Mention beaches in Asia, and immediately the talking points fast become the beaches in Thailand. Indonesia too ― Bali mostly ― or even India, because Goa's beaches are quite irresistible, perfect for a Christmas winter break. But no one would imagine that Sri Lanka has beaches ripe for the picking. You'd better believe it, there are some amazing beaches on this incredible Island and our travel guide will detail the top ten you must know about.
The best place to start your search for the beaches is towards the south coast of the Island. The region offers you stunning beaches.
You will also find colonial towns and amazing national parks. The best time for visiting the south coast of Sri Lanka is between November and April. For holidaying in the north of the Island, travel between February through to September. The different times of the year are due to the two alternating monsoon seasons: the southwest endures rainfall from April to October whilst the remainder of the Island basks in sunshine.
All along this perfect white sandy beach are restaurants serving fresh seafood all day long. The daily catch from the local fishing village is shared between the restaurants so the dishes are constantly fresh and delicious. The beach has great waves for surfing and there is a quiet, peaceful laidback feeling to the whole experience.
If you ever wanted to go whale watching, then you do so from the harbor. Be sure to book a tour itinerary a month in advance of flying out as they're very popular and usually full up. It would be a shame to miss out on the:
But because these mammals are migratory, you may not see all of the above whale species. If you are really unfortunate, you'll not see any at all. Don't go cheap on this experience because the best tour operators provide complimentary breakfast and lunch, and bottled water. Their "all inclusive" packages are really nice.
One of the best beaches for surfing and known as "Surfers Paradise", is found at Arugam Bay. Neighboring the bay area is Yala National Park, which has the highest density of leopard numbers in the world. Peak season on the beach is from June, running until the end of August and the busiest period. Because of the popularity of the area for surfers the world over, there are beach parties each and every night.
If that all sounds like too much for you ― perhaps you have family with you ― then the quiet times are February, April and May, or September and October. The same restaurants and bars are available and so on. The same great weather, average temperatures for April are in the mid-80's Fahrenheit.
For the chance to see roaming wild elephants (yes, really) then find yourself at Elephant Rock, just out of town. Ask locals for directions but stay out of the lake and rivers because of real crocodiles.
Simply hire a taxi to drop you off at the Katagamuwa Entrance of the park, having already booked accommodation of course. If you've experienced India's top national parks for wildlife, you'll know what to expect on safari. The park has adequate huts, lodges and tent areas for tourists but understandably, they're in high demand so we advise you to plan ahead.
The quality of accommodation by the way is spot on mid to top level luxury for the lodges, especially ― you are not "roughing it". Spending two days, one night in the park is a very rewarding experience.
This is a dream beach. Not for surfers but for families. The beach has it all, in spades:
And where you are not content with all that, there is an active nightlife on and off the beach. If you are holed up in Galle, then ask your hotel to order a taxi to take you 20 minutes north to Hikkaduwa Town. The beach is one of the best on the Island, so don't think it's "just another one", that'd be a real shame. The coastal route has its beautiful moments, keep watch so not to miss anything.
If you are holidaying out of Colombo, the capital, then it's a 2-hour journey for you. It makes more sense to book a hotel in Galle for two nights, turning a day trip into a three-day, two-night jaunt, instead. Immediately after checking into your Colombo hotel or resort, attempt to book a hotel room in Galle before anything else. If you are so lucky, there'll be a last-minute cancellation. Or book in advance at the same time you are booking your Colombo pad.
Because there are so many nice beaches in the south and southwest of the Island.
If you love the sound of crashing waves, then this is the beach to enjoy, among so many others. There are so many beaches along the coastline of Sri Lanka it's impossible to experience them all, which is why our top ten guide is a must read. You travel half way across the world, you must have the best experience to make your journey feel like it's been worth it.
Just a little over 1km distant from Dickwella Beach is Hiriketiya Beach and it's hotting up as a top surf destination. Entertainment in the evening must be enjoyed with parties and live music, which is to be expected when surfers converge on a stunning beach.
Tangalle is a small town, very quiet and it's so easy to pass it and not notice it's there. The beaches are missing the buzz many of the other locations enjoy, because the surfing "just isn't there". Another reason could be the beaches are smaller in stature, but no less beautiful.
If you want a beach where you can sunbathe, while away the hours with a good book then stop off for the beaches. There are small cafes and restaurants not too far away, they're open every day serving fresh food. Pick one, and lounge outside on their sunbeds and loungers, the palm trees provide adequate shade for you. When you feel like going for a wander around, head towards Paraiwella Beach Park. The park is ideal for families, and couples.
This is where the waters are calmer, making it easily the best place for swimming. The beaches are (mostly) secluded, meaning you have it all to yourself with few other tourists. Great for long, slow romantic walks as the waves lap around your bare feet. Tangalle Lagoon is where to go for snorkeling and scuba diving. It's less than 3km north of Tangalle Beach, you could walk it in under 30 minutes without too much effort.
Another perfect stopping point to enjoy a gorgeous beach. Enjoy long walks under palm trees, as you trouble yourself in deciding on which luxury restaurant you want to enjoy a meal. It's highly recommended you stay over in this town for one night before moving on, the following day. The location is just what you want for complete relaxation, chilling out with the locals.
When not on the beaches, you can familiarize yourself with your hotel's facilities such as the private fitness center. Because it's not only the restaurants that are luxurious, the hotels and resorts are too. On the outskirts of Negombo Town is Morawala Beach, which harbors an amazing sunset. The locals are more than happy to share it with you.
With Bandaranaike International Airport so close to Negombo Town, those beaches could be the beginning for you holidaying in Sri Lanka.
Rather than heading west up the coast from Mirissa Beach, you could instead head a few kilometers eastward to Matara Beach. Occupied by the Portuguese first, and later the Dutch (as with other parts of the Island) there is colonial history to be unearthed. On the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, Matara has Dickwella Beach and Tangalle Beach further to the east.
Of the coastal beauty with Matara, the golden-brown beaches are far less crowded than those to the west. The town also has historic value for you in terms of the ancient Portuguese fort build in the mid-1500's. Lose a few hours easily as you walk around the site, looking in on the purpose-built museum.
If you ever tire of Mirissa Beach, then head further north and you'll come across this one. Out of curiosity, if you continue to head north towards Galle Town, you'll want to stop at Dalawella Beach next, followed by Unawatuna Beach. Whether you base yourself in the capital or in Galle Town, either location will give you incredible access to the southern beaches, east and west coasts.
Each of our ten best beaches on Sri Lanka is a micro paradise for you and no two are alike either. Just 12km south of the Unawatuna Bay area, Koggala Beach is the perfect spot for peaceful rest and relaxation. Honestly though, all you'll want is to sip on a cocktail and lounge at the nearest restaurant and bar, when not swimming. Or perhaps perfecting your surfing? The beach is popular with seasoned surfers: if you are just learning you may want to a) risk it and try your best, gain valuable experience or b) look for another beach and gentler surf break.
The best time to be on this beach is from November through until May, for clear skies and the least amount of rain.
A very desirable beach location only a few hours from the Island's capital Colombo. The beach is within easy reach of quality hotels and resorts, you should seriously consider staying two days, one night at least. Because of the bay, you can come any time of the year for swimming and lounging, topping up your tan.
A little to the north is the Portuguese colonial town of Galle, and to the south of Unawatuna Town is a Sea Turtle Hatchery. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the old Dutch (after the Portuguese left) trading port has many architecture buildings remaining, ancient mosques and museums. We suggest paying a visit to Galle if you're in Unawatuna Town, it's only a 10-minute taxi ride. Costs involved are a very reasonable US$8, maximum.
The best of the weather in the south, and southwest of Sri Lanka is during the winter months ― from November onwards until April. Perfect for spending your Christmas and New Year in the sun, practicing your surfing ability. The Weligama Bay is well known for having surf breaks suitable for beginners to surfing, be sure to make it a top priority once you've unpacked.
Not all is lost if you have little interest in surfing. Because of the waters being shallow it's ideal for snorkeling and you'd want to go to this beach for the coral life beneath the surface. It's our suggestion you could easily spend a few hours on this beach ― having left Mirissa Beach behind ― before making your way to Koggala Beach, further up the coast.
One important thing to point out, when traveling by bus in Sri Lanka, purchase tickets for a private bus service, and not the ordinary coach service. The difference is the private service has working air conditioning and wi-fi, the other buses don't. Private buses are also more comfortable (not so crowded).
Coming to the end of our Sri Lanka travel guide, clearly there are beaches on this stunning Island that stand alongside other great destinations. Hopefully we've persuaded you to consider the Island as a top holiday destination because aside from the amazing national parks, Sri Lanka's beaches are the ideal stomping ground to learn and hone your surfing skills.
Not to mention the distinct aroma and flavors of Sri Lankan seafood cuisine, similar to what you expect whilst holidaying in southern India.
Can you travel Sri Lanka on a shoestring budget? Of course, you can. You can visit any country in Asia on the cheap, if you are prepared to make sacrifices and go without a few luxuries. But Sri Lanka is cheaper than Thailand, without a doubt and yet amenities and services are still very nice, meaning you can have a wonderful time on holiday.
Sri Lanka, therefore, is like India in the sense you can have luxury without the expense. You won't need to empty out your savings altogether, to enjoy the best of something. Also, hiring a taxi in Sri Lanka (India too) is very cheap, compared to Thailand or Vietnam for example. In Thailand and Vietnam, you are better off hiring a motorbike to gain greater freedom of movement. Not so in Sri Lanka, you get driven around in comfort.
As for comparison to India, it's neighbor, Sri Lanka is equal. The same in terms of the cost of travel within the country (hiring a taxi for example), eating out and paying for attractions.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.