Beruwala

Beruwala

Beruwela, is a small resort town in the south western coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The name Beruwela is derived from the Sinhalese word Beruwela (the place where the sail is lowered). It marks the spot for the first Muslim settlement on the island, established by Arab traders around the 8th century AD. A large population of Sri Lankan Moors, many of them are gem merchants, still live in the town-- particularly in the "China Fort". Msjid-ul-Abrar , a landmark of Beruwela and Sri Lanka's oldest mosque, was built by Arab traders on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town.

Furthermore Beruwala is a town which used to be the port for the Arabs in the 8th century and hence it is at the present, the spot of settlement for a large population of Moors of Sri Lanka. The name for the town has been a derivation of the Sinhalese word for the place where the local fishermen lowers their sail. This is a town not too big, surrounded by resorts and is mainly popular for its tourists industry. Town situated about 55 km away from Colombo. Is the starting point to a 130 km long beach.
Attractions:

• Boat rides in river Bentota
• Kande Vihare Buddhist temple- Consists of the islands' tallest Buddha statue which is 160.5 ft tall constructed in "Bhoomi-sparsha-mudra" (Calling the earth to witness His Enlightenment)
• Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya- Situated in kaluwamodara (opp. Araliya Hotel) which consists of Sri Lankas' tallest marble Buddha statue.
• Brief Gardens- The house and large garden built by Bevis Bawa, in 1929 with excellent hillside views and many sculptures. The estate was formerly a rubber plantation.
• Weekly fair in Aluthgama- Large vegetable market and lots of street vendors.
• Beruwala Fishing Habour- best time is around 6am to watch the boats being unloaded.

Off the town attractions:

• Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda
• Boat trips in Maadhu River in Balapitiya
• Ariyapala Mask Museum in Ambalangoda
• Batik Factory in Ambalangoda

Moonstone mine in Meetiyagoda- One of the few places in the world where blue gleaming moonstones can be found. A number of stalls sell jewelry made with these semi-precious stones.


              
                   View Beruwala in a larger map