Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka. Mount Lavinia - reviews, personal impressions and recommendations. What is personal data
Plunge into the atmosphere of another country immediately upon arrival. Sri Lanka turned out to be completely different, although I didn’t know anything about it.
Passport control took a few minutes. The border guard checked my passport, made sure that I had an e-visa, printed out a sticker and pasted it into the passport, putting a stamp. I did not have time to ask my question, as he said the following.
There is wifi at the airport, which you can use for as long as you like.
Immediately after exiting the green corridor, you find yourself on a completely real milking machine.
Many currency exchangers offer their services.
I needed to exchange Indian rupees for Sri Lankan rupees. And then I was waiting for the first bummer.
As I found out later, the reason is simple: India forbids taking its currency out of the country. Therefore, in state structures, airports, etc. money cannot be changed.
I had to look for an alternative option, there were hardly 3 ATMs here, so after googling which one is better, I used the services of people bank.
The desire to resolve communication issues also had to be postponed. Sim cards, although they had prepaid calls and 5 GB of traffic, but the prices started from 1000 rupees.
There was no alternative choice of tariffs. Different operators offered similar packages for about the same money. Prices have been geared towards wealthy foreigners who are willing to supply their currency to every country they visit.
The fare to Colombo is 110 rupees.
On the bus I met a girl from the Czech Republic named Suzana, she was going to volunteer on the east coast of the island. We talked all the way to the city. She also quit her job to travel and ride around different countries. When you meet a fellow traveler, there is always something to talk about.
Soon I arrived at the station, where I was to meet my fellow traveler Nastya. Having agreed on an indefinite time and having no connection, we arranged a small quest for each other. The bus took a long time to enter the fort area at the bus station due to a traffic jam and eventually arrived only around 4 pm.
I ended up doing laps at the central bus stop and she passed 3 others in the neighborhood. We did meet soon after.
Now it was time to look for housing. Prices were not as low as we expected, the cheapest option cost 2500. Such a budget was not included in our plans and we left this place.
Mount Lavinia is a very popular place near Colombo. There are several reasons for that.
I wanted to look at all this beauty during the day, at night we did not have time to do this.
Nearby was a fashionable hotel, which we went straight to. The guards do not react to the white masters in any way.
In the course, we did not sit for a long time, and went to the terrace.
From here opened not only beautiful view on the entire coast, but it was also possible to enjoy the benefits of local life, such as sun loungers and a swimming pool.
The ocean waters were very warm, but we limited ourselves to a walk along the coast this time. 
Today, it seems like March 8, and I can’t even believe that I’m walking along the coast of Sri Lanka, blown by the breeze of the winds of the Indian Ocean.
The tides were constantly washing the feet, and sometimes the naughty water element reached even higher, spraying up to the very knees.
The heat that stood on the street was not felt so sharply near the water, which made the walk even more enjoyable. 
There are boats all along the coast and at night fishermen come out to think. 
During the day, the fish are deep and hard to catch, but after sunset, it's time 
For some reason, the reason for the night fishing did not occur to me, but then it dawned on me.
Nature is a simple thing, do you know why it is better to catch at night?
I somehow wanted to congratulate my fellow traveler on International Women's Day, but there was no suitable option.
And so I found some flowers growing near the water, picked up an impromptu mini-bouquet and congratulated Nastya on the holiday.
Having reached the stone formation with the deities, we went back.
Nastya was waiting for me on the lawn near the house, talking with her friend. They last saw each other 5 years ago.
Mount Lavinia (Sri Lanka) is a city resort located on the southern outskirts of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo - just 12 km from the city center. On whether to choose this resort for a holiday, we strongly advise read this. We went there out of curiosity - after all, some Internet sources refer it to one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, and simply because it lay on the line of the general route of our 30 days motorcycle trip in this country. In the morning we left Beruwala, where we lived before. On a short journey (about an hour of leisurely riding a motorcycle), we admired, as usual, the beauties and sights of the road. 
Most of the time we were accompanied by railroad tracks that run almost parallel to the sea and the road. 
Well, here we are in Mount Lavinia. There are plenty of hotels here, but a feature of this village is also the railway track, which runs directly next to the ocean. And therefore, all hotels are located behind the railway line. Plus, the prices are unreasonably high. The hotel we looked at on the Internet Royce Boutique was already busy. He, by the way, was almost right next to the tracks. But it was promised that trains do not run at night, and rarely during the day. We looked at a couple more, having driven away from the sea, asked the price, nothing “hooked”.
We drove along a parallel street. At the very end - a multi-storey hotel, positioning itself as the only one with a sea view - Surf View . We went and looked. Complete chaos! Dirty and shattered. The view of the sea also includes a view of the courtyard, with the rubbish heap located there. The prices charged are not at all low - even laughter made out ...
Near the hotel there is a small shop with drinks and snacks - replenished water supplies. We drove back down the street. There are actually a lot of housing. We turned into an alley with as many as three hotels. We looked at the first one and immediately stayed in it. 
Clean lobby and air conditioned rooms. 
bathroom with window hot water and even a bidet! It’s a pity that the toilet is turned away from the window, otherwise it would be ...))) 
There were no tenants except us, and the hostess willingly went to bargain - they agreed on 2,500 rupees. Balcony with tropical view. 
If you wish, you can order hot food - the hostess will cook. 
There is even a small garage for vehicles on site.
After settling in, we immediately went for a swim. The beach is 300 meters away. From a distance, Mount Lavinia beach looks like this - very much nothing! 
We go further. There are quite a lot of people, both tourists and Sri Lankans. Tourists mostly - hide behind fences, through which they admire the sea ... A kind of "civilization" on the reservation. 
Well, there is a lot of garbage on the shore - you don’t even want to sit down, let alone lie down. 
Luckily, the water is clear and so is the bottom. 
The waves are medium - you can swim. We go further. The beach is full of cafes.
In the wilder part (to the north towards Colombo), where the fishing boats start, a bit cleaner, and there we settled down. 
But in general, Colombo and Mount Lavinia beach are not conducive to a long rest. And, apparently, many spend their holidays here. 
After swimming, we decided to take a walk in the direction of the eminent Mount Lavinia Hotel to see what's behind it. 
The path lay along the railway road and was not very close. We turned back - it’s dumb to walk along the rails, after all, trains are not rare here, and the hot weather does not favor promenades in such places. 
On the stones on the sides of the railway, here and there, couples of Sri Lankans in love were attached, a kind of place for dates. Many under umbrellas - double protection from the sun and prying eyes. 
And some without umbrellas. 
Well, we, having a bite of hot corn, went to Colombo to look at the city. And for the first time in Sri Lanka, in Mount Lavinia, they noticed that the police officers standing at the crossroads were armed with machine guns. It feels like we are approaching the capital. This is also felt in the density of movement. We've already gotten away with this...
On the way we went to a cafe that turned up where locals eat. They ate dosa (savory pancakes) with sauces and rice with curry with appetite. 
Everything is tasty and cheap - we were satisfied. Let's go further. We decided to move towards the center. But after spending 40 minutes on the road, mostly standing in traffic jams (even on a motorcycle you can’t squeeze through) and at traffic lights, breathing in exhaust fumes, we realized that it didn’t give pleasure and the desire to go further was gone. Turned back. Nothing, we will drive through Colombo tomorrow, early in the morning, on the way to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
We went to the supermarket for some goodies. Our favorites are Kurd (Sri Lankan thick unsweetened yogurt) 
and very tasty and slightly unusual ginger lemonade.
Mount Lavinia is a popular resort area in Sri Lanka, which, however, has very mixed ratings. Some sources on the network claim that this is a paradise for tourists, others insist on the opposite version, calling Mount Lavinia perhaps the worst area of the country. And in order to separate the wheat from the chaff, we decided to look into this issue in detail and find out all the ins and outs of this eminent 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 lands of nearby areas, as a result of which it absorbed many suburbs. Today, Mount Lavinia, 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 eponymous beach and hotel are located.
Thomas Maitland The resort is 45 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. The population of the district is about 220 thousand people. The British were the first to choose this area 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, a Lankan woman named Lavinia. Today, the governor's house has become the Mount Lavinia Hotel, an elite 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 stayed in Colombo for a couple of days and decided to combine a walk around the city and its environs with a beach holiday.
Tourism infrastructure
Mount Lavinia Hotel In Mount Lavinia, hotels of different price categories are concentrated. Here you can stay both in an elite hotel worth $ 100 per night for two, and in a budget guest house, daily accommodation in which will cost between $ 18-25.
The eminent Mount Lavinia Hotel 4 * has gained particular popularity - the only hotel in the resort with a private beach. The hotel has its own pool, fitness center and spa treatment rooms, as well as a large restaurant with dishes for all tastes.
Along the coast of Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka, a whole chain of cafes and restaurants has lined up, which is not lacking in areas remote from the beach. Among them you can find both large establishments with beautiful design and small cozy eateries. The restaurant menu offers Sri Lankan, Asian, Indian and European dishes. Most high level service, according to tourists, the following establishments differ:
The resort has many grocery stores, pharmacies and souvenir shops. Some supermarkets offer a large selection of fresh vegetables and fruits. Clothing stores sell jeans and T-shirts for very modest prices, although there are boutiques with higher prices.
Popular activities in Mount Lavinia include diving and snorkeling. Also, you will definitely be offered a ride on a boat or go fishing. Fans of passive relaxation will love the Ayurvedic massage with therapeutic oils and herbs. You can rent a bicycle at the resort and explore the area and the surrounding area. Well, party fans here can always visit local nightclubs.
Find out the RATES or book any accommodation using this form
Beach
The beach at Mount Lavinia cannot be called one of the best in Sri Lanka, although for some it becomes just that. It is distinguished by a sufficient length, but a narrow coastline. This is a sandy coast with yellow sand, with a gentle entry into the ocean, which is characterized by small waves in the high season.
Since the beach is in close proximity to Colombo, many locals rest here, especially on weekends. The coastline is quite dirty, and garbage collection is paid little attention here. The water is cloudy with a green tint, it often comes across bags and wrappers from food.
On the public beach at Mount Lavinia, you will not find much entertainment. You will not see surfers here either. There are no sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers and toilets on the beach. However, some cafes stretching along the entire coast provide sun loungers with umbrellas for rent. And if you dined at a restaurant, then you can use them for free. Tourists who have been here are advised to relax in the cafe area or on the Mount Lavinia Hotel's private beach, as it is cleaner and more comfortable there.
The city railway runs along the coastline, so you should forget about a relaxing beach holiday here. The peace is also disturbed by local souvenir merchants, one after another coming up to 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 beach of Mount Lavinia is worth a visit only if you stay in Colombo for a couple of days. You can swim and sunbathe here, although it makes no sense to specially go here for a beach holiday. There are places in Sri Lanka where much more Better conditions for vacationers.
What to see
In addition to walking around the city and relaxing on the beach in Mount Lavinia, you can go to explore the sights, among which deserve special attention:
If you happen to be in Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the main local attraction - the national zoo. Being one of the largest in all of Asia, the reserve has become a haven for more than 360 species of animals. Here you can also get acquainted with various species of birds and butterflies. Often, the zoo arranges a special performance for tourists, the main actors where trained elephants perform.
The zoo has several open 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 look into the House of Reptiles, where dwarf crocodiles and tropical reptiles live. At the zoo, for an additional fee, you can ride an elephant or a pony. The attraction is open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. The entry price is $4.
The purpose of this shelter in Sri Lanka is to save endangered species of turtles. Every year the number of representatives of tropical species decreases. That is why it was decided to open a small reserve where you can raise young endangered animals. When the turtles reach a certain age, the organizers of the farm release them for free swimming in the open ocean. Injured turtles found on the coast are also nursed here.
Each visitor to the farm has the opportunity to hold the turtles in their hands and feed them. The entrance fee to the reserve is $4.5. Also, everyone can make an additional donation to the farm fund. The facility is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
Bolgoda, the largest freshwater lake in Sri Lanka, is located 9 km south of the resort. This body of water is about 350 sq. km has become a haven for numerous species of reptiles and fish, and more than 30 species of mammals live in the mangroves around its waters. Most of the lake has the status of a protected reserve. Here, tourists have the opportunity not only to enjoy the beauties of nature, but also to go for a boat ride, as well as go fishing in specially designated places. Many travelers come here to windsurf.
Hello friends. Mount Lavinia is located in the southern part of Colombo. Once it was independent city with wide beaches on the Indian Ocean. Over time, the capital of Sri Lanka expanded, absorbing neighboring suburbs and adding them to its territory. Now the name Mount Lavinia is worn by: the city district, the city beach and the famous hotel. We will talk about them in this article.
Mount Lavinia is located 12 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka - the city of Colombo. Therefore, from the international, many tourists go directly to the beach or to a hotel on the seashore.
From Bandaranaike Airport directly to the beach about an hour and a half by car.
You can often find the expression "Colombo's Mount Lavinia and Negombo beaches" on the net. Mount Lavinia, in the western part of the island, south of Colombo, and Negombo 15 km north of Colombo.
Mount Lavinia beach
City beach Mount Lavinia stretches along the coast of the Indian Ocean. Long, wide, fairly clean, with many stalls, tents and cafes.
The entrance to the water is smooth, the sand is fine, the water warms up well. In the late afternoon and on Sundays, locals come here.
Unlike residents, who do not usually swim in the sea, the Sri Lankans love the ocean, go in for water sports, and love to swim. Whole families, companies and groups come.
We watched with interest how a company of different ages trained in creating living pyramids: they climbed on each other's shoulders, broke down and fell into the water, laughed and stubbornly walked towards success. Looking at them, the local boys began to “do one”, “do two” and join the increasingly popular entertainment (or already a sport?).
During the day on the beach, we noticed a few Europeans, obviously not the first day vacationers here.
Of course, everyone has their own taste, and the city beach is very good, but this is the city beach. If you stopped in Colombo on business, came on a business trip, then not going to Mount Lavinia is simply a sin. But we do not recommend spending a whole vacation on this beach.
Sri Lanka has a huge choice away from cities, surrounded by pristine nature, with entertainment and exotic.
From Colombo to Mount Lavinia runs every 30 minutes. They say that during rush hours in the evening and on weekends, the train is crowded, and there are no seats even in the vestibule, but we did not see this. Although we passed by the train every day. Just in case, consider this fact.
Area
Mount Lavinia area West Side islands. In the history of Sri Lanka, it was first mentioned in a letter from the Governor of Ceylon (as the Europeans called the island) Sir Thomas Maitland in 1805.
It is possible that the governor himself came up with this name. By the way, there is a romantic story associated with the name. The governor was in love with the local beautiful dancer Lavinia. On the coast of the ocean, he built a colonial-style mansion and named it after the girl Mount Lavinia.
Now the former governor's mansion houses a hotel. I will tell you more about him.
Attractions Mount Lavinia
There are interesting places in and near the area, but where you should definitely go, especially if you are with a child, then this is the Sri Lanka Zoological Garden: Dehiwala Zoo.
Dehiwala Zoological Gardens in the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia area. He has a lot different names but it's the only one in the area. Appeared in the 1920s, but the opening date is considered to be 1939. Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Like other nature institutions in Sri Lanka, Dehiwala Zoo is educational and educational center environmental protection.
Dehiwala Zoo is the oldest in Asia. In 2005, the zoo had 3,000 animals and 350 various kinds which are kept in cages and aviaries. There is an aquarium, a reptile house and a butterfly garden.
Open to visitors all year round. There is a gift shop. You can ride elephants and ponies.
Official site: National Zoological Gardens
Mount Lavinia Hotel
Equipped with all modern amenities 4-star hotel is located on the 1st line and at the same time is a historical monument.
This is the former mansion of the governor of Ceylon. The place is beautiful and popular with tourists. So there were modern buildings with a swimming pool, gym, rooms for Ayurvedic procedures. The hotel has a banquet hall and a special service for weddings and conferences.
- Mount Lavinia is the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka and the only hotel on the island with its own private beach area.
- The rooms are different, there are air conditioners.
- The food is delicious and varied.
- Nearby is a supermarket with a huge selection of ripe juicy local fruits. Pharmacies, shops, a private doctor - everything is within walking distance.
- And of course great staff. The Sri Lankans are amazing people.
- The center of Colombo is about 15 minutes.
- The hotel lives its own separate life.
Housing is cheaper
There are many hotels. Prices are from about 2,000 - 3,000 rupees, but these are hotels for those who come here to relax.
We filmed a very simple and budget house for a few days. We expected to return here for another day after the trip, so we paid in advance for a day of accommodation and agreed with the owner to leave a bag with winter things with him. He agreed without question.
At the end of the trip, our plans changed. Comparing the possibilities of Mount Lavinia beach and Hikkaduwa beach, where we stopped, we realized that we wanted to stay at least a day on our beach. The owner of the house in Mount Lavinia was informed about this on the Internet, where things were left. They didn't take the money back.
On the way to the airport, we stopped at Mount Lavinia in a taxi, thanked and hugged the owner, took our things and left.
Holiday (Perahera)
On the first day we were lucky. On the evening of the first day, we talked with the owner, asked about sights, life, holidays. It turned out that today is a big holiday in Colombo. Together we rushed to the center and just caught the procession.
Something like our May Day demonstrations in Soviet times. The people are in darkness, organizations, schools are marching in endless columns, accompanied by music and dances. Only they do not have banners, but real sculptures on platforms or living people depict various scenes from religious and historical life.
Elephants, torchbearers, characters of legends and folk tales, ritually painted in festive blankets, are also here. There were even people dressed up as colonial Europeans and slave fighters.
In general, we could not tear ourselves away from the spectacle. And at home before the trip, we were looking for holidays, but found nothing. And here is a gift.
When is the best time to go
The periods from April to May and from September to November are warm but rainy. Temperature 30 - 35. Cloudy, stormy sea. Swimming in the sea is not possible. (But you can in the hotel pool, and admire the ocean).
It is better to go to this part of Sri Lanka from November to May.
Mount Lavinia. December - January
How to get to Mount Lavinia
- By taxi from Bandaranaike International Airport. Approximately 40 - 50 dollars. You can agree with the owner of the house to which you are going about the transfer. It's usually cheaper. We arrived at 30.
- There is a free shuttle bus from the airport. He takes passengers to the bus station. At the nearest one, get off and take bus number 187. Take it to the bus station in Colombo. At the bus station, change to the route to Mount Lavinia or any other, other buses will do, but it’s better to check their route at the station.
- By train. Get to Colombo, to the railway station "Fort". From there, take the train towards Matara. Arrive at Mount Lavinia station. The beach is in front of you.
Advice . If this is your first time in Sri Lanka and you have booked a private house, then it is quite difficult to find this house by yourself. We advise you to use the transfer from the owner of the hotel. He will meet you and take you where you need to go.
Or use the transfer, which can be booked online.
- Mount Lavinia has Kelaniya River Airport (KEZ). From it, planes fly to local airports in Sri Lanka.
There are quite a lot of local airports, but we didn’t deal with them, because we planned an interesting route and wanted to see and touch everything.
If you have flown domestic aircraft, tell us in the comments how fast, convenient, and expensive it is.
Sincerely,
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