Golden Ticket Travel

Avani Bentota (Serendib)

Explore the surroundings

Destination introduction

Sri Lanka’s scenic southwest coast is dotted with luxurious Kuoni resorts where you can unwind on sandy palm-fringed beaches, such as sun-drenched Bentota. While away the days trying thrilling watersports, diving in azure waters and sampling delicious cuisine.

Active types can book a range of exciting excursions to attractions such as Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery or Muthurajawela Bird Sanctuary, or take advantage of the land sports on offer at your resort.

Southwest Coast Holiday Highlights

• Bentota is famous for its watersports – dive into an underwater wonderland and try jet-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing.
• Stay at Club Bentota, an excellent value all inclusive resort.
• Many of our Sri Lanka Southwest Coast resorts boast pampering spas where you can indulge in blissful treatments.
• Indulge at the wonderful LIME Spa at Koggala’s five-star Fortress.

Sports

Diving
Many of our resorts have PADI centres. Sri Lanka’s waters are home to historic sunken shipwrecks and vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish.

Watersports
Hit the azure ocean and try scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, waterskiing, jetskiing, banana boating, catamaran sailing and kayaking.

Shopping

• In Bentota, browse the colourful bazaar and pick up souvenirs, batik and brassware.
• Negombo is home to jewellers and gift shops selling local handicrafts.
• In Colombo you can barter at Pettah Bazaar, buy an exquisite sari and famous Ceylon tea, and admire local artists’ work. You’ll also find gem-studded jewellery (only buy from shops licensed by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority).
• Galle is famous for its antique shops selling colonial furniture and ornaments, porcelain and pottery.
• A short drive up from Galle is Ambalangoda, selling antiques and intricately carved ‘devil masks’ traditionally worn to banish demons.
• Further south in Koggala, purchase delicious cinnamon from the local plantation.

Explore the surroundings

Destination introduction

Home to mystical ancient cities, thick jungles, cool hill stations and highlands and precious stones, in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle you can stay in a restored tea factory or a selection of unique hotels in Habarana, Sigiriya or Kandalama.

Cultural Triangle Holiday Highlights

• The magnificent Dambulla Rock Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive caves and boasts beautiful murals, inscriptions and statues. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagmbahu for 14 years during his exile from Anuradhapura, and he built the Rock Temple when he regained his throne.
• Go bird-watching in pretty Habarana, near Sigiriya. Kandalama’s 55-acre forest is also teeming with birdlife, as well as trees and medicinal plants.
• Sri Lanka’s Buddhist capital from the 11th-13th centuries, Polonnaruwa is home to the former palace, audience hall and magnificent carved Buddhas. Parts of the city are ruined but its special atmosphere pervades amid lush gardens.
• The 650ft-high Lion Rock at Sigiriya can be seen from miles around as it towers over the flat plains. Take in superb views from the top of this fortress and admire the gallery of well preserved frescoes halfway up.

Sports

Your resort may offer badminton, tennis, pool and archery.

Excursions

 Our Cultural Triangle resorts offer a range of excursions. Set off on a night hike or jungle trek, or journey by bullock cart to a banana plantation.

You could cast a net with local fishermen, take a scenic helicopter flight over the island, or watch baby elephants feed at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Excursions are also available to national parks, temples and other landmarks.