Culture, history and nature are aplenty in this province of Sri Lanka, which is why we love it so much.

If you are looking for things to see and do in Western Province Sri Lanka, here’s a list of our favourites.

The capital city is worth staying in for at least two days so that you can enjoy this bustling metropolis. The list of attractions in the city includes its modern and colonial buildings, lakes, lagoons and coastline, plus Independence Square, Old Parliament Building, National Museum, Pettah Street markets, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Old City Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and the Colombo Lotus Tower. It’s more than enough to keep you occupied!

You should also keep an early evening free to spend at Galle Face Green Promenade, the heart of the city, especially in the evening. Everyone gathers on this stretch of beach and brings a picnic, a picnic table and a kite to fly into the air during sunset. Enjoy the view, the kite flying and the sunset over the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.

Head here, on the outskirts of Colombo, when you’re ready to relax. Enjoy time on this golden stretch of sandy beach, unwind, soak up the laid-back vibes and get a bite of delicious Sri Lankan seafood in the beachside restaurants.

Also on the outskirts of Colombo in Kelaniya, this centre for Buddhist worship is one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for an image of a reclining and paintings which show important events in the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Located by the banks of the Kalu Ganga river, the Kalutara Bodhiya, a Buddhist stupa, is another sacred place of worship in peaceful and spiritually significant surroundings. It is believed to be over two thousand years old and also houses a sacred bodhi tree.

Visit this town on the southwest coast if you want a traditional beach holiday experience. From here you can catch a short boat ride to Barbaryn Island and get a closer look at Beruwala Lighthouse and get the feel of yesteryear on this remote island. The lighthouse was built in the 1890s and although not in use today, it’s worth a visit for a glimpse of the past.

In this western province town, you will be amazed by Richmond Castle, an Edwardian mansion house built at the turn of the century. Formerly the country seat of Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena, it is today owned by public trustees and open to the public. It has been well preserved and maintained and still exudes the grandeur of the colonial era.

Sri Lanka’s largest freshwater lake consists of two main bodies of water that are connected by the Bolgoda River and drain out into the sea at the Panadura estuary. Apart from being the largest source of fresh water, it also provides boat rides, river safaris, kayaking, fishing and even jet skiing. Plan ahead as not all the facilities are close to each other.

The Western Province offers a diverse range of experiences, from cultural and historical exploration to beach relaxation and city life. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying a diverse cultural experience, the Western Province has something for everyone