Sri Lanka's west coast, stretching from just north of Negombo above Colombo to Galle in the south-west, has miles of golden sands lapped by the Indian Ocean and backed by rustling palm trees and coconut groves. Small towns are dotted along the coastal road, with local shops and colourful life, and many hotels are located close to these. Key areas include Wadduwa and Beruwela which are fairly tranquil, slightly larger Bentota and the surf favourite Hikkaduwa.
The new highway from Colombo has reduced transfer times considerably to reach the main west coast beach areas, and there is also a luxury helicopter option or scheduled seaplane transfer connecting with Colombo airport.
Nikhil
Travel Specialist
Where to go in Sri-lanka
Sri Lanka travel information
When to visit Sri Lanka
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Best time
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- Time zone: +5.5 GMT
- Flight time: 10-13 hours
- Recommended airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Etihad Airlines
- Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
- Tipping guideline: Discretionary
- Health considerations: There is a risk of dengue. There is no risk of yellow fever in Sri Lanka, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative), Colombo (commercial)
- Population: 21,930,455
- National languages: Sinhalese, Tamil, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type D, M, G, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You need an ETA for Sri Lanka if you have a British passport - apply online
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
