Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations for a beach holiday in Asia. This island has miles of gorgeous beaches. However, you will not find white sand beaches in Sri Lanka, such as in the Maldives. At best, you can relax on a beach with light yellow sand.
In this article, we will present you 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, won 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 most of the time. of the year. If you are interested in Sri Lanka's white sand beaches, then you should pay attention to Unawatuna Beach. Although the sand here is not white, it is quite light, and the beach itself is suitable for a Bounty photo.

Bentota

If the light sand on the beach is one of the main criteria when choosing a place to stay, 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 trip, you can see a variety of birds and admire the mangrove landscapes.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has been known among foreigners since the 1970s. Today, 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 sand beach. Although the sand on the beach is not white, as 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 this is a rather crowded beach.
Hikkaduwa resort is also famous for its nightlife. Although there is not a wide variety of stylish clubs and disco bars, as in Colombo, Hikkaduwa still stands out from the rest of the tourist resorts in terms of nightlife.

Negombo

About ten kilometers from the Bandaranaike Airport and an hour's drive from the center of Colombo is the town of Negombo, which offers a lot of entertainment and a beautiful beach with light yellow sand. In Negombo, you'll find plenty of ways to have fun, including trips around the lagoon and sightseeing of colonial-era architecture, 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 south coast of Sri Lanka you will find the beautiful Tangalle Beach. It looks like many imagine a beach on a tropical island - 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 monastery in the rock, 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, as in 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 serving inexpensive and delicious food.

Arugam Bay

Although the beach in Arugam Bay is popular primarily among surfers, those tourists who just want to swim and relax on a beautiful beach with light sand also come here. Although beaches on the east coast are suitable for swimming from May to September, you can swim in Arugam Bay 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.

"Shining Island", "Pearl of Asia", "Tear of India" - these are just a few of the many definitions that characterize the enchanting beauty of Sri Lanka. For its guests, a tropical paradise has prepared an exciting variety of exotic landscapes, the ruins of ancient mysterious cities, the meditative silence of Buddhist temples and the hospitality of the locals. But the main attraction of the island are the best beaches of Sri Lanka, washed by the warm waves of the Indian Ocean, offering an idyllic vacation on the soft sand among giant coconut trees leaning towards the water.

Those dreaming of a romantic getaway in a prestigious resort should pay attention to Bentota, located in the southwest of the country. This is the land of expensive restaurants and luxurious hotels - on the shore you will not find the ubiquitous local merchants and tents with home-made souvenirs. Travelers love this corner of paradise for the highest class service, serene silence and a sense of complete harmony. Those who want to experience the healing power of Ayurvedic practices and the complete relaxation that elite spas give are coming here.

The indisputable advantage of Bentota is the beautiful sandy beach. Kilometers of white sand, coconut palms and azure water - this is the usual landscape that welcomes enthusiastic guests of the resort. Here everyone will find something to their liking: fans of water sports will appreciate the good conditions for surfing in the southern part of the coast, and lovers of swimming will choose the calm northern beach without waves.

Mirissa

The duration of this beach is relatively short - only one kilometer, but it is considered one of the most beautiful in the area. The local infrastructure is not very developed, which makes this place even more atmospheric and secluded. Not good for swimming. Despite the fact that it is located in the bay, it does not protect it from gusty winds and rough waves. Basically, it is locally chosen by surfers and fans of long walks.

To the east there are a number of calmer bays - here you can already fully enjoy swimming - calm waters are framed by clean beaches. It is noteworthy that a narrow sandy spit, which forms an island, serves as the boundary between the zones. Those who know about this miracle of Mirissa come here at sunset to see the most beautiful scenery that can only be found here.

1.4 km from whale watching

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Somerset Mirissa

Less than 1 km from whale watching

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Ubuntu Beach Villas by Lantern

Outdoor pool, BBQ facilities and sundeck

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Unawatuna

Considered one of the best in the world. Once it was wild, but even the first local residents appreciated the beauty of the local landscapes and rather quickly "trodden" the path here. It was absolutely justified: the gold of the sand, the tropics, which approach almost close, palm trees grow almost along the ocean. It is impossible not to fall in love with this splendor! On the left side of the lagoon, the reef comes close, which is especially pleasing to divers - it is not necessary to sail a decent distance from the shore to enjoy the panoramas of colorful underwater life.

It is noteworthy that despite the appearance of some cafes and guest houses, the beach is still not completely absorbed by the modern paraphernalia of a beach holiday. The romance of the "wild" beach is preserved - you should take the opportunity and try to have time to visit here before civilization sets foot on the local gently sloping shores.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is known for its picturesque lake of the same name, historical monuments and beaches. Among them, Hikkaduwa Beach and Narigama stand out. The first is a rather narrow strip of sandy beach, tightly pressed to the shore by dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars that are located along the coast. At the same time, the bottom of the beach consists of rock, and therefore the local waters are very clean, juicy turquoise and are guaranteed to attract photography fans. Those who go to this resort just for the sake of swimming should turn their attention to Narigama. This beach has occupied the territory of a cozy closed bay and has a gentle slope, which makes it undoubtedly more attractive for swimming.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Hikkaduwa

Located on the picturesque south coast of Sri Lanka

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Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Hikkaduwa

It features an Ayurvedic massage center and an outdoor pool.

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Coral Rock by Bansei

Hikkaduwa

It features an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the beach.

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Tangalle

Tangalle is located in the very south of the country. Its rock-shaped coastline stretches for 9 km and forms many lagoons, which you can take a short trip on a boat or kayak. As for the ocean, here it shows all its power, washing mountains of golden sand onto the shore. Strong waves, steep descent and fast current do not contribute to serene swimming.

People come here to soak up the rays of the gentle sun and in silence to relax from the city chaos. You can walk for hours along the coast without meeting a single living soul. In the evenings, your only companions will be the sea turtles that come out onto the sand to lay their eggs. A huge plus of Tangalle is its proximity to the Yala National Park, spread over an area of ​​1,300 km 2. In this tropical jungle, you can become a member of a "jeep safari" and see leopards in their natural habitat.

Negombo

Just a 20-minute drive from the airport in Colombo, Negombo is the oldest beach in the former Ceylon. Back in the 60s of the XX century, the first tourists, mastering the island, sunbathed here under the lush palm trees in the immediate vicinity of the ocean surf. Much has changed since then, but the lush tropical vegetation and soft sand interspersed with small shells have remained the same.

Whole families come here. While parents lie on their sun loungers and contemplate the ocean, children can safely play in a calm bay. Negombo offers its guests a wide range of entertainment. Here you can spend time riding on gentle waves on a boat or jet ski, or, armed with a mask and fins, explore the sunken ship. But you should not go far from the isolated territories of hotels - within the city, the coastal zone is not cleaned well, the water here is muddy and often brings the waste of civilization to land.

Heritance Negombo

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It features 2 stunning outdoor pools, a spa and 2 restaurants

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Resort with outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant

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Wadduwa

Those who choose Wadduwa as their holiday destination in Sri Lanka will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and relaxed atmosphere. The golden canvas of the coast, 4 km long, strewn with fine sand, is one of the most beautiful in the western part of the island. Moderate waves create good conditions for windsurfing, and at the same time safe for those who want to swim in peace in the azure ocean.

Countless shady palm trees, clear water, playgrounds for sports, restaurants and cafes offering dishes from seafood - this is just an incomplete list of what Wadduwa has prepared for her guests. For those interested in traditional healing procedures, Ayurvedic centers are open, and shopaholics will have a great time in jewelry shops where you can find inexpensive original jewelry.

Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing

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It features 4 restaurants, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa.

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Oak Ray Haridra Beach Resort

The restaurant serves international cuisine and room service is available.

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Weligama

The three-kilometer coastal strip, located 150 km south of Colombo, is almost never visited by strong monsoon winds. The incessant gentle waves scare off those who like to swim in calm water from the coast, but they are ideal for learning to surf and practicing simple maneuvers. For beginners, all conditions have been created here: the presence of surf schools (including those for Russian speakers), rental of equipment and boards.

Weligama is a young resort, its infrastructure is practically not developed. Locals know about shopping only by hearsay, so do not forget to pack the necessary medicines and hygiene items in your suitcase. The choice of hotels does not differ in variety - on the coast you can find either luxurious expensive five-star complexes with ocean views, or cheap guest houses located in the village.

Arugam bay

In the southeast of the island, 320 km from the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, there is a multi-kilometer curved strip of pure sand. This place harmoniously combines tranquility and rhythm of life. There are many fishing villages here. Boats of local residents go out into the ocean long before dawn. If you get up early, you can see how the fishermen sort the net on the shore and lay out the rich catch on the wet sand. Tourist accommodation is moderately priced and is represented by guest houses and budget hotels.

Arugam Bay is a favorite place for surfers. The height of not too steep and long waves running across the coast reaches 1.5–2 m, which is perfect for lovers of extreme boarding. Novice athletes can get training (hour - 2,000-3,000 rupees) and rent equipment (day - 800-1,000 rupees).

Villa Tissa Beach Resort

Arugam bay

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Upali Beach Surf Resort

Arugam bay

The only glamping near the best surf spot

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The Blue Wave Hotel

Arugam bay

It features a restaurant and an outdoor pool.

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Uppuveli

If you are going to Sri Lanka in anticipation of a measured rest far from civilization, then you will find the village of Uppuveli, located in the northeast of the island, 6 km from the city of Trincomalee. There are no fashionable hotels, famous Ayurveda centers and expensive restaurants here - tourists come here for budget housing, local flavor, a deserted coast and a calm ocean protected from the elements by a coral reef.

In addition to sunbathing and water activities, Upuvelli offers its guests sightseeing. Places in the vicinity of Trincomalee are sacred to Sri Lankans who practice Buddhism and Hinduism. Here are the ruins of the Velgam Vihara Temple, built in the 1st century AD. e., towering on a 120-meter cliff Koneshwaram Temple, Fort Frederick of the XVII century and the sacred hot springs of Kanniyya, according to legend, created by the god Vishnu.

Nilaveli

Snow-white Nilaveli - according to travel companies, is the cleanest in Sri Lanka. Its coastline is perfect for those who appreciate the calm waves, giving vacationers the opportunity to swim safely. Those who prefer coolness to the hot rays of the sun will also love it - palm trees here come close to the water, creating a thick shadow.

Do not leave Nilaveli unattended and fans of diving. 5 km from the coast is Pigeon Island (Pigeon Island), surrounded by a coral reef. Diving to a depth of 8–20 m, underwater lovers watch with interest the life of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Neptune: exotic fish, Malagash sharks, stingrays, barracudas and sea turtles. There are octopuses, cuttlefish and dolphins here.

Beruwala

The town of Beruwela, located 79 km from the airport in Colombo, combines the signs of a fishing village that attracts with calm, positive and national color, and a modern, lively resort, known for a variety of hotels: from simple pensions to large hotel complexes operating on an all-inclusive basis. ". But the main advantage of Beruwala is its beaches. The coastal strip up to 100 m wide, bordered by palm trees and washed by sapphire-colored waves, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Families with children appreciate the gentle slope into the water, providing ideal conditions for swimming and playing. The reef located parallel to the shore, which was chosen by colorful fish and giant sea turtles, attracts diving enthusiasts to Beruwala. The highlight is the Bentota River flowing into the ocean, which makes it possible to ride a boat among the mangroves and see crocodiles.

Villa Velmarie Yoga & Ayurveda Resort

Beruwala

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Beruwala

Located in the midst of coconut palms and endless green meadows

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Eden Resort & Spa

Beruwala

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Induruva

The sleepy village of Induruwa in the west of Sri Lanka is a 4 km long desert coast, along which several hotels have been built among palm trees and mangrove trees, aimed at guests with medium and high incomes. A wide beach with light soft sand is ideal for walking, but the ocean is not averse to showing its strength and unbridled character. Fans of swimming are better off opting for the nearby picturesque lagoon.

Don't expect much from Induruwa's infrastructure. Several cafes, a market and small shops - that's all that the resort offers to travelers. If you want to diversify your vacation, then go explore the surroundings of the city. Nearby is a turtle farm, where you can watch the cubs that have just hatched from eggs. Local travel agencies also offer a boat trip along the Madu Ganga River, the banks of which have chosen monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards and exotic birds as their home.

Ahungalla

Picturesque palm groves and a 2.7-kilometer paradise beach located in the southwest of the island create a peaceful atmosphere that residents of megacities dream of. This place is ideal for swimming in crystal clear waters, diving and leisurely walks along the coast. On your way, you will meet crabs of all sizes, and if you are lucky, then caretta-caretta turtles in a hurry to lay their leathery eggs in the golden sand.

If you choose Ahungalla, be sure to visit the Kande Viharaya Temple, located 20 km away, which houses the world's largest statue of a seated Buddha. Those who wish to improve their health can undergo a course of procedures at the Ayurvedic Center, where they practice the most ancient methods of healing the body and soul. Fans don't get bored here either. active rest- they will be offered rock climbing, rafting, fishing and parasailing.

Eden Resort & Spa

Ahungalla

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White Villa Resort

Ahungalla

Luxurious resort hotel with comfortable villas, rooms and suites, free parking

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Calamansi Cove Villas by Jetwing

Ahungalla

The property features an outdoor pool and a restaurant.

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Ambalangoda

15 km from Ahungalla is a place surrounded by authentic huts, created for secluded relaxation. An open beach, unspoiled by civilization, will meet you with light soft sand, a gentle entrance to the ocean, calm lagoons and beautiful rocks that adorn the shore. This is the land of untouched nature, soothing silence and enchanting sunsets. The infrastructure in Ambalangoda is minimal.

Here are a couple of travel agencies, several inexpensive hotels and supermarkets. From entertainment, you will be offered to visit the Karandeniya Maha Vihara Temple, famous for the 35-meter statue of the reclining Buddha, explore the mines for the extraction of moonstones and take a boat safari along the Madu Ganga River, the banks of which are covered with mango forests. The main attraction of Ambalangoda is the museum of traditional wooden masks.

Narigama

Along the western coast of the island, 128 km from Colombo, the city of Hikkaduwa stretched. Back in the 60s of the last century, a fishing village was located on this site, but today tourists are greeted by a resort famous for its wide coastal strip, colorful coral reefs and fun parties. The most popular beach in Hikkaduwa is Narigama Beach - a corner of the turquoise ocean, coarse sand, azure sky and green palm trees.

In January, surfers come here to hone their skills, sliding on giant waves. In February, the elements calm down a bit, and families with children fill local hotels. For kids, expanse is a gentle shore, warm water and a small calm lagoon. At this time, life begins to emerge on the snow-white sand - tiny turtles hatch from eggs and rush to the ocean.

jungle beach

To the south of Colombo, 76 km from the airport, for many years Unawatuna has been a constant delight for tourists - a popular resort with developed infrastructure, pristine nature and a large selection of inexpensive hotels. The ocean coast is represented by a quiet bay, fenced off from raging waves by a double coral reef. Surfers will be bored here, but couples can safely come to Unawatuna without fear for the children.

There is a secret place in Unawatuna located 1 km from the main beach. Hire a tuk tuk taxi and it will take you to real paradise surrounded by the jungles of Roomassala. The coastal strip 100 meters long seemed to have descended from the Bounty brochures. The ocean surprises with its unusual green color and calm disposition. Waves are a rare visitor to Jungle Beach. Despite the isolation, everything here is prepared for the convenience of tourists: sun loungers are placed under the palm trees, there is a shower, a toilet and a cafe on the territory.

Red Parrot Beach Villa

jungle beach

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Jungle Village by Thawthisa

jungle beach

It features an outdoor pool with a shower-well, a garden and a restaurant.

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Agnus Luxury Villa

jungle beach

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Polhena

In the very center of Matara - the largest city in the south of Sri Lanka - a chain of small beaches stretched along the coast, united by the name Polhena. All of them are protected from the raging elements by a 4-kilometer coral reef, so there are no waves here even during the monsoon season. This area is popular with both tourists and locals. The Sri Lankans are afraid of the open ocean and prefer to swim in a calm bay that resembles a huge lake.

A big plus of resting on Polhen is its proximity to civilization. In Matara you will find shops, restaurants for every taste, cinemas, museums, nightclubs that are not inferior to European ones, and interesting sights: the Church of St. Mary, the Dondra lighthouse, the Buddhist temple of Veherahena and the snake farm. In addition, the city is an important transport hub of the country - from here you can go on a short trip to nearby Dikwella, Mirissa and Weligama.

Dikwella

The snow-white coastal strip in the style of "bounty" will open to the eyes of those who decide to spend their holidays in the picturesque village of Dikwella, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. This place was created for leisurely walks and acquaintance with the realm of lush tropics and majestic waterfalls. The coastline stretches for 2 km and is reliably protected by rocks and a reef, which makes Dikwella the best for swimming in the south of the country.

You should not look for entertainment or vibrant nightlife here - those who are interested in a relaxing holiday come to the resort. It has both remoteness from a busy highway, and a small number of hotels. But if you are still bored, basking in the warm rays of the sun, go on a date with the sights of Dikwella: the Vevurukannala Viharaya Temple and the Howling Hole, a natural 25-meter fountain gushing from impregnable rocks.

Which one to choose for families with children

When choosing a suitable place for a vacation, parents always face the question of the safety of the resort. To a large extent this applies to Sri Lanka. The island is surrounded by the ocean, which means that the coastal zone is stingy with quiet places where your baby can safely wallow in the gentle surf. For a family holiday, it is wiser to choose a few beaches, separated from the raging waves by reefs. Even in the summer months, when monsoons rage on the south side, comfortable weather is established in the northeast, favorable for families with children.

During this period, one of the best beaches for the younger generation is Nilaveli Bay - the most beautiful place on the northern coast, protected by a coral reef. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, here you can watch dolphins and whales. If you arrived in the country with a child, feel free to choose a cozy, calm beach located next to the Dickwella hotel Resort SPA(Dickwell Bay). Due to the small cape, there are almost no waves here. No less popular among families are western Wadduwa and southern Unawatuna, famous for the high temperature of the water on the coast, slight tides and a gentle entrance to the calm ocean.

In order for the long-awaited vacation not to turn into constant concern for your children, before buying a tour, familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of holidays in Sri Lanka with children.

• Mild climate and small air temperature difference. Consistently warm ocean water, no poisonous jellyfish or dangerous sea creatures.
• A variety of historical and natural attractions. In order to see the local representatives of the fauna (lizards, monkeys, turtles, mongooses), it is not necessary to visit the zoo. Exotic animals are not afraid of people and often live near hotels.
• There are many supermarkets, and therefore, the opportunity to buy the usual food.

• The main disadvantage of holidays in Sri Lanka with children is the ocean. Most of the coastal zone is not protected from strong currents and huge waves, unsuitable for swimming inexperienced swimmers.
• Tiresome flight. Direct flights from Russia to former Ceylon are offered by Aeroflot. Travel time is about 9 hours. When using other airlines, be prepared to transfer in India, United Arab Emirates or in the Maldives. In this case, the duration of the trip will increase by 3-10 hours.
• Food. Dishes of the local cuisine are quite spicy and unusual for Russian tourists and are not always suitable for children. In addition, sanitary and hygienic conditions here are also not the best.

Best time to travel

The entire territory of the island is dominated by a warm subequatorial (in the northeast) and equatorial (in the southwest) climate, a distinctive feature of which is high air humidity (70–90%). The temperature is not subject to significant fluctuations and ranges from +25 to +33 °C all year round. The ocean warms up to +30 °C. Like most tropical islands, Sri Lanka is characterized by the presence of only two seasons, formed by steady winds - monsoons. They determine the storms and showers in the country. The largest amount of precipitation falls from the second half of May to September, when the time of the southwest monsoon comes to the west coast.

The sun often hides behind clouds, the wind speed is 5–8 m/s. In the northeastern part of the island, winds blowing from China bring bad weather from June to October. Given the climatic nuances, the winter months are considered to be the optimal time for a holiday in Ceylon. During the day the air temperature reaches +31 °C. Ocean waters are not inferior, warming up to + 28 ° C. Rain at this time is a rare guest - only short-term showers can pass at night. Closer to April, the thermometer is inexorably creeping up. In May, clouds cover the sky, bringing torrential downpours. In November, the weather becomes comfortable and stable again, giving a start to the holiday season.

Which hotel to choose

Many tourists go to Sri Lanka just for the sake of a beach holiday, and therefore it will be more comfortable to choose a hotel that will have all the necessary amenities and at the same time will have optimal accommodation.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort 5*

Sri Lanka is a tropical island surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. This island has a fairly long coastline with many beautiful sandy beaches that are fringed with coconut palms. This makes Sri Lanka the perfect place for a beach holiday. There are so many beaches in Sri Lanka that it is simply impossible to cover all these beaches in one article. However, we have selected the best beaches in Sri Lanka, which are the most popular among tourists. Most of the hotels, guest houses and tourist accommodations are located in the area of ​​these beaches.
The main attraction of Sri Lanka for tourists and locals, of course, are the beaches. Of course, the island has a lot to offer, including unique historical and natural attractions, National parks and much more, but still Sri Lanka would hardly have been so popular among tourists, if not for its beautiful beaches.
The most popular beaches of Sri Lanka are located on the coast, starting in Negombo, 37 km north of Colombo, and ending in Hambantota in the south of the island. The length of this coastline is 273 km. Currently, most of the popular resorts and hotels are located on this stretch of the coast of Sri Lanka.
The south of Colombo, which is also called the "Gold Coast", passes into the resort area, which includes the resorts of Lavinia (a suburb of Colombo), Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa , Dondra, Dikwella, Tangalle and finally Hambantota.
The best beaches of Sri Lanka on the east coast of the island include Nilaveli, Kuchaveli, Marble Bay, Sweet Bay and Dead Man's Bay with its magnificent harbour. These beaches are north of Trincomalee. To the south of this famous city are the beautiful beaches of Passikuda, Kalkuda and Arugam Bay.
Now it's time to introduce you to the best beaches in Sri Lanka in more detail.

Sri Lanka beaches on the map

Unawatuna beach

The wonderful Unawatuna beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka is visited mainly by water sports enthusiasts and tourists who want to relax in an area with a true Sri Lankan atmosphere. Unawatuna Beach has a wide range of cheap accommodations and plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving. The tourist infrastructure here is very well developed. However, Unawatuna Beach still retains its romantic and somewhat crazy vibe. It's really beautiful beach with golden sand, clear blue water and gently swaying coconut palms that contribute greatly to the idyll. Sometimes you can watch sea turtles laying their eggs here, but it still requires a little luck. Unawatuna Beach is protected by a coral reef, so there are usually low waves. This makes this beach a great place for swimming all year round. The reef near the beach is a great spot for snorkelers as you can see many different types of fish in all colors. For practicing divers, Unawatuna can offer the Rangoon shipwreck. Not far from the beach, at a depth of 30 meters, there is a ship that sank almost 100 years ago. Several dive centers on Unawatuna Beach offer tours to this site.

Hikkaduwa beach

White, fine sandy beach, tall tropical palm trees, deep blue water and coral reef, sleepy and atmospheric fishing village - that's what tourists came to Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka in the 1970s.
Hikkaduwa Beach is still a heavenly place that is great for surfers and divers, for sun worshipers. But something has changed: mass tourism has arrived, so many resort hotels have appeared in the Hikkaduwa beach area, and this beach is no longer a paradise for hippies. However, the village of Hikkaduwa has retained its charm and the local people have retained their hospitality.
Today, Hikkaduwa attracts tourists not only with its beautiful beach, but also with numerous entertainment, good nightlife and excellent hotels.
Among surfers, Hikkaduwa Beach is very popular throughout the year. Beginners and professionals will find suitable waves here. Due to the presence of a coral reef, Hikkaduwa Beach is also a well-known diving destination. Unfortunately, most of the corals have died and the reef is no longer as impressive as it used to be. It is possible that the corals will recover, but it will take a long time. Until then, snorkelers and divers can enjoy a variety of colorful fish. If you do not want to dive into the water, then you can look at the numerous species of fish, snails, mussels and other representatives of the ocean fauna and flora during a trip on a glass bottom boat.

Mirissa beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka is located on the south coast of the island. This is a magnificent crescent-shaped golden sandy beach with clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. There are several bungalows under slender coconut trees where you can stay for a while. Accommodation in such bungalows is offered at reasonable prices. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to swim in the ocean and enjoy various activities. water sports as well as sunbathing and just relaxing. Sunset on Mirissa beach is simply breathtaking and incredibly romantic. It is said that Mirissa Beach today, with its peaceful atmosphere, is what Unawatuna Beach once was. Many different travelers come to Mirissa Beach, including honeymooners and families with children, as well as those who are looking for peace and tranquility. Water sports enthusiasts will also appreciate this beach. For example, many surfers come here, who choose mainly the western part of the beach, where especially impressive waves appear. On the other hand, the eastern part around the so-called parrot rock is great for snorkeling.
A special attraction on Mirissa Beach is watching blue whales and dolphins, especially between November and April. This "whale watching trip", which usually starts in the early morning, will allow you to see up close the largest mammals on the planet.
Mirissa Beach is located between two cities, Matara and Welligama, about 35 km from Galle, which can be reached by bus in about an hour.

Koggala beach

About 14 km south of Galle is a very picturesque and wide sandy beach. It's not crowded, but worth a visit. Here, fine-grained, yellowish lustrous sand alternates with bizarre rock formations and towering coconut trees, providing a wonderful beach idyll. A beautiful coastline and developed infrastructure with many hotels are additional advantages of Koggala Beach. Many young couples often spend romantic days on this beach, but there are also good conditions for families with children.
On Koggala Beach in Sri Lanka, you can observe the traditional fishing technique that is characteristic of this island. While many places in Sri Lanka use small motorized wooden fishing boats for fishing, fishing in the Koggala beach area is still done in the traditional way for the southern part of Sri Lanka. According to this method of fishing, the fisherman climbs a crossbar attached to a pole driven into the water. This allows him, firstly, not to scare away the fish with his shadow, and, secondly, it is good to see the fish in the water.
It is also worth noting that there are two towns near Koggala, Ahangama and Midigama, the latter of which is known as a surfers paradise.

Ahungalla beach

In the southwest of Sri Lanka, just 15 km from Bentota, Ahungalla Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire country, probably because almost nothing is being built here. Because of this, the beach and its surroundings still retain a completely natural atmosphere. The only buildings that can be found among the palm trees on this beach are small fishermen's houses. The sandy beach with a length of about 15 km is ideal for walking, as well as for swimming. However, in some places there are currents that can be dangerous. It is important to watch the flags on the beach. A red flag means that swimming is not recommended, but not prohibited. True, you must remember that there are no lifeguards here.
Ahungalla Beach is famous for its small crabs that quickly disappear into the water or into small holes in the sand when they hear approaching footsteps. The area is also home to turtles, such as the caretta caretta, whose footprints can be seen in the sand on some days. Usually no one sees the animals themselves.

Balapitiya beach

The coastal town of Ambalangoda is known mainly for Sinhala masks, the traditional production of which is in great demand here. The city also has very beautiful beaches that are also worth visiting. These beaches, such as Balapitiya Beach, are great places for true nature lovers. There are no hotel blocks here, everything is natural and undeveloped. Nearby beaches such as Hikkaduwa and Bentota are much more popular with tourists.
The sand at Balapitiya Beach is white and fine-grained, and palm trees make this beach a tropical idyll. Here you can take a walk along the ocean, relax in the shade of palm trees or just swim in the Indian Ocean. In the evening, the fishermen return to the beach in their old, sometimes painted, wooden boats and unload the fish.

Bentota beach

Bentota Beach is located about 50km south of Colombo on Sri Lanka's west coast and is a good example of the island's popular seaside resort that has grown out of a once sleepy fishing village. Since the 1980s, Bentota has been an important center for tourism on the island. At the same time, it is still a relatively quiet place, especially when compared to Hikkaduwa.
The reason why many tourists visit Bentota is the magnificent sandy beach. Indeed, Bentota Beach looks like in the picture: fine and white sand, countless palm trees and azure water. Different tourists come to Bentota Beach, because it is suitable for everyone. Tourists come here for swimming, surfing, sailing, diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing. Since the water at Bentota Beach is very shallow for a long time, the beach is also suitable for families with children. True, during the monsoon season, swimming can be a bit dangerous. Red flags in the water mean that swimming is not recommended. In the southern part of Bentota Beach, the waves are usually higher, while the water in the northern part (also known as the Bentota Lagoon) is relatively calm. Many famous hotels can be found here. In general, finding accommodation in Bentota is not a problem, as there is a large selection of hotels and guest houses in different price categories.

Negombo beach

The city of Negombo, located 35 km north of Colombo, is an important tourist magnet, mainly due to its beautiful beaches. Already in the 1970s, Europeans came here to enjoy the relaxed beach life that laid the foundation for a booming tourism. That is why Negombo is also called the cradle of beach tourism in Sri Lanka. Even today, the beautiful beach of Negombo is one of the most important and best known on the island.
Today, Negombo offers many hotels, guest houses and bungalows with different levels of comfort and different prices. In addition, the city offers a lively nightlife.
With a length of 8 km, the very wide beach of Negombo is quite safe for swimming, so it is popular among families with children. You can swim here all year round, but you still need to keep an eye on the flags and conditions on the beach.
Various water sports are also offered at Negombo Beach. For example, diving is very popular here, as the beach is located next to an interesting coral reef. In addition, not far from the coast there is a shipwreck "Kudapada".
Since Negombo Beach is only 10 km from the international airport, it is often a stop at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.

Rekava beach

This natural and almost deserted beach in the south of Sri Lanka is simply fantastic in its beauty. There are no large hotel complexes, no noise, no fuss. There is just this perfect beach with fine sand and beautiful clear water. Rekava is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday, swimming, sunbathing or walking. Sea turtles can still be seen on Rekawa Beach, which return every year to lay eggs. Already in 1994, a program for the protection of these turtles, supported by the United Nations, was created here. Today, these turtles are under international protection. If you're lucky, you might see these fascinating animals laying their eggs. Sometimes you can even see how baby turtles leave their eggs and go to the ocean. These observations are usually made in the evening by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP). Best time for observations - the period from January to April, as well as nights with a full moon throughout the year.
On Rekawa Beach, which is about 10 km from Tangalle, there are not a few guest houses and small hotels.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a real paradise for surfers. Moon-shaped bay near the Muslim city of Pottuvil is considered one of the best places for surfing in Sri Lanka. The tsunami in 2004, as well as the civil war, practically did not touch this place, so today Arugam Bay looks impressive. What is special is that the monsoon in Arugam Bay is barely noticeable, so you can relax here almost all year round.
Despite the tourist attraction of the Arugam Bay area, the local population has so far successfully defended the area from the construction of large hotel facilities. Therefore, today the area has retained a natural and relaxed atmosphere and attracts mainly lovers of nature and water sports.
The fine sandy beach, lined with palm trees, offers quite good conditions for swimming. The surrounding area is very beautiful: the forest has a variety of exotic plants, as well as wild elephants and monkeys.
On the beach you will find inexpensive accommodation, but there are also chic bungalows here. Therefore, we can say that the beach in Arugam Bay offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Most residential buildings are located right on the beach. During the high season, which on the east coast of Sri Lanka lasts from May to November, upscale accommodation is almost always occupied, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
If you want to come to Arugam Bay for surfing, then you can order surfing lessons right on the beach or rent a board and other equipment.

Nilaveli beach

Perhaps the most popular beach on Sri Lanka's east coast is Nilaveli Beach, located about 15 km north of Trincomalee. The white, soft and fine sandy beach and clear waters of the Indian Ocean remind many visitors of the beaches of the Caribbean. The legendary beach is equally popular with swimmers, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. Nilaveli Beach is also suitable for families with children, as there is a gentle and even entrance to the ocean (or rather, the Bay of Bengal), and the waves here are rarely very high.
Naliveli Beach is also known as the starting point for whale watching trips. If you are lucky, you can watch blue and sperm whales during such a tour. Nilaveli Beach also offers tours to Pigeon Island, which attracts with its excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, as well as breathtaking beaches and magnificent coral reefs. In the period from May to September, the visibility in the water is the highest here.
On the Nilaveli beach itself, there are accommodations of various levels of comfort. In general, however, it will be difficult for tourists to find suitable low-budget accommodation here. There are very nice bungalows for rent right on the beach.
It is worth noting that the military site is located right on the Nilaveli beach, so you can meet a lot of soldiers here. Despite the proximity to the military exclusion zone, Nilaveli beach is quite quiet and calm. It is also a very clean beach.

Where are the best beaches in Sri Lanka?

As you know, at certain times of the year the weather in different regions of Sri Lanka can be very different. That is why different beaches are better suited for relaxation in different months. In order to understand where the best beaches in Sri Lanka are at certain times of the year, we advise you to study the information about the weather and recreation features on this island in different months of the year.

Also, do not forget that when choosing the most suitable beach for relaxing in Sri Lanka, it is also important to take into account the choice of housing on this beach. For example, if you prefer to relax in luxury hotels with an all-inclusive system, then you will find such hotels only on some beaches.

12/30/2016 at 03:18 pm pavlofox · 2 040

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is rightfully considered one of the most heavenly places on Earth. There are many beaches with a sandy shore, incredibly clear and clean water, shady palm trees and amazingly beautiful landscapes. Fans of exotic and active beach holidays should definitely visit this place.

The top ten included best beaches in sri lanka for winter holidays. The rating is based on traveler reviews.

10. Bentota

The most famous beach in Sri Lanka is not a cheap holiday destination, as a rule, either newlyweds come here from all over the world for a romantic honeymoon, or wealthy people to celebrate round dates. Bentota is an ideal place for water sports.

9.

One of the top ten beaches in Sri Lanka. In this Sri Lankan resort you will find golden sandy beaches, coconut palms, diving centers, sailboats, surfing and other entertainment. During the dives, you can see the remains of sunken ships. Tennis courts and golf courses are specially equipped for vacationers. All hotels are comfortable. Fans of excursions will not be bored - they can visit neighboring Kalutara with the Buddhist temple of Gangatilaka Vihara and the fishermen's town of Hambantotu, take a boat trip along the canals and capture local beauties.

8.

The most premium beach resort in Sri Lanka. There are no guesthouses and, as a result, backpackers, but there are five-star hotels and expensive restaurants. On the beaches (they stretch from the city of Beruwala for more than 100 kilometers) there are umbrellas, sunbeds and tables on which dishes with fresh fruits flaunt. Many hotels have Ayurvedic and spa centers. In addition to Russians, wealthy families from India and the Netherlands often stop in Beruvella (after all, Ceylon was a Dutch colony for a long time). The beaches here are wonderful: white sand, clear azure water and palm trees. By the way, the waves here are low, and the water is warm all year round.

7.

Long picturesque sandy and absolutely clean beach. Many comfortable hotels have been built here and a huge amount of entertainment is offered, both on land and on water: windsurfing, diving and kite surfing. The latter is quite relevant, since the sea here is usually restless and wavy.

6.

One of the best beach resorts in Sri Lanka. This is a great place to relax, which, moreover, is one of the ten best places in the world for surfing. A huge sandy beach, safe even for inexperienced swimmers, extends to the high cliff of Crocodile Rock, from where you can often see wild elephants. Surrounded by jungle, Arugam Bay is surrounded by lakes and wet wetlands, which has created a special microclimate and low rainfall.

5.

Huge and beautiful beach, it consists of several conditional parts. You can swim on it, but not everywhere, because somewhere there are very big waves, a joy for surfers, and somewhere there are fishing boats. The sand is wonderful, fluffy, the color of coffee with milk. Hikkavuda is very clean. On the coastline, among the palm trees, there are hotels and guesthouses, cafes and restaurants.

4.

A small but very picturesque beach in Sri Lanka. Dikwella is one of the most peaceful, idyllic beaches on the island, where newlyweds do not mind: honeymoon will be stunningly beautiful and secluded. The length of the beach is 3 km. Dikwella Beach is one of those places where it is convenient and pleasant to swim. The western part is best suited for this, since the waves are relatively large in the center, and there are a lot of stones in the east. You can also go scuba diving here. There are practically no large hotels in the village of the same name: only one hotel and several guesthouses. Local cafes serve seafood dishes. The entire southern coast is very picturesque, it is indented with bays of all stripes, rocky in places, large boulders protrude onto the coast, against which waves break.

3.

This is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the south, and although the resort is well known, it is never overcrowded with tourists. The beaches here are very beautiful and very deserted, and sometimes you might think that there is no one but you on the long coast. But at the same time, this is one of the most unfortunate places for swimming due to constant big waves, perhaps the most undulating in the entire south. This is just the perfect place for those who just want to enjoy the ocean and do nothing, but active people can find it very boring here. The tourist infrastructure is poorly developed here. There are plenty of hotels here, but there is no separate tourist area. There are few restaurants and cafes for tourists.

2.

One of the top three beaches in Sri Lanka. Mirissa is very beautiful, there is snow-white sand, palm trees hang over the ocean, it is green along the entire coast. The beach begins and ends with hills, as if limiting the territory. For lovers of walking, there is an opportunity to walk towards Matara, along the coastline for a very long time. On the way you will see 2 more coves with a calmer ocean, expensive hotels, a hill made entirely of iron ore. Just behind the hill is a village that is carved right into this hill, all red.

1.

Completes the ranking of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. According to the Discovery Channel, this beach is one of the "top ten" best in the world. There are no large tourist complexes and fashionable hotels in the resort, most of the vacationers here are "savages" who come for a month or more. This is an absolutely safe place for swimming: the entire coast is sandy, there are no strong currents here, and the entrance to the sea is gentle. Once it was a wild beach, but tourists quickly made their way here, and in the high season it is quite crowded. True, this did not particularly affect the infrastructure of the beach. Of course, there were some beach cafes, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and even a shower and toilet. However, the feeling of "wild beach" persists to this day.

The beaches of Sri Lanka stretch along the entire coast, as if encircling the island. Usually the beaches of Sri Lanka are usually 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 and 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 you can also find tiny pretty villages with wild beaches on the coast. The northern part of the west coast, in contrast, is underdeveloped and authentic.

The most popular beaches in the regions are and Hikkaduwa.

The beaches of Kalpitiya

The Kalpitiya Peninsula is the northernmost part of the west coast. It is an elongated 40-kilometer strip of land, separated from the main coast by a large lagoon. it 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 pretty guest houses. In addition, the coast is slowly beginning to be built up with beach hotels and resorts.

Eco-lodges and guest houses in 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 travel in Sri Lanka, as it is located near the airport. Here you can lie on the beach for a couple of days before your trip, watch the local fishermen and eat delicious seafood. The choice of accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses in the urban part of Negombo to pretty 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 work, as there are constantly 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

Velawait and Mount Lavinia beaches (Colombo)

The two city beaches of Colombo are a beach alternative to Negombo as a starting point for traveling around the island. Considering the city beaches of Colombo as a beach stop is not worth it, but as an alternative housing in Colombo - a very good option.

City beach in Colombo. Photo credit: Nuno Reis, Flickr

Wadduwa beach

Wadduwa is the first large 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 abundant palm trees and a very calm atmosphere are ideal for a romantic vacation, and the proximity to Colombo makes Wadduwa quite an attractive beach for the first / last stop on the island.

A nice feature of housing in Wadduwa is that almost all hotels, both stylish and expensive and nice and budget, stretch along the beach. From the available infrastructure - a couple of local restaurants and small shops.

Hotels and guest houses: Wadduwa

Wadduwa beach. Photo credit: Patsy Jennings, Flickr

The beaches of Kalutara

The beaches of Kalutara stretch on both sides of the city, a little further from Kalutara itself. The format of recreation here is calm, the hotels are very good, although the tourist infrastructure is largely limited to the hotel one.

Beach Hotels and City Inns: Kalutara
How to get there: by train from Colombo, Galle and cities of the west coast, by bus or taxi from cities of the south coast, by taxi from / to the airport

Wedding scenery on Kalutara beach. Photo credit: Prebudda Jayasinhe, Flickr

Moragala Beach (Beruwala)

Moragalla Beach is located just south of the village of Beruwala next to the village of Hattimula. Traditionally for 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 comes out to the southern part of the beach, it is better to look at housing in the northern part of the beach - here, firstly, it is cleaner, and secondly, there are more cafe-restaurants. To the north of the beach stretch coves and hotels located on the cliffs of the rocks.

Hotels, inns, guesthouses: Moragalla beach, Beruwala, Hattimula
How to get there: by train from Colombo, Galle and the cities of the west coast to the station Beruwella (to the village) or Hettimula (to the resort area of ​​Beruwala), by bus or taxi from the cities of the south coast, by taxi from / to the airport.

Moragalla beach. Photo credit: Ken Farge LRPS, Flickr

Bentota beach

- the largest and most popular resort of the South-West coast of Sri Lanka. This resort region got its name from the town of Bentota, located on the northern bank of the Bentota Ganga River, which flows into the ocean. Bentota is famous for two things - good villa hotels and turtle hatcheries.

The most famous and most developed beach in the region is Bentota Beach, located next to the village of the same name. Along the beach there are several large beach hotels. The bulk of relatively inexpensive villas and budget guest houses, as well as local cafe-restaurants stretch along Pitaramba Road, next to the beach.

Bentota Beach /Sri Lanka Beaches/ 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. Of the main disadvantages - the infrastructure is limited to the hotel, there are practically no restaurants or shops on the beach of Kosgoda.

Kids hurry to the sea, Kosgoda beach. Photo credit: Michael, Flick

Ahungalla

Ahungalla is a very pleasant little town halfway between Bentota and Hikkaduwa, about 15 km from Bentota. An excellent beach, turtles, inexpensive housing, and the presence of very good restaurants and cafes along the beach.

Ahungalla. Photo credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Flick

Hikkaduwa

- the southernmost beach of the west coast, bordering the south. In the 70s, it was the hippies' favorite beach, today it is a more democratic version of the popular and stylish Bentota. Having lost its charming hippie charm, and with it fans of atmospheric places, Hikkaduwa has relied on young backpackers, surfers and divers.

Today 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 Tangalle - large beaches with a lot of different housing and beach infrastructure. Between the big beaches and towns along the coast, there are many tiny beaches with large stand-alone beach hotels or tiny villages offering guesthouses and homestays.

The beaches of Galle

The beaches of Galle are quite a large part of the coast that stretches from Hikkaduwa to Galle with small beaches, large hotels, small beach villas and bungalows. The beach infrastructure here is limited to the hotel one, 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 trip 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. Big, with white sand, beautiful views and a wide choice of accommodation from comfortable hotels to budget bungalows, good restaurants and excellent spots for surfing.

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 bordering villages, a coastal area that is considered the best for surfing in the region. The entire infrastructure here is focused on surfers - a lot of good cheap housing, democratic restaurants and bars, surf camps and clubs.

Ahangama is the perfect 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 mixed with hotels and guest houses. Super place for those who want to get on the board - there are small waves, many surf schools, nice beach and cheap seafood.

Weligama, the right place to learn how to surf without fear of ridicule. Photo credit: IBI Productions, Flick

Mirissa beach

- a white sand 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. Close to Matara and fishing village, can be crowded on weekends. beach holiday with local color.

Polhena at the weekend. Photo credit: Alain Bachellier, Flick

Talalla

Talalla Beach is located in a small picturesque bay just behind Matara towards Yala. From the 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

Dikwella

is the little secret of the South Coast. The beach, located in a picturesque bay far from everything) The format of housing 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 are small bays and beaches. Super - an option for a relaxing family vacation.

Dikwella is the little secret of the South Coast. Photo credit: katoomba36, Flick