Mount Lavinia Beach
ගල්කිස්ස
The closest beach to Colombo's southern suburbs, with a colonial hotel converted from a 19th-century governor's residence overlooking the bay, and seaside restaurants for sunset.
Mount Lavinia lies about 12 km south of the city centre. The white colonial hotel beside the beach, the Mount Lavinia Hotel, was originally the residence of a British governor in 1806. Its terrace is a good spot to enjoy afternoon tea while watching the sea. The sandy beach has rows of seafood restaurants and bars, and locals gather in the evening to watch the sunset. You can take the Coast Line train from Fort, which takes about 30 minutes, or come by taxi. Waves are rough, and swimming is not advised during the southwest monsoon from May to September.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Dehiwala Zoo (National Zoological Gardens)
- Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya
- Number 11 – Geoffrey Bawa's Home
- Independence Memorial Hall & Square
- Colombo National Museum
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Colombo Town Hall
- Gangaramaya Temple