The small town of Induruwa in Sri Lanka received the status of a resort recently, but has already acquired a useful tourist infrastructure. The road from the international airport here takes 1.5 hours, and the capital Colombo is only 40 minutes away. Within the city, on the coast there are luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants of local cuisine. Wherever you get to Induruwa, the path will be picturesque and comfortable. Along the roads, peasants slowly move on their carts, carry fruits and vegetables to the market.
The resort is known for clean and almost deserted beaches surrounded by tropical vegetation. The descent into the water is safe and gentle, often there are tides tens of meters deep into the sea. Tourists like to walk at such a time, find beautiful shells and corals as souvenirs.
Induruwa is created for a leisurely and quiet holiday away from the city and bustle. It is surrounded by hills, in the heart of coconut groves and tea plantations. With pleasure wander through the cozy streets of the city, visit the sights and nature reserves.
The most comfortable season for recreation is the period from November to March, the temperature of the air and water in the ocean reaches +28, the winds blow moderately and there is little rain. The tropical climate is so good that the precipitation is turbulent, but short-lived, and this does not interfere with a wonderful holiday. We will tell you what you need to see while relaxing in Induruva.
Cape Mahapelena
The picturesque Cape Mahapela is located in the west of the island of Sri Lanka, between the bays of Akhungalla and Induruwa. From natural heights there are wonderful views on all sides of the world: Induruwa Bay, the expanses of the ocean, the coastal zone with boulders, against which high waves and tropical forests beat. Cape Mahapela is chosen by beginners and professional photographers for unusual photos, here you can give space to your own imagination. Ordinary tourists, often, give the expanses of the Internet such beautiful shots that after looking at them, you want to get there as soon as possible.
There is a railway along the coast of the bay, and the trains look very unusual. Passengers, by the way, have a great opportunity to see bright sunsets when they pass here.
Huge stone boulders together with palm trees look very unusual. You can climb to the top of the cape along a narrow path, it is not equipped, and not everything is physically possible to do this.
On the south side of the cape a few years ago it was planned to build a hotel, next to the turtle farm, but the project did not take place. Some of the structures remain, nowadays it is in great desolation, but does not disappear in vain: photographers also come here for a combination of views of a powerful ocean and an abandoned construction site.
Induruwa Turtle farm
Farms for the cultivation of turtles in Sri Lanka will not surprise anyone, but after visiting such places you understand that the matter is very necessary and noble.
The farm in Induruwa is small, it is an area with swimming pools and incubators, there are few structures, they are not needed here. This is a very beautiful area surrounded by coconut palms on the coast. Useful information about turtles is posted on posters at the entrance: their species, sizes, type of food and interesting facts. The heaviest inhabitant of the farm weighs 600 kg!
There are few workers on the farm, they speak several languages and explain everything in an accessible and interesting way.
On a sandy island, an incubator, eggs are placed and each is signed. They are brought from the shore in the event that they are washed out of the sand, and they can be eaten by predators or damaged. The farm is their salvation. For 40 days, the egg ripens, and then the small turtles are placed in water and observed for a while. If they become independent, they are sent to the ocean. It is very interesting to hold the kids in your hands.
The farm protects albino turtles, disabled animals and just rare species. Poachers know that some individuals can be well cashed in because of the rare color of the shell and delicious meat for restaurants.
Turtles are carefully cared for and reminded that the world around us needs to be protected.
Kumudu Tea factory
There are several tea factories in Sri Lanka, and the closest to Induruwa is 10 km from the city, on the way from the western outskirts of the island to the center, in the village of Ittapan. Several industries have been opened there, but the most famous is Kumudu. You can get there with an excursion, it is conducted in English and introduces the methods of preparing 16 varieties of tea.
The famous Ceylon tea goes on sale, including from the Kumudu factory. Guests see the whole process from drying the tea leaves, sorting, fermenting after grinding and packaging at the end. Everything you see is allowed to be photographed.
It is important to understand that it is in this area that tea does not grow, it is brought from mountain plantations for mass production, but several bushes can still be seen near the factory: these are the ones from which raw materials are taken for display to tourists.
Entrance to the factory and participation in the excursion is paid, the fee is quite symbolic. There is a shop in production, there is an assortment of tea in the range.
Richmond Castle
The luxurious colonial-style castle appeared in Sri Lanka in 1910 and is now known as Richmond Castle. In ancient times, the island was called “paradise”, and then the philanthropist Don Arthur de Silva was known in Sri Lanka. He always dreamed of a castle that would glorify him to the whole world with its beauty. He admired the architecture of the British, and at the same time the appearance of the palace of Maharaja Ramnada in India. His dream became a reality when Richmond Castle opened its doors and became a harmonious combination of two architectural styles.
The castle really stands out for its uniqueness and incredible combination of decorative elements and materials: teak wood from Burma, tiles from India, glass from Scotland and Italy. In total, the lock has 99 doors, 34 stained glass windows, and all of them are covered with skillful carvings. Such beauty could not exist for a long time without a princess, but not a fairy tale, but a real one. Don Arthur married, but his marriage fell apart quickly. Perhaps this caused him to sell the magnificent castle and move into a hotel room. He gave the proceeds to charity, it became an important part of his life. Now the castle is slightly destroyed, however, it is open to visitors. Everyone has the opportunity to see unique interiors and get acquainted with the history.
Madu Ganga Lake
Lake Madu Ganga is called a bay near the city of Galle, 90 km south of Colombo. The entire territory occupies more than 900 hectares, of which 770 hectares of open water and about 150 hectares of the island zone. The northern and northwestern coasts are covered with dense mangrove forests, in them you can find many rare species of flora.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the local population, mainly cinnamon is grown.
The surroundings of Madu Ganga are considered a state protected area, it is here that more than 200 species of plants live, among them rare trees and 250 species of animals. Since 2003, the unique natural area has been protected by the rules of the Ramsar Convention.
Lake Madu Ganga is also of great religious importance: in 1803, the Buddhist School held the first ceremony of supreme initiation here on many boats, and since that time the kotduwa temple has stood on one of the islands.
The main water surface can be crossed along the Madu Ganga River of the same name, very often the locals arrange boat trips through the mangroves. On the way they visit several islands and buildings and picturesque places. Along the shores you can see crocodiles and large monitor lizards. It is interesting to see how people live on the islands in whole families in clay houses without amenities. They are engaged in crafts and cooking cinnamon, and this is what they earn.
Lunuganga Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate Garden
The Lunuganga Garden, together with the estate of the same name, is associated with the name of the famous architect in Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Bava. In 1948, he purchased a plot of land on a promontory a few kilometers from Bentota, completely abandoned. Passionate about his idea of creating the perfect garden in a paradise in Sri Lanka, he has worked for 50 years to make it a reality. The garden in Lunugang was his first magnificent work as an architect, but not the only one. A little later, he built a country house there, also known for its beauty. Using the example of the building, he continued to experiment with new interiors, spaces and materials until he became seriously ill in 1998. Since 2003, the estate with the garden has been transferred to the Lunuganga Foundation, and today it has a luxury hotel.
The garden is beautifully planned: green fields pass to the Brown Hill, behind it there is a small lake and in the distance it merges with the sky. From a low cliff overlooks the water garden with lilies and rice fields. It would seem how such diversity can be combined in one territory, but the architect Jeffrey Bava was able.
The hotel offers premium rooms and restaurants serving local cuisine.
Bentota Ganga River
The Bentota Ganga River flows through the west and south of Sri Lanka and is known for its beauty. According to legends, the river was considered the main among the water arteries of the island, now at its mouth there is an excellent beach and a romantic resort.
How best to get acquainted with the river and its surroundings: go on a small cruise through its expanses. During the trip, accompanied by local instructors, you can admire the picturesque shores, swim in a special place or fish.
Along the bed of the Bentota Ganga River, there is a beautiful lagoon with tiny islands and mangrove forests. In the thick of the trees there are herons and cormorants, crocodiles live near the shore. The walk can be diversified by visiting a coconut plantation, craft shops and even dinner. Rafting on the river is unhurried and safe, can be a family walk even with children. Boats are equipped with awnings in case of scorching sun. A walk along the river is also an acquaintance with the life of the locals, their houses on the shore and bridges for fishermen.
Julie and Tambadola Waterfalls
You can swim in Sri Lanka not only in the ocean, but also outside the city, in the most beautiful waterfalls of Julie and Tambodole. They are located near Kandy, in a mountainous area, surrounded by tea plantations, rice fields and tropical thickets. The height of the waterfalls is not more than 3 m, they are hidden from the sun in the greenery. Fresh water is refreshing on a hot day, tourists like to relax in a small pool at the foot of the waterfalls. It is shallow and safe even for children. Interestingly, even in times of drought, there is water in it. Julie and Tambadola Falls are a small but valuable eco-system, home to many species of birds. Not only tourists love to come here, but also locals appreciate and protect such beauty. Here you can spend the whole day, it is very convenient to get there: the road is equipped and well-groomed, but you will have to go to the waterfalls themselves from the main road.
Tudugala Waterfall
Tudugala is not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the west of Sri Lanka, but also part of the estate of the English colonizer. He lived here for a while, then completely left Ceylon with his relatives, but the memory of him was preserved in the 8-meter very beautiful waterfall. Nearby is a house, unfortunately it is poorly preserved to this day, and in the 19th century the whole family of the colonizer lived there. Back in those days, the industrialist equipped the pool of the waterfall for public swimming, this place was a success. Now there are not so many tourists, this zone is recognized as a reserve. You can visit it, and for convenience it is better to use the car: it is difficult to ride on rocky roads on a bicycle or bike. There are several villages in the area, private mini-hotels and an excellent food market. If you need to find the way to the Tudugala waterfall, the locals will be happy to tell.
Induruwa in Sri Lanka is a great place for relaxation and vivid impressions.
Attractions Induruwa on map
