Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

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Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Region: Western Province

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Geographic Coordinates: 6.873100, 79.875800

Climate: Tropical climate with monsoon seasons, average temperature ranging from 26-32°C.

Population: 245974

Language: Sinhala

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Mount Lavinia is a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, Known for its scenic beauty. It is located 12 kilometers south of the city center and is a popular tourist destination. The suburb was named after Lovina Aponsuwa, A local dancer who was adored by Sir Thomas Maitland, The former Governor-General of Ceylon during British colonial rule. He built a mansion for her on top of a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean which eventually became known as Mount Lavinia.

The town has an interesting mix of old-world charm and modern amenities that cater to tourists from all over the world. The beach at Mount Lavinia is one of its biggest attractions and stretches for several kilometers along the coast. It offers visitors stunning views across crystal clear waters and golden sands with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Mount Lavinia also has several historic landmarks that are worth visiting.

These include St Thomas’ College Chapel which dates back to 1848 and was designed by Edward Skinner in Gothic Revival style architecture; The National Zoological Gardens which houses over 300 species including elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Bears and many more; And there’s also The Old Parliament Building which was built in 1930s during British Colonial rule. For those looking to indulge in some shopping or dining experiences while in Mount Lavinia then there are plenty options available nearby too!

There are numerous restaurants offering delicious seafood dishes made with locally sourced ingredients as well as international cuisine options such as Italian or Chinese cuisine. One can also visit Odel department store where they can find high-end fashion brands like Burberry or Tommy Hilfiger alongside local handicrafts such as batik fabrics or wooden souvenirs – perfect for taking home as gifts! For those looking for adventure activities then there’s no shortage either! Visitors can try their hand at surfing, Kiteboarding or even scuba diving in the clear waters around Mount Lavinia.

Overall, Mount Lavinia is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. With its stunning beaches, Historic landmarks and modern amenities, It offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the local culture and cuisine, This suburb has it all!

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1. Mount Lavinia Beach
2. Mount Lavinia Hotel
3. National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka (Dehiwala Zoo)
4. Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
5. Independence Square
6. Viharamahadevi Park
7. Colombo Fort
8. Galle Face Green
9. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
10. Pettah Market

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1. Hospitality and tourism: Mount Lavinia is a popular tourist destination with many hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes.
2. Education: There are several schools and colleges in the area.
3. Retail: There are many shops selling clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and other products.
4. Real estate: The area has a thriving real estate market with many properties for sale or rent.
5. Healthcare: There are several hospitals and clinics in the area providing healthcare services to residents and tourists alike.
6. Transportation: Mount Lavinia is well-connected by roadways to other parts of Sri Lanka making it an important transportation hub.
7. Manufacturing/Construction: Many construction companies operate in the area as well as manufacturing companies producing goods like textiles or food products for export or local consumption.
8. Banking/Finance/Insurance sector also has a significant presence in the town catering to its growing population’s financial needs.

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1. The Mount Lavinia Hotel was constructed by Sir Thomas Maitland, the Governor of Ceylon in 1805. In 1877, it was converted into a hotel and named the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
2. Local legend tells the story of Sir Thomas Maitland falling in love with Lovina Aponsuwa, a local dancer who performed at his parties. Their relationship was frowned upon due to class and racial differences.
3. The railway station at Mount Lavinia was constructed in 1926, after the first railway line in Sri Lanka was laid between Colombo and Ambepussa in 1864.
4. During World War II, Japanese planes bombed Colombo harbor on Easter Sunday in 1942 causing significant damage to ships and infrastructure during what is known as the Battle of Colombo.
5. Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike survived an assassination attempt on September 25th, 1959 when Talduwe Somarama Thero shot him while he lay sleeping at Tintagel Residence near Mount Lavinia.
6. Notable people associated with Mount Lavinia include Sir Thomas Maitland, Lovina Aponsuwa, S.W.R.D Bandaranaike and Talduwe Somarama Thero.

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1. National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
2. Mount Lavinia Beach
3. Sri Lanka Air Force Museum
4. The Colombo Dutch Museum
5. Gangaramaya Temple
6. Independence Memorial Hall
7. National Museum of Colombo
8. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple
9. Seema Malaka Temple
10. Galle Face Green

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1. Mount Lavinia Beach Festival is a three-day event that takes place on the beach and features music, dance, food, and sports activities.
2. Vesak Festival is a Buddhist celebration that honors Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
3. Christmas Celebrations are marked by carol singing, decorations, and a Christmas market.
4. Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebrations are an essential cultural festival in Sri Lanka celebrated in April with traditional games, rituals, and food.
5. Independence Day Celebrations commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British colonial rule on February 4th each year with parades, flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural performances.
6. Kite Festival is an annual event held in August where people fly kites of various shapes and sizes at the beach to create a colorful spectacle.
7. Colombo Art Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition held every two years featuring works by local and foreign artists.
8. Mount Lavinia Literary Festival is an annual literary festival that showcases talks by renowned authors from around the world along with book launches workshops panel discussions on literature-related topics.
9. Food Festivals celebrate local cuisine throughout the year such as seafood festivals or street food markets showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dishes like hoppers or kottu roti.

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1. The Angler – known for its seafood dishes and beautiful ocean view.
2. La Rambla – a Spanish restaurant with a variety of tapas, paella, and sangria.
3. Tobacconist Lounge – a cozy lounge with a selection of cigars and cocktails.
4. Sea View Restaurant – serves traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes as well as fresh seafood.
5. Loon Tao – Chinese restaurant known for its dim sum and Peking duck.
6. The Station – a cafe-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a mix of Western and Sri Lankan cuisine.
7. Buba Beach Restaurant & Bar – serves delicious seafood dishes along with other western favorites in an open-air setting on the beachfront
8. Sugar Bistro & Wine Bar – offers contemporary international cuisine along with an extensive wine list
9. King Coconut – known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine including hoppers, kottu roti, biryani etc
10. Wadiya – one of the oldest restaurants in Mount Lavinia which serves authentic Sri Lankan food including string hoppers, pittu etc

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1. Mount Lavinia Beach
2. Dehiwala Zoo
3. Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya
4. Attidiya Bird Sanctuary
5. Diyatha Uyana Park and Market
6. Kothalawala Defense University Grounds
7. Ratmalana Airport Park
8. Weras Ganga Park
9. Bolgoda Lake Water Sports Center
10. Colombo Rowing Club

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