64 January 2015 www.womanthismonth.com LIFESTYLE | travel A Subcontinental Secret THE ISLAND LIFE With its 1,340-kilometer coastline, Sri Lanka doesn't make things easy for those trying to decide which beach to bum on. The western shores constitute some of the most beautiful strips of golden sand and well-developed cities and towns, complete with touristy attractions. Here you’ll find some of the busiest beaches in the country, dotted with shacks, restaurants and hotels for every budget. One area that is worth visiting is Kalpitiya towards the northwest. A pristine peninsula three hours north of Colombo, it’s on its way to developing a Maldives-style eco-resort based around 14 lagoon islands. Other beaches along the coast are Bentota and Induruwa. These run along south from the magnificent Bentota lagoon and are lined with a string of alluring hotels. For a more tranquil experience and slice of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, head south. This region rewards you with pristine beaches, colonial townscape, wildlife parks and Buddhist shrines and temples. The area also boasts the island’s most alluring selection of places to stay; from beach resorts to quaint villas. Unawatuna is a pretty little horseshoe-shaped beach backed by one of Sri Lanka’s most enjoyable villages. Mirissa is also one of the south coast’s most intimate beaches, with a picture-perfect arc of sand fringed by lofty palms. With its misty mountains, golden beaches, majestic elephants, lush tea plantations, a glorious past and warm smiles, Sri Lanka displays a wealth of diversity across its length and breadth. This month Ankita Mamgain sets out to explore the natural and cultural bounty of the jewel-shaped island.
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