Perfect paradise
Sri Lanka's south west coast has a perfect blend of palm fringed sands, coral reef, fresh seafood cafes, and warm welcoming people. Kalutara is a 45 minute journey from the airport and is tucked away amongst coconut palms. You can soak up the sun till your heart's content and you’ll be offered of aloe vera as sun-tan oil. This is a beautiful paradise setting where hotels serve local and western food. Book now for a flexible affordable holiday to Sri Lanka with lastminute.com.
In Kalutara there is a wide choice of excellent currie from pumpkin to green bean and aubergine served with sambals of onion or coconut or chutneys and pastes made from coriander and curry leaf and sweet mango. The best thing about these curries is that these ingredients are freshly picked which means they taste extra good. Of course for those with a sweet tooth, there are always ginger biscuits with fresh ginger in them or delicate coconut cake. It's a bit like an English desert with a Sri Lankan accent.
Spices and herbs are close to the Sri Lankan way of life. This is a really fragrant island with its chillies, cardamom, vanilla pods and sandalwood and heavily scented flowers, to name but a few. Most of these ingredients are included in the preparations used for Ayurvedic massages as well as cures for acne and flatulence, baldness - you name it. They go in for invigorating scalp massages, plenty of oil and a lot of simian-style scratching, followed by herbal steam baths.
Exploring the Sri Lankan coast
After being massaged to an inch of your life you may fancy getting out and about. You could take a 15 minute drive along the coast to the “golden mile” of beach stretching from Beruwela to Bentota which is around four miles of soft white sanded beaches. This is the place to be with hats and sarongs hanging from wigwam structures of sticks and driftwood. You will be offered everything from massages and sunglasses to boat trips and local tours. For more information on things to do in Western Province, Sri Lanka, click here.
A few miles down the coast is the turtle sanctuary or if you are feeling particularly adventurous you could hit the road for an hour to view the elephant orphanage at Pinnewala where you are likely to see more Indian elephants than you will anywhere else in the world. However it's safe to say that you are better off getting a taxi or catching a train, than to make these excursions yourself. The trains, as they trundling along a single track are a magical experience in itself. The observation carriage at the rear of the train offers fantastic views and the softer seating and allows you to get comfortable view of the incongruous landscape.
Many reasons to book your holiday to Kalutara
Sri Lanka is a beautiful paradise Island with as much lazing or adventure as you wish. Book now with lastminute.com for your affordable holiday.