Beruwala Sri Lanka

Beruwala, one of the many resorts along the crescent of golden beaches on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, was founded by 8th Century Arab gem traders, hence the landmark Msjid-ul-Abrar, Sri Lanka's oldest mosque.
Gem merchants still thrive in the China Fort area, a must-see for any visitor, and not far from the picturesque fishing harbor, where generations of fishermen have unloaded their catches from the brightly colored traditional outrigger canoes.
Much of the catch, including lobsters, prawns and a rich variety of local fish, are destined to be served freshly prepared at the many nearby hotels and restaurants.
A boat, often crewed by fishermen, is also needed to visit the functioning lighthouse atop a 20ft cliff on Barberyn Island, a lush green wildlife haven just off the coast thought to have been named after the Berber-Moor gem traders.
A trip to Beruwala, midway between the capital Colombo and the historic Dutch colonial city of Galle, would have to include a visit to the beach, known as the ‘Golden Mile’ and home to some excellent water-sports facilities.
Chief among them are scuba and snorkle diving on the coral reefs and wrecks that dot this part of the coast and vie with water skiing, water scooters, parasailing and wind surfing.
On a cultural not, a visit to the 12th Century Galapata Buddhist Temple, with its beautiful wall frescoes, is highly recommended.