WHERE TO GO TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS IN SRI LANK

There is no doubt that Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The island has everything you’d want from a fabulous holiday; pristine beaches, verdant hills, thick jungles, a rich history and amazing food! Since it is so amazing, it tends to attract a lot of tourists, but don’t worry this doesn’t mean your intimate holiday will be ruined! Here are a few places you can visit that are away from the crowds.

Kalutara

Situated on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Kalutara is the perfect place for a couple who wants to get away from the more crowded southern beaches. The town offers a mix of a typical beach holiday with a hint of history and culture since it is home to a few ancient Buddhist temples. For an interesting experience, trek through a lush coastal forest to get to the Fa Hien Cave, a prehistoric cave where the celebrated travelling Buddhist monk, Fa Hien, is said to have stayed.

A guide to exploring Kalutara in a day.

Tangalle

Tangalle is the ideal place for a quiet beach getaway. Wedged between the two maritime hubs of Matara and Hambantota, Tangalle is a secret oasis in the south of the island. The beaches here are some of the best in Sri Lanka – tall palms, golden sand and salty waves lapping on the shore. However, Tangalle is slightly different from other southern beaches as large rock boulders dot the coast, forming coves, which makes it feel as though you have your own private beach. One fun excursion you can engage in here is visiting the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery; the island is home to five out of the seven species of sea turtles, so you can see them and learn about conservation efforts here.

A guide to the must visit sites in Tangalle.

Chilaw

Another place you should add to your Sri Lankan itinerary is, Chilaw. A small town on the west coast of the island, Chilaw has lovely golden beaches, a murky lagoon, and interesting historical and religious monuments like the Munneswaram Temple, which is an ancient Hindu temple and one of the five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. While there is nothing more romantic than watching the sunset from a beautiful beach, a sunset boat safari along the Chilaw Lagoon comes a close second!

A guide to discovering the best of Chilaw.