BERUWALA
Area: Sri Lanka
Country: Sri Lanka


Location:
On SW coast, 35 miles S of Colombo, 4 miles N of Bentota. 59 miles S of Bandaranaike international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
94 34

Position:
Unexceptional coastal strip backed by coast road and tropical countryside. Railway runs behind town and away from major hotels.

Description:
Divided into two sections with an old fishing village to the N of the centre and the tourist area two miles further S in Moragalla. Here, fishing boats and their nets are hauled onto the beaches, watched and often assisted by tourists. Other local industries include coir rope-making and "toddy tapping", where sap is collected from the top of palm trees and used to make the local spirit, arrack.

Suitability:
Tropical beach lovers and sun worshippers. Honeymooners, families and mature clientele are all well catered for. Weddings.

Accommodation:
Hotels of varying quality to suit all tastes. Most are located on the "tourist strand" and offer all-inclusive packages with in-house entertainment. Smaller guesthouse-style properties off the main road and near the harbour at N end of resort attract independent travellers.

Shopping:
Dozens of beach shacks selling handicrafts, batiks and local souvenirs. Touts and hawkers frequently approach tourists with their wares. A couple of gem and jewellery shops on main road.

Beach:
Fine long pale sandy beach protected from the often rough ocean conditions by an offshore reef. Modest selection of water sports, often limited to body surfing during peak season (Nov_April).

Entertainments:
Organised in hotels.

Eating:
A couple of fish restaurants on main road; a few beach bars with limited menus open during the day.

Public-transport:
Buses on main road; taxis and motorised rickshaws outside main hotels.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Galle; Colombo; Kalutara temples. Full day: Kandy.