The beaches of Sri Lanka stretch along the entire coast, as if encircling the island. Typically, the beaches of Sri Lanka are divided into three large regions - Western, Southern and Eastern beaches. People usually go to Western beaches for hotel comfort, to Southern beaches for white sand and a pleasant atmosphere, and to Eastern beaches for an authentic experience in finding non-tourist places.
Morning in Kalpitiya Lagoon. Photo credit: Roshan Hatharasinghe, Flickr
Choosing a hotel in Sri Lanka, Always check the location on the map - in Sri Lanka there are a lot of housing options located “between” large and more or less large beaches, such hotels and villas often have access to their own beaches, but at the same time are cut off from the infrastructure of large beaches - restaurants, bars , local spas, etc.
If you want to live on a budget, look at the options for guest houses in villages and cities or beach hotels and villas away from popular beaches.
Western beaches of Sri Lanka
Western beaches are most often associated with the southwestern part of the coast, which stretches from Vaduva to. The beaches here are huge, with golden sand. This part of the coast is the most developed on the island; the infrastructure includes a huge number of different hotels, villas and guest houses, although on the coast you can also find tiny pretty villages with wild beaches. The northern part of the west coast, on the contrary, is underdeveloped and authentic.
The most popular beaches in the regions are Hikkaduwa.
Beaches of Kalpitiya
The Kalpitiya Peninsula is the northernmost part of the western coast. It is an elongated 40-kilometer strip of land, separated from the main coast by a large lagoon. This is the best place in Sri Lanka for dolphin (and sometimes whale) watching and kite surfing. On the beaches of the peninsula you can find absolutely charming eco-resorts and cute guest houses. In addition, the coast is slowly beginning to be built up with beach hotels and resorts.
Eco-lodges and guest houses: Kalpitiya
How to get there: by local bus from Negombo (about 3 hours), by taxi from/to the airport (136 km) and Anuradhapura (115 km).
Kalpitiya Lagoon. Photo credit: Indi Samarajiva, Flickr
Negombo Beach
Negombo Beach is a popular starting point for traveling around Sri Lanka as it is located close to the airport. Here you can lie on the beach for a couple of days before your trip, watch local fishermen and eat delicious seafood. The choice of accommodation ranges from budget guest houses in the urban part of Negombo to cute beach hotels that stretch along the coast. When planning a stop in Negombo, keep in mind that swimming in the ocean in the Negombo area is unlikely to be possible, as there are always huge waves and strong currents.
Hotels and guest houses: Negombo
How to get there: by plane from anywhere in the world (CMB), from the airport by taxi ($10-15), by tuk-tuk ($7-8), hotel transfer or bus (daytime only); by bus to Colombo (30 min), Kandy (3-4 hours), Sigiriya (4 hours), Anuradhapura (4-5 hours)
Fishermen in Negombo / Beaches of Sri Lanka / Photo credit: Jason Jones, Flick
Wellaveit and Mount Lavinia beaches (Colombo)
Colombo's two city beaches are a beach alternative to Negombo as a starting point for traveling around the island. It is not worth considering the city beaches of Colombo as a beach stop, but as an alternative accommodation in Colombo it is a very good option.
City beach in Colombo. Photo credit: Nuno Reis, Flickr
Wadduwa Beach
Wadduwa is the first big beach on the way from Colombo along the southwest coast, located next to a small fishing village. The wide and long sandy beach with golden sand and generous palm trees for shade and a very calm atmosphere are ideal for a romantic holiday, and the proximity to Colombo makes Wadduwa quite an attractive beach for the first/last stop on the island.
A pleasant feature of housing in Wadduwa is that almost all hotels, both stylish and expensive and nice and budget, stretch along the beach. Available infrastructure includes a couple of local restaurants and small shops.
Hotels and guest houses: Wadduwa
Wadduwa Beach. Photo credit: Patsy Jennings, Flickr
Beaches of Kalutara
The beaches of Kalutara stretch on both sides of the city, a little further from Kalutara itself. The holiday format here is calm, the hotels are very good, although the tourist infrastructure is largely limited to hotel infrastructure.
Beach hotels and city hotels: Kalutara
How to get there: by train from Colombo, Galle and west coast cities, by bus or taxi from south coast cities, by taxi from/to the airport
Wedding decorations on Kalutara beach. Photo credit: Prebudda Jayasinhe, Flickr
Moragala Beach (Beruwela)
Moragalla Beach is located immediately south of the village of Beruwela next to the village of Hettimula. Traditionally, on the west coast of Sri Lanka, the main part of guest houses and small hotels are located in villages, along the beaches there are beach hotels and villas. The beach itself is small by Sri Lankan standards - about 1.5 kilometers, the Bentota River overlooks the southern part of the beach, it is better to look for housing in the northern part of the beach - here, firstly, it is cleaner, and secondly, there are more cafes and restaurants. To the north of the beach there are coves and hotels located on the cliffs.
Hotels, inns, guest houses: Moragalla Beach, Beruwella, Hettimula
How to get there: by train from Colombo, Galle and the cities of the west coast to Beruwella station (to the village) or Hettimula (to the resort area of Beruwella), by bus or taxi from the cities of the southern coast, by taxi from/to the airport.
Moragalla Beach. Photo credit: Ken Farge LRPS, Flickr
Bentota Beach
- the largest and most popular resort on the South-West coast of Sri Lanka. This resort region received its name from the town of Bentota, located on the northern bank of the Bentota Ganga River flowing into the ocean. Bentota is famous for two things - good villa hotels and turtle nurseries.
The most famous and most developed beach in the region is Bentota Beach, located next to the village of the same name. There are several large beach hotels along the beach. The bulk of relatively inexpensive villas and budget guest houses, as well as local cafes and restaurants, stretch along Pitaramba Road, next to the beach.
Bentota Beach /Beaches of Sri Lanka/ Photo credit: Fernand Repond, Flick
Induruwa Beach
Induruwa is a town located about 7 km from Bentota, a super great place for those who want a beach with inexpensive accommodation and turtles. The beach is quite large and clean, along the beach there are good restaurants with local seafood.
Induruwa Beach. Photo credit: Galuge, Flickr
Kosgoda Beach
Kosgoda is a small fishing village 10 km from Bentota, turtle farms along the coast, very good value for money hotels and villas. The main disadvantages are that the infrastructure is limited to hotel infrastructure; there are practically no restaurants or shops on Kosgoda beach.
Kids rush to the sea, Kosgoda beach. Photo credit: Michael, Flick
Ahungalla
- a very pleasant small town halfway from Bentota to Hikkaduwa, about 15 km from Bentota. Excellent beach, turtles, inexpensive accommodation, and the presence of very good restaurants and cafes along the beach.
Ahungalla. Photo credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Flick
Hikkaduwa
- the southernmost beach on the west coast, bordering the southern one. In the 70s it was the favorite beach of the “hippies”, today it is a more democratic version of the popular and stylish Bentote. Having lost its charming hippie charm, and with it the fans of atmospheric places, Hikkaduwa relied on young backpackers, surfers and divers.
These days in Hikkaduwa you can find a lot of good inexpensive housing, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. By the way, the famous summer parties of Hikkaduwa are considered the best on the coast of Sri Lanka.
Free atmosphere of Hikkaduwa beach. Photo credit: Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism, Flick
Southern beaches of Sri Lanka
The southern beaches of Sri Lanka stretch south from Hikkaduwa all the way to the southern national parks of Badulla and Yala. The undoubted favorites of the region are the beaches of Unawatuna and Tangalla - large beaches with a lot of different accommodation and beach infrastructure. Between the big beaches and towns along the coast there are many tiny beaches with large free-standing beach hotels or tiny villages offering guesthouses and homestays.
Galle beaches
Galle Beaches is a fairly large stretch of coastline that stretches from Hikkaduwa to Galle with small beaches, large hotels, small beach villas and bungalows. The beach infrastructure here is limited to hotel infrastructure; almost every hotel along the coast, regardless of class and price, has its own bar, restaurant, as well as its own piece of the beach with beach umbrellas and sun loungers. The entertainment of Hakkaduwa is just a short ride by tuk-tuk or local train.
Fishermen on the beach in Galle. Photo credit: Rebel Photo Man, Flick
Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is the most popular beach on the south coast. Large, with white sand, beautiful views and a large selection of accommodation from comfortable hotels to budget bungalows, good restaurants and excellent surfing spots.
Unawatuna beach. Photo credit: Milivoje Krvavac, Flick
Lazy atmosphere of Koggala beach. Photo credit: Olaf (califaxe), Flick
Ahangama and Midingama
Ahangama and Midingama are two villages bordering each other, an area of the coast that is considered the best surfing in the region. The entire infrastructure here is aimed at surfers - a lot of good cheap housing, affordable restaurants and bars, surf camps and clubs.
Ahangama is an ideal place for surfers. Photo credit: Chathurai, Flick
Weligama
- a fishing village located next to a large bay of the same name. The beach is long, sandy, built up with a mixture of hotels and guest houses. A super place for those who want to get on a board - there are small waves, many surf schools, a good beach and cheap seafood.
Weligama is a good place to learn to surf without fear of ridicule. Photo credit: IBI Productions, Flick
Mirissa Beach
– a snow-white beach, coconut palms, cozy bungalows hidden in a coconut grove, restaurants on the beach and gorgeous sunsets. You can come to Mirissa Beach for a couple of days and stay for a couple of weeks. In the northern part of the beach there is a good spot for surfing. It is also convenient to go whale watching from Mirissa.
Sunset on Mirissa. Photo credit: Su Byair, Flick
Polhena Beach
Polhena Beach is not even a beach, but rather a beach area with small beaches along the coast. There is a pretty good selection of inexpensive beach hotels and villas. Near Matara and a fishing village, it can get crowded on weekends. Beach holiday with local flavor.
Polhena on the weekend. Photo credit: Alain Bachelier, Flick
Talalla
Talalla Beach is located in a small picturesque bay just beyond Matara towards Yala. In terms of infrastructure - several hotels, beach bungalows, a couple of restaurants, a surf camp. Idyllic, peaceful place.
View of Talalla Beach. Photo credit: Dave & Hanka Midgley, Flick
Dickwella
is the South Coast's little secret. The beach is located in a picturesque bay far from everything) The housing format here is mainly villas at a fairly reasonable price. Nearby is a fishing village with a good market and shops. There are a couple of good restaurants on the beach. Further along the coast there are small bays and beaches. Super - an option for a relaxing family vacation.
Dickwella is the South Coast's little secret. Photo credit: katoomba36, Flick
You will rarely meet a person who does not associate the words “sea”, “sandy beach”, “palm trees” with an ideal vacation. Places where all this is available are often called paradises.
Sri Lanka boasts an abundance of such places, but the Indian Ocean is not always welcoming to tourists. Its huge waves can ruin all the fun. So let's try to figure out which beaches in Sri Lanka can boast a calm ocean and no waves.
To prevent a family vacation from turning into constant worry about the children, you want to see a beach with a gentle slope, without strong waves, and with soft sand. The following places fit these requirements well:
1. Wadduwa. One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. It has a well-developed infrastructure, clean sand, and excellent service in hotels. There is a lot of entertainment and swimming pools for children. Most hotels have a package holiday policy and are distinguished by excellent service.
2. Unawatuna. Located in a small calm bay, protected from the ocean. Big waves are very rare here. The western part is shallow and very suitable for families with children. The proximity of the reef makes it possible to enjoy snorkeling. There is a good selection of cafes and restaurants nearby, and in the evening they open on the shore itself.
3. Beruwela. Located on the west coast, next to the ancient city. Now the infrastructure of the young resort is rapidly developing here. The beach stretches for 130 km. The swimming season is year-round, there are almost no waves. The coastline is not crowded and is suitable for relaxing family leisure.
Secluded holiday
For those tired of the city bustle and crowds, we can recommend the following beaches in Sri Lanka. They cannot boast of such a calm ocean as the first trinity, but they have their undeniable advantages.
1. Madilla. The extensive sandy coastline is perfect for a relaxing, quiet holiday admiring the ocean. There are few hotels and cafes here, but everything can be found on the nearby beach, Tangalle. There is also an opportunity to observe turtles that have chosen the coast to lay eggs.
2. Tangalle. Despite the fact that there are a sufficient number of hotels on this long and wide beach, it attracts with its privacy and incredibly beautiful views. A successful combination of comfort and untouched nature. The disadvantages include frequent waves and deep entry into the water.
3. Dickwella. An ideal quiet place to “go away”. Poorly developed infrastructure, high waves, slightly rocky shore. At the same time, amazingly beautiful landscapes that inspire creative people.
For active recreation
The island has many corners for those who do not like a “lying down” quiet holiday, but prefer to spend time on their favorite or new hobbies. After all, young and energetic people don’t care about high waves and other whims of the ocean.
1. Bentota. A sandy, gently sloping beach for a respectable holiday with excellent infrastructure, diving schools, spa centers, many excursions, and river safaris. Popular with newlyweds.
2. Hikkaduwa. The most popular beach in Sri Lanka among young people, a favorite place for surfers. There are many types of entertainment for young people, discos, bars, parties on the beach, surf schools, excursion bureaus, etc. The presence of a coral reef also attracts amateurs here. There are also deserted, quiet areas where you can enjoy birdsong and nature.
3. Vijaya Beach. Narrow beach with strong waves. A good place for young people. There are surf schools. The infrastructure is designed for the middle price segment.
4. Arugam bey. A surfer's paradise. Has everything you need for, like Hikkaduwa, but more attractive prices. There is a national park nearby Yala, where various excursions are organized.
Of course, this division is approximate, because each of the listed and many other beaches in Sri Lanka have other advantages, and sometimes disadvantages. But undoubtedly, Sri Lanka fits into the concept of a place for an ideal vacation.
Sri Lanka is one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Asia. This island has miles of stunning beaches. However, you will not find beaches in Sri Lanka with white sand like those in the Maldives. At best, you can relax on a beach with light yellow sand.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best sandy beaches in Sri Lanka, which are covered with light but not white sand.
Unawatuna
The resort of Unawatuna, located in the south of Sri Lanka, has gained its high popularity among tourists primarily due to its beautiful beach. Although this resort area has almost everything a tourist needs, even interesting historical sites, the main attraction of this resort is its stunning light sand beach, which is well suited for swimming due to its location in a small bay, which guarantees relatively calm waters for most of the year. If you are interested in white sand beaches in Sri Lanka, then you should pay attention to Unawatuna Beach. The sand here may not be white, but it is quite light, and the beach itself is suitable for “Bounty” style photos.
Bentota
If light sand on the beach is one of the main criteria when choosing a place to relax, then we advise you to pay attention to Bentota Beach, which is often chosen by tourists who want to enjoy sunbathing and water sports. Alternatively, you can also go on a boat safari on the Bentota River, which connects to the lagoon. During the boat ride, you can see a variety of birds and admire the mangrove landscapes.
Hikkaduwa
The town of Hikkaduwa was famous among foreigners back in the 1970s. These days, the resort is considered one of the noisiest places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. What attracts crowds of tourists to this resort? Its popularity is facilitated by the famous coral gardens and beautiful sandy beach. Although the sand on the beach is not white like in the Maldives, its color is still quite pleasant. True, there is no feeling of being on Bounty Beach, mainly due to the fact that it is a rather crowded beach.
The resort of Hikkaduwa is also famous for its nightlife. Although there is not a wide variety of stylish clubs and disco bars here, as in Colombo, Hikkaduwa still stands out from other tourist resorts in terms of nightlife.
Negombo
About ten kilometers from Bandaranaike Airport and an hour's drive from the center of Colombo, Negombo offers plenty of entertainment and a beautiful beach with light yellow sand. There are plenty of ways to have fun in Negombo, including trips around the lagoon and exploring the architectural remains of the colonial era, including St. Mary's Church, the remains of an old Dutch fort and attractive mansions along the main street.
Negombo beach is quite wide, so it can accommodate many vacationers who come here mainly from Colombo.
Tangalle
On the southern coast of Sri Lanka you will find the beautiful Tangalle Beach. It looks like what many imagine a tropical island beach to look like - swaying palm trees, light sand and turquoise waters. However, this area is famous not only for its beautiful beach. There are also interesting sights here. For example, you can visit the famous Buddha statue, an ancient rock monastery, or a bird sanctuary.
Mirissa
Mirissa Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. The main reason for this beauty is that there is no rapid development here like some other places. In addition, many tourists are attracted by the light and very soft sand of this beach. Despite its relative underdevelopment, the Mirissa resort can offer stylish mini-hotels and good restaurants. There are also traditional village restaurants that serve inexpensive and tasty dishes.
Arugam Bay
Although the beach at Arugam Bay is popular primarily among surfers, tourists who just want to swim and relax on a beautiful beach with light sand also come here. While beaches on the east coast are suitable for swimming between May and September, Arugam Bay offers swimming almost all year round.
Uppuveli and Nilaveli
The beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, which are located in the east of Sri Lanka, near the city of Trincomalee, remained untouched during the long civil war. Palm trees, golden sands, fishing boats and a distinct lack of crowds are what you'll find on these beaches. There are few places to stay here, which means that the atmosphere on the beach always remains calm and quiet.
Despite the fact that Ceylon is a fairly large island in size, nature created it in such a way that the most beautiful things connected with the ocean are collected compactly in one place. All the best beaches in Sri Lanka are located in relative proximity to each other. This fact cannot but please every person who has said goodbye to his not always favorable climate at home in order to spend two weeks of long-awaited vacation, in order to warm himself with eternal warmth, in order to plunge into the waves of the always warm Indian Ocean, in order to philosophize in the shade of huge coconut palms. . Reviewing the best beaches, we will start by looking at the map of Sri Lanka first.
On it, a red square highlights the area where the very thing that makes us move and travel far from home in search of warmth and exoticism is located. Most of the best beaches in Sri Lanka are quite well located relative to Banduranaike airport, where you will fly to on vacation. Quite recently, literally 2 years ago, a grandiose project to build a high-speed toll road was completed here; this project was precisely aimed at developing resorts in the southern regions of the country. If earlier, to get by road from the airport to Bentota, it took approximately 4 hours, although the distance there is no more than 120 kilometers, now it takes 1 hour from the airport to Colombo (the road is busy, and greatly depends on the time of arrival on the island), and further, only 1.5 hours from Colombo to Bentota.
Best beaches in Sri Lanka: Bentota
As you might have already guessed, the beautiful and unique Bentota Beach definitely ranks among the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Here, it is considered the most romantic and cozy place in all of Sri Lanka. Bentota is usually chosen by newlyweds to spend a romantic honeymoon in solitude and harmony with nature.
Here you can happily stroll along the almost deserted beaches, you can rent a boat and go upstream the Bentota River, which, by the way, flows into the ocean right on the beach. The beauty and views of Bentota are unique; exoticism and luxury merge here.
Best beaches in Sri Lanka: Unawantuna
The next contender for the list of the best beaches is Unavantuna Beach. Unavantuna Beach is located in the village of the same name, located along the route running from Colombo to Galle. This is quite a popular, and therefore a very party vacation spot, reputed to be very popular among lovers of passive beach holidays. Despite the fact that the edge of the beach here is not as wide as in Bentota, the calm sea off its shores allows the water to warm up very well during the day.
An ideal place to travel with small children. Throughout the year, the temperature of the ocean water off the coast of Unavantuna never drops below 27 degrees. The village of Unavantuna is located 164 kilometers from the airport.
The best beaches in Sri Lanka: Mirissa
And of course, dedicated to all the romantics of the world who are losing peace and patience, the most beautiful, the sweetest, the most affectionate and what else can be, Mirissa beach. Here in Mirissa there is a relaxing atmosphere of its own. Unlike previous beaches, organized recreation is not very developed.
Tourists come here, usually on independent trips around Sri Lanka. But no one forbids you to go overnight there for a day or two from the same Bentota or Unavantuna. Accommodation can always be found on site upon arrival, and the distance of 30 kilometers from Unavantuna, or 100 kilometers from Bentota, generally allows you to take a daytime independent excursion to Mirissa with a return back to the hotel in the evening, in this case there is no need to look for and overpay for accommodation .
The beaches of Sri Lanka are some of the most famous. In this article we will look at the best beaches in Sri Lanka, which are very popular among tourists, as well as what sea is in Sri Lanka and where is the best place to relax on the island? Where is the best place to relax on the island, and what popular resorts and beaches can we choose?
Hikkaduwa is the best place for divers and clubbers. This is a beautiful large beach where dive enthusiasts can enjoy wrecks. There are courses for beginner divers on the beach. The corals in Hikkaduwa are some of the most beautiful in all of Asia. Hikkaduwa is also considered a favorite place for surfers.
Unawatuna known for its beautiful semicircular beach, which in 2004 was named the best in the world by the Discovery Channel. Swimming in the blue ocean lagoon is pleasant and safe, as the depth reaches only 6 meters and therefore you can swim here throughout the year. Divers will find the best and most amazing coral reefs, a variety of bizarre fish and shipwrecks here. A photo of this beach is shown below.
Nilaveli is located on the east coast of the island 240 kilometers from Colombo. This is a natural harbor, which, according to many travel agencies, is one of the best in the world. This beach is also considered the best for diving and surfing. This beach is famous for its white sand and clear sea. Tours to this resort are among the most popular.
Negombo– the famous beach, which is located near the city of the same name, it is washed by the Laccadive Sea. It is famous for its fresh seafood. This also affects tourism services, since delicacies such as squid, shrimp and lobster at the most affordable prices can be tasted in local restaurants and cafes. Negombo is one of the beaches in Sri Lanka that has a rich history, as during the Dutch colonization, fortresses and churches were built here, which have survived to this day.
Colombo is not only the unofficial capital of the island of Sri Lanka, but also the cultural “mecca” of the island. There are practically no beaches here, so tourists go to nearby cities (Bentosa, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Kalutara, etc.).
Mirissa considered the calmest, best and most beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean coast. This is a small beach that offers a romantic atmosphere and tranquility. There are not a large number of hotels here (there are only about 10 of them), their sizes are small and they are designed for people who go on vacation on their own. A description of the Mirissa coastline can be found on our website.
Koggala It is interesting for its beautiful lake, which stretches along the entire beach for several kilometers. This beach is located on the southwestern coast of Ceylon.
Kalutara- This is a fairly wide coastal strip, which is covered with coarse yellow sand. For vacationers on Kalatura beach, sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. Also on the beach area there is a small cafe with local cuisine. You can get here by bus or train.
Its coastline is 40 kilometers from Colombo. This resort is located on the Kalu-Ganga River, which means “Black River.” In the distant past, Kalutara was the main center for the spice trade. Today this city is a modern resort with great opportunities for various sports and beach holidays. It is suitable for windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, diving, spearfishing, etc.
Beruwela is a beach located in an ancient Sri Lankan city that was founded by Arab traders in the 8th century. One of the oldest mosques on the island, Kechimalai, is located here. Beruwela is a fairly young and rapidly developing resort. In recent years, the most modern hotels have been built here, shops have been improved, and the tourism area has been improved. Beruwella is located at the very beginning of a long 130 kilometer beach, which stretches along the entire southwestern part of the island. There are practically no waves here, so you can relax with children and swim without waves here all year round. The swimming season here lasts 12 months a year. This is why many people want to come to this resort, because you can relax here with your children.
Bentota is the most beautiful and romantic resort on the island of Sri Lanka, which is located in the southwest of the island, in the Galle region, on the coast of the Bentota-Ganga River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. Benthosa got its name from the legend of a demon named Beem, who ruled the banks of this river. Bentota has its own airport, a turtle sanctuary, and the ancient ruins of a 12th-century Buddhist temple. The resort is also valuable for its delicious palm wine and diving and surfing opportunities.
Bentota is the most favorite beach of newlyweds. There are many four and five-star hotels here that offer the highest quality service, and uncrowded, many-kilometer beaches provide relaxation and comfort. Beginner divers choose it because the sea or ocean here offers the clearest water and picturesque coral reefs.
