10 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka
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Getting a break from a demanding job or having a romantic getaway next to your significant other, spending some quality time with friends, meeting new people and even going on a vacation all by yourself is indeed a refreshing thought and an exciting experience to realize. But none of these dreams will come true if you do not have the right place to go and one place that will cater to all such needs is this ideal holiday destination- Sri Lankan and her fine share of breathtaking tropical beaches.
With several top beaches surrounding Sri Lanka narrowing the top places down to a number realizable will definitely be logical. That is why we decided to name the top ten best beaches in Sri Lanka you could visit in your lifetime, and you are sure not to be disappointed.
1. Bentota
A little over 60 km from Colombo and passing several stretches of other inviting beaches on the Western Coast to Southern Coast, Bentota remains one of the most visited holiday destinations in Sri Lanka. The picturesque road towards this coastal town will only add to the surprise that is in store. Native fishermen in palm leaf clad huts selling fish, king-coconut vendors, inviting toddy bars with the pearl white, low alcoholic percentage drink sold at a reasonable price and children with sun tanned skin playing cricket by the roads are common and homely sights here.
It is the ideal place in Sri Lanka for surfing, jet skiing and other water sports that can be exhilarating and fun.
2. Arugam Bay
When you say that you went to a beach in Sri Lanka most would ask you if it was Arugam Bay in Southern Province- a top ranked surfing spot in the world. The 3 km long beach strip is located about 320 km on East Coast from Colombo. You may be asked if you holidayed in Arugam Bay for obvious reasons as this fishing village covers every beach goers needs.
If you are lucky you’ll get to visit Arugam Bay in the right time for surfing- May to October. If you are a beginner there are surfing trainers for about Rs. 2,500 per lesson and you can also rent surfing boards from several places at any given time.
3. Kalpitiya
If you are a dolphin fanatic then taking a tour in Kalpitiya fishing village is the right thing for you.
Located in Puttalam in the North Western Province and almost a four hour ride form Colombo, Kalpitiya is reputed for wild dolphin watching in Sri Lanka. However you have to make sure that you visit the place during the season, which is starting in November and will last till April. Watching time begins at around 6.30 in the morning.
4. Unawatuna
Laid along the south coast and about six km from Galle Fort Unawatuna can be titled the princess of Sri Lankan beaches. With a fair stretch of golden sand, secluded by pungent and shady palm trees, with a perfect tropical touch and beautiful water for swimming this beach is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
Once Unawatuna was known for the abundance of corals but as a result of human intervention they seem to be disappearing despite efforts by authorities to restore them to their original forms. Yet, it will not fail to fill you up with a unique and tantalizing experience, while you could also go scuba diving for a change.
5. Hikkaduwa
Located nearly 100 km from Colombo on south coast and in the Southern Province the Hikkaduwa beach is mainly known for its resorts. The raucous feel of the waves paves way for a smooth surf. You don’t even have to bother bringing your own surf both as there are several places where you can hire them.
There are a dozen things to see and experience here such as the famous standing Buddha statue, which is 18 meters tall and constructed by the funding of the Japanese Government after the place was affected by the tsunami in 2006, and Ayurvedic spas for relaxation.
6. Mirissa
Mark our words taking the Southern Expressway in a 155 km drive to Mirissa will not disappoint you. Its sandy beaches and the ever available hospitality of the people will make your visit remarkable. But yet despite it abundance of beach related experiences Mirissa is most known for one significant activity- whale watching! The experience is as exciting as it sounds. Most visitors also told us that they were able to get a glimpse of other fishes such as dolphins during the right season.
After watching Blue whales, Sperm whales and even Fin whales surface with majestic beauty you can take time to sip on to a king-coconut and enjoying the sun setting from the beach.
7. Uppuveli
Having an inimitable touch to it and set amidst Kovils in a district that is culturally and traditionally different this beach is an ideal place for a change. Uppuveli is set over 309 km from Colombo in Trincomalee district.
What is notable is that the beach and its surroundings have been developing over the years to cater to tourists seeking a unique experience and of course the variety of yummy sea food.
8. Tangalle
With a good share of flawless golden sand and stunning sunsets that will look good in your collection of pictures Tangalle Beach has raised to its fame among tourists. Located about 195 km from Colombo and set in the Hambanthota district this fishing village is another place that you have to add to your top places to visit.
Though the comparatively rough sea is not perfect for a peaceful dip the beach has something a little more exciting to offer- Kayaking. After a day engaged in this adrenaline-charging sport you’ll add it to your list of places to visit again!
9. Koggala
A 140 km drive from Colombo via the Southern Expressway will get you to Koggola. And why go to Koggola? Because you’ll be able to take a good look at what paradise is meant to be like. Fringed with coconut trees, with a layer of sun baked sand and beautiful turquoise water chanting for a dip Koggola has succeeded the perfection of ‘beaching’.
If you are lucky you will also be able to see native fishermen engaged in a traditional form of fishing- stick fishing, where men stand on stilts in the water waiting for fish to catch their bait. If this is not reason enough for you to visit Koggola try the option of turtle watching! Yes, big green and brown shelled turtles in their natural habitat.
10. Nilaveli
Want to go scuba diving and snorkeling among fishes? Then Nilaveli will be the place to go. With almost 314 km to cover from Colombo in the Trincomalee region this place will not disappoint you and trust us on this one.
Best part of this beach is the opportunity to go scuba diving in its offshore Pigeon Island. If you are one serious beach fanatic make sure you go swimming and sun bathing in Sri Lanka’s Nilaveli.
Looking for to plan your next beach holiday? Get in touch with us and an experience travel advisor will be in touch with you.
Email: [email protected] Tel: 00 9411 2462 7739 or visit our website for more information: www.srilankatailormade.com