Mount Lavinia accommodation from AU$55

When you eventually want to leave the balmy sand and do a little exploring, the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka will get your sightseeing off to an impressive start. Everything from lionfish to lions and owls to pythons can be seen in this long-standing facility, but the real treat for some are the elephant shows, impressive sea lion performances, and the chance to see Sanju the chimpanzee to learn about more about this fascinating primate.

Back on the beaches of Mount Lavinia there is no better place to eat and drink. Restaurants sit right on the beach, many with tables spilling onto the sand, making your meals effortlessly relaxed or romantic, depending on what type of trip you’re on. Then at night, while much of Sri Lanka sleeps, Mount Lavinia springs to life with any type of partying you could ask for, from bars where a cool drink can be enjoyed in the beach breeze to pumping clubs with full dance floors. The area has one of the most relaxed vibes in Sri Lanka, something you’ll probably finding yourself falling in love with very quickly.

In October, Mount Lavinia hosts the yearly Rainbow Kite Festival, a month long event that makes fantastic kites of all shapes and sizes a common sight over the area, especially the beach.

Sri Lanka is a destination where the beach and its main city, Colombo, are two of its star attractions, but you don’t have to settle for just one. Book a flight to Sri Lanka and a choice from our Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia accommodation and you can have the best of both.