Located partway between Colombo and Galle, Beruwala is a coastal town in south-west Sri Lanka. Its name translates from Sinhalese as “place where the sail is lowered”, as it was here that the first Muslim traders arrived and settled on the island. Due to its rich Islamic history, Beruwala is home to some of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most beautiful mosques.
Things to do in Beruwala
Overlooking the harbour is the enchanting Ketchimalai Dharga, which is said to mark the site where the first Muslim traders landed before settling in the area. The current whitewashed mosque dates back to 1911 and features an ornately decorated exterior with Dutch-style gables and a domed minaret. From the mosque, you can watch the colourful fishing boats coming and going from Beruwala Harbour.
Beruwala is also home to Sri Lanka’s oldest mosque, Masjidul Abrar Jumma, which is believed to have been built in 920 AD by Arab traders. It has been significantly altered since and now has the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 devotees during Friday prayers. Topped by twin minarets, the mosque is fronted by a reflective pond and waterside paths.
Located just offshore from Beruwala is Barberyn Island, an uninhabited paradise that centres around a 34-metre-high lighthouse. Constructed in 1889 by the British, it features a conical granite tower and is one of only four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Surrounding the tower are several colonial-era ruins to explore, including an abandoned well.
Getting around Beruwala
Beruwala is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Colombo and just under two hours from Bandaranaike International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Beruwala railway station and buses travel through the town. Rickshaws are also available for getting around.