Mount Lavinia is located 12 km south of Colombo. Its beaches are the most famous in Sri Lanka, dating back to the times of the British colonial era. Those who want to spend a quiet day on the beach in relative seclusion (compared to Colombo) will definitely enjoy it here.
Not far from Mount Lavinia are the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela (more commonly known as Dehiwela Zoo) — one of the largest zoos in South Asia. The best time to visit is early in the morning, right at opening (hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM). At this time, the animals—over 360 species—are more active: waking up, grooming, and having breakfast. Moreover, parts of the zoo follow an “open space” concept, where animals and visitors can roam side by side (for example, in the lion and gibbon enclosures). Elephant shows are also held here.
A few kilometers from the resort lies the vast Bolgoda Lake — the largest natural freshwater reservoir in Sri Lanka. It is home to 45 species of fish, 160 species of birds (both migratory and waterfowl), a rich variety of flora, and, of course, the ubiquitous mangrove forests.
