If what you are looking for is a glimpse of the island nation that is not too far from the airport, and is perfect for a dip, Mount Lavinia beach is what you need. Located about 10km from Colombo, the beach is dubbed “Golden Mile” due to its long stretch of golden sand. This is the Sunday evening hangout spot for most of the “Colomboite”.
Hotels in Mount Lavinia are plenty if you are looking for lunch prior to wading in the sea. You could start from a place that is on the higher end of the scale like Berjaya Hotel Colombo, or you could opt for “Sri Lankan Chinese” at one of the beachside restaurants. One thing they all have in common is access to the glorious beach. You could also munch on cassava chips, or taste fruit pickle – locally known as “achcharau” – while you are here. Almost all the places along the beach serve liquor, and some even allow you to bring your own for no corkage.
A Sunday afternoon at Mount Lavinia is best suited for the visitor to people watch than to actually experience some peace and tranquillity. You have your families of kids at the beach, building sandcastles and flying kites; you have your young men engaged in a sweaty game of beach volleyball or cricket; you have your young women snapping away at the glorious sunsets; and of course, you have your thalassophiles (a lover of the sea) frolicking amidst the waves. One thing you must remember about the sea in Mount Lavinia, though, is that it is not a bay. Thus, the waves crash directly onto the beach, and the sea can be rough. It is quite unpredictable in its nature, so it is best to swim in groups and always look for the company before taking that desired dip.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
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