Located in southwestern Sri Lanka just 20 minute drive from Colombo airport, Kotugoda is a charming town surrounded by coconut plantations, rice paddies, and tea fields. The sleepy village makes a perfect laid-back base for trips to the stunning Negombo Lagoon, pristine beaches, wonderful fish markets, and enthralling sacred temples, cultural sites, and museums. Sample local Sri Lankan cuisine such as seeni sambal and chicken curry, enjoy a spot of high-tea overlooking the valleys, walk among the breathtaking Wallawwa formal gardens, or indulge in a massage at one of the local luxury spas. Other popular activities include bird watching, fishing, guided nature as well as city tours of Colombo in the south and Negombo in the north.
Resting on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle (Pronounced ‘gawl’ in English) is the best example of a walled city built by the Portuguese in South Asia in the 16th Century. It was extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. When you enter the old city gates of this World Heritage Site you can’t help but notice the grand colonial houses and boutique shops and of course the beautiful beaches on the fringes of town. Attracting many luxury travellers from around the world, the town is also a favourite with cricket fans who rate the Galle International Stadium to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world.
The large port town of Tangalle, in the southern province of Sri Lanka, offers locals superb fishing opportunities from a haven of sandy beaches, interspersed with photogenic rocky outcrops (giving the town its name - which means ‘projected rock’). Remnants of Dutch colonialism can be seen in the architecture; for example, in an old fort functioning as a prison today. The town serves as a starting point for a visit to the rock temple of Mulkirigala, situated on a rocky crag some 16 kilometres to the north. The temple consists of seven caves on five terraced levels, where visitors can view a number of large reclining Buddha statues interspersed with smaller sitting and standing figures, as well as some fantastical wall paintings.
