Journeying south along the western coast of Sri Lanka, you will find a string of scenic beaches that are popular tourist destinations. Cradled by a tropical lagoon and facing the Indian Ocean is Bentota. Hotel accommodation is plentiful, with much to see and do in the area. Travel further down the coast to find the award-winning hotel that has also been named on the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World list: Shinagawa Beach Balapitiya.
In the same neighbourhood but closer to Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, you will find Beruwala Beach. Beruwala is a fishing town that is popular for its wide, beautiful beach. It is also known for the abundance of Ayurveda spas. Just off the shores of Beruwala is Barberyn Island, on which the Beruwala or Barberyn Lighthouse stands proud and tall at one hundred and ten feet. It is one of the twenty five lighthouses in Sri Lanka and also one of the sixteen that are still active. The lighthouse was built in 1928, during the time British colonists ruled Sri Lanka. The glass that was first installed during construction still remains to this day. Today it plays a vital role in safely guiding vessels travelling to the nearby Maldivian islands. Five lighthouse keepers have been given the job of maintaining the structure.
Barberyn Island is covered in lush greenery and for the most part, remains undisturbed. It can be reached by boat; a ten minute trip will take you from the mainland to the island, after which it is a short hike to the lighthouse thatrises from a clifftop twenty feet above sea level. Visitors are allowed to climb to the top of the structure to behold breathtaking panoramic views, which includes the famous Kalutara Temple that can be seen several miles away.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
