7 Of The Best Beaches In Sri Lanka

The beaches in Sri Lanka offer travelers relief from its suffocating heat and humidity. well known for their idyllic looks and beautiful scenery the beaches vary from long golden ones to the perfect wind and waves. The best beaches in Sri Lanka are located along the southwestern coast where blue water, snorkelling, surfing waves, and even migrating whales can be enjoyed. Whatever they may provide one thing is for sure Sri Lankan beaches are some of the most spectacular one’s you will see. 

List Of The 7 Best Beaches In Srilanka

HiriKetiya

The area around Dikwella which is on the south coast is where travelers look to escape from the hustle-bustle of the increasing development and enjoy the secluded beaches here. Unspoiled beaches dot the coast here and notably, the most stunning one here is the HiriKetiya beach. Also called Hiri Beach the waves here attract a lot of surfers and here you can rent a board and also take lessons.  The stunning little horseshoe bay at Hiriketiya also has a small selection of great places to stay. 

Unawatuna

Unawatuna and its beach are near the colonial town of Galle, which is a great city for sightseeing. With palm-lined beaches, turquoise waters, and a good selection of guesthouses and restaurants, it’s a popular and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.  Considered by many to be the best beach in Sri Lanka, the cozy beach can be walked from end to end in under 15 minutes. The waves here are tranquil and may bore experience surfers but the soft-sand bottom makes the beach ideal for families with children. The beach also has a large coral reef offshore making it a destination of eco-tourism.  It is considered one of the country’s best beach resorts and can be crowded as well. 

Nilaveli

 Located on the northeast part of Sri Lanka, a broad, sandy beach, lined with palm trees and dotted with fishermen’s boats Nilaveli is another gorgeous beach in Srilanka. it’s a 30-minute drive from the city of Trincomalee and this tiny island has calm beaches with gentle surf due to its small reef. Popular with both locals and tourists the beach has many little restaurants which serve delicious seafood. A center of Tamil culture Trincomalee area is also good for sightseeing. Nilaveli is also an isolated beach and if that’s something that’s not enough for you you can take a boat to Pigeon Island National Park, about a half-mile off the coast. It’s an idyllic island best known for snorkeling and scuba diving and the beach also has a good diving school for first-time divers. 

Bentota

One of the finest stretches of sand on the west coast, this magnificent beach is lined with a string of alluring hotels. Bentota is a popular resort town, only an hour from Colombo. The southern end of the beach is home to some of the most appealing upmarket accommodations along this coastline, with several chic boutique hotels nestled amongst the palm trees. Bentota is popular and sees throngs of tourists throughout the year. But in spite of the amount of crowd it draws the beach has retained its natural spectacular beauty making it a must-visit. Surrounded by jungle and tall palm trees the sand here is bright white on this wide beach, and the sea is bright aqua-blue. Also, Sri Lanka’s water sports hub the calm waters of the lagoon are perfect for kayaking and jet-skiing. We also encourage you to take a boat trip up the river which will allow you to explore the mangroves and tangled waterways. 

Also read: Things To Do In Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay

Located towards the southern end of the east coast the village of Arugam Bay draws travelers with its beautiful, palm-fringed beaches. The village was put on the map by surfers who said to have ridden thought to be some of the best waves in Sri Lanka and to date, the beach is known to attract surfers. The beach has a laid-back and offbeat charm and the curving beach is magnificent with bright white sand and deep blue water gradually becoming green the closer you get to the shore. The local community has strongly and successfully resisted the development of major hotels but have no fear the beach offers plenty of casual lodgings that are available in quirky village guesthouses and relaxed beachfront bungalows and cabanas.

Mirissa

The largest fishing port on the south coast Mirissa is a small beach town with a large beach that is backed by a dense grove of palm trees. Mirissa has always been popular with surfers and budget travelers. “Surfer’s Corner” on the far right end of the bay provides waves suitable for only experienced surfers due to the rocks but besides that, there are various spots suitable for beginner surfers. Mirissa is located along a long strip of brown sand dotted with guesthouses and beach restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood and party all night at the beach bars while enjoying a fireworks display. A popular place to go on whale-watching excursions during the migratory period between December and March you can book excursions through various agents. 

Uppuveli

Located on the island’s less developed east coast, Uppuveli offers a truly remote, unspoiled beach experience. Just 6km north of Trincomalee, Uppuveli is a fun little coastal enclave consisting of a beach graced with fine golden sand, attractive places to stay and eat, as well as easy access to both historic Trinco and the wildlife haven of Pigeon Island. Village of Uppuveli is a great option if you want a combination of a beautiful beach well off the beaten track, but still, a place where you can have a bit of adventure. Home to coral reef this beach is also a great spot for snorkeling as well. 

Surfs’s Up

It’s a well-known fact the beaches in Sri Lanka are some of the most beautiful ones you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. They allow you to cut off from the busy life and enjoy a bit of isolation. Not only that they waves that are fit for experienced as well as newbie surfers. Not only that the beaches here have plenty of activities that you can enjoy with your kids as well. So if you are looking for a beach destination that will blow you away, make sure to add Srilanka to that list.