A visit to Colombo is incomplete without heading to Mount Lavinia. Known to be one of the most popular attractions in the city, this is a popular retreat spot. Mount Lavinia is known for its beaches and the attractions and experiences that come with it. From natural settings like beaches and lakes, to historical sites like museums, this place has a lot to offer.
Mount Lavinia is a suburb located in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and is known for being a popular beach retreat spot. This place is a tourism hotspot and continues to attract a lot of tourists from around the world. Some of the most popular attractions in this place include the nightlife scene that you can explore. Apart from the tourism activities, this place also takes pride in hosting Sri Lanka’s first ever pride festival back in 2005 and continues to do so.
The history of this place dates back to the 1800s when the governor Sir Thomas Maitland used this name to address his letters to the British Secretary of State. This place is also known for the St Thomas college- one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Overall this destination has aged gracefully in time and continues to do so by attracting tourists from around the world.
Highlights
• Visit the Dehiwala zoological park and check out the different types of flora and fauna in the park.
• Visit the Bolgoda lake and admire its premises by taking a stroll amidst the pristine and calm premises.
• Visit Mount Lavinia beach and admire the best views of the sunrise and sunset from the coast.
• Check out the different exhibits, ranging from uniforms and aircrafts in the Sri Lankan air force museum.
• Wander aimlessly in the streets of Mount Lavinia until you come across hidden gems and attractions.
• Taste the local street food like fried snacks near the Mount Lavinia beach.
How To Reach
1. By Car: The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is 2 kilometres away from the heart of Jaffna. Therefore, if you're driving, Colombo Plan Road will get you to Mount Lavinia in 40 minutes. You can also take a tuk tuk from anywhere in the city.
2. By Bus: Hotel road is the closest bus stop to Mount Lavinia and from there, you will have to walk around 500 metres to reach the venue.
3. By Train: Mount Lavinia is the closest railway station to Mount Lavinia. From there, you can take a car or a tuk tuk to Mount Lavinia. You will need at least 20 minutes to reach the place from the railway station.
Best Time To Visit
Mount Lavinia is open on all days of the year and comes with all types of experiences and activities.
1. Best Day of the Week: You can visit Mount Lavinia at any day of the week as it is open throughout the year. However, we recommend visiting the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple during the weekdays as there is less crowding and you can explore comfortably.
2. Best Time of the Day: Travel to Mount Lavinia at any time of the day, preferably between morning to afternoon. At this time, you can explore Mount Lavinia patiently and explore all that it offers.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
1. Be mindful of the waves and the currents, in case you are planning to go swimming in the water.
2. Do not drop litter or dirty the premises of the places you visit in Mount Lavinia as it can be a hassle for fellow tourists.
3. When in the Dehiwala zoological park, remember not to feed the animals or click any pictures by using flash.
4. The Sri Lanka Air Force Museum is closed on mondays, so plan your visit to this place accordingly.
5. There is a high chance of experiencing hot and humid climates, so stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
6. Since there is a high chance of sunshine, it is better to carry an umbrella wherever you go.
7. If you are planning to visit the beach, make sure you carry sunscreen to prevent any chances of facing sunburn.
Visit the Dehiwala Zoological Park
This is one of the oldest zoos in not only Sri Lanka, but also in the entire Asia. The zoological park is a home to more than 3000 animals, ranging from lion, tiger, elephant and jaguar. Apart from the animals, this place is also known for the different types of indigenous fauna and the 65 bird species. The park is open on all days and will require paying a fee to enter the premises. The prices vary for foreigners, domestic visitors, and for kids, so plan your expenses accordingly. The best part of this zoological park is that you can get up close with the animals in the park, so don’t miss this.
Visit Bolgoda Lake
There is nothing like taking a peaceful stroll alongside the Bolgoda lake. This lake is the largest freshwater natural lake in Sri Lanka and covers a major chunk of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. The lake has historical significance as it was used to ferry people and goods from the upper part of the Kalu Ganga river. There is also an island in this lake that you can visit to unwind after a long day. History suggests that this lake was a popular hunting spot for the British, so it is a great place to know more about its history. The best activities here include kayaking, sailing, yachting, and jet skiing.
Visit Mount Lavinia beach
The beach is one of the most sought after attractions in Mount Lavinia. This beach borders the Indian Ocean and has a lot of activities worth trying out. The water in this beach is great for swimming too, but it depends upon the status of the weather at that time. The beach is known for the locals and tourists arriving in huge numbers. There are also a lot of food stalls worth trying out, in case you are hungry. To start off, we recommend the sour mango with chilli powder and the manioca chips. Apart from the activities and food, the beach is a great place to get a glimpse of the sunset.
Visit the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum
One of the best attractions in Mount Lavinia is to check out the museums, and this one is no exception. This museum is maintained by the Sri Lankan air force and is open to the public. Tourists can visit the museum on all days except on Mondays to check out the historic aircrafts. There are also vehicles, uniforms of officers and weapons worth having a look at. Apart from these, the museum is known for showcasing remnants of the Japanese aircrafts shot during the Second World War. The exhibits here are not only attractive, but are also insightful to know more about Sri Lanka’s armed forces and their history.
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