12 km south (30-45 min)Approximately 2 km

Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach is Colombo's most beloved coastal escape, a sweeping crescent of golden sand that stretches south from the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel. Located just 12 kilometers from the heart of Colombo in the suburb of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, this beach has been the city's favorite weekend retreat for over a century. The beach draws a wonderful mix of local families, university students, and tourists who come for the sunsets, the seafood, and the unmistakable energy of a Sri Lankan beach town.

The beach takes its name from the grand Mount Lavinia Hotel, originally built as the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor of Ceylon, in the early 19th century. Legend has it that the governor fell in love with a local dancer named Lovina, and the estate was named after her. Today the hotel stands as a magnificent colonial landmark perched on a rocky promontory at the northern end of the beach, and its terrace restaurant is one of the finest sunset dining spots in the Colombo metropolitan area.

Mount Lavinia Beach is at its most atmospheric in the late afternoon, when the fishing boats return, food vendors set up their stalls along the sand, and the entire western sky turns orange and crimson over the Indian Ocean. On weekends and public holidays the beach comes alive with cricket matches, picnicking families, and couples strolling along the water's edge. While it is not the most pristine or secluded beach in Sri Lanka, Mount Lavinia offers something no other beach can: a genuine urban beach experience just minutes from the capital, steeped in colonial history and local character.

Things to Do

Sunset Dinner at Mount Lavinia Hotel

LKR 5,000-10,000 per person

Dine at the legendary terrace restaurant of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, perched on the rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. The seafood buffet on weekend evenings is particularly popular, with live music and panoramic sunset views.

Beach Seafood Stalls

LKR 1,500-4,000 per person

In the evening, local vendors set up seafood barbecue stalls directly on the sand south of the hotel. Enjoy freshly grilled prawns, crab, and lobster at plastic tables with your feet in the sand and the waves as your backdrop.

Dehiwala Zoo Visit

LKR 3,000 for foreign adults

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka in Dehiwala is just 3 km from the beach. One of the oldest zoos in Asia, it houses elephants, big cats, primates, and a large reptile collection across beautifully landscaped grounds.

Train Ride Along the Coast

LKR 200-500 (second/third class)

Take the coastal railway from Mount Lavinia station south toward Galle. Often cited as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the track hugs the shoreline for much of the route, offering stunning ocean views from your window seat.

Water Sports

LKR 3,000-5,000 per ride

During the calm season, jet ski rides and banana boat trips are available on the beach. Local operators set up near the main beach access points on weekends and holidays.

Beach Tips

Arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a good spot for the sunset, which is typically around 6:00-6:30 PM.
The beach seafood stalls south of the hotel offer far better value than hotel dining. Try the grilled cuttlefish and devilled prawns.
Take the train from Colombo Fort for the most scenic and hassle-free journey. Sit on the left side (facing direction of travel) for ocean views.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the large weekend crowds. Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the quietest days.
Bring your own shade. The beach has very few natural shade spots, and umbrella rentals are not widely available.
Explore the small streets behind the hotel for authentic local restaurants serving rice and curry at a fraction of beach prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mount Lavinia Beach good for swimming?

Swimming is possible during the dry season (November-April) in the calmer sections south of the hotel promontory. However, the water can be rough and there are no lifeguards. Always check local conditions before entering the water, and avoid the rocky area near the hotel.

How do I get to Mount Lavinia Beach from Colombo?

The easiest and most scenic way is by train from Colombo Fort station to Mount Lavinia station (25-35 minutes, LKR 50-100). You can also take a taxi (30-45 minutes, LKR 1,500-2,500) or tuk-tuk along Galle Road.

Is Mount Lavinia Beach crowded?

Yes, Mount Lavinia is one of the most popular beaches near Colombo. Weekends and public holidays see large crowds of local families and visitors. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday afternoon.

Can I visit Mount Lavinia Hotel without staying there?

Yes, the Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomes non-guests to its restaurants, bars, and terrace areas. The sunset terrace restaurant is open to walk-in diners and offers one of the best sunset views on the west coast. The hotel also has a pool that non-guests can use for a day-pass fee.

What is the history behind the name Mount Lavinia?

The name comes from a romantic legend. Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor of Ceylon in the early 1800s, reportedly fell in love with a local mestizo dancer named Lovina. He built his seaside residence on the rocky promontory and named it after her. The governor's mansion later became the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Quick Facts

Distance from Colombo12 km south (30-45 min)

Beach LengthApproximately 2 km

Water Temperature27-29 C year-round

Best SeasonNovember to April

Known ForSunset dining and colonial hotel

Crowd LevelHigh, especially on weekends

Sand ColorGolden

Crowd Levelhigh

Best Time to Visit

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchApril

The dry season from November to April offers calm seas and clear skies. Late afternoons are the most popular time, with spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends and public holidays. The beach is best avoided during the southwest monsoon from May to September when waves are rough and swimming is dangerous.

Facilities

Beach seafood restaurants and barsPublic access via multiple entry points from Galle RoadMount Lavinia Hotel facilities (pool, restaurant, spa) for guests and dinersParking areas along Hotel RoadChanging facilities at select restaurantsTuk-tuk and taxi stands nearby

LifeguardsNo

Natural ShadeNo

Safety Info

Currents

Moderate to strong currents along the beach, particularly near the rocky promontory below the Mount Lavinia Hotel. During the southwest monsoon (May-September), the sea becomes rough with powerful waves and dangerous rip currents.

The rocky area near Mount Lavinia Hotel has strong currents and submerged rocks. Avoid swimming in this section.
During the southwest monsoon (May-September), swimming is dangerous due to high waves and powerful undertow.
The beach gets very crowded on weekends and public holidays. Keep a close eye on children and personal belongings.
Be cautious when walking on the beach after dark, particularly in less populated sections away from the hotel.
Some areas of the beach have sharp rocks and coral fragments underfoot. Water shoes are recommended.

Getting There

From Colombo

Approximately 12 km south of Colombo city center via Galle Road. Reachable in 25-35 minutes by train from Colombo Fort, or 30-45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.

From Airport

Approximately 40 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. The drive takes about 1-1.5 hours via the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway and then Galle Road southward.

Nearest City

Colombo