Sri Lanka - great place for a varied holiday. Here you can surf the waves and catch the wind on a kite; snorkel among coral reefs and scuba dive to see the beauty underwater world; enjoy fresh seafood and sweet tropical fruits; get acquainted with local history and culture, visit ancient architectural 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 and pleasant to the touch, coconut palms hang over the sea, and the water is clean and clear.
The best beaches are located mainly in the south- west coast and a little to the east. But nevertheless, there are more than fifteen large beaches on the island alone, not to mention the wild and unpopular sandy areas. Among the variety of beaches, there are 6 main ones that are most attractive to tourists.
Bentota
One of the most popular beaches Sri Lanka and many, not without reason, consider it the best on the entire island for a relaxing holiday. Part of Bentota's popularity can be explained by the fact that, of all the major beaches, it is closest to international airport(100 kilometers away). 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. Here good choice 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 on it is completely different - it is a youth resort with all the appropriate attributes: many bars, beach parties, a fairly large selection of budget accommodation.
The resort has gained popularity among young people thanks to its 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 a lagoon (therefore there are almost no waves around it), calm, quite wide and not very long. The second is Narigama, longer, but narrow, with decent depth near the shore and large waves, which makes it unsuitable for swimming, but it is excellent 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: surf in the morning, sunbathe, swim and snorkel in the afternoon, have fun 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 get 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 the waves break. Therefore, the sea near the coast is often clean and calm, which is why Unawatuna is very popular among families with children.
The sea near the coast is quite shallow, so it warms up well during the day; the water temperature does not drop below 27 degrees throughout the year.
There is a good selection of small hotels and guesthouses near the beach, but there are no large or chain hotels that work with large travel agencies, so Unawatuna is popular among independent travelers. In the evening the beach turns into a large restaurant under open air- Nearby restaurants set up tables on the sand, light torches around them and offer fresh seafood for dinner.
When choosing Unawatuna for your vacation, be prepared for the fact that there are quite a lot of fragments of coral and stones in the water, so going into the water is not very pleasant. For comfortable rest Bring 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 among tourists. The beach in Mirissa is very picturesque with pretty palm trees on the shore and pleasant fine sand without large stones. The water in the sea is clean and transparent without algae and debris. The sea near the shore is very shallow.
The infrastructure is not very well developed, but if you make an order at one of the beach restaurants, you can use their sun loungers and umbrellas at no additional cost.
Tangalle
Tangalle Beach is long, wide, incredibly picturesque and almost deserted. This is the farthest from the capital resort area on the south coast, so either a few backpacker travelers or tourists craving solitude come here. In the western part of the beach, where the village of Tangalle is located, there are inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants, and further beyond the village along the beach you can walk for many kilometers, occasionally encountering hotels of a fairly good standard along the way.
The water here is clear, the beach is clean, you can snorkel near the shore, but the sea is almost always big waves, so only those who are good swimmers decide to sail far from the shore.
Trincomalee
In the north east coast There are not very many beaches, they are even wilder and more deserted than in the southwest. Only nature lovers and those who are willing to spend 9 hours on a train or pay a tidy sum for a comfortable taxi ride come here. Nevertheless, those who still get to the beaches of Trincomalee call these places the most beautiful part of the island.
Holidays in the city of Trincomalee are 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 shore there is a small desert island Pigeon with snow-white coral sand and clear water. The island is surrounded by a large coral reef, which attracts lovers of snorkeling and diving - here under the water you can see bright tropical fish, sea turtles and, they say, even reef sharks.
And we also have
We would like to immediately apologize if it suddenly seems to anyone that some of our reviews about the best beaches in Sri Lanka will be somewhat negative. Yes, we are not connoisseurs of such “civilized” places - we are indifferent to them, but maybe it is this indifference that will allow us to give a more objective assessment of them. If you, like us, are more interested in secluded and picturesque corners in the “bounty” style, then read about them in the first part - The most beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka.
The best beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has kilometers of sandy beaches under the shade of coconut trees, washed by the waves of the warm Indian Ocean. It would seem that if you want to swim and sunbathe well, go anywhere. However, it should be recognized that the question “Where to go in Sri Lanka for the purpose of beach holiday? is very relevant, but the answer to it is not so obvious. Why? The main reasons are strong ocean waves and not very developed tourist infrastructure. Part of our multi-day and multi-kilometer traveling around Sri Lanka by motorcycle, became a section along the southern and western coasts of the island, starting from Tangalle and ending at Negombo. Thanks to this, we were able to see and visit almost all the beaches and form our own personal opinion about them. Review south coast can be found
, and about the beaches of Negombo (by the way, quite good) -
. Review and recommendations of inexpensive, good accommodation along the entire route –
. 
Now we want to try to tell you where to go specifically for a beach holiday in its classical sense - nice beach, clean sea, tourist infrastructure and other benefits of civilized recreation. It is the desire to combine all these parameters that causes the problem.
The best beaches in Sri Lanka? Where to go for a beach holiday
So let's begin. The main goal is a classic beach holiday, which should include:
- nice, clean, well-kept beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and cafes;
- good conditions for swimming, i.e. absence of waves and stones, good bottom and sufficient depth even during low tides (who doesn’t know, low tides during the daytime);
- well-developed tourist infrastructure - exchange offices, ATMs, shops, excursion bureaus and the like;
- entertainment - restaurants, disco bars, night clubs, animation;
Bentota Beach
In our opinion, Bentota is one of best options for such a classic holiday by the sea. Here you can find all of the above requirements, with the possible exception of animation, although this is quite likely to be the case in large hotels. The bulk of vacationers in these parts are package tourists, and accordingly, everything is “tailored” for them. 
Bentota Beach is not a “bounty”, but it is very beautiful - a 3-kilometer arc of sand, in places several tens of meters wide. The size of the beach allows you to always find a place where you can retire and enjoy peace, even at the height of the season. The sand is light and clean. 
Entry into the water is smooth, the bottom is excellent. The water is a little cloudy, but here this is due not so much to the Bentota River flowing nearby, but to the composition of the bottom and the waves. In short, the water is a little cloudy, but clean. There are waves, sometimes strong, but the shore is safe even for children. 
However, attention! The rollback of the wave creates a strong current along the coast in a northerly direction. This is not particularly dangerous, but be aware and do not leave children unattended.
Moragalla Beach (Beruwela)
Beruwela and its Moragalla beach are located north of Bentota, just across the Bentota Ganga River and stretch for about 1.5 kilometers. The location is good, but when choosing a hotel for a beach holiday, be careful. The river carries its waters along the beach and because of this, most of its half is unsuitable for the purposes of interest to us. It’s not worth settling in the southern half at all - both the beach and the water are dirty.
In the second half, near a small cape and an island, it’s already better. The water is cleaner, but very turbid, at low tide it is quite shallow, the bottom is sandy with muddy inclusions (probably river washouts). The beach is nice, wide and cleaned regularly. 
In the upper third, right behind the cape, the situation changes dramatically - the water is clean, more transparent. Although the strip of sand is narrow, the shore is beautiful. 
The cape has a closed water area, a kind of pool, where there are almost never waves - great for children. 
A little further, behind a popular and luxurious hotel Cinnamon Bey– a beautiful small bay, perfect for swimming, sufficiently deep even at low tide. 
The nightlife here is really not in full swing, but otherwise the place for a beach holiday is good.
Beaches Induruwa, Kosagoda and others
Further, almost all the way to Hikkaduwa there is a string of amazingly beautiful beaches - Induruwa, Kosagoda and others. There are not many vacationers here at all, there is not a huge choice of housing either, but what is available is often very, very good. Many hotels are brand new, simply sparkle and can satisfy the requirements of the most discerning tourists, But… 
There is one big “BUT”. This is where the strongest impact of the 2004 tsunami fell. Despite the fact that more than 10 years have passed since the tragedy and the shore has almost “healed all wounds”, the atmosphere here is very different from other beaches in Sri Lanka. 
Traveling around the island, we read practically nothing and knew nothing about the disaster that year. Having left Hikkaduwa in the direction of Bentota, at first we could not understand why we were suddenly overcome by a feeling of incomprehensible sadness, despite the beauty and wonderful weather reigning all around. 
There was a subconscious feeling that we were moving through places where there was a war, there were strong battles and many people died. They realized what was going on when they stopped on one of the beaches and looked around carefully - almost everywhere, in the tall grass and bushes, there were inconspicuous graves. So, throughout almost the entire journey... We found it impossible for ourselves to have fun and have fun in these places. 
Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikkaduwa is perhaps the most popular place among tourists from Russia, especially among independent travelers. The place is ambiguous, on the one hand there are beautiful beaches (south of Hikkaduwa Beach), on the other there is excessive overcrowding, overcrowding, and coastline built up with hotels and restaurants close to the water, plus all this is squeezed between the sea and a busy highway. 
Entering the water and swimming in some places may be complicated by the presence of stones. This place is more suitable not for a classic beach holiday, but for lovers of parties, bars and discos; they will be comfortable and interesting here. In short, you shouldn’t look for the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of tropical beaches in Hikkaduwa.
If you still go here, we recommend that you stay not in Hikkaduwa itself, but a little further south in the area of Nerigama Beach, where it is a little freer and more beautiful. 
If your plans include romantic evening walks on the beach, then here is a chance to make them come true, but in Hikkaduwa you definitely shouldn’t hope for this.
There are even fewer people south of Nerigama. And in Dodanduwa there are almost none of them at all, as well as any kind of tourist infrastructure. 
Well, be prepared for the fact that the waves on all these beaches are significant. Hikkaduwa Beach can be considered an exception in terms of waves, but the beach there is so dirty and unattractive that we personally had no desire to swim there.
Unawantuna Beach
By popularity Russian tourists Only Hikkaduwa can compete with Unawatuna, keep that in mind. Unawatuna Beach is a relatively small section of sandy shore, although it cannot boast of width. But what may amaze you is the density of vacationers per 1 sq. m., as well as the ambitions of the majority of vacationers. 
However, this is a matter of personal taste, especially since most beach tourists What attracts people is not natural beauty, but the presence of developed infrastructure. Shops, banks, restaurants, bars, discos, many offers of various excursions and entertainment - all this is present here. 
The main advantage of the beach itself is the absence of large waves and the possibility of safe swimming. The coastline is curved in a steep arc, bent by more than 90 degrees, one of the ends of which ends in a high cape jutting into the sea and covering a significant part of the beach area from the excesses of the ocean. 
The sand on the beach is good, light, but in some places it is very dirty with cigarette butts - a little digging with your hand and they are beautiful. The bottom is sandy, clean, without stones. The depth gain is fast, which allows you to swim even at the strongest low tides. 
In general, it should be recognized that the conditions here are excellent for swimming. True, this applies only to 1/3 of the beach - the western one. The remaining 2/3 are not suitable for a beach holiday. Keep this in mind when choosing a hotel.
In addition to the main beach, Unuvantuna Beach, there are a couple of smaller ones called Jungle Beach. They are located on the opposite side of the peninsula. You can get to them either by tuk-tuk, driving along the highway or walking along the path from the Jungle Beach Hotel.
The beaches are positioned as Bounty - beautiful, wild nature. However, in fact, this is a purely commercial place, where all the attributes of a “civilized” holiday are at your service - sunbeds under umbrellas, a restaurant, a bar and a lot of people on a tiny, but still cute little spot of sushi. But don’t forget - these beaches are located in a bay (rather closed), on the shore of which is located one of largest cities Sri Lanka - with all the consequences, as they say.
Mirissa Beach
Once again we are forced to apologize for such disrespect for the “pearl” of Sri Lanka. We visited Mirissa twice. The first time, having read odes of praise, we went there with the intention of living for five days, or even more. We stayed no more than an hour and a half and went home to look for housing elsewhere. The second time, driving by, they checked to see if we had missed something and didn’t understand it on our first visit and also didn’t stay long. Well, we categorically didn’t like her, and in order not to say anything unnecessary and untrue, we won’t write about her.
This is our review of the beaches of Sri Lanka and their description. Have a nice holiday and a well chosen place!
All beaches of Sri Lanka on the island map
updated: August 8, 2017 by: Sergei
You rarely meet a person who has the words “sea”, “ sandy beach", "palm trees" will not cause an association with perfect vacation. Places where all this is available are often called paradises.
Sri Lanka boasts an abundance of such places, but Indian Ocean Not everywhere is friendly 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. Swimming season 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 relaxing, 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 an 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 incredible 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
There are many corners on the island for those who do not like “lying” relaxing holiday, but prefers to spend time on 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, favorite place 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. Nearby is national park 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.
The beaches of Sri Lanka are some of the most famous. In this article we will look at the best beaches in Sri Lanka, which are very popular among tourists, as well as what sea is in Sri Lanka and where is the best place to relax on the island? Where is the best place to relax on the island, and what popular resorts and beaches can we choose?
Hikkaduwa is the most best place for divers and clubbers. This is wonderful big beach, where diving enthusiasts can enjoy wrecks. There are courses for beginner divers on the beach. The corals in Hikkaduwa are some of the most beautiful in all of Asia. Hikkaduwa is also considered a favorite place for surfers.
Unawatuna known for its beautiful semicircular beach, which in 2004 was named the best in the world by the Discovery Channel. Swimming in the blue ocean lagoon is pleasant and safe, as the depth reaches only 6 meters and therefore you can swim here throughout the year. Divers will find the best and most amazing coral reefs, a variety of bizarre fish and shipwrecks here. A photo of this beach is shown below.
Nilaveli is located on the east coast of the island 240 kilometers from Colombo. This is a natural harbor, which, according to many travel agencies, is one of the best in the world. This beach is also considered the best for diving and surfing. This beach is famous for its white sand and clear sea. Tours to this resort are among the most popular.
Negombo– the famous beach, which is located near the city of the same name, it is washed by the Laccadive Sea. It is famous for its fresh seafood. This also affects tourism services, since delicacies such as squid, shrimp and lobster are at the most affordable prices You can try it in local restaurants and cafes. Negombo is one of the beaches in Sri Lanka that has a rich history, as during the Dutch colonization, fortresses and churches were built here, which have survived to this day.
Colombo is not only the unofficial capital of the island of Sri Lanka, but also the cultural “mecca” of the island. There are practically no beaches here, so tourists go to nearby cities(Benthos, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Kalutara, etc.).
Mirissa considered the calmest, best and most beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean coast. This is a small beach that offers a romantic atmosphere and tranquility. There are not a large number of hotels here (there are only about 10 of them), their sizes are small and they are designed for people who go on vacation on their own. A description of the Mirissa coastline can be found on our website.
Koggala It is interesting for its beautiful lake, which stretches along the entire beach for several kilometers. This beach is located on the southwestern coast of Ceylon.
Kalutara- This is a fairly wide coastal strip, which is covered with coarse yellow sand. For vacationers on Kalatura beach, sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. Also on the beach area there is a small cafe with local cuisine. You can get here by bus or train.
Its coastline is 40 kilometers from Colombo. This resort is located on the Kalu-Ganga River, which means “Black River.” In the distant past, Kalutara was the main center for the spice trade. Today this city is a modern resort with great opportunities for various types sports and beach holidays. It is suitable for windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, diving, spearfishing, etc.
Beruwela is a beach located in an ancient Sri Lankan city that was founded by Arab traders in the 8th century. One of the oldest mosques on the island, Kechimalai, is located here. Beruwela is a fairly young and rapidly developing resort. In recent years, the most modern hotels, shops improved tourism area. Beruwella is located at the very beginning of a long 130 kilometer beach, which stretches along the entire southwestern part of the island. There are practically no waves here, so you can relax with children and swim without waves here all year round. The swimming season here lasts 12 months a year. This is why many people want to come to this resort, because you can relax here with your children.
Bentota is the most beautiful and romantic resort on the island of Sri Lanka, which is located in the southwest of the island, in the Galle region, on the coast of the Bentota-Ganga River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. Benthosa got its name from the legend of a demon named Beem, who ruled the banks of this river. Bentota has its own airport, turtle sanctuary, ancient ruins Buddhist temple 12th century. The resort is also valuable for its delicious palm wine and diving and surfing opportunities.
Bentota is the most favorite beach of newlyweds. There are many four and five-star hotels here that offer the highest quality service, and uncrowded, many-kilometer beaches provide relaxation and comfort. Beginner divers choose it because the sea or ocean here offers the clearest water and picturesque coral reefs.
Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations for a beach holiday in Asia. This island has kilometers magnificent beaches. However, you will not find beaches in Sri Lanka with white sand like those in the Maldives. At best, you can relax on a beach with light yellow sand.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best sandy beaches in Sri Lanka, which are covered with light but not white sand.
Unawatuna
The resort of Unawatuna, located in the south of Sri Lanka, has gained its high popularity among tourists primarily due to its beautiful beach. Although in this resort area there is almost everything a tourist needs, even interesting historical places, the main attraction of this resort is its stunning light sand beach, which is good for swimming due to its location in a small bay, which guarantees relatively calm waters for most of the year. If you are interested in white sand beaches in Sri Lanka, then you should pay attention to Unawatuna Beach. The sand here may not be white, but it is quite light, and the beach itself is suitable for “Bounty” style photos.
Bentota
If light sand on the beach is one of the main criteria when choosing a place to relax, then we advise you to pay attention to Bentota Beach, which is often chosen by tourists who want to enjoy sunbathing and water sports. Alternatively, you can also go on a boat safari on the Bentota River, which connects to the lagoon. During the boat ride, you can see a variety of birds and admire the mangrove landscapes.
Hikkaduwa
The town of Hikkaduwa was famous among foreigners back in the 1970s. These days, the resort is considered one of the noisiest places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. What attracts crowds of tourists to this resort? Its popularity is facilitated by the famous coral gardens and beautiful sandy beach. Although the sand on the beach is not white like in the Maldives, its color is still quite pleasant. True, there is no feeling of being on Bounty Beach, mainly due to the fact that it is a rather crowded beach.
The resort of Hikkaduwa is also famous for its nightlife. Although there is not a wide variety of stylish clubs and disco bars here, as in Colombo, Hikkaduwa still stands out from the rest. tourist resorts in terms of nightlife.
Negombo
About ten kilometers from Bandaranaike Airport and an hour's drive from the center of Colombo, Negombo offers plenty of entertainment and a beautiful beach with light yellow sand. There are plenty of ways to have fun in Negombo, including trips around the lagoon and exploring the architectural remains of the colonial era, including St. Mary's Church, the remains of an old Dutch fort and attractive mansions along the main street.
Negombo beach is quite wide, so it can accommodate many vacationers who come here mainly from Colombo.
Tangalle
On the southern coast of Sri Lanka you will find the beautiful Tangalle Beach. It looks like what many imagine a tropical island beach to look like - swaying palm trees, light sand and turquoise waters. However, this area is famous not only for its beautiful beach. There are also interesting sights here. For example, you can visit the famous Buddha statue, an ancient rock monastery, or a bird sanctuary.
Mirissa
Mirissa Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. The main reason for this beauty is that there is no rapid development here like some other places. In addition, many tourists are attracted by the light and very soft sand of this beach. Despite its relative underdevelopment, the Mirissa resort can offer stylish mini-hotels and good restaurants. There are also traditional village restaurants that serve inexpensive and delicious dishes.
Arugam Bay
Although the beach in Arugam Bay is popular primarily among surfers, tourists who just want to swim and relax on the beach also come here. beautiful beach with light sand. While beaches on the east coast are suitable for swimming between May and September, Arugam Bay offers swimming almost all year round.
Uppuveli and Nilaveli
The beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, which are located in the east of Sri Lanka, near the city of Trincomalee, remained untouched during the long civil war. Palm trees, golden sands, fishing boats and a distinct lack of crowds are what you'll find on these beaches. There are few places to stay here, which means that the atmosphere on the beach always remains calm and quiet.
