I shared my experience of visiting the Kumana National Park recently. Now, it’s time to talk about the Yala National Park, with which the Kumana National Park shares a contiguous border.
The park is home to lush lagoons, open plains, forests, and dunes.
As a result, it attracts diverse wildlife and birds. Including elephants, Yala National Park has around 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds.
In addition, the Yala National Park safari allows you to spot leopards as it has one of the largest populations of leopards. In just Block 1, you will see around 25 leopards.
However, this diversity has further posed a problem for the wildlife and ecology of the national park. Mongabay reports that Yala National Park had 380000 visitors in the first half of 2025.
Backed by the social media boom, this increasing number of visitors has further triggered jeep jams and the problems of speeding jeeps in the national park.
Conservationists plan to restrict these, and rightly so, to maintain the experience of the Yala National Park safari.
Nevertheless, in this article, I will talk about the Yala National Park safari price, my experience, location, transportation options, and more.
Let’s begin with a quick overview of the Yala National Park and the safari price details.
An Overview Of The Yala National Park
Location
South-Western Sri Lanka
Size
– 979 Square Kilometers – Total Five Blocks with Block 1 as the Main Tourist Spot
So, here are the details of how to reach the Yala National Park from various parts of Sri Lanka.
1. From The Southern Coast To Tissamaharama
The surfing towns on the southern coast are well connected to the Yala National Park.
The best way to travel is to take a train from Mirissa to Colombo Fort Station and then walk to the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to catch a bus to Kataragama.
From Kataragama, you can hire a 4×4 jeep to reach the Yala National Park.
Check the table below to know how you can reach the Yala National Park from Mirissa.
Stage 1: Train from Mirissa to Colombo Fort Station
Stage 2: Taking a Bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Kataragama
– Time: 5 Hours Onward – Ticket Price: LKR 750
Stage 3: 4×4 Jeep Ride from Kataragama to the Yala National Park
Travel Time – 30 Minutes to Katagamuwa Entrance – Around 1 Hour to the Main Entrance or the Palatupana Entrance – Around 45 Minutes to Galge Entrance Price (Per Vehicle) – LKR 9000 to 18000
3. From Ella To Tissamaharama
From Ella, you can either take a bus or a private transport to reach Tissamaharama.
Bus Ride
The bus passes through Wellawaya and takes 4.5 hours to complete the journey. Furthermore, the ticket price will be around LKR 200.
Also, a local told me of a bus route from Bandarawela to Kataragama, having Tissamaharama and Ella as stopovers. However, I could not fact-check the availability of such services.
Private Transfer
For a premium and flexible travel experience, you can book a private transfer to cover the distance in a shorter time.
The journey is for 2.5 hours. However, the cost will be around LKR 10000.
Also, if you are planning to take a private transfer, choose Uber for a safe journey at a reasonable price.
By Train
There is no direct railway connectivity to Yala. However, if you are traveling from the southern coast, you can get off at Matara.
From Matara, you can take a tuk-tuk, bus, or taxi to reach the Yala National Park.
What Is The History Of The Yala National Park?
The history of Yala National Park as a protected wilderness is at least a century old. As an ecotourism zone, it is a bucket-list destination for anyone on a trip to Sri Lanka.
However, earlier, it was a hunting ground for the British colonial elites. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, the colonial administration took effective steps for the preservation of the park.
The Designation As A Wildlife Sanctuary
The British government designated the area as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. It was an attempt to restrict and regulate game hunting.
The Designation As A National Park
Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, Yala became a national park in 1938.
Thus, the core activity here became absolute wildlife protection from managed hunting.
Mid-Century Turmoil And Restoration
The park faced several challenges during the mid-to-late 20th century. Furthermore, during the 1970s and 1980s, Yala suffered from ivory hunting, illegal poaching, and agricultural encroachment along its borders.
DWC, or the Department of Wildlife Conservation, along with dedicated non-governmental organizations, launched sustained anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration initiatives.
These endeavors established the delicate ecological equilibrium of the national park. Also, the population of the elephants and leopards made a recovery during this time span.
The 2004 Tsunami And Ecological Resilience
The coastal fringe of Yala was massively impacted due to the Indian Ocean tsunami on 26th December 2004.
However, fortunately, deer, leopards, and elephants had fled to higher ground hours before the tsunami hit.
Furthermore, the land has made a tremendous recovery over the last two decades. There has been a proper regeneration of the coastal scrub, showcasing the profound resilience of this coastal wilderness.
The Five Blocks Of The Yala National Park
The expansive area of the Yala National Park has five different geographical blocks for better management of the expansive area.
Have a look at the table below to understand the uniqueness of each block.
Blocks in the Yala National Park
Uniqueness
Block I (Palatupana)
– The Crown Jewel of Yala – The Most-Visited, Wildlife-Dense, and Most Accessible Block of the National Park. – It features an Excellent Mix of open grasslands, monsoon forests, and Brackish Lagoons.
Block II (Katagamuwa)
– A Quiter, Transitional Zone – It Offers Exceptional Opportunities for Elephant Viewings and Excellent Birdwatching.
Blocks III, IV, and V
– The Deeper and Wilder Interior of Yala – These Northern Blocks Have Thick Vegetation, Minimal Tourist Infrastructure, and a Rugged Geology – Authentic Wilderness Experience Devoid of Jeep Convoys.
The Wildlife Experience I Had On The Yala National Park Safari
The Yala ecosystem is not just about the elephants and leopards. Furthermore, the ecosystem of Yala relies on a rich web of biodiversity, including hundreds of species.
1. The Sri Lankan Leopard
The Yala National Park does not have tigers or lions. Thus, Sri Lankan leopards rule as the undisputed predators of the zone.
Furthermore, Yala National Park is home to one of the biggest populations of Sri Lankan leopards. As a result, leopards are more visible here compared to different parts of India and Africa.
2. The Asian Elephants
Solitary bull elephants and large herds roam freely in the Yala National Park. These majestic creatures rely on inland lagoons and seasonal watering holes for bathing and feeding.
3. The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear
These animals are territorial and highly elusive. Furthermore, these shaggy, insect-eating animals are most frequently spotted during the fruiting season of the Palu tree.
4. Other Wildlife
The dry zone of the Yala National Park teems with wildlife. Along with these massive mammals, I could even spot a spotted
Deer (Chital)
Sambar Deer
Wild Boar
Tufted Gray Langurs
Toque Macaques
Water Buffalo
Water Monitor Lizards
Mugger Crocodiles
These animals were mostly visible near the water.
5. A Paradise For Birdwatchers
Yala National Park is a premier global destination for birdwatching. There are more than 215 bird species in the national park.
Furthermore, November to January is the ideal time for spotting the migratory waterfowl that fly to Sri Lanka to escape the strong winter of the Northern hemisphere.
– Green Bee-Eaters – Indian Peacocks – Malabar Pied Hornbills
The Fascinating Yala National Park Safari Experience
The Yala National Park safari offers a sensory and intense experience. Furthermore, the safari experience begins before sunrise.
1. The Dawn Patrol
The safari began at 4 AM from Tissamaharama. It was still pitch black, and we took a sip of the local coffee.
Then, the cold morning breeze touched us, and we advanced with the jeep headlights piercing through the predawn mist.
Furthermore, by 5:15 AM, we reached the main Palatupana Gate. The drivers waited for the park rangers to issue permits.
Then, the gates opened at 6 AM, and the vehicles started roaring through the dirt tracks of Block I.
2. The Landscape And The Sighting
When the first rays of the Sun touch the Yala National Park, the landscape looks very African.
It has scattered grasslands, spindly thorn scrub, and flat plains. Furthermore, the air was thick with humidity.
Then, the driver spotted a leopard suddenly, and the driver made a coordinated dash across the park.
The leopard was standing tall across a massive granite boulder in the soft morning light.
3. Midday Solace At Patanangala
As the day progressed, the wild creatures made a retreat deep into the thick shade with surging heat.
So, our jeep, along with many others, united at the Patanangala Beach picnic area.
In this part of the park, its rugged self became visible. The crashing waves of the Indian Ocean met the vast rocky outcrops.
Also, it was the place to stretch our legs and relax.
4. Exploring The Sacred Ruins In The Scrub
Along with rich wildlife, Yala National Park also stands out due to its deep historical and cultural footprint.
Especially in Block I of the national park, you will find some well-preserved ruins that depict the picture of an ancient civilization.
Sithulpahuwa Rock Temple
This rock temple is around 2200 years old and is a prominent architectural feature of the Kingdom of Ruhuna.
Once, thousands of Buddhist monks used to live in this temple. Today, you can see its white stupas rise dramatically above the forest canopy from a massive granite peak.
Furthermore, monks still live in this rock temple, and you can see leopards and tigers roaming in the courtyard.
Magul Maha Vihara
Magul Maha Vihara is on the southern fringes of the Yala National Park. It is believed to be the ancient site where King Kavantissa married Princess Viharamahadevi.
You can admire the intricate moonstones and stone pillars of the Vihara.
What Is The Best Time For The Yala National Park Safari?
February to July, or the dry season in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is the ideal time to plan a Yala National Park safari.
In these months, the grass in the park thins out, and the secondary waterholes dry up completely. So, the animals have to gather around the water in search of water.
Furthermore, November to April is the best time for birdwatching in the Yala National Park.
Also, remember that the Department of Wildlife Conservation typically closes Yala National Park for the entire month of September (sometimes extending into early October).
Yala National Park Safari And The Overtourism Issues
The rising popularity of the Yala National Park, especially on social media, now impacts the intimate wilderness experience.
It feels like a rushed safari tour, and by sunrise, hundreds of high-clearance safari jeeps queue at the Palatupana Gate.
Moreover, drivers are under immense pressure from their clients to find the “Big Three.”
So, whenever there is a radio transmission about a leopard getting spotted, the jeeps get into a frantic race.
Furthermore, the rush of these jeeps is disrupting the ecology and the natural wildlife behaviors of the national park.
In an interview with Mongabay, warden Ravindra Kumara, while narrating the controversial case of the male leopard Lucas’ encounter with a jeep, mentioned,
“Usually, when a safari jeep is close to an animal, jeep drivers have been advised to switch off the engine.
But this driver had turned on the engine, and it had scared away the animal. However, Lucas was spotted the following night near Yala junction, the animal’s usual territory, and is in good health.”
However, the driver training programs conducted by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society are proactive measures to avoid such unwanted disturbances.
In addition, the opening of remote blocks in the park can reduce the concentrated traffic in Block I.
So, Is The Yala National Park Safari Worth It?
Yes, the Yala National Park safari is absolutely worth the hype. I could see leopards softly walking through the scrub, elephant herds roaming, and peacocks dancing on open plains.
Furthermore, the shift in the landscape is dramatic.
However, the safari of this expansive area is quite demanding, and that is why you need to keep several things in mind.
What Are The Things To Keep In Mind For A Yala National Park Safari?
The rest stops and toilets are limited, and you will find the facilities near the main gate and the Patanangala Beach.
Furthermore, you must carry cash, preferably LKR, to pay for the permits and other expenses at the park.
Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.
The best way to start your day is staring at the rising sun.
If some exotic locations for the best sunrises are passing through your mind, let me also remind you of Vietnam.
Do you know which are the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam?
Before I proceed, let me tell you why sunrises in Vietnam are so beautiful.
The cosmic elegance of the Vietnamese sunrise stems from the country's long coastal stretches and naturally scenic settings.
The massive horizons along the coasts create unique sun flares every day when the sun rises here.
Similarly, the green landscapes reflecting the nascent sunrays every morning are no less than a visual treat.
Why Are There So Many Exotic Places To Watch Sunrise In Vietnam?
The mountain peaks here are also mesmerizing.
Meanwhile, Vietnam offers many locations where early mornings leave a lasting impression.
It includes misty hills and quiet beaches.
This guide highlights the top sunrise spots across the country.
Firstly, these places offer some of the most rewarding sights.
However, a well-planned vacation package to Vietnam can make these experiences enjoyable.
Why Is Vietnam Ideal For Sunrise Views?
Vietnam’s geography extends from north to south.
It includes the eastern coastline of Southeast Asia. This makes it an ideal destination for sunrise enthusiasts.
The sun rises over the East Sea.
It offers clear and wide views.
Mountain valleys and beaches provide breathtaking views. Don't miss out on the rice fields.
Witnessing sunrise can become one of your most treasured memories of Vietnam.
Where Can You See The Best Sunrise In Vietnam?
Vietnam has various sunrise spots.
Some of them are less explored. Here are some you can include in your next travel itinerary:
1. Mui Ne: Sand Dunes And Sea Views
Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam.
It is known for its red and white dunes.
Tourists often visit this area early in the morning.
The sand and sky combine to provide a calm and lovely scene.
Many Vietnam Travel Agency tours start the day at the Mui Ne dunes.
The light breeze and open horizon make this a favorite spot for photographers and early risers.
2. Sapa: Sunrise Over Rice Terraces
Sapa's rice terraces and stunning mountain views are popular attractions.
It is located in the northern highlands.
The fields glow with golden hues.
The villages surrounding Fansipan Mountain offer incredible views that are perfect for a sunrise walk.
A Vietnam country tour to Sapa usually includes homestays and local treks.
It also includes early morning hikes. These make it easier to access the best viewpoints before sunrise.
3. Hoi An: Riverside Reflections At Dawn
Hoi An, a typical town with historic streets and attractive riverbanks, is a serene spot for sunrise viewing.
The quiet mornings on the Thu Bon River, with boats floating peacefully and old town buildings reflecting in the still water, create a tranquil atmosphere.
You can choose a vacation package to Vietnam that includes the central regions.
In this way, you can spend a night in Hoi An just to catch the early morning light.
4. Da Nang: Son Tra Peninsula
The Son Tra Peninsula, near Da Nang, offers stunning views.
Meanwhile, the best sunrise views can be found from Ban Co Peak and the Linh Ung Pagoda.
You can also see the city, sea, and forest all together from this point.
Several Vietnam Travel Agency packages include this spot as part of a day tour from Da Nang.
It is often filled with the sounds of birds and cool air.
5. Phu Quoc: Sunrise At The Beach
Phu Quoc is an island located in the far south.
Its eastern beaches are ideal for watching the sunrise.
However, Long Beach, Bai Sao, and Ham Ninh Fishing Village are top places to see the morning sun over the sea.
You can book a vacation package to Vietnam that includes beach resorts.
6. Ninh Binh: Mountains And Rivers In The Morning Mist
Ninh Binh, also known as Halong Bay, is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam.
At first, you will encounter the thick morning mist.
As the sun rises and the fog begins to clear slowly, you can see the entire frame of the sunrise.
At Ninh Binh, you can also take boat rides along the Ngo Dong River, located in Tam Coc.
The rides are seamless, allowing you to relax.
However, the sunrise is the best part of early morning Ngo Dong rides.
The sunlight radiating from surrounding cliffs and fields transforms the river into a new canvas every day.
If you don’t want to miss such a place to watch the sunrise in Vietnam, consider contacting a travel agency.
They may help you book the 05:00 AM to 07:00 AM boat ride on Ngo Dong.
Stay for a while and experience the full arc of the sunrise.
What Time Does The Sun Rise In Vietnam?
The winter sunrises in Vietnam are most exotic.
Moreover, you need to know about the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam.
That’s why your tour operator’s help is crucial.
The best time to witness the sun in its raw orange form is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM.
However, please note that you should check the local time there.
Before visiting, you need to note a few things as well:
Usually, there is a thick crowd at the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam.
So arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a front view.
The shades and aura of the sunrise from various places will surprise you.
How To Make The Most Of Sunrise Views?
Plan most of your sunrise viewing experience. Knowing where to go and how to get there will ensure you don't miss the breathtaking views.
Take your hoodies or sweatshirts, as the morning mists are chilly.
Interiors may not have food options. So, carry your breakfast essentials or light snacks.
Respect the local environment. Avoid littering.
Consider booking your trip with a Vietnam Travel Agency. It is to ensure transportation and access to ideal viewpoints.
Like how I had pulled over for St. Clair's Fall, the same thing happened a few kilometers along the A7.
The driver asked me not to keep my camera aside yet, and suddenly the hillside opened up.
There was a long, narrow ribbon of white water dropping almost straight down into a gorge of tea bushes.
It was Devon Falls, the “Veil of the Valley” in Sri Lanka’s Tea Country. The name comes from how it falls a long way.
So, it more than makes up for the lack of width compared to St. Clair's Waterfall. Here is more about this beautiful waterfall that should be on your Sri Lanka itinerary the next time you visit.
Some Quick Facts About Devon Falls, Nuwara Eliya
Details Information Height Around 97 Meters Number of Drops 3 Tiers River A Tributary of the Kotmale Oya, Part of the Mahaweli River System Location 6 KM West of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province Elevation Around 1140 Meters Above Sea Level Entry Fee Free and Viewable from Roadside Platform Nickname The Veil of the Valley Rank 19th Highest Waterfall in Sri Lanka
Where Is Devon Falls And How To Get There?
Around 6 kilometers west of Talawakele, Devon Falls is on the A7 highway that connects Colombo to Nuwara Eliya via Hatton.
This waterfall in the Nuwara Eliya District is at an elevation of around 1140 meters. It is in the heart of the Dimbula tea-growing region.
From Nuwara Eliya
The distance between Nuwara Eliya and Devon Waterfall is around 30 kilometers. I took a car from Nuwara Eliya, and it cost me around 3000 LKR.
You can also take a tuk-tuk, which costs around LKR 2000.
The road passes directly above the falls. So, even before you reach the viewpoint, you will get your first glimpse of it through the windscreen.
From Kandy Or Colombo
If you are traveling from Kandy by road, you will reach Devon Falls within 2 to 2.5 hours via Gampola and Nawalapitiya.
Furthermore, from Colombo, it is a 4-hour drive on the Avissawella–Hatton route. Since it is a long journey from Colombo, you can pair it with a night in Hatton or Nuwara Eliya rather than a same-day round trip.
On Foot From The Road
There are two designated car parks along the A7 that double as observation platforms.
Both offer a clear view of the three-tiered drop without any walking required.
If you want a closer look, a short trail leads about a kilometre through the surrounding tea estate toward the base, though the pool itself is not easy to reach.
The Story Behind The Name Of Devon Falls
Devon Falls gets its name from Devon, a pioneering English coffee planter.
His plantation once occupied the land nearby.
When coffee cultivation collapsed across Sri Lanka's hill country in the late 19th century due to a leaf-rust blight, tea took its place.
Today, the falls tumble past neat rows of tea bushes rather than coffee, though the name from that earlier era stuck.
What I found most memorable about Devon Falls was not just its height, but how sudden it feels.
St. Clair's spreads its water wide and slow.
Devon narrows it and lets it drop, almost in a single unbroken curtain through the first two tiers before spreading again near the base.
Moreover, standing at the main viewpoint opposite the Mlesna Tea Centre, you get the full length of the fall in one frame, framed by steep, green escarpments on both sides.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Devon Falls?
Season Months What to Expect Wet Season May to September Fuller, more dramatic flow, though mist can obscure the view Dry Season December to March Clearer skies, better for photography, lighter flow Early Morning Any Season, Before 9 AM Less roadside traffic and softer light on the water
Pairing Devon Falls With St. Clair's
Because the two falls sit only a few kilometres apart on the same road, almost nobody visits just one.
St. Clair's is the wider, more famous of the pair, while Devon is the taller and, to my eye, the more dramatic.
Seeing both in a single stop along the A7 takes less than half a day, which makes this stretch of road one of the most efficient sightseeing detours in the hill country.
A One-Day Itinerary Around Devon Falls
Here's how I'd plan a day trip centred on Devon Falls, starting from Nuwara Eliya or Hatton.
Time Stop Note 8:30 AM Depart Nuwara Eliya or Hatton Aim to reach the falls before the midday tour-bus crowds. 9:30 AM St. Clair's Falls Roadside viewpoint, about 6 km east of Devon. 10:30 AM Devon Falls View from the main platform opposite Mlesna Tea Centre. 11:15 AM Tea estate walk or factory visit Several estates in Dimbula offer short tours. 12:30 PM Lunch in Talawakele Local rice-and-curry spots along the main road. 2:00 PM Onward to Hatton or Nuwara Eliya Or continue toward Adam's Peak if timing allows.
Practical Tips For A Visit To Devon Falls
Both viewpoints are roadside, so no hiking is required if you just want the classic photo.
Traffic along the A7 can be heavy with tour vans in the late morning. So, an early start helps.
Skip swimming here. The pool is difficult to access, and the currents near the base are not considered safe.
Pack a light jacket. At over 1,100 m elevation, mornings can be genuinely chilly even in the dry season.
We only stopped for about fifteen minutes at Devon Falls.
However, it was one of those places that have stayed with me. That long, narrow drop through the tea hills, half-hidden in mist, is hard to shake.
I got the whiff of Beruwala even before I reached it.
While Bentota is a glossier neighbor in the south, Beruwala seemed more significant to me.
I found it more appealing because it once again highlighted the inclusive nature of Sri Lanka.
If Jaffna is the hub of Hindu temples and Tamil Culture, Beruwala is the place where Islam first took root in Sri Lanka.
Also, as a coastal town, it has been welcoming pilgrims, traders, and sailors for more than a thousand years now.
All these make Beruwala an important spot on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, and in this article, I will discuss my experience there, Beruwala Beach, things to do, and more.
Beruwala: A Harbor With A Long Memory
Beruwala had the first multi-day fishing boat launching yard in Sri Lanka on 11th June, 2026.
It will promote the boat manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka. The boat manufacturing industry will be a leading export sector in the economic development of Sri Lanka in the future.
While this is a new feather added to the crown of Beruwala, it already has a long history as a harbor.
The name Beruwala itself has a Sinhalese origin, meaning “Lowering the Sail.” So, it functioned as a national anchorage since anyone even knew about it.
According to local history, the Arab traders landed here in the 8th century. They used this sheltered bay as a stopover on their trade routes across the Indian Ocean.
They came for gems, spices, and pearls, and some of them stayed.
The Settlement Of The Moor Community
The first wave of settlement in Beruwala marked the beginning of the Sri Lankan Moor community.
This community, or the Sri Lankan Muslims, can trace back their origin to the early Arab arrivals. Over the centuries, many intermarriages happened, and the community thrived.
Today, Beruwala remains one of the cultural centers of that community, and you feel it the moment you walk through town.
You will hear the call to prayer drifting over the harbor, halal eateries lining the main road, and a rhythm of life that is different from most coastal areas in the stretch.
What Are The Things To Do In Beruwala?
I spent my first morning at the fishing harbor, the heart of the town.
If you can be here before 7 AM, you will see outrigger canoes and small trawlers come in loaded with the night's catch.
Also, fishermen wearing wide-brimmed hats haul their nets while gulls circle overhead.
Yes, it is chaotic, but nothing is staged here. That authenticity or rawness stays with you.
Furthermore, the harbor of Beruwala is the main supplier of fresh seafood across the region. However, to be that, the fishermen did not have to leave everything old behind.
From the looks of the boats, they look like they have not been changed for generations. So, watching the fishermen sailing or working in the boats felt like being at a museum that preserves the working identity of this coastal town.
While you can spend an entire day at the fishing harbor, there are many attractions in Beruwala. So, let’s discuss the things to do.
1. A Visit To The Kechimalai Mosque And The Headland
From the harbor, I took a short walk to Kechimalai Mosque.
It is on the northern promontory where the earliest Arab-Muslim settlers first came ashore, according to local traditions.
There is a little confusion, though, about the origin or age of the mosque. Still, the popular opinion is that it was built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
The mosque has a humble architecture with pale walls, a modest dome, and arched windows facing the sea. Some parts of the mosque further reflect later renovations from the colonial period.
Even if you do not want to enter the mosque, you can cherish the view of the harbor and open sea beyond it from the headland.
I was thrilled to know that it was the same vantage point sailors would have used a thousand years ago to judge the weather before setting out.
Moments like this ground you and help you connect with history.
2. Visiting The Masjid Al Abrar
Masjid Al Abrar is very close to the Kechimalai Mosque, and it is one of the oldest mosques in the country.
These two mosques and the smaller mosques scattered through the town carry an Islamic heritage that few other places on this coast can match,
3. Exploring The Beaches
My beach experience in Beruwala started with Moragalla Beach. It was just north of the main town.
It won me over with its calmness, and it was uncrowded. So, I could do what I love the most, watching people.
I saw the fishermen working the shallows in the early morning.
The water here is gentle enough for casual swimming and decent snorkeling if you catch it on a clear day.
Closer to the hotel strip, the main Beruwala beach stretches out with the kind of golden sand that made this coast famous in the first place.
It is more developed, with resorts backing directly onto the shore, but it's still noticeably quieter than Bentota or Hikkaduwa further south.
Watersports In Beruwala Beach
If you are after watersports, this is also where you'll find operators offering jet skiing, parasailing, and diving trips out toward the reefs.
Beruwala and Bentota together form one of the more established watersports hubs on the southwest coast.
Just offshore sits Barberyn Island, marked by its lighthouse, which makes for a nice reference point if you're out on the water or just watching the horizon from a beachfront restaurant at sunset.
4. Exploring The Food, Markets And China Fort Legacy
Beruwala has the best seafood in Sri Lanka, and it is tied to the identity of the town.
I had some of the best deviled prawns of my entire trip at a small place a few minutes' walk from the fish market.
Furthermore, the fish curry I had here had a prominent presence of tamarind, and it was very different from what I ate in Jaffna and other parts of the north.
Once again, the prawn fritters or Isso wade was a good street-side snack, and you want to just chill and watch the fishermen in action.
5. Knowing Beruwala As A Gem-Trading Hub
Beruwala has a famous history of gem trading. The historical landmark of China Fort here was the place from where the gem traders used to operate.
The China Fort Gem Tower still has many jewelry and handicraft shops. You will also find similar shops around the town.
Even if you are not buying something from these shops, you must browse them.
It will be a great experience to know how central trade once was to the town's economy.
Reaching Beruwala And Getting Around
Beruwala is just 60 km south of Colombo, and you will find it along the A2 coastal highway.
If you are traveling from Colombo, you can take a car or taxi or travel by bus and train.
1. Reaching Beruwala By Taxi Or Car
Despite a distance of just 60 km, a private car rental or taxi service from Colombo to Beruwala will be around LKR 13000.
The higher range can reach around LKR 22000 based on the type of vehicle you are hiring.
Considering the high cost, it is best to combine a trip to Beruwala with other coastal stops.
How To Combine A Trip To Beruwala From Colombo With Other Coastal Stops?
Route SegmentApproximate Driving Time (Coastal Road)Best Known ForColombo ➔ Kalutara1 HourStupas and Historic CastlesKalutara ➔ Beruwala20 MinutesFishing Port and Muslim HeritageBeruwala ➔ Bentota10 MinutesJet Skiing and Mangrove River SafariBentota ➔ Kosgoda15 MinutesSea Turtle HatcheriesKosgoda ➔ Hikkaduwa30 MinutesSnorkelingCoral ReefsNightlifeHikkaduwa ➔ Galle35 MinutesColonial Fort ArchitectureShopping
2. Reaching Beruwala By Train
If you are traveling from Colombo Fort to Beruwala by train, the journey of around 54.33 km takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Furthermore, the 1st class ticket costs LKR 500, the second-class ticket costs LKR 300, and the third-class ticket costs LKR 140.
3. Beruwala By Bus
You can get buses from the Bastian Mawatha Terminal of Combo regularly to Galle. These buses run along the A2 Highway.
The buses take around 2 hours to complete the journey. Also, the ticket price for regular bus services is LKR 235, and the ticket prices for AC buses are LKR 390.
4. Getting Around Beruwala
Tuk-tuks are the best option to explore Beruwala and other nearby coastal areas. You can also reserve a tuk-tuk for half-day sightseeing.
The cost is slightly higher here, and the amount will be around LKR 4000.
Why Beruwala Is Absolutely Worth It
A coastal town with a history of 1000 years!
If that is the tagline for Beruwala, it is absolutely worth a visit.
Also, it is a working fishing harbor and a stretch of genuinely good beach all sit within walking distance of each other.
So, if you are planning a southwest coast itinerary, don't just let Beruwala be the town your bus passes through on the way to Bentota or Galle. Give it a morning, at least.
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