Author : Kalpana Sundar
Just located above the equator, the island nation of Sri Lanka may be small in size, but with a long coastline of 1340 km, around the glistening blue waters of the Indian Ocean, its balmy waters with pristine beaches, coves and bays are great draws for those who love the sun and sand, as well as surfers and those interested in marine wildlife like turtles and whales.
Whether you want a laid back beach with hammocks to relax, or have a surfing holiday, Sri Lanka has a beach for everyone. It has a range of micro climates which makes it easy to find at least one beach where it’s not raining or too warm. The southwest coast is best visited between November and April and the south eastern coast from May to November. Our curated list of the best beaches to visit:
Unawatuna- for swimming
Unawatuna, a horseshoe shaped beach located just 6 km from Galle, the city with Dutch buildings and a fort, is one of the country’s most popular swimming beaches with an offshore reef, and sun beds on the beach. Wijaya Beach with large rocks and a coral reef that form a natural swimming pool, is a perfect place for a swim, with turtles sticking their necks out. Try the famous palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach, for some Instagram-worthy fun or take a photo against the famous frog rock.
Best time to visit: Between April and October.
Weligama- for surfing and coral gardens
Weligama is a half-moon shaped bay around a fishing village, with golden beaches dotted with cafes and shacks, and gentle waters that’s a favourite with young surfers who are learning to surf. There is a range of accommodation and places to eat, from budget to high end like Cape Weligama. There are a number of surf schools here and the best time for surfing is from October to April. Grab a refreshing king coconut and chill on the day beds. Or dive to explore the coral formations.
Best time: November to March.
Mirissa- For Whale watching
Mirissa, the picturesque coastal town on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, 146 km south of Colombo, and 35 km from Galle, with its powdery pale sand, clear waters, tidal rock pools and palm fringed beach is famous for its blue whales and boat cruises. You can also snorkel or surf or take a yoga class. The beach is also known for its lively nightlife and beach shacks that serve fresh seafood on the beach. Snorkel in the bay east of Parrot Rock, and go up to Coconut Tree hill, to watch the waves below and spot turtles.
Best time for whale watching : October to April
Hikkaduwa- for its music festival and surfing
This south coast beach 100 km south of Colombo, is popular with backpackers thanks to its restaurants, bars and shops. It attracts thousands of surfers every year. Every year in July there is also the Beach fest with international DJs that draws a huge crowd. It’s also a great sport for surfing, swimming with sea turtles, paddle boarding and snorkelling at the Marine Sanctuary here which has more than seventy types of corals.
Best time for surfing: Between October and April.
Bentota- for water sports
This pretty beach and resort town on the western coast, that ends in a sandbar separating the Indian Ocean from a big lagoon, is just half an hour from the capital Colombo and the best for the classic beach vacation, with high end resorts and villas on its southern end. It is also the hub of water sports. At its northern end is Paradise island, and behind the beach in the calm waters of the lagoon you can kayak or jet ski, or take a boat trip to explore the mangroves.
Best time to visit: November to March.
Hiriketiya- For a bohemian, tropical vibe
This crescent shaped sheltered beach with coconut palms, beach beds and bronzed surfers, also called Hiri Beach is close to Dickwella. Covered by thick jungle and discovered by surfers, it is becoming very popular, as it offers year round swimming and surf schools. Chic restaurants like Salt House and the Grove, beach huts coffee houses, villas give it a very bohemian flavour
Best time: Between November and April.
Arugam Bay - For professional surfers
This remote beach near Yala National Park is the most popular beach for surfers, and has international surfers coming here for its many breaks with evocative names like Peanut Farm, Crocodile Rock etc. There are also others who combine surfing with visits to local temples, national parks and basking on beaches. You can tour the Pottuvil Lagoon and also take a dolphin spotting boat tour. The accommodation is largely guesthouses and beachfront bungalows.
Best time to visit: between April and October.
Nilaveli Beach- for secluded beaches and snorkeling
This deserted east coast beach, is just 13 km north of Trincomalee in the north which got its name (meaning moonshine), from its pure white sandy beach with coconut palms and grazing cattle, is great for deep sea diving, snorkelling and whale watching. Offshore is Pigeon Island’s protected park with turtles and reef sharks. If your idea of a beach vacation is quiet days spent hanging out with the locals and beach combing, then this is the perfect beach.
Best Time: Between April and October.
Kalpatiya Beach- For kite surfing
On the northwest coast near Puttalam, is this beautiful windswept stretch with islands, the ruins of a Dutch fort and miles of secluded beaches The water near the Kalpitiya Beach is home to Spinner dolphins and a rare species of Sperm Whale. Puttalam Lagoon is the haunt of kite surfers during the windy months from May to September. There are eco lodges and opportunities to dolphin watch. The coral reef here has a high level of biodiversity.
Best time to visit: between April and October.
Kosgoda- for sea turtles
Snuggled along the southern coast, 50 km from Galle, this town and its pristine beaches are famous for its turtle hatcheries and conservation projects that incubate turtle eggs and release the hatchlings back into the ocean. Its sandy beaches are home to five species of turtles from Olive Ridley, Hawksbill to Green turtles that nest here. The town is also famous for its Ayurvedic massages and dishes like fish ambu thiyal. Resorts like Sheraton and Heritance Ahungalla, provide high quality accommodation.
Best time to visit to see the turtles hatching is between January and May.
Tangalle- for upmarket resorts
Hidden on the southeastern coast, Tangalle is a fishing port with an old Dutch fort and a pristine beach made for paradise seekers and those who love tranquillity. On the west side, secluded coves and calm water have luxury villas and a more upmarket clientele. The eastern side has rough waters with a long stretch of sand, and has villas, small homestays and seafood restaurants. Upmarket resorts like Anantara Tangalle and Amanwella Tangalle make this one of Sri Lanka’s most upmarket beach destinations.
Best time to visit : The best time is between December and March/April.
Also, consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps and offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post-drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
