The beaches of Sri Lanka on the map with a description. The best beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming Sri lanka which beach is better

Overview of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka: map, description, season, pros and cons. Find out where the best beach holiday on the island is!

There are many wonderful resorts in Sri Lanka 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 talk about a beach holiday in Sri Lanka: what each resort is good for, 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 closer than other resorts to Colombo Airport - the distance to it is about 30 km. This is very convenient for tourists who have undergone a long flight. The place is more famous for its fishing conditions than for its beach holidays: coastal waters abound in a large number of fish, their migration period falls on the high tourist season. The Big 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 parts of the coast are occupied by fishermen, where they lay out gear and dry the fish. There are few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as water activities, the only exception is expensive hotels.

Nevertheless, Negombo is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka due to the comfortable swimming beaches that stretch along Lewis Place. In addition, there is an optimal choice of accommodation and many photogenic fishermen and beautiful landscapes.

Negombo can be visited all year round, but it is very damp 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, youth and family people come here. Water activities and modest nightlife have made Hikkaduwa the liveliest 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 - almost always a strong wave. Early in the morning, huge turtles appear near the shore, which are so accustomed to people that they take treats right from their hands.

In the center of Hikkaduwa there is a coral park where you can ride a boat with a transparent bottom or go snorkeling, order 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, not counting the fare. Excursions to the mines are popular with vacationers, where precious stones are mined that you can buy.

The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is from November to April.

Wadduwa is located 35 km from Colombo. 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.

The best time for an active and beach holiday in this resort is from October to March.

(Photo © Hash Milhan / flickr.com / 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 the elite and best resort of Sri Lanka, a favorite beach holiday destination for romantics and those who seek solitude.

Here, the largest number of comfortable hotels, sparsely populated clean beaches and lush nature of the jungle, the 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. For lovers of diving there is a center.

The best time for a beach holiday in Bentota is from October to April.

(Photo © lola media / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The small resort village of Unawatuna is located 120 km from Colombo. Once it was a fishing village, now the rapidly developing resort is only slightly inferior in popularity to Hikkaduwa and Bentota.

This place is especially loved by tourists who have a rest 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 they are happy to relax here with children.

The entire tourism infrastructure has been created. Vacationers can go diving or snorkeling, excursion lovers can visit the neighboring resort - Galle. But this place is not for solitude: the beaches of Unawatuna can be quite crowded.

The best time to visit is from December to April. Too rainy in May and October-November.

(Photo © iris0327 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Due to their remoteness from the airport, the resorts of the northeast coast of Sri Lanka are less popular than those of the southwest. 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 at one time 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 on the way) or by bus (7 hours).

According to some vacationers, the beaches of Trincomalee are the best in all of Sri Lanka. The rest is calm, there is little entertainment here, the infrastructure is still under development, most hotels are inexpensive, bars and restaurants of the same level.

The natural beauty of this place is surprising - tall palm trees and lemurs walking free. Not far from the coast - a coral island, which was chosen by divers and snorkelers, a few kilometers away are hot springs.

It is best to plan a trip from March to August, as it is too rainy in November-December.

(Photo © Images of Sri Lanka - Sequential Shots / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

List of the best beaches in Sri Lanka

All the beaches of the island 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 of enthusiastic tourists, it is also one of the best for a beach holiday. It is here that newlyweds prefer to spend their honeymoon. A wide coastal strip, palm trees, complete privacy - these are the main advantages of this place.

Great place and almost complete lack 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 under 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 waters off the coast make 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 for swimming with kids.

Hikkaduwa Beach

The longest beach line in Sri Lanka. Orange sand and turquoise water, along the line - numerous cafes and guesthouses. Strong waves have made this place a favorite place for surfers, but there are relatively calm areas - near the Chaaya Tranz hotel. There are no sun loungers, there is enough shade from palm trees, many people come there to swim with their children. Thanks to all this, Hikkaduwa Beach is ranked among the best places for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka.

The Tangalle beach complex has long and stubbornly been included in the lists of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. This is the perfect place for a solitary holiday: you can walk a mile and not meet a single 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 is difficult 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’s quite difficult to make 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 the choice of a place to stay and you will have a great time.

Intro image source: © Dhammika Heenpella / Images of Sri Lanka / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

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 of interesting things, including unique historical and natural attractions, national parks and much more, but still Sri Lanka would hardly be so popular among tourists if it were 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. This is a really beautiful beach with golden sand, clear blue water and gently swaying coconut trees that add a lot 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 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). The best time for observation is 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.

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. This is 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 (Beruwela)

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. There are several large beach hotels along the beach. 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 sunbeds. 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, a good 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 holidays with local flavor.

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

Sri Lanka is a great place for a varied holiday. Here you can cut through the waves on a surf and catch the wind on a kite; snorkel among coral reefs, and dive deep with scuba gear to see the beauty of the underwater world; enjoy fresh seafood and sweet tropical fruits; get acquainted with the local history and culture, visit ancient monuments, temples, cities and wander through the endless green hills, among the Ceylon tea plantations, and, of course, sunbathe and relax on the endless beaches. The sand on many of them is fine, pleasant to the touch, coconut palms hang over the sea, and the water is clean and transparent.

The best beaches are located mainly on the southwest coast and a little on the east. But nevertheless, only large beaches on the island can be counted more than fifteen, not to mention the wild and unpopular sandy areas. Among the variety of beaches, 6 main ones can be distinguished, the most attractive for tourists.

Bentota

One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka and many, not without reason, consider it the best on the entire island for a relaxing holiday. Part of the popularity of Bentota can be explained by the fact that of all the major beaches, it is closest to the international airport (100 kilometers). The beach is quite wide, long and, despite its popularity, not too crowded.

The resort is often chosen by newlyweds for a relaxing holiday and honeymoon. There is a good choice of first-class hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, in general, the tourist infrastructure is well developed.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa Beach is located 30 kilometers south of Bentota, but the atmosphere is completely different - it is a youth resort with all the relevant attributes: many bars, beach parties, a fairly large selection of budget accommodation.

The resort has gained popularity among young people thanks to the big waves - this is one of the best places for surfing on the island. Hikkaduwa stretches for 7 kilometers and actually consists of two beaches. The first, the eponymous Hikkaduwa, is located in the lagoon (therefore, there are almost no waves around it), calm, fairly wide and not very long. The second is Narigama, which is longer but narrower, with decent depth near the shore and big waves, which makes it unsuitable for swimming, but it is great for surfing.

In the sea off the coast you can see sea turtles and a small coral reef. Vacationers in the vicinity of Hikkaduwa will always have something to do: you can surf in the morning, sunbathe, swim and snorkel in the afternoon, party in bars and parties in the evening and periodically go somewhere to neighboring resorts or go on excursions.

Unawatuna

A small but very popular beach among tourists. During the season, it can be quite crowded here. Cozy, with a well-developed infrastructure, it is located in a small lagoon, protected from the open ocean by a coral reef on which waves break. Therefore, the sea near the coast is often clean and calm, making Unawatuna very popular with families with children.

Near the coast, the sea is rather shallow, so it warms up well during the day, the water temperature does not drop below 27 degrees throughout the year.

Near the beach there is a good selection of small hotels and guesthouses, but there are no large and chain hotels that would work with major travel agencies, so Unawatuna is popular among independent travelers. In the evening, the beach turns into a large open-air restaurant - nearby restaurants set up tables on the sand, light torches around them and offer fresh seafood for dinner.

When choosing Unawatuna for relaxation, be prepared for the fact that there are quite a lot of fragments of corals and stones in the water, so it is not very pleasant to enter the water. For a comfortable stay, take coral slippers with you. Locals also like to come here (especially on weekends), who show increased attention to white tourists.

Mirissa

This is another beautiful beach that is very popular with tourists. The beach in Mirissa is very picturesque with pretty palm trees on the shore and nice fine sand without large stones. The sea water is clean and clear without algae and debris. The sea near the coast is very shallow.

The infrastructure is not very well developed, but if you make an order in one of the beach restaurants, you can use their sun loungers and umbrellas at no additional charge.

Tangalle

Tangalle Beach is long, wide, incredibly picturesque and almost deserted. This is the most remote resort area on the south coast from the capital, so either a few backpackers-travelers or tourists craving solitude get here. In the western part of the beach, where the village of Tangalle is located, there are inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants, and further behind the village along the beach you can walk for many kilometers, occasionally meeting hotels of a fairly good standard on the way.

The water here is clear, the beach is clean, you can snorkel near the shore, but there are almost always big waves in the sea, so only those who swim well decide to sail far from the shore.

Trincomalee

There are not very many beaches on the northeast coast, they are even more wild and deserted than on the southwest. Only connoisseurs of nature come here and those who are ready to spend 9 hours on a train, or pay a tidy sum for a comfortable taxi ride. Nevertheless, those who still get to the beaches of Trincomalee call these places the most beautiful part of the island.

Rest in the city of Trincomalee is calm, there is practically no entertainment, the infrastructure was significantly damaged by the tsunami in 2004 and is being restored very slowly. Many hotels have remained empty and abandoned ever since. Not far from the coast is a small, uninhabited Pigeon Island with white coral sand and clear water. The island is surrounded by a large coral reef that attracts snorkeling and diving enthusiasts - here you can see bright tropical fish, sea turtles and, they say, even reef sharks underwater.

And we also have

If your vacation falls in the winter, but you do not leave the thought of soaking up in a distant resort, plunging into the sea, then you have a direct road to tropical adventures! Here you will learn about the best beaches in Sri Lanka, where you can grab a little summer warmth and sunbathe on the golden sand.

Gentle ocean, fast surf or kite, magical reefs, unusual cuisine and tropical fruits, the atmosphere of a mysterious exotic country - it's all there! In this wonderful land, you will find not only real tea, but also feel the true pleasure of life.

As can be seen from numerous photos, the beaches of Sri Lanka are conventionally divided into two categories. The first is more crowded beaches, popular among tourists. They settled down from the south and from the west. The second category is the more deserted beaches of the east coast, known for their wonderful marine life and reefs.

Absolutely all of them are expanses of the ocean coast with sand that crumbles underfoot like semolina, coconut palms, as in advertising, and colorful fish underwater.

We must remember that the ocean has its own character, it storms very often, so carefully choose a resort in Sri Lanka if you want to swim calmly.

Negombo beach

The closest beach to the international airport in Sri Lanka. It is located four dozen kilometers north of the capital Colombo. You can get here by any transport, so this beach is often chosen to come here on the way to various excursions. The hotel zone is located near the city of the same name. Motley hotels and restaurants stretched out in an endless round dance along the coast.

In general, the beach is rather wild, despite the proximity to the city. Wide strip of sand. There is no free rental of sunbeds and umbrellas. The water is quite muddy, during storm days garbage is washed ashore. If you choose a hotel on the first line, you can live literally by the ocean, no more than a minute walk to the coast.

You can take hotel loungers and move them to the water's edge. A sunbed with a towel will cost 500 rupees. There is no soul on the beach, and the waves can knock you down. In general, the ocean cannot be called calm, there are almost always waves of different sizes, although it all depends on the weather. If you are going on vacation with children, it is better to look at other resorts. But surfers may like it here.

Of the attractions - a lot of brave crows, who even have the audacity to snatch goodies from their hands on the fly. On weekends, locals gather here, families relax, and on Sunday there are fewer empty seats, but still enough for everyone. Traders are very active, offering to buy souvenirs.

By the way, girls should be prepared for the fact that most likely they will not leave you without attention, they will approach you to get acquainted. In general, only partially aimed at attracting tourists, so if you are looking for more than just admiring the work of fishermen in the early morning, then it is better to go further.

Mount Lavinia

If you are looking for beaches without waves in Sri Lanka, then here you can find your treasure. Mount Lavigny has two large beaches. The first is citywide, it is dirtier and more crowded on holidays and weekends. Umbrellas and sun loungers are not enough, and everyone is at the cafes. As for the price, you can always negotiate. Another option is to buy a cocktail and then lie down for free.

The second beach is at the hotel. It is much cleaner, there are fewer vacationers, and umbrellas are also tight. But all swimmers are monitored by a lifeguard. You can find it by going through the left wing of the hotel. At the opposite end of the beach from the hotel, a stream flows - a sewage drain. Most of the beach has no smell. Behind him, by the way, they built a turtle farm, where for a modest fee they give you to hold and feed sea turtles of various species.

This is probably the cleanest beach, one of the best, it is quickly removed from garbage.

You can easily find several cafes where you can have a tasty meal. You can even get to the coast by bus and not spend a lot of money on a taxi.

Detailed information about the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia resort is presented on.

Bentota

Pasikuda beach

The best place for morning walks along the ocean! Close to the coral reef: a wonderful place that can be visited by boat. However, because of this, there are many large stones and corals on the sandy bottom. Swimming without special rubber shoes is almost impossible. It is better to swim closer to the Anantaya Hotel - there are not so many coral fragments.

In Sri Lanka, the best beaches for swimming are light fine sand, calm blue ocean and unforgettable sunrises! Passikuda appropriates all these epithets for himself. The entrance to the water is convenient, the ebbs are not noticed.

Near the hotel "Maalu" the coast is rather deserted, and half a kilometer from it there is already a public beach, where the local population rests in abundance.

The depth of the ocean near the shore is safe, you can enjoy your vacation without problems. To take a shower, you have to pay 30 rupees. Of the minuses - a lot of garbage outside the hotel beaches.

Goyambokka beach

This Sri Lankan beach is small, with few tourists, and locals generally rarely come here. On days when the waves in the ocean are not too strong, you can swim beyond the line of the breakwater and swim in clear water. Be prepared that the current will drift to the left, so swim out only if you are confident in your abilities. On days of big waves, people are forced to plop on the surf line, where the sand floats even on the surface. After that, you have to wash it in the shower for a long time. There are life jackets and lifeguards who are watching everyone.

Boulders lie only on the edge of the lagoon, where people swim, stones are not visible. Landscapes are great, photos will be amazing! Three restaurants and sunbeds await guests for a modest fee. You can take it for free if you buy food in an institution. Seafood is the freshest, only from the ocean, the portions are generous, the food is delicious. Although some tourists complain about unsanitary conditions. The beach space in Goyambokka was chosen by several dogs. But there are more interesting living creatures: a lot of free-roaming chipmunks, peacocks, monitor lizards.

Nilaveli

Nearby is an attraction that is still attractive to tourists - the small island of Pigeon, on which no one lives. This is a national park that you have to pay to enter. You will have to sail to the island by boat. Pigeon has a white beach, coral sand and clear water. Divers and snorkelers come here, because a coral ridge is spread nearby, where colorful tropical fish, turtles and sharks live.

There is only one hotel on the beach, the infrastructure is not very developed. There are no cozy cafes and restaurants nearby (there are a couple, but they are far to go, the food there is specific, these establishments are focused on local residents).

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Unawatuna

On the map of the beaches of Sri Lanka, this beach takes pride of place. Unawatuna is one of the best southern beaches. Vacationers here are a dime a dozen, but the beach area is quite modest in size. The beach is cozy and stunningly beautiful.

It is embraced by a small bay, protected from the formidable splashes of the ocean by the mighty shoulder of a coral reef. For this reason, there are few waves on Unawatuna, and what there are are very low. The giants crash on the reef while still approaching the shore. People come to the beach even with children. Unawatuna is the right place for those keen on snorkeling!

The western outskirts of Unawatuna is shallower, here is the best place for swimming with children, the beach is wide here. The eastern part is badly destroyed by erosion: in some places the sand washed off into the ocean, under the feet of a placer of stones.

There are no large chain hotels here, so people are not sent here on a package tour. You can find a detailed description of the Unawatuna resort at.

Obviously, this is a good option for "wild" travelers. There are many restaurants, for every taste and color, you can even find Western national cuisine.

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We have brought you the best beaches in Sri Lanka. On all of them there is a danger of the appearance of reverse currents, which are everywhere. They are dangerous because they can drag swimmers into the open ocean. Take care of yourself and enjoy your health!

The beaches described on the page are marked on the map of Sri Lanka in Russian.

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