Known for their idyllic scenery, colourful wildlife, and great surfing, Sri Lankan beaches are a slice of paradise. It is quickly gaining popularity as one of the world’s most attractive beach destinations, featuring everything from tropical rainforests to miles of powdery white sand beaches. This area is surrounded by natural beauty and a rich cultural history that dates back to thousands of years. Sri Lanka is also more accessible than ever, with direct flights from many European, Asian, and Arabian airline hubs.
The island of Sri Lanka makes an excellent vacation spot, and a large part of the excitement of Sri Lanka vacations is spent enjoying the magnificent beaches that dot the great island nation. In every direction, there are unique characteristics to every beach, from tidal islands and white sand bars to bohemian beach bars. Plus, you’ll find activities catering to everyone, whether you’re an advanced surfer searching for the biggest waves or just a hammock lover relaxing, sipping fresh coconut water, and paddling in the shallows. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Sri Lanka is the place to go!
During the two monsoon seasons on the island, different parts of the island are affected at different times. So, you must plan your trip in advance. During May through September, you should avoid resorts and beaches in the west and southwest; during October through February, you should avoid resorts and beaches in the east and north.
A number of golden beaches line the coastline of this Asian island nation. Where should you go to enjoy these sandy stretches of sun? Find out which are the best beaches in Sri Lanka with our Sri Lanka Tour packages as we provide an overview of each coast in the country.
There are many beaches in Sri Lanka, but Mirissa is one of the most popular; it’s famous for its snorkeling, restaurants, and bars. The beach’s beauty and accessibility to Colombo (the capital city) make it easily accessible. You’ll find the great Parrot Rock in the middle of the beach, which extends for two kilometers. The Parrot Rock is a great place to visit while you are at Mirissa Beach. The rock is located in front of the beach and offers great views of palm trees below. It is important to research tidal times before crossing the rock as it is out at sea. Swimming is also a good option when crossing this natural jetty. If you are interested in whale watching, the best time is in February and March.
The beach of Nilaveli is a broad, sandy beach with palm trees and fishermen’s boats. It is located 30 minutes away from the city of Trincomalee in the northeast of Sri Lanka. Due to its own small reef, this island has calm beaches and gentle waves. Nilaveli’s beach may be large, but it is much-loved by the natives and tourists alike. There are lifeguards on duty and a number of restaurants along the shore, most offering seafood. Pigeon Island National Park is about half a mile off the coast, so if Nilaveli isn’t enough isolation for you, you can take a boat there. It is best known for snorkeling and scuba diving, and there is a good diving school near the beach.
In addition to its gorgeous white sand, Arugam Bay is distinguished by its deep blue water that turns green as you get closer to the shore. In addition to its beauty, Horton Plains beach offers some of the best surf breaks in Sri Lanka, so it is a popular surf destination internationally. International surf competitions are now held here. This reputation brings many visitors to the area, also provides a good infrastructure for tourists and is easily accessible. Curving sands feel a bit like Hawaiian beaches – the area near the water slopes down, and there is a dry, sandy section, then rougher portions with shrubbery and trees.
The beach at Unawatuna is close to Galle, a beautiful colonial town that offers a lot of sightseeing opportunities. There is something very picturesque about Unawatuna. Golden sand, palm trees, and a few simple beach bars and restaurants. On the southern coast of Sri Lanka, this beach is easily one of the most popular. It may not seem as busy as Thailand or Spain, but it’s still not as chaotic as you might find elsewhere. There is always somewhere to relax in there, thanks to its wide-open spaces. Also, Unawatuna village has a laid-back vibe, where the days pass slowly amid coconut trees, good food, and refreshing morning swims. It’s very safe to swim in the water since the beach is located in a sheltered bay.
Only an hour’s drive from Colombo lies the popular resort town of Bentota. In addition to being lined with palm trees and filled with soft fine sand, Bentota and Beruwala beach offer incredibly clear and shallow water, making it safe even for those taking a dip for the first time. Whilst it is a popular destination for package tourists, it is worth a visit because it is rich in natural beauty. It is a wide beach with bright white sand, and the sea is turquoise-blue thanks to a light-colored sandy bottom. There are tall palms and jungles all around the beach. The region surrounding Galle has many temples and vestiges of the country’s colonial past, including a fort protecting an old harbor.
Hiriketiya Beach, sometimes called Hiri Beach, is becoming more and more well-known for its waves. Many consider it to be a surfer’s paradise in Sri Lanka. Horseshoe bay is undoubtedly popular because it is surrounded by lush palm tree forests and is conveniently located near trendy eateries where you can get a delicious brunch. Hiriketiya is a popular surf destination for people everywhere, bringing with them a surfy, bohemian vibe that can be seen throughout the area. There is still plenty of room to swim and watch surfers catch the best wave of the day from the shoreline, even when the water is crowded. If you plan on joining them, you can get a lesson at one of the surf schools on the beach.
Located on the south-east coast, Tangalle beach is one of those Sri Lanka beaches that were meant for paradise seekers. It’s not the usual Sri Lanka route, so it may be harder to find, but it’s so wonderful! As a result, Tangalle is less crowded, creating a more tranquil environment. Light sand contrasts sharply with dark blue water, and both are set against deep green foliage. It makes a great backdrop for great Instagram shots. The beach edge is lined with a dense grove of trees, much like many other beaches in Sri Lanka, and the top part of the beach is made up of a light gold-coloured powdery sand, with a steep incline near the water’s edge.
Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the beaches in Sri Lanka located on the west coast. Since it has a west-facing position, the sunsets at Hikkaduwa Beach are a treat to the senses. Seeing the sun melt into the horizon line in the warm evening air is a magical experience. Hikkaduwa is popular for diving and snorkelling during the day because of its coral reefs. There are many animals in the reefs and wrecks, from tropical fish to sharks. Giant turtles can often be seen swimming very close to the shoreline, offering travellers the opportunity to see them up close and personal.
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