also caused by the abundance of local residents, many of whom are trying to photograph tourists.
In general, the city’s Mount Lavinia beach is only worth visiting if you are staying in Colombo for a couple of days. You can swim and sunbathe here, although it doesn’t make sense to go here specifically for a beach holiday. Sri Lanka has many other beautiful and clean beaches that offer much better conditions for vacationers.
What to see
In addition to exploring the city and relaxing on the beach, Mount Lavinia also offers a variety of attractions that deserve special attention.
National Zoological Garden
If you happen to be in Sri Lanka in Mount Lavinia, then be sure to visit the main local attraction-the national zoo. Being one of the largest in the entire territory of Asia, the reserve has become a shelter for more than 360 species of animals. Here you can also get acquainted with various species of birds and butterflies. Often, the zoo organizes a special performance for tourists, the main characters in which are trained elephants.
The zoo has several outdoor areas where visitors can walk side by side with wild animals. There is also an oceanarium, which is home to more than 500 species of marine fish. In the park, you should also visit the Reptile House, where dwarf crocodiles and tropical reptiles live. Elephant and pony rides are available at the zoo for an additional fee.
- Where to find: 120 Galvihara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka.
- The attraction is open every day from 8: 30 to 18: 00.
- The entrance fee is $12.5 for adults and $6.3 for children.
Turtle Reserve
The aim of this shelter on the island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is to preserve endangered species of turtles. Every year the number of representatives of tropical species decreases. Of the 7 turtle species in the world, 5 live only in the waters of Sri Lanka, and all of them are endangered, which makes the preservation of these valuable amniotes vital for the people of Sri Lanka and the whole world. That is why in 2003 it was decided to open a small nature reserve where you can raise the young of endangered animals.
When the turtles reach a certain age, the organizers of the farm release them to free swimming in the open ocean. Injured turtles found on the coast are also nursed here. Every visitor to the farm has the opportunity to hold the turtles in their hands and feed them.
- The entrance fee to the reserve is $5. Also, everyone can make an additional donation to the farm fund.
- The property is open daily from 8: 00 to 18: 00.
- Website: https://ourturtleproject.wixsite.com/
Bolgoda Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Sri Lanka, Bolgoda, is located 9 km south of the resort. This reservoir has an area of about 350 square meters. It has become a refuge for numerous reptile and fish species, and the mangroves surrounding its waters are home to more than 30 species of mammals. Most of the lake has the status of a protected nature reserve. Here tourists have the opportunity not only to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also to go for a boat ride, as well as go fishing in specially designated areas. Many travelers come here to enjoy windsurfing.
How to get there from Colombo
There are several ways to get to the resort from Colombo:
By public transport
There is a daily ocean-bound train service from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Mount Lavinia. The journey time is about 25 minutes. There is also a bus stop nearby where you can catch a bus to the resort with the number 100 or 101. This transport will take a little longer (about 40 minutes), and the ticket will cost a little more ($0.5). You can also take any intercity bus service to Galle from the Pettach bus stop.
By taxi
If you don’t want to waste time looking for public transport, you can always use a tuk-tuk service. The cost of such a trip will be $7-8. You can also get to the resort by taxi by car, but in this case the price tag will be at least 2 times higher.
On a rented transport
In Sri Lanka, including Colombo, it is not difficult to rent a scooter or car. Transport rental agencies can be found literally at every turn, so here you just have to decide what to choose. Rent an inexpensive bike will cost in the range of $8-10 per day, budget cars-from $25-30. The price for a litre of petrol in Sri Lanka is approximately a dollar, and if you consider that Mount Lavinia is located only 15 km from Colombo, then you need to add a couple of dollars to the rental price.
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