Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is the second largest municipality of Sri Lanka after the capital city Colombo. With a decent population, this suburb of Colombo lies immediately south of the Colombo Municipality. The colourful suburb is an amalgam of certain principal urban communities and suburbs that are combined for the administrative purposes. Home to the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka which still happens to be the largest of the kind in Asia, the Mount Lavinia and Dehiwala are both located along the Galle Road Artery which runs along the coast leading you to the South of the country.
This Municipality of Sri Lanka comprises of 7 key areas including Mount-Lavinia, Ratmalana, Kalubowila, Nedimala, Attidiya, Kohuwala and Dehiwala. All of these destinations have a number of places to see to keep you engaged and interested. Not too far away from the Colombo city, you definitely must come here for a day trip or even stay here overnight in one of the prominent resorts, guesthouses or hotels located here.
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia FAQ's
Travel Advice
Do not get involved in any type or fight or brawl with the locals of the region.
Do not flaunt your valuables in public.
Do not let anyone mislead you.
It is a good idea to always stay alert and aware.
Do not travel alone in the secluded areas.
Do not wear clothes that are skimpy or revealing.
Be wary of the touts or the beggars.
Do not leave your important documents or the valuables in the hotel room.
Make sure you carry with you at least one ID proof.
Do not eat street food unless you are assured of the quality of the food.
Make sure you only drink bottled mineral water.
If you are suffering from a medical condition, carry with you all the necessary medications that you may need during the trip.
It is a good idea to keep a first aid kit handy.
Do not go to a new destination without gathering sufficient information about it.
Make sure you always get in a prepaid taxi or auto.
In case you need any help, you can request from the locals but make sure you are polite in your way of interacting.
Learn a few words from the local language.
Drinking Law
The legal age for drinking in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is 20 years.
Our Recommendations: What You Can't Afford to Miss?
Mount Lavina beach of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia offers the perfect blend of entertainment and tranquillity in the magnificent city of Colombo. In this suburb of the town, there are a number of impressive landmarks and places to see for you to visit. One such place is the Mount Lavinia Beach. It is a beach that gives way too much for the travellers. For those here on a romantic day out the beach can be a good fun. There are also a number of restaurants that offer exceptionally fantastic food for the visitors. Water sports such as swimming, diving and surfing can be a great fun here.
National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is also known as the Colombo Zoo or the Dehiwala Zoo. Founded in the year 1936, the zoo is a home to a number of birds and animals. The zoo not only exhibits a myriad of animals but also lay a special emphasis on animal conservation, education and wildlife. As of 2005, the zoo had 350 different species of animals. In totality there are 3000 animals living inside. Visiting this beautiful zoo can be a good thing to do.
Sri Lanka Air Force MuseumSri Lanka Air Force Museum is the museum that is dedicated to the Sri Lankan Air Force and its predecessor which is the Royal Ceylon Air Force. The museum is open for the public and is maintained and operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force. The SLAF is a brain child of the Air Chief Marshal, Harry Goonatilake who is the former Commander of the Air Force. Amongst the other things, the key exhibits in the museum include former aircraft and equipment of the RCYAF and SLAF. Some of the notable items of the museum include the sword and metals of the Air Vice Marshal E. R. Amarasekara who was the first Commander of Air Force of Ceylon.
Viharamahadevi ParkViharamahadevi Park which was previously known as the Victorial Park. It is a public park that is located in Colombo. The park lies right next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka and is a great tourist attraction here. This is the largest and the oldest park of the Port of Colombo. The park is named after Queen Viharamahadevi who was the mother of King Dutugamunu. It was developed on the land that was donated to the Colombo City by Charles Henry de Soysa when Sri Lanka was under the British rule. It was then known as Victoria Park named after ‘QUEEN VICTORIA.’ Only in the year 1951, the park was restored and opened to the public. The park once had a cricket ground which was used for the first class cricket during the period spanning from 1927 to 1995.
National Museum of ColomboSri Lanka National Museum also known as the National Museum of Colombo is one of the two museums in Colombo. This is the largest museum of Sri Lanka. The museum is maintained by the Department of National Museum of Central Government. Established in the year 1877 by the Sir William Henry this museum houses within it the insignia of Sri Lanka.
What Will You Like There?
The entire Colombo city is blessed by mesmerizingly beautiful sunsets which reflect off the Indian Ocean. The best sunset in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia can be experienced at the Mount Lavinia Beach. At the time of sunset, the entire area looks like a colourful palate of varying hues. You can simply sit by the beach side and absorb the beauty of the place.
Play a thrilling game of golf at the Royal Colombo Golf ClubOne of the most important things to do in Colombo is Golfing. It has been in existence ever since past 129 years and despite that it is still very well maintained and lures a number of golf lovers.
A city tour
You can board the thrilling double decker of the City Tour of Colombo so as to witness the hidden treasures of Colombo. This city tour more or less will help you cover all the important places to see in this beautiful suburb of Colombo.
Relish on Seafood at Mt Lavinia Beach
Mt Lavina is undoubtedly a lax and an easy going suburb of Colombo. The beach is lined with a number of restaurants that offer mouth watering sea. This beach is named after Lovina who was a Bohemian dancing girl who was believed to be having a secret affair with the Sri Lankan governor. You can even stay in one of the beautiful resorts located here on the beach.
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia offers abundant shopping opportunities. You can find steep department stores and high end designer malls where you can enjoy shopping. Some of the things that you can shop for here include home furnishings, shoes, clothing, handbags and handicrafts.
Indulge in a Massage at One Of the Spas
Your visit to Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is incomplete without indulging yourself in a premium massage. You can find a number of expert masseurs here who work here in serene surroundings to give you a premium massage right from Swedish to Shiatsu.
Take home Some Art
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia has a number of galleries and museums that house some fantastic exhibits depicting the culture and art of the city. You can even shop for paintings and the artefacts at take back a piece of art with you.
Sample the Nightlife
The nightlife here is thrilling, wild and exciting. There are a number of bars, casinos and cool clubs for you to chill out and keep your interesting all night long.
Relish on Kothu Rotti
One of the most favourite snacks of Sri Lanka is the Kothu Rotti. It is basically sliced up bits of rotti which is served with your choice of filling ithat can range from beef to chillies, onions, tomatoes, chicken or egg.
Go For a Ride in a Trishaw
Trikshaw is the key means of transport all throughout Sri Lanka. So, you can use this means of transportation to explore the city. It is fast, cheap and definitely an easy way to move round the city.
Recommended Reads For Destination (Govt. Websites, Travel Forum Articles)?
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