Mount Lavinia beach
Mount Lavinia is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, very close to the capital Colombo. It's one of the oldest and most popular local resorts famous for its unique atmosphere and rich history.
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Beach description
The beach and the town nearby were named after the popular Mount Lavinia hotel which served as the residence of a British governor over two centuries ago. The owner of the residence had secret meetings with the local dancer by the name of Lavinia who broke his heart. Nowadays it's a modern tourist complex for 250 people that sits on top of the rocky cape and is the coast's gem and resort's main feature.
It's always crowded and lively here due to how close it is to the airport and the capital, as well as the main highways. Capital residents come here during weekends to relax after a hard week, swim in the ocean and enjoy their time in karaoke bars or during night parties. Besides that, Mount Lavinia offers water attractions, you can play football and beach volleyball and even ride an elephant along the coast. You can also rent a boat and go fishing or ride across the sea.
The beach is equipped with everything necessary, toilets, showers and changing rooms are set up. Sunbeds are offered by cafes and restaurants if you buy food or beverages. The sea is relatively calm and shallow, but be wary of ocean currents. Safe spots for swimming are marked by special flags, rescue workers make sure everything is alright.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is the period from November to April, when the weather is dry. In summer, the rainy season takes place in Sri Lanka, however, the prices this season are much lower. So if you are not afraid of rainfalls (which commonly take place at night, and by morning the ground dries up), a trip in the summer can be a great option for a budget holiday.