A small town located between Kalutara and Bentota has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is located 56km south of Colombo. The historical evidence suggested that Beruwala was a flourishing port since ancient times. As it was located at the centre of the ancient sea route between the east and the west, traders from the middle and far east have been frequented in the Beruwala area. 

First Muslim settlement in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Muslims descendent from Arab for trading settled in Beruwala around the 8th century AD.  It was said that the merchants from the Mamluk Kingdom of Egypt which existed from 1250 to 1517 AD have been settle down in the Beruwala area during the King Buwanekabahu – 1’s period. (1271 – 1283 AD). Hence Beruwala has considered the first Muslim settlement in Sri Lanka. The Masjid ul Abraar Jummah Mosque in Beruwala is considered the first Mosque established in Sri Lanka. This mosque was established by the Arab merchants in 920 AD. The old mosque was refurbished in 1986.

There is another significant mosque situated near the Beruwala harbour. That is called Ketchchimalai Mosque considered one of the oldest mosques in the country. This mosque built in a headland overlooking the ancient port is said to be the site where the first Arab trader was landed.

Beruwala Harbour

Even today Beruwala is dominated by Muslims. However, the Beruwala port is only a fishing harbour today. If you go to harbour early morning, you can see the fishermen returning after fishing in the night and thousands of fish caught by these fishermen.

Beruwala Lighthouse

Beruwala Lighthouse also known as Barberyn lighthouse ranked as an international lighthouse situated in the small islet referred to as Barberyn island off the shore of Beruwala. This lighthouse was constructed in 1890 to provide navigational aids to sailors and notify the dangerous water and the underwater reefs in the area. The round stone embossed tower painted in white colour has a focal height of 46 meters. The white light at the top flashes every 20 seconds from 18.30 to 6.30 every day. This is visible up to 27 nautical miles. The British Imperial Lighthouse Services has managed this lighthouse from 1890 to 1969 and then by the Sri Lanka Port Authority.

The old dioptric apparatus used from 1890 was replaced with the Pharos Marine PRB-21 sealed beam optic and drive pedestal rotating beacon in 1969 and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) was installed in the year 2000 and linked with the other main lighthouses from a networking system.

The boat ride to picturesque Barberyn island takes approximately 10 minutes from the Beruwala harbour. This islet is truly a tropical paradise to soak up with a tranquil atmosphere created by the bright blue sea, thick tropical foliage and swaying palm trees. Few remnants belonged to the British period that can still be seen. Among them large open windows with magnificent views, an old abandoned well that supplied water and old clay roofed hut used as a bar during the British period are prominent.

Beruwala Beach

The famous beach stretch of “Golden Mile Beach” is in the Beruwala beach area. Approximately one-mile-long beach stretch with rich golden coloured sand glittering under the sun and shimmering water tides lapping is a paradise for beach lovers.

Moragalla Beach

Moragall beach located between busy Bentota beach and Beruwala beach is ideal for beachgoers who seek a quiet beach holiday. The shallow sea created by the coral reef in front of the Moragalla beach is favoured for water adventure activities of snorkelling, diving and wind-surfing. However, be careful with the red flags on the beach.

the estuary of the Bentota River is at the southernmost end of the Moragalla beach. This estuary is lined with over 20 varieties of mangrove trees and several islands floating midstream.

The panhandle which creates the Bentota beach is in front of the Moragalla beach. That looks like an island on the sea. If you want to go to that place you have to hire a boat from Moragalla beach or walking along the beach northwards till you reach this area. The area is full of flora and birds. 

Hotels in Beruwala

5 Star Hotels

Cinnamon Bay Beruwala: https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamonbeyberuwala

Occidental Eden Beruwala: https://www.barcelo.com/en-ww/occidental-eden-beruwala/

Heritance Ayurveda: https://www.heritancehotels.com/ayurveda/

4 Star Hotels

The Palms Hotel: https://www.colomboforthotels.com/the-palms-beruwala/

Earls Reef Beruwala: https://earlshotels.com/earls-reef-beruwala/

3 Star Hotels

Arena Hotel: https://www.arenasrilanka.com/

Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort: https://www.barberynresorts.com/english/reef/

Read more on Lighthouses in Sri Lanka:

https://www.fantasiatours.com/thinkstodocategories/view-activities/22

Related Itineraries:

https://www.fantasiatours.com/viewDetailedItinerary/29

https://www.fantasiatours.com/viewDetailedItinerary/31