Aluthgama, Bentota & Induruwa Getting there & around

Getting there & around

Beruwela and Bentota are both on the main Colombo–Matara railway line, but Aluthgama, the town sandwiched between them, is the station to go to as many trains do not make stops at these smaller stations. Aluthgama has five or six express trains daily to Colombo (2nd/3rd class Rs 64/32, 1½ to two hours), and a similar number to Hikkaduwa (2nd/3rd class Rs 35/23, one hour), Galle (2nd/3rd class Rs 64/32, 1½ hours) and Matara. There is also service to Kandy (2nd/3rd class Rs 90/170, 1½ to two hours). Avoid the other, slower trains.

When you get off the train at the unusual middle-platform station you’ll hear the usual boring tales from the touts and fixers that the hotel of your choice is ‘closed’, ‘washed away’ and/or ‘putrid’. Just ignore them.

Aluthgama is also the best place to pick up a bus, although there is no trouble getting off any bus anywhere along the Galle Rd. There is frequent service to both Colombo (regular/air-con Rs 32/60, one to 1½ hours) and Galle (regular/air-con Rs 40/70, 1½ hours).

Three-wheelers are available from Aluthgama; fees range from Rs 50 for a local trip to Rs 300 for the jaunt to Induruwa.