The first Muslim settlement in Sri Lanka, Beruwala was established by Arab traders around the 8th century AD. The island’s oldest mosque, Kechimalai, can be found here, built on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town. Beruwala is the starting point of the 130-kilometre-long (81 miles) stretch of beach known as the “golden mile" ending in Bentota. The area in town known as “China Fort” is renowned worldwide as a gem trading centre. Visit the Pathea gem market and marvel at the myriad of precious gemstones and jewellery on offer.