About the city: Balapitiya is a coastal town, in south west Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. Situated 80 km (50 mi) south of Colombo, about a two-hour drive from the capital. It is the nearest town to the Maduganga River. Any stay in Balapitiya deserves a tour through the Madu River in order to get to know the islands and floating communities where different cinnamon products are manufactured and birdwatching is one of the mandatory activities.

About the city: Colombo, located on the banks of the Kelani River and spread along the coast looking out onto the Indian Ocean, is the largest city and the financial and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is considered the country’s capital, but the administrative capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a suburb east of Colombo. The streets of Galle Fort have a lot to show for the city’s colonial heritage, Portuguese, British and Dutch left their mark here. To learn more about the Dutch-era in Colombo, visit The Dutch Period Museum. The city offers a fascinating blend of cultures and religions, around the city you’ll find mosques, churches and temples. The Gangaramaya Temple is the best-known Buddhist place of worship in Colombo. It includes a museum that houses a huge collection of Buddhist relics from around the world. The Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil Hindu temple is a colorful and embellished temple worth a visit. The Wolvendaal Church, a church built by the Dutch settlers, is an impressive building and a must-see of Colombo. Colombo is often overlooked by tourists who come to the country to hit the beach, but the city is the most happening place in the country and offers high-end shopping, a lively nightlife, tasty restaurants and interesting historical sights.