Mount Lavinia: Escape for the Sights, Immerse in Culture
Tourism and nightlife await visitors in the less urbanized town of Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, where a "Golden Mile" of beaches stretch to offer relaxing escapes and breathtaking views. The town was named after Lovina, a dancer whose smile captivated the heart of the then Governor General of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland. Mount Lavinia is one of the country's most liberal regions, where the annual gay pride celebrations often take place, including the Rainbow Kite Festival and Rainbow Pride Party. Tourists flock in via the Colombo-Ratmalana Airport (RML), a short drive away from the seaside town.
Best Time to Visit
Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka offers pleasant weather all year round, with the hottest temperatures in April, May, and June, and the least humidity in January. Winds increase from July and August, while November makes for its most humid month. The Holi Festival in March marks the end of winter and anticipates an abundant spring.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Explore the collection of exotic and indigenous fauna in one of the oldest zoos in Asia, the National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala, which boasts 11 acres of land and was founded by John Hagenbeck in the early 1920s. For a taste of aviation history, head over to the Sri Lanka Airforce Museum, which offers exhibits and hangars filled with vintage aircraft. Get a taste of Sri Lankan culture at the Traditional Puppet Art Museum, where puppet shows are often held. The town is also home to the historic 210-year old Mount Lavinia Hotel that lies in the heart of Mount Lavinia Beach.