Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka that has evolved and aged gracefully with time. Vibrant and buzzing with activities, it is the largest suburb here. The area is always buzzing with locals going about their daily activities. The tourists and travelers alike too have taken after the general vibe of the city and are down to exploring its numerous charms. There are many things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. You could relish upon the local Sri Lankan flavors at good quality restaurants, take a stroll along the beach, check out the many temples, or even check out the different wildlife species at the Zoological Garden. The suburb has plenty to offer. Get on with your explorations here and enjoy a wonderful vacation.
Top 10 Things To Do In Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country located in the Indian Ocean right below India. This South Asian country has hordes of history to boost off and a rich cultural scene to go along with it. Many religions and cultures here amalgamate to create a unique flavor that forms a significant part of the country’s identity. There are many cities and towns that can be explored here. The capital city of Colombo has plenty of sightseeing and experiential options, especially its famous suburb, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. There is plenty that one can see and experience here. There a plethora of things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia that you can include in your trip’s itinerary. Make the most of these options available to you and make delightful memories on your vacation. Read on from our list of top things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia and know more.
1. Dehiwala Zoological Garden – Enjoy Wildlife Interaction
2. Bolgoda Lake – Explore Natural Beauty
3. Mount Lavinia Beach – Beach Fun
4. Sri Lanka Air Force Museum – Learn History
5. Traditional Puppet Art Museum – Puppet Art and Show
6. Arthur’s Pizzeria And Pub – Try Sri Lankan Pizzas
7. Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya – Seek Blessings
8. Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya – Seek Blessings
9. Sri Subodharama Raja Maha Vihara – Explore Buddhism
10. Sri Anjaneyar Temple Dehiwala – See 5-faced Hanuman Statue
1. Dehiwala Zoological Garden – Enjoy Wildlife Interaction
Dehiwala Zoological Gardens are counted amongst the oldest zoos in entire Asia. This is a great place to go for a wildlife interaction session. In fact, it is one of the top things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. When you are in this beautiful suburb or vacationing in Colombo, you can come here to get to know the different mammals and other species up close. The zoo is home to more than 3000 animals. Here, you would get a chance to check out a wide range of indigenous and exotic fauna. The zoo presently has more than 2 species of mammals and more than 65 species of birds.
Address: 120 Quarry Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8.30 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: For Foreigners INR 850 for adults, and INR 425 for kids
For Locals INR 45 for adults, and INR 15 for kids
Must Read: 22 Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya: The Mini London Of Sri Lanka!
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2. Bolgoda Lake – Explore Natural Beauty
One of the best things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is taking a stroll along the mesmerizing Bolgoda Lake. This beautiful water body is presumed to be the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka. It covers around two-thirds of Kalutara district and is also a major part of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. You would be amazed to know that it is also the largest freshwater lake in Sri Lanka. The lake has a rich history to it. It was used for transportation of people and goods from the upper stream of Kalu Ganga. There is an island in the lake which is used by the ferryman to rest. One amazing thing about this lake is that it was a famous hunting ground during the time of British colonialism in Sri Lanka. So, along with absorbing hordes of natural beauty, you would also get to learn a lot about the place’s history.
Activities to Enjoy: Kayaking, Sailing, Yachting, Canoeing, Jet Skiing, Water Skiing
Suggested Read: 15 Things To Do In Ella To Take Your Sri Lanka Trip To The Next Level
3. Mount Lavinia Beach – Beach Fun
Mount Lavinia Beach is one of the prime locations of this beautiful suburb of Colombo. This beach overlooks the Indian Ocean and has plenty of experiential opportunities at the coast. There are many things to do in Mount Lavinia Beach. You could indulge in many activities here depending upon your interests. This beach is a great place for swimming, but this really depends on the weather. Sometimes the waters can be rough, so it is always important to check the current weather conditions before making a visit to the beach. The beach is always buzzing with tourists, the locals with their food kiosks and selling other items like swimsuits and inflatable balls. While you are here, try the sour mango and manioca chips. Catch a beautiful sunset here to end your day on a high note.
Address: Mount Lavinia Beach, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 10370, Sri Lanka
Hours: Open 24 hours
Suggested Read: Viharamahadevi Park: A Handy Guide To Explore This Nature’s Paradise In Sri Lanka!
4. Sri Lanka Air Force Museum – Learn History
An ideal list of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia activities includes museum explorations along with other exciting activities. Check out the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum. This museum maintained by the Sri Lanka Air Force is open to the public on all days of the week, except Mondays. The museum has on exhibit historic aircraft, vehicles, uniforms, and weapons. The exciting display here is of the remnants of the Japanese aircraft that was shot down over Ceylon during World War II. Check out many such planes and aircrafts here at the museum and have a fun time.
Address: Ratmalana, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Hours: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM, Mondays Closed
Phone: +94 77 244 4445
Website
Suggested Read: Ceylon Tea Museum: The Perfect Spot To Relish The Taste Of The Authentic Sri Lankan Tea!
5. Traditional Puppet Art Museum – Puppet Art and Show
One of the best things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is checking out the Puppet art and show at the Traditional Puppet Art Museum. This place is known for preserving the amazing puppet art. There are only a few places in the world that do so. The museum not only preserves the puppet art but does so in correlation with the Sri Lankan hereditary. It brings about the social, cultural and religious correlation that exists in the Sri Lankan community and intermixes it with puppet art. The outcome of this amalgamation is really special and unique. Locals and tourists alike love the display of such puppets here and they also enjoy the entertaining puppet show here.
Address: Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Pinwaththa, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 714 241, +94 773 259 181
Website
Suggested Read: 10 Best Villas In Mirissa To Soak In A Mesmerizing Sri Lankan Holiday Like Never Before!
6. Arthur’s Pizzeria And Pub – Try Sri Lankan Pizzas
One of the best things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is trying the local cuisine. You can gorge upon the local Sri Lankan flavors while vacationing at this amazing suburb of Colombo. If you want something more than just local ingredients, yet still want to savor the Sri Lankan flavors, you can opt for Sri Lankan pizzas at Arthur’s Pizzeria & Pub. This place came into being when the owner realized there was a dearth of options for good homemade pizzas with Sri Lankan flavors. Get here and gorge upon some delicious food.
Address: 220 Galle Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 10370, Sri Lanka
Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
Website | Tripadvisor Review
7. Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya – Seek Blessings
Add onto the list of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia activities and visit Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple. This temple is near Dehiwala on Maharagama Road. The temple attracts hordes of visitors every day. The famous festival celebrated here is the annual Esala Perahera Festival that happens around the months of August or September. The main attraction of this Buddhist temple is the Bodhi tree that is venerated by the people with utmost devotion. Come here to seek blessings on your trip to Sri Lanka.
Address: Dehiwala Rd, Boralesgamuwa 10290, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 738 361
Website
8. Attidiya Bird Sanctuary – Bird Watching
Amongst the top things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is bird watching at Attidiya Bird Sanctuary. The place has hordes of water monitors, butterflies, insects and other birds for people to see and observe. The species of birds here are both local and migratory. When you visit, make sure you are fully-clothed for the place might have lots of insects. Attidiya Bird Sanctuary is open all through the day, however, early mornings and evenings are best to catch a view of the migratory birds.
Address: 114b, Boralesgamuwa, Sri Lanka (3.7 Km from Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia)
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Best Season to Visit: December and January (peak season for migratory birds)
Entry Fee: Free of Cost
Suggested Read: Dehiwala Zoo: A Pocket Guide To Have A Funtastic Experience On Your Next Sri Lankan Vacay
9. Sri Subodharama Raja Maha Vihara – Explore Buddhism
Another beautiful temple in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Subodharama Raja Maha Vihara is a historic Buddhist temple. Known for its immense Buddhist fervor and architecture, the temple is one of the most visited places in this beautiful suburb of Colombo. While on a vacation to Sri Lanka, you can visit this place to know more about Buddhism and its importance in the country.
Address: Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 713 411
Suggested Read: The Ultimate Guide To Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Cave Temple
10. Sri Anjaneyar Temple Dehiwala – See 5-faced Hanuman Statue
Sri Anjaneyar Temple Dehiwala is a Hindu temple located in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka. The place is like any other Hindu temple but is known for something that’s quite unique. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and there is a statue of the lord installed at the temple. The interesting thing about this statue is that it has 5 faces, which is unusual for any Hanuman statue around the world. Visit this place to check out this unique feature and seek blessings at the temple.
Address: 112a Sri Saranankara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 112 726 444
Further Read: 18 Amazing And Most-Visited Sri Lanka Tourist Places For Your Trip
Having read through the details of the many things to do in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, include them in your trip’s itinerary. There is so much that the humble suburb of Dehiwala has to offer. A great culinary scene, plenty of sightseeing options, shopping opportunities, hordes of history and culture, spirituality, and a whole lot of beauty. There is so much that you can relish here on your vacation to Sri Lanka.
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