The South - Sri Lanka - page 287

(which is usually wide open); there are great vistas from the viewpoint ( GOOGLE MAP ;
Harbour Rd) along the grassy verge.
Rest House HISTORIC BUILDING
( GOOGLE MAP ;Harbour Rd)
The shady Rest House was once home to the Dutch administrators. It's one of the oldest
rest houses in the country, and was originally built (as a plate on the front steps indicates)
in 1774.
Turtle Watch Rekawa ECOTOUR
( 076 685 7380; www.turtlewatchrekawa.org ;Rekawa Beach;Adult/child Rs 1000/500. Discount for
groups only possible by arranging in advance.; Daily from 8.30pm - midnight.)
From April to September, green, hawksbill and occasionally even leatherback turtles
struggle ashore at night to lay their eggs on Rekawa Beach. Tours are run by volunteers
from the non-profit Turtle Conservation Project and locals. The emphasis is on protecting
the turtles, so camera flashes and other lights aren't allowed. Call ahead to check condi-
tions; if no turtles are sighted, you can return another night. A three-wheeler from Tangalla
costs around Rs 1500; you'll need a driver to find this place.
Unlike the turtle hatcheries on the west coast the eggs here are left undisturbed in the
sand and are protected in situ. The visitor centre has good displays.