Sri Lanka boasts of some of the finest and most picturesque beaches anywhere in the world. Its coasts are lined with miles of serene, palm fringed, golden sand beaches lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
With more than a thousand kilometres of sandy coastline to choose from and only around 250 odd resorts in the entire country, the beaches here are refreshingly uncrowded. What’s more, the island provides a year around summer with two different weather systems which ensure that whatever time you choose to travel to Sri Lanka, you will always find a sun soaked beach somewhere along the coast.
During the months of November to March, Sri Lanka experiences the North east monsoons and it’s beautifully sunny and calm on the western and the southern coasts. From April to October, during the south west monsoons, the eastern coast enjoys sunshine.
The clear waters are a haven for sea life and corals and for those interested in romancing the waves there is an abundance of water sport options including wind surfing, parasailing, fishing as well as canoeing and water skiing on the lagoons.
Following are some of the island’s more popular beaches;
West Coast
Negombo: Situated very close to the International airport, Negombo has always been a popular beach destination with its lively beaches which offer a wide array of accommodation as well as a selection of small bars and restaurants. An important fishing centre, Negombo’s harbour is a great place to watch the fishermen bring back their fresh catch in their catamarans.
Mount Lavinia: Just 10 km from the bustling city of Colombo, the beach here is very popular with city dwellers. The two hundred year old Mount Lavinia hotel which was the former residence of a British Governor is the most famous landmark here and offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
Wadduwa and Kalutara: Located just south of Colombo, what makes the beaches in Wadduwa and Kalatura special is that it has a large number of stunning resorts which are separated by local villages. The resorts blend naturally into the surroundings giving you the best of luxury in the most picturesque of surroundings.
Beruwela: This is your ideal party and activity beach as you have wide stretches of golden sand and very calm, shallow waters, protected by a reef. The atmosphere here is always lively with fun and games on the sand.
Bentota: Bentota offers a selection of some of the islands best luxury accommodations including some exclusive resorts ideal for honeymooners. Situated where the Bentota river meets the sea, the area offers the west coast’s widest and quietest beaches along with an excellent range of water sports.
Hikkaduwa: Another party destination, the beaches of Hikkaduwa offer a string of laidback restaurants and bars that keep the place buzzing late into the night. Look out for the turtle hatcheries and also for the coral sanctuary which offers some fantastic snorkelling, diving and boat rides.
Unwatuna: Considered to be one of the island’s prettiest beaches, Unwatuna sits enclosed in a sheltered semi circular bay and is lined with dozens of colourful little guest houses and beach restaurants which serve excellent seafood . It is also close to the historical town of Galle thus providing for some interesting excursions.
Weligama: Located along the southern coast, Weligama offers some stunning settings as it is spread around the edge of the gorgeous Weligama Bay with its golden sand beaches and photogenic fleets of wooden fishing boats. Weligama is also famous for its ornately decorated colonial houses and lace making cottage industry.
Tangalle: Tangalle meanders around a picturesque sequence of bays and beaches along the coast. It is also a great place to explore some outstanding attractions including colourful shrines, rock temples, turtle watching beaches and a gigantic Buddha statue amongst others.
East Coast:
Arugam Bay: The up and coming Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka offers a compelling mix of attractions and is particularly popular for surfing making it a prime attraction for surfers from around the globe. It also hosts the British Pro Surfing competitions in June every year. Visitors can also enjoy dolphin spotting expeditions in the sea.
Nilaveli: Nilaveli is one of the country’s best kept secrets along the eastern coast as it offers some very ‘unspoilt’ beaches and a very Robinson Crusoe like ambience. It also offers superb snorkelling around the Coral and Pigeon Islands.
Whether you choose to soak in the glorious sunshine, swim in the beautiful waters, walk along the palm fringed sands, partake in one of the many adrenaline pumping water sports or just lie in your hammock strung between two palm trees, Sri Lanka’s beaches will fulfil every desert island fantasy you ever had.
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