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Sun, Sea & Sand

If sun and sand is your thing, look no further as your search for beaches in Sri Lanka ends here.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at golden, sun-kissed beaches provide an idyllic setting for both sun worshipers and surf lovers alike. In the list below we have identified some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and listed them based on geographic location and seasonality.

West Coast Beaches in Sri Lanka

The Western coast, which includes Colombo, is ideal for that retail fix or a dose of nightlife. Its iconic Mount Lavinia beach has long been the source of outdoor family recreation for city folk. Negombo, a bustling fishing town with excellent beaches, is recommended as a start or end point to travel in Sri Lanka being just half an hour away from the main international airport. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars line its famed Golden Mile, making it perfect for last-minute shopping to take holiday memories back home. Further North, lies the Kalpitiya peninsula which is a fast-emerging destination for dolphin and whale watching as well as kite surfing.

South Coast Beaches

The South Coast is by far the most popular, with a vibrant mix of modern and traditional influences. Beginning with Beruwela, the hubbub of Colombo’s urban sprawl abates and opens up to the magnificent Southern beaches of Sri Lanka. The beaches between Bentota and Hikkaduwa offer excellent water sports and present a unique party atmosphere. Look out for the arts and craft shops in this belt, which are famous for the traditional mask carvings. Galle and its historic Dutch Fort offer a fascinating glimpse of post-colonial life with numerous period-era buildings converted into chic, boutique-style properties. Just outside Galle, Unawatuna Beach, with its horseshoe bay and surfing culture, is a must-do for the young at heart. Further down the coast, Mirrissa and Polhena beaches and the seas of it boast some of the best waters for whale watching in the world.
Beaches

Ahungalla Beach

Ahungalla beach located further off Bentota is widely known as the home of the famed hotels, Heritance Ahungalla and RIU. Its second claim to fame...

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Beaches

Hiriketiya Beach

Located fifteen minutes from the city of Tangalle, Hiriketiya Beach is a beautiful horse shoe shaped shaped beach that offers good swimming and year round...

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Beaches

Hikkaduwa Beach

Once a sleepy fishing village frequented by die hard surf fans and dominated by hippie culture, Hikkaduwa is now one of the country’s most popular...

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Beaches

Unawatuna Beach

Fifteen minutes from the city of Galle, Unawatuna Beach is a horseshoe shaped bay that features one of Sri Lanka’s finest beaches. Protected by a...

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Beaches

Mirissa Beach

Just outside of Weligama, Mirissa beach is a blissfully secluded stretch of beach lying in a small bay in the South of Sri Lanka. Largely...

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Beaches

Beruwala Beach

Beruwala beach marks the beginning of the famed southern beaches of Sri Lanka which continue along the coast from here in an almost unbroken line....

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Beaches

Bentota Beach

South of the capital Colombo, Bentota beach is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most popular beach destinations. Although just off the Galle Road, this fine...

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Beaches

Moragalla Beach

Moragalla Beach is situated in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka and is separated from the famous beachfront settlement of Bentota. It is separated from...

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Beaches

Kosgoda Beach

Kosgoda Beach is located in the island’s southwest, approximately 105 kilometers away from the Katunayake International Airport. It is in close proximity to a small...

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East Coast Beaches

For a more laid-back and private atmosphere, the East Coast would be more your cup of tea – perfect for that long dream of pampering. Nilaveli Beach in Trincomalee, and Passikudah in Batticaloa have stunning white sandy beaches and shallow, near glass-like waters making it ideal for snorkeling amongst the shallow reefs. For surfing buffs, Arugam Bay offers world-class conditions and should not be missed.

Fair weather prevails from November to April on the Western and Southern coasts and May to October on the Northern and Eastern coasts.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass

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