The best beaches in Sri Lanka for a winter holiday. The best beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming The best beaches in Sri Lanka in February
You will rarely meet a person who does not associate the words “sea”, “sandy beach”, “palm trees” with an ideal vacation. Places where all this is available are often called paradises.
Sri Lanka boasts an abundance of such places, but the Indian Ocean is not always welcoming to tourists. Its huge waves can ruin all the fun. So let's try to figure out which beaches in Sri Lanka can boast a calm ocean and no waves.
To prevent a family vacation from turning into constant worry about the children, you want to see a beach with a gentle slope, without strong waves, and with soft sand. The following places fit these requirements well:
1. Wadduwa. One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. It has a well-developed infrastructure, clean sand, and excellent service in hotels. There is a lot of entertainment and swimming pools for children. Most hotels have a package holiday policy and are distinguished by excellent service.
2. Unawatuna. Located in a small calm bay, protected from the ocean. Big waves are very rare here. The western part is shallow and very suitable for families with children. The proximity of the reef makes it possible to enjoy snorkeling. There is a good selection of cafes and restaurants nearby, and in the evening they open on the shore itself.
3. Beruwela. Located on the west coast, next to the ancient city. Now the infrastructure of the young resort is rapidly developing here. The beach stretches for 130 km. The swimming season is year-round, there are almost no waves. The coastline is not crowded and is suitable for relaxing family leisure.
Secluded holiday
For those tired of the city bustle and crowds, we can recommend the following beaches in Sri Lanka. They cannot boast of such a calm ocean as the first trinity, but they have their undeniable advantages.
1. Madilla. The extensive sandy coastline is perfect for a relaxed, quiet holiday admiring the ocean. There are few hotels and cafes here, but everything can be found on the nearby beach, Tangalle. There is also the opportunity to observe turtles that have chosen the coast to lay eggs.
2. Tangalle. Despite the fact that there are a sufficient number of hotels on this long and wide beach, it attracts with its privacy and incredibly beautiful views. A successful combination of comfort and untouched nature. The disadvantages include frequent waves and deep entry into the water.
3. Dickwella. An ideal quiet place to “go away”. Poorly developed infrastructure, high waves, slightly rocky shore. At the same time, amazingly beautiful landscapes that inspire creative people.
For active recreation
The island has many corners for those who do not like a “lying down” quiet holiday, but prefer to spend time on their favorite or new hobbies. After all, young and energetic people don’t care about high waves and other whims of the ocean.
1. Bentota. A sandy, gently sloping beach for a respectable holiday with excellent infrastructure, diving schools, spa centers, many excursions, and river safaris. Popular with newlyweds.
2. Hikkaduwa. The most popular beach in Sri Lanka among young people, a favorite place for surfers. There are many types of entertainment for young people, discos, bars, parties on the beach, surf schools, excursion bureaus, etc. The presence of a coral reef also attracts amateurs here. There are also deserted, quiet areas where you can enjoy birdsong and nature.
3. Vijaya Beach. Narrow beach with strong waves. A good place for young people. There are surf schools. The infrastructure is designed for the middle price segment.
4. Arugam bey. A surfer's paradise. Has everything you need for, like Hikkaduwa, but more attractive prices. There is a national park nearby Yala, where various excursions are organized.
Of course, this division is approximate, because each of the listed and many other beaches in Sri Lanka have other advantages, and sometimes disadvantages. But undoubtedly, Sri Lanka fits into the concept of a place for an ideal vacation.
Those tourists who want to find Sri Lankan beaches with a calm ocean without waves should pay attention not only to the geographical location of the beach on the island, but also to the time of year. In fact, in Sri Lanka you can always find beaches with a calm ocean, but at different times of the year there are beaches without waves on different coasts of the island.
Despite its relatively small size, the island of Sri Lanka has a surprisingly varied climate, influenced by two monsoon seasons. The northeast monsoon prevails for six months in the east and north of Sri Lanka, and the southwest monsoon dominates for another six months in the west and south. So Sri Lankan beaches with calm oceans can be found at any time of the year. You just need to understand which coast is better for relaxation at certain times of the year. Below we will talk about this.
Beaches without waves on the east coast of Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay, Uppuveli, Nilaveli, Pasekuda and Kalkuda. These are excellent beaches for swimming. True, the ocean is not always calm here. On the east coast of Sri Lanka, the period from April to September is considered the best for swimming. The fact is that at this time the region is not under the influence of the northeast monsoon. Serious deterioration in weather, which is accompanied by high waves on the ocean, begins here only in November and continues until February. It is also worth noting that during the transition months, which are March and October, the weather can be anything (depending on your luck).Beaches without waves on the southern coast of Sri Lanka
It's a different story on the south coast, where beaches without waves can be found mainly between December and May. True, in summer sometimes the amount of precipitation here drops sharply, and the strong wind disappears for a while, so the ocean can be calm even in July and August. November marks a transitional season on the south coast, making the weather difficult to predict. However, in the second half of the month the chances of finding a calm ocean are greater than in the first half of November.Beaches without waves on the west coast of Sri Lanka
Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Negombo and Alankuda are the most popular beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Like the southern coast, the monsoon dominates here from June to October. The heaviest rains here occur between July and October, and June often has decent weather. The months of December to April are generally ideal for swimming in the calm ocean waters of western Sri Lanka as, in addition to the absence of waves, the weather is sunny and clear with little rainfall.Review of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka: map, description, season, pros and cons. Find out where the best beach holidays are on the island!
Sri Lanka has many wonderful resorts with good beaches and well-developed infrastructure. In this review you will learn about the most popular resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka. We will tell you about a beach holiday in Sri Lanka: what is good about each resort, how to spend time on vacation and when is the best time to go on vacation.
Map of resorts and beaches of Sri Lanka
List of the best resorts in Sri Lanka
Negombo is located closer than other resorts to Colombo airport - the distance to it is about 30 km. This is very convenient for tourists who have had a long flight. The place is more famous for its fishing conditions than for beach holidays: the coastal waters abound with a large number of fish, their migration period occurs during the high tourist season. The large seafood market is one of Negombo's most famous attractions. Negombo has reefs, which makes the place popular among divers.
Beach holidays in Negombo are mediocre: the water is muddy, some areas of the shore are occupied by fishermen, where they lay out gear and dry fish. There are few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as water activities, the only exceptions being expensive hotels.
Nevertheless, Negombo is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka thanks to the convenient beaches that stretch along Lewis Place. In addition, there is an optimal choice of accommodation and many photogenic fishermen and beautiful scenery.
Negombo can be visited all year round, however it is very wet in May and October - November.
(Photo © ronsaunders47 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hikkaduwa is located 100 km from Colombo and is the leader in attendance. Divers, surfers, snorkelers, young people and family people come here. Water activities and a modest nightlife have made Hikkaduwa the busiest and best resort in Sri Lanka.
Here are the longest beaches in Sri Lanka and many hotels of different categories. The beaches are ideal for surfing - there is almost always a strong wave. Early in the morning, huge turtles appear near the shore; they are so accustomed to people that they take treats directly from people’s hands.
In the center of Hikkaduwa there is a coral park where you can ride a glass-bottom boat, go snorkeling, or book a boat trip. There are several Buddhist temples in Hikkaduwa, the most famous and popular among them is located on a small island. Entrance to the temples is free, excluding travel fees. Excursions to the mines where precious stones are mined and can be purchased are popular among vacationers.
A great time to holiday in Hikkaduwa is from November to April.
Wadduwa is located 35 km from Colombo. At 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 equipped especially for vacationers. All hotels are comfortable.
Fans of excursions will not be bored - they will be able to visit neighboring Kalutara with the Buddhist temple Gangatilaka Vihara and the fishermen's town of Hambantota, take a boat trip along the canals and capture the local beauty.
The best time for an active and beach holiday at this resort is from October to March.
(Photo © Hash Milhan / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
The village of Bentota is located south of Colombo - 65 km (2 hours drive), between the mouth of the river of the same name and the ocean. It is considered an elite and best resort in Sri Lanka, a favorite beach holiday destination for romantics and those seeking solitude.
Here are the largest number of comfortable hotels, uncrowded clean beaches and lush jungle nature, famous mangrove forests grow in this area. The resort offers a lot of entertainment for its guests - sea and river fishing, an exciting safari on the river with crocodiles, excursions to a turtle farm, yacht trips and much more. There is a center for diving enthusiasts.
The best time for a beach holiday in Bentota is from October to April.
(Photo © lola media / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
The small resort village of Unawatuna is located 120 km from Colombo. Once a fishing village, this rapidly developing resort is only slightly inferior in popularity to Hikkaduwa and Bentota.
This place is especially loved by tourists who vacation on their own - the resort has many guesthouses at an affordable price. The main advantage of Unawatuna is the calm water in the ocean. The central beach is located in a bay, and coral reefs protect from strong waves, so families with children are happy to relax here.
The entire tourism infrastructure has been created. Vacationers can go diving or snorkeling; lovers of excursions can visit the neighboring resort of Galle. But this is not a place for solitude: the beaches of Unawatuna can be quite crowded.
The optimal time for vacation is from December to April. It is too rainy in May and October–November.
(Photo © iris0327 / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Due to their distance from the airport, the resorts on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka are less popular than on the southwestern coast. Nevertheless, Trincomalee is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka and the most beautiful place on the island: there is a deep-water bay discovered by Admiral Nelson. Trincomalee itself is unique in terms of architecture - there are Muslim buildings, Buddhist and Hindu temples. You can get there by night train from Colombo (9 hours travel time) or by bus (7 hours).
According to some vacationers, Trincomalee beaches are the best in all of Sri Lanka. The holiday is quiet, there is little entertainment here, the infrastructure is still under development, most hotels are inexpensive, bars and restaurants are of the same level.
The natural beauty of this place is amazing - tall palm trees and lemurs roaming free. Not far from the coast is a coral island, which is favored by divers and snorkelers; there are hot springs a few kilometers away.
It is best to plan your trip from March to August, as November-December is too rainy.
(Photo © Images of Sri Lanka - Sequential Shots / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)
List of the best beaches in Sri Lanka
All the island's beaches are sandy, many of them are surrounded by coconut palms and other tropical plants. The best beaches in Sri Lanka are located on the southwest coast and are not too far from each other.
Bentota Beach
The most famous beach on the island, and according to numerous reviews from enthusiastic tourists, it is also one of the best for a beach holiday. This is where newlyweds prefer to spend their honeymoon. A wide coastal strip, palm trees, complete privacy - these are the main advantages of this place.
A wonderful place and almost complete absence of infrastructure. Since the beach is quite far from Colombo (5 hours by bus), it is visited by single tourists or those who have taken an independent trip around the island.
(Photo © That Guy,Will / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Unawatuna Beach is located in the village of the same name. The coastal strip is not as wide as in Bentota, but the calm water off the coast makes it extremely attractive. The sand is very fine and clean, part of the territory is occupied by cafes and hotels, the rest is available for swimming and water activities. There is shallow water intended for swimming with children.
Hikkaduwa Beach
The longest beach line in Sri Lanka. Orange sand and turquoise water, along the line there are numerous cafes and guesthouses. Strong waves have made this place a favorite spot for surfers, but there are relatively calm areas - near the Chaaya Tranz hotel. There are no sunbeds there, there is enough shade from palm trees, many people come there to swim with their children. Thanks to all this, Hikkaduwa Beach is considered one of the best places for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka.
The Tangalle beach complex has long been persistently included in the lists of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. This is an ideal place for a secluded holiday: you can walk a mile and not see another person. Any accommodation can be found. You can get to the place by bus from Colombo (6 hours).
(Photo © Šejba / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
It's hard to predict where and who will like it more. Sri Lanka is still an amazing island, where every place deserves special attention and admiration, so it is quite difficult to compile a list of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka that claims to be objective. However, we hope that our review will help you decide on a place to stay and you will have a great time.
Introductory image source: © Dhammika Heenpella / Images of Sri Lanka / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
The best beaches of Sri Lanka: photos, description
The tropical island of Sri Lanka is world famous for its amazing long sandy beaches framed by emerald coconut palms. The water temperature in the ocean around the island does not change much throughout the year, within the range of +27-30C, as well as the air temperature +28-30C. Sri Lanka is a unique island, you can swim there all year round: in the summer in the east, in the winter in the west. The beaches of the southwest are the most popular holiday destination with developed infrastructure; the infrastructure of the east coast is much less developed. The beaches in the south have predominantly yellow sand, while the north-east beaches have mostly white sand.
The following are not all, but the most popular and beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka among foreign tourists. Among the list of brief characteristics in the description is the “Length of the beach”, which is not identical to the “swimming area”, in this case the length of the beach on the map is given.
When comparing beaches, it is worth paying attention to the level of infrastructure development of the beach and the area: the higher the level of development, the more garbage produced by the infrastructure facilities. It is also worth remembering that the closer the beach is to a large city, the closer it is to city drains. The best beaches in Sri Lanka are located at least 30 km from the international airport.
Map of Sri Lanka beaches
Top 50 beaches in Sri Lanka
Marawila Beach
City: Marawila
Distance from the airport: 36 km
Beach length: 2.5 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: uncrowded beach, only organic garbage - no sources
Beach infrastructure: no, a couple of 2-3* hotels and several guest houses overlook the beach; The tourist infrastructure of the area is poorly developed - there is a supermarket, but nothing entertaining outside the hotel.
Sand: a wide strip of light fine sand mixed with coarse and dark volcanic sand.
Summary: for family vacations and honeymoons.
Negombo Beach
City: Negombo
Distance from the airport: 15 km
Beach length: 2.3 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: within the city, near the port, poorly cleaned, clean only in isolated hotel areas
Beach infrastructure: there are many hotels and restaurants on the shore, a large number of budget accommodation options, there are clean beaches in Negombo, they begin where the strip of hotels ends.
Sand: light, interspersed with black sand
Summary: Ideal as a transit point for relaxation immediately after or before departure.
Mount Lavinia beach
Distance from the airport: 45 km
Beach length: 1.7 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: within the city, only hotel areas are cleaned, a lot of inorganic waste.
Beach infrastructure: developed, many different shops, the territories of expensive hotels are isolated, it’s clean, the rest of the beach is better used for walking.
Sand: light, with small patches of black sand.
Summary: city beach, suitable as a transit point for a holiday in Colombo.
Panadura beach
City: Panadura
Distance from the airport: 60 km
Beach length: 2.2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: not cleaned, used as a recreational area, no tourists
Beach infrastructure: no (one tray of ice cream), the beach is not used for swimming, it is a meeting place for local young unmarried couples sitting en masse under umbrellas.
Sand: coarse light sand, with small pebbles.
Summary: Panadura city beach.
Wadduwa & Waskaduwa beach
City: Wadduwa and Waskaduwa
Distance from the airport: 75 km
Beach length: 4 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: only the hotel area is cleaned, but due to the weak development of tourism in the area, there is almost no garbage on the beaches
Beach infrastructure: almost undeveloped, represented by several large hotels standing isolated from the rest of the beach; package foreign and local tourism is developed in the area.
Sand: soft light sand
Summary: good beach for a package holiday.
Kalutara beach
Distance from the airport: 80 km
Beach length: 2.3 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: only hotel areas are cleaned, but the number of tourists is small and therefore not a large amount of garbage is generated.
Beach infrastructure: no, it is represented by several large package hotels of 3-4* categories, isolated and located separately from the rest of the beach, where there is almost no infrastructure.
Sand: soft light sand
Summary: A good beach for a relaxing package holiday.
Beruwala beach
Distance from the airport: 88 km
Beach length: 0.7 km
Location(bay): open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: only the hotel area is cleaned, sometimes organic waste is carried out by the surf, but in general the beach is clean.
Beach infrastructure: poorly developed, the beach is located separately, there is a fish market and a lighthouse nearby. Next to the beach is the largest Muslim area in Sri Lanka and a mosque.
Sand: soft, light sand
Summary: the beach is suitable for a relaxing holiday for families with children and couples
Moragalla beach
City: Aluthgama
Distance from the airport: 90 km
Beach length: 1.2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: There is
Beach condition: hotel areas are being cleaned, the beach is small, isolated, there is almost no garbage.
Beach infrastructure: located in an infrastructurally developed area, there are many cafes, bars, restaurants and mid- and premium-level shops nearby.
Sand: soft light sand
Summary: due to the presence of a reef, the beach is suitable for families with children and couples
Bentota beach - northern beach
Distance from the airport: 95 km
Beach length: 2.9 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: cleaned daily, no trash at all; smooth transition to depth
Beach infrastructure: moderately developed: there are hotel restaurants, paragliding flights, surf schools, rental of boards and sun loungers; the beach is located on an isolated sand spit, where several 4-5* hotels open. There are rescuers.
Sand: soft light sand
Summary: an excellent beach for a honeymoon, family vacation, or relaxing with friends
South Bentota beach
City: Bentota
Distance from the airport: 95 km
Beach length: 2.9 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the territory of the hotels is cleaned, sometimes organic debris is found in the surf - branches, palm fruits, but in general the beach is clean.
Beach infrastructure: poorly developed, along the beach there are 2-3 mid-level restaurants, there is a rental of surfboards; There are few tourists, the beach is almost empty even in high season. There is a turtle farm on this beach.
Sand: wide strip of soft light sand, deserted
Summary: an excellent beach for a honeymoon, a relaxing holiday with family and friends
Induruwa beach
City: Induruwa
Distance from the airport: 95 km
Beach length: 2.9 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: The hotel area is being cleaned, but since Induruwa is not a mass resort, there are not many tourists and there is almost no garbage.
Beach infrastructure: no, several hotels in the mid-price segment 3-4* overlook the beach, the tourist infrastructure of the area is poorly developed.
Sand: wide strip of soft light sand, gentle entrance to the ocean
Summary: excellent beach for a relaxing holiday with children, honeymoon, Ayurveda
Maha Induruwa beach
City: Induruwa
Distance from the airport: 100 km
Beach length: 1.2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: hotel areas are being cleaned, the beach is deserted and quite clean
Beach infrastructure: no, there are several 3-4* hotels on the shore; there is almost no tourist infrastructure in this area.
Sand: soft medium-sized fraction, light sand, but interspersed in places with slabs of volcanic rock
Summary: beach for a relaxing holiday with children, honeymoon, Ayurveda
Kosgoda beach
Distance from the airport: 110 km
Beach length: 4 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: wild, not cleaned, but there is no garbage, because almost no tourists
Beach infrastructure: no, in this area there is one large 5* hotel on the shore (opening in December 2016) and many Ayurvedic clinics. There are several turtle farms on this beach.
Sand: light soft sand, but mixed with slabs of volcanic rock
Summary: for people undergoing Ayurvedic treatment and visitors to turtle farms
Ahungalla beach
City: Ahungalla
Distance from the airport: 112 km
Beach length: 2.7 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: no, but there is a protective rock, used for swimming with children
Beach condition: average cleanliness, only hotel areas are cleaned
Beach infrastructure: no, the beach is isolated, only a couple of large hotels and many Ayurveda clinics overlook it. There are rescuers. The infrastructure of the area is not developed at all.
Sand: light sand of medium fraction
Summary: beach for families with children, medical tourism
Balapitiya beach
City: Balapitiya
Distance from the airport: 115 km
Beach length: 0.7 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: clean; Traditionally, only hotel areas are cleaned
Beach infrastructure: no, several small 2-3* hotels overlook it. Nearby is the Madu Ganga River, along which excursions through the mangrove forests take place. Tourist infrastructure is poorly developed.
Sand: light clean sand
Summary: good beach for a package holiday
Ambalangoda beach
Distance from the airport: 120 km
Beach length: 2.1 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition:clean due to few tourists in the area
Beach infrastructure: no, the coastline is poorly developed, there are several small hotels and guest houses, a couple of restaurants. Nearby there is a museum of traditional masks. The tourism infrastructure of the area is poorly developed.
Sand: soft light sand, mixed in places with volcanic black sand
Summary: for relaxing with children, secluded relaxation
Hikkaduwa beach
Distance from the airport: 130 km
Beach length: 1 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: yes, away from the shore
Beach condition: Only hotel areas are cleaned; during the season there are problems with garbage collection. The coastline of the beach is densely built up.
Beach infrastructure: developed, many hotels and guest houses in the mid-price segment, small waves. The tourism infrastructure of the area is the most developed in Sri Lanka. Sea turtles come to this beach and can be fed with seaweed.
Sand: a narrow strip of light yellow sand
Summary: for family holidays, honeymoons, youth holidays
Narigama beach
City: Hikkaduwa
Distance from the airport: 135 km
Beach length: 3.2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: hotel areas are cleaned; inorganic waste is encountered during the season
Beach infrastructure: developed, many cafes, bars and restaurants, a large number of tourists; The beach offers surfing, snorkeling and diving. The tourism infrastructure of the area is the most developed in Sri Lanka. Sea turtles swim to the nearby beach.
Sand: soft sand of light yellow color, interspersed with volcanic sand
Summary: youth recreation
Jungle beach
Distance from the airport: 153 km
Beach length: 0.2 km
Location: on the edge of the bay, without waves
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: clean, cleaned by the staff of the cafe of the same name, located at the foot of the cliff.
Beach infrastructure: there is one cafe and many sunbeds in 2-3 rows at a distance of 0.5 m from each other. A very large number of tourists in a small area. The path goes through the ascent and descent of Mount Rumassala.
Sand: narrow strip of light, soft sand
Summary: for youth recreation, for the older generation the road to the beach is physically difficult
Unawatuna beach
Distance from the airport: 154 km
Beach length: 1.2 km
Location(bay): in the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: yes, but a sharp transition to depth
Beach condition: during the season, it is cleaned by the owners of cafes and hotels; the surf throws a lot of algae and organic debris ashore
Beach infrastructure: a large assortment of restaurants, bars and hotels in the economy and mid-price segments. The infrastructure of the area is developed, the coastline is completely built up with hotels and restaurants. Lots of package tourists.
Sand: coarse and medium yellow sand, lots of shells and mud
Summary: beach for a package economical or youth holiday
Vijaya beach
City: Dalavella
Distance from the airport: 156 km
Beach length: 0.6 km
Location(bay): open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the beach is very narrow, there are stones mixed with sand under the water, strong waves
Beach infrastructure: the shore is densely built up, with many middle and economy segment guesthouses overlooking it; there is almost no beach as such, its width greatly depends on the time of year; Surfing training is developed in this area.
Sand: light soft sand, smooth transition to depth, but interspersed with large stones overgrown with mud
Summary
Mihiripenna Beach
City: Mihiripenna
Distance from the airport: 157 km
Beach length: 0.7 km
Location(bay): open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition
Beach infrastructure: the coastline is built up, with many hotels in the economic and mid-price segment overlooking it; The width of the beach varies greatly depending on the time of year; the waves are suitable for professional surfing.
Sand: smooth transition to depth, sand interspersed with small pebbles, small stone breakwaters are built along the edges of the bay
Summary: the beach is suitable for youth and family recreation
Thalpe Beach
City: Talpe
Distance from the airport: 158 km
Beach length: 0.7 km
Location(bay): open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: narrow beach of short length
Beach infrastructure: the coastline is built up, there are many hotels of the middle and high price segment overlooking it; The width of the beach greatly depends on the time of year.
Sand: smooth transition to depth, sand interspersed with small pebbles
Summary: the beach is suitable for youth recreation
Habaraduwa beach
City: Khabaraduwa
Distance from the airport: 160 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the beach is not heavily built up, so it’s quite clean
Beach infrastructure: practically none, there are only a couple of large hotels and a few guest houses on the beach, the area itself is poorly developed in terms of tourism: there is a supermarket and a couple of shops. Khabaraduwa beach smoothly transitions into the more developed Koggala beach.
Sand: a very long strip of light, soft sand
Summary: the beach is suitable for families with children, a secluded holiday for two
Koggala beach
City: Koggala
Distance from the airport: 162 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the area is cleaned by hotels, but there is practically no garbage
Beach infrastructure: no, surfboard rental is available; The area is poorly developed in terms of tourism, but there is a supermarket and several shops and restaurants. The beach is built up, but not densely; several large hotels overlook it.
Sand: soft light sand, almost white in the midday sun
Summary
Ahangama beach
City: Ahangama
Distance from the airport: 170 km
Beach length: 0.7 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the area is cleaned by guests, the beach is not crowded, there is little garbage
Beach infrastructure: professional surfing resort, no other beach activities, tourist infrastructure in the area is poorly developed, several inexpensive guest houses overlook the beach.
Sand
Summary: the beach is suitable for youth recreation
Midigama beach
City: Midigama
Distance from the airport: 170 km
Beach length: 0.7 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the territory is cleaned by guesthouses, there are practically no sources of garbage
Beach infrastructure: surfing resort, no other beach activities, tourist infrastructure in the area is poorly developed. Several inexpensive guest houses overlook the beach, and there are also several cafes and restaurants.
Sand: soft light sand, stones along the edges of the bay
Summary
Weligama beach
Distance from the airport: 176 km
Beach length: 3.5 km
Location: bay
Presence of barrier reefs: Yes
Beach condition: the coast is built up with surf schools and guest houses, the width of the beach depends on the time of year and the tide, the waves are small.
Beach infrastructure: surfing, diving, excursions services are widely available; The infrastructure of the area is quite developed, the beach is replete with inexpensive guest houses, and there are many cafes and restaurants.
Sand: a narrow strip of light sand streaked with dark volcanic
Summary: the beach is suitable for youth and family recreation
Mirissa beach
Distance from the airport: 180 km
Beach length: 1.3 km
Location: on the edge of the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the area is cleaned by hotels, there is practically no garbage, the coastline is not as densely built up as in Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.
Beach infrastructure: developed, on the beach there are cafes and restaurants, travel companies, surfing, diving, snorkeling and excursions. The tourist infrastructure of the area is also developed; the coast is built up with 2-4* hotels. The width of the beach depends on the time of year and the phases of the moon.
Sand: long sandy beach of medium width with light and dark sand
Summary: the beach is suitable for youth and family holidays, honeymoons
Secret beach
City: Mirissa
Distance from the airport: 182 km
Beach length: 0.1 km
Location: on the edge of the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the area is cleaned by gesters, there is almost no garbage
Beach infrastructure: no, the beach is not particularly popular due to its low popularity; it is a narrow strip of sand surrounded by stones along the edges of the bay.
Sand
Summary: the beach is suitable for families with children and couples
Polhena beach
City: Matara
Distance from the airport: 190 km
Beach length: 0.1 km
Location: on the edge of the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: city public beach of Matara city
Beach infrastructure: The public beach is not popular with tourists because... located within the large city of Matara, there are a lot of local residents; there is no garbage, but the beach environment is not conducive to swimming.
Sand: small sandy beach with light sand
Summary: the beach is suitable for walking
Matara beach
City: Matara
Distance from the airport: 190 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: in the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: city beach in the center of Matara
Beach infrastructure: public beach, located within the large city of Matara, not intended for swimming, only for walking, runs along the road, divided in half by a Buddhist temple.
Sand: small sandy beach with light sand
Summary: suitable for walking
Talalla beach
City: Talallah
Distance from the airport: 210 km
Beach length: 1.2 km
Location: in the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the area is cleaned by hotels, there is almost no garbage
Beach infrastructure: not developed, surfing and yoga are offered in large hotels, the tourist infrastructure of the area is poorly developed - there are several restaurants in 3-4* hotels.
Sand: a wide strip of soft light yellow sand in a small bay, not closed from the waves
Summary: the beach is suitable for family holidays and honeymoons
Dickwella beach
City: Dikwella
Distance from the airport: 215 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the resort is not crowded and, as a result, there are no sources of garbage, the beach is clean.
Beach infrastructure: there are no beach activities other than surfing, the tourist infrastructure of the area is also not developed, there are several hotels and cafes, but in general the coastline is poorly developed.
Sand: a long strip of light sand in a small bay, sheltered from the waves
Summary: the beach is suitable for family holidays and youth holidays
Hiriketiya beach
City: Dikwella
Distance from the airport: 217 km
Beach length: 0.2 km
Location: in a small bay
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: the beach is clean, there is no garbage, only sometimes there is organic
Beach infrastructure: no, the tourism infrastructure of the area is located in Dikwella; The coastline is sparsely developed, there are a couple of cafes and surfing.
Sand: small sandy beach with light sand in a very small bay
Summary: the beach is suitable for families, couples and friends
Medaketiya beach
City: Tangalle
Distance from the airport: 230 km
Beach length: 3 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: clean beach with strong waves and sandy bottom
Beach infrastructure: poorly developed, there are several cafes and hotels, the coastline is poorly developed, the infrastructure of the area is also not very developed.
Sand: a strip of soft light sand surrounded by stone breakwaters
Summary: the beach is suitable for family holidays and secluded holidays for two
Medilla beach
City: Tangalle
Distance from the airport: 235 km
Beach length: 4.2 km/p>
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: clean beach, not crowded
Beach infrastructure: not developed, several hotels and restaurants overlook the beach; tourist infrastructure is present in Tangalle, located 10 min.
Sand: soft, very light sand, sandy bottom interspersed with areas of rock outcropping.
Summary: the beach is suitable for a secluded holiday for two, as well as surrounded by family
Rekawa beach
City: Tangalle
Distance from the airport: 240 km
Beach length: 3.5 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: wide strip of clean light sand, no sources of debris
Beach infrastructure: There are no beach activities; sea turtles often crawl onto the beach shore to lay eggs. The entire tourism infrastructure of the area is located in Tangalle.
Sand: wide deserted sandy beach
Summary: suitable for couples, family holidays
Kirinda beach
City: Kirinda
Distance from the airport: 240 km
Beach length: 3 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition
Beach infrastructure: There are no beach activities other than surfing; sea turtles often crawl onto the beach shore to lay eggs. The entire tourist infrastructure of the area is located in Tissamaharama, the nearest major city.
Sand: uncrowded sandy beach surrounded by boulders, mixed sand - light and dark volcanic
Summary
Kahandamodara beach
City: Kahandamodara
Distance from the airport: 215 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: wide strip of sand, no sources of debris
Beach infrastructure: There are no beach activities; sea turtles often crawl onto the beach shore to lay eggs. The entire tourist infrastructure of the area is located in Tangalle, the nearest major city.
Sand: uncrowded sandy beach with light sand
Summary: suitable for family holidays and honeymoons
Panama beach
City: Panama
Distance from the airport: 320 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: wide strip of sand, no sources of debris
Beach infrastructure: There are no beach activities, the place is popular with professional surfers due to the characteristics of the local waves. The entire tourist infrastructure of the area is located in Arugam Bay.
Sand: deserted beach, mixed light and dark volcanic sand
Summary: Suitable for youth sports recreation
Arugam Bay beach
City: Arugam Bay
Distance from the airport: 315 km
Beach length: 2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition
Beach infrastructure: the main beach holiday involves surfing of various skill levels, there are surf spots and board rentals. The area's infrastructure is moderately developed: on the coastline there are cafes and restaurants, several guest houses and mid-price hotels.
Sand
Summary: suitable for a couple's holiday, youth holiday
Pottuvil beach
City: Pottuvil
Distance from the airport: 315 km
Beach length: 1 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: No
Beach condition: wide strip of light sand, no debris
Beach infrastructure: surfing lessons, equipment rental and surf schools, board rentals are offered. The district's infrastructure is concentrated in Arugam Bay.
Sand: sandy beach with waves for surfing
Summary: suitable for youth recreation
Passikudah beach
City: Batticaloa
Distance from the airport: 270 km
Beach length: 3.5 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs
Beach condition: wide strip of clean, very light, fine sand
Beach infrastructure: there are no beach activities, the beach shore is built up with hotels of medium and high price categories. The tourist infrastructure of the area is also almost undeveloped.
Sand: wide uncrowded sandy beach without waves
Summary: suitable for beach holidays, trips with children
Kalkudah beach
City: Batticaloa
Distance from the airport: 265 km
Beach length: 3.5 km
Location: in the bay
Presence of barrier reefs: no, very smooth transition to depth, almost no waves
Beach condition: Wide strip of clean light sand, organic debris is rare.
Beach infrastructure: there are no beach activities; mainly premium segment hotels overlook the beach, which do not imply the need for tourist infrastructure outside the hotel.
Sand: deserted sandy beach without waves
Summary: suitable for a secluded beach and family holiday with children
Uppuweli beach
City: Trincomalee
Distance from the airport: 236 km
Beach length: 3.5 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs, almost no waves
Beach condition: wide strip of light sand, garbage is removed by hotels
Beach infrastructure: developed, the coastline is built up with hotels and guest houses of the mid-price category; the beach offers surfing, diving, excursions, etc. The entire infrastructure of the area is concentrated in Trincomalee, there are supermarkets, a bus and railway station.
Sand: wide sandy beach
Summary: suitable for couples, youth and family holidays
Nilaveli beach
Distance from the airport: 245 km
Beach length: 3.5 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: no, smooth transition to depth
Beach condition: wide strip of clean light sand
Beach infrastructure: beach activities include water sports - surfing, diving, snorkeling; The coastline is not densely built up, mainly with hotels in the mid-price segment. The tourism infrastructure of the area is located in the large city of Trincomalee.
Sand: wide sandy beach with fine light sand
Summary: suitable for youth and family recreation
Marble beach
City: Trincomalee
Distance from the airport: 235 km
Beach length: 0.2 km
Location: open
Presence of barrier reefs: no, smooth transition to depth
Beach condition: small beach in Koddiyar Bay, area cleaned by hotels
Beach infrastructure: There are no beach activities. The entire tourist infrastructure of the region is located in the nearest city of Trincomalee.
Sand: small sandy beach with fine light sand with shells
Summary: suitable for youth and family recreation
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 by coconut palms. This makes Sri Lanka an ideal destination for a beach holiday. There are so many beaches in Sri Lanka that it is simply impossible to talk about all these beaches in one article. However, we have selected the best beaches in Sri Lanka that are most popular among tourists. Most hotels, guest houses and tourist accommodation are located in the area of these beaches.
The main attraction of Sri Lanka for tourists and locals is undoubtedly the beaches. Of course, there is a lot of interesting things on the island, including unique historical and natural attractions, national parks and much more, but still, Sri Lanka would hardly be so popular among tourists if not for its beautiful beaches.
Sri Lanka's most popular beaches are along the coast starting at Negombo, 37 km north of Colombo, and ending at 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, Dickwella, Tangalle and finally Hambantota.
Sri Lanka's best beaches on the east coast of the island include Nilaveli, Kuchaveli, Marble Bay, Sweet Bay and Dead Man's Cove with its magnificent harbour. These beaches are located 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.
Beaches of Sri Lanka on the map
Unawatuna Beach
The wonderful Unawatuna Beach on the southern 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 accommodation and plenty of swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving opportunities. The tourism infrastructure here is very well developed. However, Unawatuna Beach still retains its romantic and somewhat crazy atmosphere. This is a truly beautiful beach with golden sand, clear blue water and gently swaying coconut trees that contribute greatly to the idyll. Sometimes you can see sea turtles laying their eggs here, but it still requires a little luck. Unawatuna Beach is protected by a coral reef, so the waves are usually low. This makes this beach an excellent place for swimming all year round. The reef near the beach is a great spot for snorkelers as you can see many different species of fish in all colors. For practicing divers, Unawatuna can offer the site of 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
A white, beautiful sandy beach, tall tropical palm trees, deep blue water and coral reef, a sleepy and atmospheric fishing village - this is what tourists came to Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka in the 1970s.
Hikkaduwa Beach is still a paradise, perfect for surfers, divers and sun worshipers. But something has changed: mass tourism has arrived here, so many resort hotels have appeared in the Hikkaduwa beach area, and this beach is no longer a hippie paradise. However, the village of Hikkaduwa has retained its charm and the local population has retained its hospitality.
Today, Hikkaduwa attracts tourists not only with its beautiful beach, but also with numerous entertainment options, good nightlife and excellent hotels.
Among surfers, Hikkaduwa Beach is very popular throughout the year. Beginners and professionals will find suitable waves for themselves here. Due to the presence of a coral reef, Hikkaduwa Beach is also a well-known diving spot. Unfortunately, most of the coral has died and the reef is not as impressive as it used to be. It is possible that the corals will recover, but it will take a long time. Until then, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of colorful fish. If you don't want to dive into the water, you can view numerous species of fish, snails, mussels and other oceanic fauna and flora on a glass-bottom boat ride.
Mirissa Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka is located on the southern coast of the island. It is a magnificent crescent-shaped golden sandy beach with clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Under the slender coconut trees there are several bungalows where you can stay for a while. Accommodation in such bungalows is offered at reasonable prices. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to take a dip in the ocean and enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathing and simply relaxing. The sunset at Mirissa Beach is simply breathtaking and incredibly romantic. It is said that today Mirissa Beach, with its tranquil atmosphere, is what Unawatuna Beach once was. Mirissa Beach attracts many different travelers, including honeymooners and families with children, as well as those seeking peace and tranquility. Water sports enthusiasts will also appreciate this beach. For example, many surfers come here and 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 excellent for snorkeling.
A special attraction at Mirissa Beach is watching blue whales and dolphins, especially between November and April. Typically starting early in the morning, this "whale watching trip" will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the planet's largest mammals.
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 there is a very picturesque and wide sandy beach. It's not crowded, but worth a visit. Here, fine-grained, yellowish, shiny sand alternates with intricate rock formations and tall coconut trees, providing a wonderful beach idyll. The 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 recreational conditions for families with children.
At Koggala Beach in Sri Lanka, you can observe the traditional fishing techniques characteristic of this island. While many places in Sri Lanka use small wooden fishing boats with a motor for fishing, fishing in the Koggala Beach area is still done in the traditional way for southern Sri Lanka. According to this method of fishing, the fisherman climbs onto 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, to clearly 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 there is almost nothing under construction 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 is approximately 15 km long and is ideal for walking and also for swimming. However, in some places there are currents that can be dangerous. It is important to keep an eye on the flags on the beach. A red flag means that swimming is not recommended, but not prohibited. However, 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 footsteps approaching. The area is also home to turtles such as the caretta caretta, whose tracks can be seen in the sand on some days. Usually no one sees the animals themselves.
Balapitiya Beach
The coastal town of Ambalangoda is famous 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, like Balapitiya Beach, are wonderful destinations 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 among tourists.
The sand on 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 shore, relax in the shade of palm trees, or simply swim in the Indian Ocean. In the evening, fishermen return to the beach in their old, sometimes painted wooden boats and unload the fish.
Bentota Beach
Bentota Beach is located approximately 50 km south of Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka and is a good example of a popular seaside resort on the island that has grown out of a once sleepy fishing village. Since the 1980s, Bentota has been an important tourism center 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 because of the magnificent sandy beach. Indeed, Bentota Beach looks just like in the picture: fine and white sand, countless palm trees and azure water. Various 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 long periods of time, the beach is also suitable for families with children. However, during the monsoon season, swimming can be a little dangerous. Red flags in the water mean swimming is not recommended. The southern part of Bentota Beach tends to have higher waves, while the water in the northern part (also known as 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 town 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, which laid the foundation for a boom in tourism. This is why Negombo is also called the cradle of beach tourism in Sri Lanka. Even today, the beautiful Negombo beach is one of the most important and best known on the island.
Today, Negombo offers a variety of hotels, guest houses and bungalows with varying levels of comfort and varying prices. In addition, the city offers a vibrant nightlife.
With a length of 8 km, the very wide Negombo beach 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 flags and beach conditions.
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 of the Kudapada.
Since Negombo Beach is only 10 km from the international airport, it is often a stopover at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.
Rekawa 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 bustle. There is just this perfect beach with fine sand and beautiful clear water. Rekawa is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday, swimming, sunbathing or walking. Sea turtles can still be seen at Rekawa Beach, returning every year to lay eggs. Already in 1994, a program to protect these turtles was created here, supported by the United Nations. Today these turtles are under international protection. If you're lucky, you might see these fascinating animals laying eggs. Sometimes you can even see baby turtles leaving their eggs and heading into the ocean. These observations are usually conducted in the evening under the direction of the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP). The best time for observations is from January to April, as well as nights with a full moon throughout the year.
Rekawa Beach, which is about 10 km from Tangalla, has several guest houses and small hotels.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a real paradise for surfers. The moon-shaped bay near the Muslim town of Pottuvil is considered one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka. The tsunami in 2004, as well as the civil war, barely affected this place, so today Arugam Bay looks impressive. What’s special is that the monsoon in Arugam Bay is barely noticeable, so you can relax here almost all year round.
Despite the tourist appeal of the Arugam Bay area, the local population has so far successfully protected the area from the development of large hotel developments. Therefore, these days the area has retained a natural and relaxed atmosphere and attracts mainly nature and water sports lovers.
The fine sandy beach, lined with palm trees, offers fairly good conditions for swimming. The area surrounding it is very beautiful: the forest contains a variety of exotic plants, as well as wild elephants and monkeys.
You'll find affordable accommodation on the beach, but there are also luxury bungalows. Therefore, we can say that the beach in Arugam Bay offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Most residential buildings are located directly on the beach. During the high season, which runs from May to November on the east coast of Sri Lanka, upscale accommodation is almost always booked, so it is advisable to book in advance.
If you want to come to Arugam Bay to surf, you can book surf lessons right on the beach or rent a board and other equipment.
Nilaveli Beach
Perhaps the most popular beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka 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 among swimmers, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. Nilaveli Beach is also suitable for families with children, as there is a gentle and level 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're lucky, you might spot blue whales and sperm whales on this tour. Nilaveli Beach also offers tours to Pigeon Island, which offers excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, breathtaking beaches and magnificent coral reefs. During the period from May to September, visibility in the water is greatest here.
On the Nilaveli beach itself there is accommodation of varying levels of comfort. In general, however, tourists here will find it difficult to find suitable low-budget accommodation. There are very nice bungalows for rent right on the beach.
It is worth noting that the military site is located right on Nilaveli Beach, so you can meet a lot of soldiers here. Despite its 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 vary greatly. That is why different beaches are better suited for relaxation in different months. In order to understand where the best beaches are in Sri Lanka at certain times of the year, we advise you to study information about the weather and recreation on this island in different months of the year.
Also, do not forget that when choosing the most suitable beach for a holiday in Sri Lanka, it is also important to take into account the choice of accommodation on this beach. For example, if you prefer to stay in luxury all-inclusive hotels, then you will only find such hotels on some beaches.