Mount Lavinia beach – Colombo
Description
Dehiwala beach, also recognised as Mount Lavinia beach, is near Colombo, one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. It is a perfect destination for a relaxing and fantastic beach holiday. And also, this golden sand beach is an ideal place for morning yoga and meditation and evening relaxation. The beach is immaculate. Furthermore, it is proper for swimming, and also you can visit the cafes with live music and artists performing enjoying the marvellous beauty of the beach. So you can spend a perfect musical night here. The views during the sunset are magical and spectacular. Mount Lavinia beach is best for travelling to unwind your body and soul.
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History of Mount Lavinia Beach
Mount Lavinia Beach has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. It was named after Lovina Aponsuwa, a local girl who had a romantic relationship with Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). According to legend, Sir Thomas built a secret tunnel from his mansion to the beach so that he could secretly meet Lovina without anyone knowing. The mansion, known as the "Governor's House," was built in 1805 and was one of the most luxurious residences in Ceylon at the time. Today, the mansion has been converted into the Mount Lavinia Hotel, a luxury beachfront resort that retains much of its colonial charm and character. The beach was a popular spot for colonial-era picnics and outings, and it remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Activities at Mount Lavinia Beach
Mount Lavinia Beach offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is swimming, as the beach has calm waters and a gentle slope into the sea. Several water sports are also available, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, and windsurfing. The beach is also a popular fishing spot for locals and tourists.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The beach is a great place to lounge on the sand, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Several beach volleyball courts are also available for those who want to get active. In addition, the beach is lined with several restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy delicious seafood and other local specialties while taking in stunning ocean views.
Another popular activity at Mount Lavinia Beach is strolling along the shoreline during sunset. The beach has a romantic and tranquil ambience during the evening hours, and watching the sun sink below the horizon is a breathtaking sight. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, which offers stunning ocean and beachfront views.
Overall, Mount Lavinia Beach offers diverse activities for visitors to enjoy, whether they prefer to spend their time in the water or on land.
Places to Eat and Drink
Mount Lavinia Beach is home to various restaurants and cafes that offer delicious food and drinks. Many of these restaurants are on the beach and have beautiful ocean views. Here are some of the top places to eat and drink at Mount Lavinia Beach:
La Langousterie: This seafood restaurant on the beach offers an innovative and delicious menu. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, like lobster and prawns. It also has a bar with a lot of drinks and cocktails.
The Station: Located just a short walk from the beach, The Station is a popular restaurant and bar with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a range of international dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and pasta, and the bar serves a variety of local and imported beers.
Sugar Beach: This beachside cafe serves up delicious sandwiches, wraps, and salads, as well as a variety of refreshing smoothies and juices. The restaurant also offers a range of sweet treats, including cakes, pastries, and ice cream.
Lavinia Breeze: This restaurant and bar in the Mount Lavinia Hotel offer stunning ocean and beach views. On the menu, you can choose from a wide range of local and international dishes, cocktails, and other drinks.
Mount Lavinia Beach has a great selection of restaurants and cafes that offer something for every taste and budget. So whether you are looking for fresh seafood, grilled meats, or a refreshing smoothie, you will find something delicious at Mount Lavinia Beach.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Lavinia Beach is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with low humidity and minimal rainfall. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities.
However, it's worth noting that Mount Lavinia Beach can be pretty busy during the peak tourist season, especially in December and January. If you're looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from April to September. During this time, the weather is still warm and pleasant, but the crowds are smaller, making it easier to find a quiet spot on the beach.
Sri Lanka is primarily Buddhist, so remember that public holidays and festivals may change your travel plans at different times of the year. For example, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which falls in mid-April, is a significant holiday in Sri Lanka and can cause disruptions to transportation and other services.
How to Get There
Mount Lavinia Beach is located in the southern suburbs of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Here are some of the ways to get there:
By taxi: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Mount Lavinia Beach is by taxi. Taxis are readily available throughout Colombo and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance through a taxi app. A taxi ride from central Colombo to Mount Lavinia Beach takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Sri Lanka and are a more affordable option than taxis. They can be hailed on the street or booked through a tuk-tuk app. For example, the ride from central Colombo to Mount Lavinia Beach takes 30-40 minutes by tuk-tuk.
By bus: Several buses run from central Colombo to Mount Lavinia Beach, with frequent daily services. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially during peak hours, but they are a cheap and convenient way to travel.
By train: The nearest train station to Mount Lavinia Beach is Mount Lavinia Station, a short walk from the beach. Trains run from Colombo Fort Station to Mount Lavinia Station several times a day, with the journey taking around 20-30 minutes. However, train travel can be unreliable in Sri Lanka, so it's worth checking the schedules in advance, leaving plenty of time to reach your destination.
There are several ways to reach Mount Lavinia Beach, with options for all budgets and travel styles. Whether you prefer the convenience of a taxi, the affordability of a tuk-tuk, or the adventure of taking public transport, you're sure to find a way to reach Mount Lavinia Beach that suits your needs.
Safety Tips
Mount Lavinia Beach is generally a safe and pleasant place to visit, but it's always a good idea to take some basic precautions to ensure your safety and security. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Swim only in designated areas: While the beach is generally safe for swimming, it's important to stick to the designated swimming areas marked by buoys. These areas are monitored by lifeguards, who can offer assistance if needed.
Be aware of the currents: Mount Lavinia Beach can experience strong winds, especially during the monsoon season. Always pay attention to the warning signs and listen to the advice of the lifeguards.
Watch your belongings: Petty theft can be a problem on the beach, especially during peak tourist season. So keep your valuables out of sight, and don't leave them unattended on the beach.
Dress appropriately: Sri Lanka is a conservative country, and it's essential to dress modestly when visiting public places like the beach. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or swimwear that could be considered inappropriate.
Use sunscreen and stay hydrated: The sun can be intense in Sri Lanka, so it's important to use sunscreen and stay hydrated while on the beach. In addition, bring plenty of water and avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Overall, Mount Lavinia Beach is a safe and enjoyable destination for visitors, but it's always a good idea to take basic precautions to ensure your safety and security. By following these tips and using common sense, you can enjoy all these beautiful beach offers without worries or concerns.
