The beaches of Sri Lanka are well-known for their picturesque beauty and breathtaking scenery. These types of beaches can be found all over the country. The shores range from east to west, from long golden stretches to some with just the right amount of breeze and waves.
The best thing is that most of these Sri Lankan beaches are just as stunning as they appear in the guidebooks. Beaches are an utter must-do in Sri Lanka! If you are planning a vacation in Sri Lanka, make sure to add a couple of the best beaches in Sri Lanka to your itinerary and prepare to be blown away!
West Cost Beaches in Sri Lanka
Beach Bentota, Negombo, Chilaw, and Kalpitiya
Bentota Beach
Bentota is a scenic beach on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s around an hour’s drive from Colombo, and is ideal for active beachgoers. Deep-sea diving, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding are only a few water activities available at the Bentota Lagoon. Also, Bentota is one of the top towns in most beach tours for families, honeymooners, couples, and travel groups. From Wadduwa to Galle, the entire coastline of the southwest coast provides a collection of luxurious and boutique hotels. And many with outstanding Ayurvedic spas for relaxing and winding down.
Negombo Beach
Though Bentota is an hour south of Colombo, Negombo is an hour north of Colombo. And the town has a popular golden beachfront among locals and tourists. Negombo is only a 20-minute drive from the Colombo international airport. So, visitors often prefer to spend the first night here to recover after a long flight. And Negombo is perfect to adapt to the weather and warm feelings in Sri Lanka before venturing out to experience the rest of the country. On the beaches of Negombo, live music bands, beachfront restaurants, and stunning sunsets build a traditional island life environment.
Chilaw Beaches
Chilaw is a little further north of Negombo, on Sri Lanka’s west coast. And is known for its golden beaches on one side and fluttering coconut trees. Stroll on the beach in the late evening since the sunset views from here are simply unrivaled!
Kalpitiya Beach
Go to Kalpitiya on Sri Lanka’s west coast for some peace on the sand. The perfect season for west coast coastal life is from November to April. And Kalpitiya beaches are host to several magnificent whales and friendly dolphins. There have also been sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and humpback dolphins, especially in February and March! Kite surfing is also a common sport along the Kalpitiya coastline, where you can relax and unwind at world-class beach resorts.
East Coast Beaches in Sri Lanka
Uppuveli, Nilaveli, Passikudah, Kalkudah, and Arugam Bay
Uppuveli and Nilaveli
On the east coast, just north of Trincomalee, we have the tranquil and off-the-beaten-path beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli. Owing to the civil war in Sri Lanka, this lovely beach was unavailable for decades. Nevertheless, it now remains an unspoiled paradise for visitors seeking to avoid the crowded west coast shores. In addition to its white sands and turquoise blue waters, this beach also provides snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park. And this is just a 10-minute boat ride away from Nilaveli.
Passikudah and Kalkudah
Passikudah and Kalkudah are two peaceful, newly discovered tropical east coast shores in Sri Lanka, located only 30 minutes from the famous town of Batticaloa. Since this area has two naturally formed bays encased together, the waters are very clear and swimmable for up to 200 meters from the shore. Several luxurious beach resorts have opened in Passikudah to allow both locals and visitors to discover and appreciate the east coast beaches. While the west coast is well-known for its stunning sunsets, don’t skip out on an early sunrise moment on the east coast.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is another crescent-shaped bay with a well-known breakpoint, rendering it a famous surfing destination in Sri Lanka. Based on the swell, the bay waves will reach a height of ten meters. Arugam Bay’s palm-fringed shore, lined with specialty shops, surfing rental equipment. In addition, nearby restaurants, provides a peaceful surfing feel. The months of March to October are ideal for swimming and surfing on the east coast beaches.
South Coast Beaches in Sri Lanka
Beach Koggala, Hiriketiya, Tangalle, and Mirisssa
Koggala
Koggala, on Sri Lanka’s south coast, is a perfect destination for a tranquil beach as well as lake-related events. With its calm tropical waters and remarkably soft sands, this beach also provides a chance to interact with turtles and local stilt fishers while they practice their skills. A cruise on Lake the beach helps you visit cinnamon farms, spice gardens, and historic Buddhist temples.
Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya is a secret treasure, only a short stroll from Dickwella shore. A beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by swaying palm trees and the inviting turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, where fishing and surfing are common activities. Also, local beach huts selling beer, fresh juices, and delicious Sri Lankan street food are common among tourists who spend their days relaxing on Hiriketiya beach.
Tangalle Beach
Tangalle beach is another palm-fringed, white stretch of sand on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. In addition to many chic beach resorts, this is a fantastic spot for soaking up the sunshine and diving into the crystal clear waters. For a bit of fun, you might go to the nearby Rekawa Turtle Hatchery and the Mulkirigala rock temples.
Mirissa Beach
If you’re searching for a vibrant beach with breathtaking sunsets, Mirissa beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast is the place to be. This crescent-shaped bay is ideal for diving and sailing, sparkling waters, near-white beaches. And several tropical beach resorts and Ayurvedic massage centers are also in place. Mirissa is also a renowned beach for whale watching, turtle watching, and sailing. The months of November to March are ideal for whale and dolphin watching on some of Sri Lanka’s south coast beaches.
Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries to visit amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And at Ayubowan Tours, we take all COVID-19 Health & Safety measures to keep you safe. Contact us today and book your tour.
