Arugam Bay
The serenity of a secluded destination and an ideal surfing environment has invariably nominated Arugam Bay as one of the top three surfing destinations in the world. The long drive is made worth the while once the visitor is exposed to the amazing beach, blue sea ideal for surfing as well as authentic cuisine prepared especially for you courtesy your local host. An absence of conventional hotel properties is compensated by cosy bungalow-type accommodations scattered along the coast.
Hotels in Arugam Bay – Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing
Unawatuna
One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka, Unawatuna offers a truly resplendent experience of clean and sandy beaches. Its many attractions include a coral reef teamed up by marine life and the many local beachside cafes and restaurants teamed up with a relaxed ambience suitable for the entire family. Unawatuna is fast catching up with Hikkaduwa as a centre for nightlife and is also popular among backpackers seeking cost effective leisure destinations.
Nilaveli
The Nilaveli Beach is long being recognised as one of the unspoilt beaches in Sri Lanka, unrivalled to the sandy beaches of the Maldives. The translucent waters and soft white sand transports the visitor to a trance like state. Untouched and inaccessible during the war, Nilaveli is fast becoming a popular destination among visitors who prefer relaxation as well as a bit of action in scuba diving and snorkelling.
Hotels in Trincomalee – Jungle Beach Resort | Pigeon Island Beach Resort | inTrinco Blu by Cinnamon
Hikkaduwa
Populated predominantly by independent travellers and youth, Hikkaduwa provides a much needed variance to the beach destinations in Sri Lanka. Generally a quiet and relaxed stretch of beach during daytime, it comes alive in the night with frequent parties and festivals. Hikkaduwa has also been famous among international surfers and the natural reef provides a safe beach for bathing and snorkelling.
Hotels in Hikkaduwa – Lavanga Resort & Spa | Coral Rock by Amaya | Hotel Citrus Hikkaduwa
Negombo
Close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) provides Negombo the most coveted accolade of a “combination destination” of convenience and relaxation for the traveller to Sri Lanka. Negombo is revered for its delicious seafood. An ardent seafood lover will definitely benefit by a visit to the fresh seafood market “Lellama”.
Hotels in Negombo – Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions | Jetwing Beach | Jetwing Blue | Jetwing Lagoon | Jetwing Sea | Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa | Club Hotel Dolphin | Goldi Sands Hotel | The Walawwa
Pasikudah
Be it wind surfing, snorkelling, skiing or simply enjoying the warm sun while sipping on an icy cold cocktail, Passekudah is where you should be. It is one of the most picturesque beach destinations in Sri Lanka with its pristine golden beach and clear blue sea. Passekudah provides a multitude of possibilities from beach and water sports activities to excursions to national parks and historical monuments in the cultural triangle.
Hotels in Pasikudah – Anailana Pasikuda | Amethyst Resort | Maalu Maalu Resort & spa
Tangalle
Tangalle is a tranquil destination ideally located en route to some of the most frequented wildlife parks in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is also a haven for those who seek a relaxed time away from the throngs of local and foreign visitors, providing up close and personal experiences with the typical Sri Lankan village life.
Hotels in Tangalle – Amanwella | Buckingham Place | Coco Tangalle | The Last House | Maya Tangalle
BentotaPopular among travellers with kids hitting the beach, Bentota provides the most idyllic family beach destination in Sri Lanka. Beautiful and affordable hotels and resorts are plentiful along the coastline providing visitors with a variety of options to choose from.
Hotels in Bentota – Paradise Road The Villa Bentota | Sri Villas | Cinnamon Bey | Avani Bentota Resort & Spa | The Waterside Bentota | Villa Red | Club Villa | Saman Villas | Cocoon Resort & Villas | Temple Tree Resort & Spa
Kalpitiya
A slightly less popular beach destination, Kalpitiya nevertheless is an amazing stretch of beach with attractions for both the thrill-seeker and nature-lover alike. An excursion into the deep sea is an encounter with pods of spinner dolphins as well as sperm and blue whales. Kalpitiya is also an ideal location for experienced kite surfing.
Hotels in Kalpitiya – Palagama Beach
Mirissa
A spectacular coastline covered with coconut palm trees and miles of clean sandy beach. Moreover, Mirissa has fast caught the attention of avid whale watchers as one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of the giants of the sea: the Blue Sperm Whales.
Hotels in Mirissa – Mandara Resort
