Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the beach side of Galle Rd, just north of Kosgoda, this volunteer-run operation has
been here for 18 years. It's a very simple affair.
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
ZOO
( 091-225 8667;admission Rs 500; 8am-7pm)
Turn down a small track on the A2 at the 73Km marker to find this operation, located in a
quiet spot right on the beach. Arrive at 6.30pm and you can help release the day's hatch-
lings into the ocean.
Sea Turtle Project
ZOO
( 034-227 1062;
www.seaturtleszone.com
;Induwara;admission Rs 500;
6am-6.30pm)
This facility feels more commercial than the Kosgoda operations.
SOUTH OF COLOMBO
Escaping the frenetic and sticky capital for the road south is a giant sigh of relief. Out go
the congested streets and dark clouds of exhaust fumes and in come the sultry beaches of
the Sri Lankan dream. Most independent travellers focus on surf-obsessed Hikkaduwa, but
the Bentota area offers quieter, and even more stunning, beaches, as well as a bizarre twin-
ning of package-holiday hotels and sumptuous boutique hideaways.
Aluthgama, Bentota & Induruwa
034
Protected from noisy Galle Rd by the sluggish sweep of the Bentota Ganga, the ribbon of
golden sand that makes up Bentota beach is a glorious holiday sun-and-fun playground.
While it's primarily dominated by big package hotels, it also has a number of smaller
places catering to independent travellers. There are more such places in Aluthgama, a
small town on the main road between Beruwela and Bentota. Many of the pricier places to
stay listed here also have respected Ayurveda centres.
