Hotels near Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach is the closest usable stretch of sand to central Colombo, 12 km south along the coastal railway line. The beach runs about 1.5 km and is widest at the northern end, below the headland where the British governor Sir Thomas Maitland built his residence in 1806. Fishing boats land at the southern end each morning and sell the catch straight off the sand.

Swimming works here, unlike at Galle Face Green, though the current stiffens from May to September during the southwest monsoon and lifeguard cover is thin. Seafood shacks line the sand and a whole crab costs LKR 3,000 to 5,000, roughly 9 to 15 EUR, so agree the price by weight before you order. Sunset pulls in a mix of Colombo families, students and weekend visitors.

Pro Tip: The train from Colombo Fort takes 25 minutes and costs around LKR 40 in second class. Sit on the right-hand side heading south for the ocean view, and go midweek when the sand is far emptier.