While opinions differ here, we define the West Coast of Sri Lanka as the coastal area between Puttlam and Mount Lavina, the residential beach area south of Colombo.
The West Coast was one of the first areas to be developed when Sri Lanka was on the 'hippy trail' in the 1970's and is still a favourite holiday destination due to it's easy access to the International Airport and the city of Colombo.

Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital is cosmopolitan and filled with many-starred international hotels, shopping centres and surprisingly westernised; yet with its own unmistakable Sri Lankan character.
As the commercial and political heart of Sri Lanka is a fascinating mix of old and new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings and sprawling street markets which overflow with high piled fruit and vegetables, colourful silks and cottons, and deliciously fragrant spices. read more...

Mt. Lavinia

The coastal town of Mount Lavinia is located just 12 kilometres south of the City of Colombo and 54 kilometres from the Bandaranaike International Airport, easy to reach, yet away from the congestion of the capital.
Mount Lavinia was originally known as Galkissa in Sinhala until it became the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland who was the Governor of Ceylon from 1805–1811. It's said to have acquired the latter name in memory of 'Lady Lovinia'.
The town is a largely middle class and residential suburb that had until now escaped most of the damaging industrialisation of neighbouring cities and urban centres. Famed for its "Golden Mile" of beaches, it has often been a hot spot for tourism and laid back nightlife.

Negombo

Negombo is located only 10 km from the only international airport in Sri Lanka. You can easily reach all hotels and guesthouses in and around Negombo within 20 minutes by taxi.
Apart from being one of the prime tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, Negombo boasts a big fishing harbour and is the commercial hub for the whole region. In Ettukala, a suburb fittingly nicknamed "hotel-side", the beach stretches for over a length of 3 km, and is in walking distance to Negombo City proper. Negombo has many great restaurants and hot spots to match other great beach areas and resorts around the world.
Negombo’s touristic infrastructure consists of Ayurveda-Centres, Motorbike Rentals, Tennis- and Squash courts, Minigolf, Bars and Restaurants, Diving Schools, Souvenir Shops, Supermarkets, Jewelers, Internet Cafes...

Marawila

Maravila (Marawila) is a secluded beach resort 30 km north of Negombo Beach. Known for its beautiful beaches, the tranquilled atmosphere and the amazing natural surroundings, Maravila is famous with Sri Lankan honeymooners.
If you are looking for a tropical holiday away from it all Maravila is certainly the place to go to.
Coconut plantations, fresh water lagoons, un-crowded beaches and the fishermen with their traditional sailing boats are the perfect background for an outstanding holiday. But Maravila offers much more; close by you'll find world-class waterski and wakeboard possibilities as well as kite surfing and diving for beginners and professionals.
Most hotels and resorts in Maravila are within huge coconut estates, offering total privacy.