The beaches of Sri Lanka on the map with a description. A Brief Overview of Sri Lanka Beach Resorts Calm Sri Lankan Beaches Without Waves

Those tourists who want to find the beaches of Sri Lanka with a calm ocean without waves should pay attention not only to the geographical location of the beach on the island, but also to the season. In fact, in Sri Lanka you can always find beaches with a calm ocean, but at different times of the year there are beaches without waves on different coasts of the island.
Despite its relatively small size, the island of Sri Lanka has a remarkably varied climate influenced by two monsoon seasons. The northeast monsoon dominates the east and north of Sri Lanka for half a year, and the southwest monsoon dominates the west and south for another six months. So the beaches of Sri Lanka with a calm ocean can be found at any time of the year. You just need to understand which coast is best for relaxing at certain times of the year. Below we will talk about it.

Beaches without waves on the east coast of Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay, Uppuveli, Nilaveli, Pasekuda and Kalkuda. These are excellent beaches for swimming. True, a calm ocean is not always here. On the east coast of Sri Lanka, the period from April to September is considered the best for swimming. The fact is that at this time the region is not under the influence of the northeast monsoon. A serious deterioration in the weather, which is accompanied by high waves on the ocean, begins here only in November and continues until February. It is also worth noting that in the transitional months, which are March and October, the weather can be any (as lucky).

Beaches without waves on the south coast of Sri Lanka

It's a different story on the south coast, where waves-free beaches can be found mostly between December and May. True, in the summer, sometimes the amount of precipitation here drops sharply, and a strong wind leaves for a while, so there can be a calm ocean even in July and August. In November, there is a transitional season on the south coast, so it is difficult to guess the weather. Nevertheless, in the second half of the month there are more chances to find a calm ocean than in the first half of November.

Beaches without waves on the west coast of Sri Lanka

Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Negombo and Alankuda are the most popular beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Like the south coast, the monsoon prevails here from June to October. The heaviest rains here are observed from July to October, and in June there is often good weather. The months of December to April are generally ideal for swimming in the calm waters of the ocean in the west of Sri Lanka, as in addition to the lack of waves, it also experiences sunny and clear weather with little rainfall.

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Asia. This island has miles of gorgeous beaches. However, you will not find white sand beaches in Sri Lanka, such as in the Maldives. At best, you can relax on a beach with light yellow sand.
In this article, we will present you 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, won its high popularity among tourists, primarily due to its beautiful beach. Although this resort area has almost everything a tourist needs, even interesting historical sites, the main attraction of this resort is its stunning light sand beach, which is well suited for swimming due to its location in a small bay, which guarantees relatively calm waters most of the time. of the year. If you are interested in Sri Lanka's white sand beaches, then you should pay attention to Unawatuna Beach. Although the sand here is not white, it is quite light, and the beach itself is suitable for a Bounty photo.

Bentota

If the light sand on the beach is one of the main criteria when choosing a place to stay, 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 trip, you can see a variety of birds and admire the mangrove landscapes.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has been known among foreigners since the 1970s. Today, the resort is considered one of the noisiest places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. What attracts crowds of tourists to this resort? The famous coral gardens and beautiful sandy beach contribute to its popularity. Although the sand on the beach is not white, as 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 this is a rather crowded beach.
Hikkaduwa is also famous for its nightlife. Although there is not a wide variety of stylish clubs and disco bars, as in Colombo, Hikkaduwa still stands out from the rest of the tourist resorts in terms of nightlife.

Negombo

About ten kilometers from the Bandaranaike Airport and an hour's drive from the center of Colombo is the town of Negombo, which offers a lot of entertainment and a beautiful beach with light yellow sand. In Negombo, you'll find plenty of ways to have fun, including trips around the lagoon and sightseeing of colonial-era architecture, 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 south coast of Sri Lanka you will find the beautiful Tangalle Beach. It looks like many imagine a beach on a tropical island - 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 monastery in the rock, 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, as in 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 serving inexpensive and delicious food.

Arugam Bay

Although the beach in Arugam Bay is popular primarily among surfers, those tourists who just want to swim and relax on a beautiful beach with light sand also come here. Although beaches on the east coast are suitable for swimming from May to September, you can swim in Arugam Bay 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.

An unforgettable experience and a flurry of emotions will give a visit to Sri Lanka, a country rich in clean and calm beaches with white sand, coconut palms. This country is fully capable of satisfying all the needs of even the most demanding tourist: there are all conditions for an ideal beach holiday.

There are ancient cities in Sri Lanka, rich in the most amazing temples and other cultural heritage sites. Nature will not leave indifferent both children and adults - waterfalls, mountains covered with green forests, endless tea plantations. But today we will talk about the beaches of Sri Lanka, of which there are an amazing number. If some resorts such as Unawatuna are on everyone's lips, then many will read the names of others for the first time.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

All resorts of the island can be divided into two categories:

Popular with tourists, where it is always fun and crowded. They are located in the west and east of Sri Lanka.
Secluded quiet places in the east of the country, where there are not so many tourists, but the underwater world fascinates with bizarre forms.

What are the beaches of Sri Lanka are very popular with tourists from all over the world?

Most Popular Resorts

This beach is located 38 km from the capital of Colombo and is the closest in relation to the international airport (only 15 km). It is very popular among tourists due to its convenient location. Among the advantages of the resort we name the following:

Due to these features, Negombo is the most popular place for a good but short vacation. Therefore, those tourists who have compiled an extensive program for themselves, including visits to ancient cities and excursions, must allocate 2-3 days to get acquainted with the resort vacation of Sri Lanka here.

Unawatuna beach

This is a good and popular resort located 160 km from the airport. This is a beautiful picturesque place where there are a lot of vacationers, while Unawatuna is not large in size. The resort is located in a small lagoon and is surrounded by a coral reef that protects it from the ocean. Therefore, the waters here are calm, but there are no waves - they break on the reef. That is why Unawatuna is a very popular resort.

Unawatuna is an ideal place for a family vacation, as its western part is quite shallow. The abundance of hotels of various price ranges, family guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir shops - these are the additional advantages of this place. Those who have visited this resort recommend that you definitely try the local fish - on Unawatuna it is fresh and amazingly tasty. Nearby are the cultural attractions of Sri Lanka:

Wadduwa beach

This resort, popular with tourists, is located 40 km from the capital. Its advantages include an extensive network of hotels of various price ranges. Here everyone will meet the highest level of service and comfortable rooms. There is nothing better for a beach holiday.

Bentota

It is the most developed resort in Sri Lanka, where there is an abundance of restaurants, hotels, spas, and there is an opportunity to go diving. The resort is located 100 km from the airport and away from the highway with heavy traffic, so cleanliness and comfort reign here. The beach is long and wide, with fine white sand, the ocean is calm here, there are few vacationers, so this place will be ideal for a romantic trip for a couple in love. The amazing nature here is preserved in almost all its pristine beauty.

The Bentota resort is also suitable for families with kids: there are many hotels equipped with their own pools, and there are almost no waves on the ocean.

Comfortable island resorts

The island has not only large resorts such as Unawatuna, but also less well-known, but no less convenient beaches for business people.

The beaches of Sri Lanka, which are described in this material, are not only beautiful, but also convenient for tourists. So, the advantages of Weligam include:

Mount Lavinia beach

It is a city beach located in the suburbs of the capital of the island of Sri Lanka, Colombo. This resort is one of the most ancient, but mostly locals gather on the beach, there are few tourists here.

You should not choose this beach for recreation purposefully, since the sand here is yellow, in the off-season the weather conditions leave much to be desired, and storms bring an abundance of garbage to land. However, the resort is located close to the city, so it often becomes a real salvation for those who come to Sri Lanka on business.

Beaches for youth recreation

This is an ideal place for youth recreation. The features of the resort are:

Interestingly, the Hikkaduwa resort combines two beaches: one is for surfing, there are big waves; the second is for swimming, the ocean is calm here.

In Sri Lanka (the photo of the beaches clearly illustrates this), a reverse current is often observed, so even with the calmest ocean, care must be taken.

Arugam Bay beach

This is a real paradise for surfers. There are a lot of hotels and cafes here. You can live in a bungalow or a bamboo hut on the shore, saving at the same time. The main part of the inhabitants of the resort are surfers.

This is a genuine pearl of the island of Sri Lanka, the photos of which are fascinating. Features of the resort are very attractive for vacationers:

However, the resort has several disadvantages:

Strong waves.
Poorly developed infrastructure, so often vacationers have to pay a larger amount for accommodation and meals than in other resorts.

Sri Lanka beaches for a relaxing holiday

Maravila

This is an open resort 36 km from the airport, calm and uncrowded, with white fine sand. An ideal place for a romantic getaway for two or honeymoon. Not far from the resort there are several 2-3 * hotels, but in general the infrastructure is poorly developed.

Beach

Its length is almost 1.5 km. It is distinguished by picturesque beauty and a good hotel zone. There are cafes and bars not far from the beach, but there are so few of them that fans of noise and incendiary discos will be disappointed. But fans of a relaxing holiday will be very comfortable here.

Important! The cleanest is the northern part of the resort, and in the immediate vicinity of the Bentota Ganga river, garbage can be washed ashore.

This is an open beach 80 km from the airport, not crowded and calm, it is always clean and light sand. The infrastructure is poorly developed, but there are several comfortable 3-4 * hotels, so the place is considered an excellent option for a relaxing package holiday.

An open white sand beach with a length of just under 3 km. It is very clean here, the entrance to the ocean is gentle, resting a little, so Induruva will be an excellent option for a relaxing family holiday.

The tourist infrastructure is very weak, but there are still several 3-4 * hotels in the resort.

This is a very calm beach, where there are practically no waves and very few tourists, so relaxing here with the whole family is a real pleasure. The length of 3.5 km, clean light sand, a smooth transition to the depth - these are the features of the beach.

Sri Lanka, the best resorts of which we have reviewed above, is an ideal place for any holiday. You can arrange a real romantic trip by visiting a deserted beach, or you can go to the beach with a group of friends and go surfing. There are also calm beaches for families with the youngest travelers. In the photo you can see that these are amazing places, a visit to which is sure to be remembered for a long time.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. This island has a fairly long coastline with many beautiful sandy beaches that are fringed with coconut palms. This makes Sri Lanka the perfect place for a beach holiday. There are so many beaches in Sri Lanka that it is simply impossible to cover all these beaches in one article. However, we have selected the best beaches in Sri Lanka, which are the most popular among tourists. Most of the hotels, guest houses and tourist accommodations are located in the area of these beaches.
The main attraction of Sri Lanka for tourists and locals, of course, are the beaches. Of course, the island has a lot of interesting things, including unique historical and natural attractions, national parks and much more, but still Sri Lanka would hardly be so popular among tourists if it were not for its beautiful beaches.
The most popular beaches of Sri Lanka are located on the coast, starting in Negombo, 37 km north of Colombo, and ending in Hambantota in the south of the island. The length of this coastline is 273 km. Currently, most of the popular resorts and hotels are located on this stretch of the coast of Sri Lanka.
The south of Colombo, which is also called the "Gold Coast", passes into the resort area, which includes the resorts of Lavinia (a suburb of Colombo), Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa , Dondra, Dikwella, Tangalle and finally Hambantota.
The best beaches of Sri Lanka on the east coast of the island include Nilaveli, Kuchaveli, Marble Bay, Sweet Bay and Dead Man's Bay with its magnificent harbour. These beaches are north of Trincomalee. To the south of this famous city are the beautiful beaches of Passikuda, Kalkuda and Arugam Bay.
Now it's time to introduce you to the best beaches in Sri Lanka in more detail.

Sri Lanka beaches on the map

Unawatuna beach

The wonderful Unawatuna beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka is visited mainly by water sports enthusiasts and tourists who want to relax in an area with a true Sri Lankan atmosphere. Unawatuna Beach has a wide range of cheap accommodations and plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving. The tourist infrastructure here is very well developed. However, Unawatuna Beach still retains its romantic and somewhat crazy vibe. This is a really beautiful beach with golden sand, clear blue water and gently swaying coconut trees that add a lot to the idyll. Sometimes you can watch sea turtles laying their eggs here, but it still requires a little luck. Unawatuna Beach is protected by a coral reef, so there are usually low waves. This makes this beach a great place for swimming all year round. The reef near the beach is a great spot for snorkelers as you can see many different types of fish in all colors. For practicing divers, Unawatuna can offer the Rangoon shipwreck. Not far from the beach, at a depth of 30 meters, there is a ship that sank almost 100 years ago. Several dive centers on Unawatuna Beach offer tours to this site.

Hikkaduwa beach

White, fine sandy beach, tall tropical palm trees, deep blue water and coral reef, sleepy and atmospheric fishing village - that's what tourists came to Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka in the 1970s.
Hikkaduwa Beach is still a heavenly place that is great for surfers and divers, for sun worshipers. But something has changed: mass tourism has arrived, so many resort hotels have appeared in the Hikkaduwa beach area, and this beach is no longer a paradise for hippies. However, the village of Hikkaduwa has retained its charm and the local people have retained their hospitality.
Today, Hikkaduwa attracts tourists not only with its beautiful beach, but also with numerous entertainment, good nightlife and excellent hotels.
Among surfers, Hikkaduwa Beach is very popular throughout the year. Beginners and professionals will find suitable waves here. Due to the presence of a coral reef, Hikkaduwa Beach is also a well-known diving destination. Unfortunately, most of the corals have died and the reef is no longer as impressive as it used to be. It is possible that the corals will recover, but it will take a long time. Until then, snorkelers and divers can enjoy a variety of colorful fish. If you do not want to dive into the water, then you can look at the numerous species of fish, snails, mussels and other representatives of the ocean fauna and flora during a trip on a glass bottom boat.

Mirissa beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka is located on the south coast of the island. This is a magnificent crescent-shaped golden sandy beach with clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. There are several bungalows under slender coconut trees where you can stay for a while. Accommodation in such bungalows is offered at reasonable prices. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to swim in the ocean and enjoy various water sports, as well as sunbathing and just relaxing. Sunset on Mirissa beach is simply breathtaking and incredibly romantic. It is said that Mirissa Beach today, with its peaceful atmosphere, is what Unawatuna Beach once was. Many different travelers come to Mirissa Beach, including honeymooners and families with children, as well as those who are looking for peace and tranquility. Water sports enthusiasts will also appreciate this beach. For example, many surfers come here, who choose mainly the western part of the beach, where especially impressive waves appear. On the other hand, the eastern part around the so-called parrot rock is great for snorkeling.
A special attraction on Mirissa Beach is watching blue whales and dolphins, especially between November and April. This "whale watching trip", which usually starts in the early morning, will allow you to see up close the largest mammals on the planet.
Mirissa Beach is located between two cities, Matara and Welligama, about 35 km from Galle, which can be reached by bus in about an hour.

Koggala beach

About 14 km south of Galle is a very picturesque and wide sandy beach. It's not crowded, but worth a visit. Here, fine-grained, yellowish lustrous sand alternates with bizarre rock formations and towering coconut trees, providing a wonderful beach idyll. A beautiful coastline and developed infrastructure with many hotels are additional advantages of Koggala Beach. Many young couples often spend romantic days on this beach, but there are also good conditions for families with children.
On Koggala Beach in Sri Lanka, you can observe the traditional fishing technique that is characteristic of this island. While many places in Sri Lanka use small motorized wooden fishing boats for fishing, fishing in the Koggala beach area is still done in the traditional way for the southern part of Sri Lanka. According to this method of fishing, the fisherman climbs a crossbar attached to a pole driven into the water. This allows him, firstly, not to scare away the fish with his shadow, and, secondly, it is good to see the fish in the water.
It is also worth noting that there are two towns near Koggala, Ahangama and Midigama, the latter of which is known as a surfers paradise.

Ahungalla beach

In the southwest of Sri Lanka, just 15 km from Bentota, Ahungalla Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire country, probably because almost nothing is being built here. Because of this, the beach and its surroundings still retain a completely natural atmosphere. The only buildings that can be found among the palm trees on this beach are small fishermen's houses. The sandy beach with a length of about 15 km is ideal for walking, as well as for swimming. However, in some places there are currents that can be dangerous. It is important to watch the flags on the beach. A red flag means that swimming is not recommended, but not prohibited. True, you must remember that there are no lifeguards here.
Ahungalla Beach is famous for its small crabs that quickly disappear into the water or into small holes in the sand when they hear approaching footsteps. The area is also home to turtles, such as the caretta caretta, whose footprints can be seen in the sand on some days. Usually no one sees the animals themselves.

Balapitiya beach

The coastal town of Ambalangoda is known mainly for Sinhalese masks, the traditional production of which is in great demand here. The city also has very beautiful beaches that are also worth visiting. These beaches, such as Balapitiya Beach, are great places for true nature lovers. There are no hotel blocks here, everything is natural and undeveloped. Nearby beaches such as Hikkaduwa and Bentota are much more popular with tourists.
The sand at Balapitiya Beach is white and fine-grained, and palm trees make this beach a tropical idyll. Here you can take a walk along the ocean, relax in the shade of palm trees or just swim in the Indian Ocean. In the evening, the fishermen return to the beach in their old, sometimes painted, wooden boats and unload the fish.

Bentota beach

Bentota Beach is located about 50km south of Colombo on Sri Lanka's west coast and is a good example of the island's popular seaside resort that has grown out of a once sleepy fishing village. Since the 1980s, Bentota has been an important center for tourism on the island. At the same time, it is still a relatively quiet place, especially when compared to Hikkaduwa.
The reason why many tourists visit Bentota is the magnificent sandy beach. Indeed, Bentota Beach looks like in the picture: fine and white sand, countless palm trees and azure water. Different tourists come to Bentota Beach, because it is suitable for everyone. Tourists come here for swimming, surfing, sailing, diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing. Since the water at Bentota Beach is very shallow for a long time, the beach is also suitable for families with children. True, during the monsoon season, swimming can be a bit dangerous. Red flags in the water mean that swimming is not recommended. In the southern part of Bentota Beach, the waves are usually higher, while the water in the northern part (also known as the Bentota Lagoon) is relatively calm. Many famous hotels can be found here. In general, finding accommodation in Bentota is not a problem, as there is a large selection of hotels and guest houses in different price categories.

Negombo beach

The city of Negombo, located 35 km north of Colombo, is an important tourist magnet, mainly due to its beautiful beaches. Already in the 1970s, Europeans came here to enjoy the relaxed beach life that laid the foundation for a booming tourism. That is why Negombo is also called the cradle of beach tourism in Sri Lanka. Even today, the beautiful beach of Negombo is one of the most important and best known on the island.
Today, Negombo offers many hotels, guest houses and bungalows with different levels of comfort and different prices. In addition, the city offers a lively nightlife.
With a length of 8 km, the very wide beach of Negombo is quite safe for swimming, so it is popular among families with children. You can swim here all year round, but you still need to keep an eye on the flags and conditions on the beach.
Various water sports are also offered at Negombo Beach. For example, diving is very popular here, as the beach is located next to an interesting coral reef. In addition, not far from the coast there is a shipwreck "Kudapada".
Since Negombo Beach is only 10 km from the international airport, it is often a stop at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.

Rekava beach

This natural and almost deserted beach in the south of Sri Lanka is simply fantastic in its beauty. There are no large hotel complexes, no noise, no fuss. There is just this perfect beach with fine sand and beautiful clear water. Rekava is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday, swimming, sunbathing or walking. Sea turtles can still be seen on Rekawa Beach, which return every year to lay eggs. Already in 1994, a program for the protection of these turtles, supported by the United Nations, was created here. Today, these turtles are under international protection. If you're lucky, you might see these fascinating animals laying their eggs. Sometimes you can even see how baby turtles leave their eggs and go to the ocean. These observations are usually made in the evening by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP). The best time for observation is the period from January to April, as well as nights with a full moon throughout the year.
On Rekawa Beach, which is about 10 km from Tangalle, there are not a few guest houses and small hotels.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a real paradise for surfers. Moon-shaped bay near the Muslim city of Pottuvil is considered one of the best places for surfing in Sri Lanka. The tsunami in 2004, as well as the civil war, practically did not touch this place, so today Arugam Bay looks impressive. What is special is that the monsoon in Arugam Bay is barely noticeable, so you can relax here almost all year round.
Despite the tourist attraction of the Arugam Bay area, the local population has so far successfully defended the area from the construction of large hotel facilities. Therefore, today the area has retained a natural and relaxed atmosphere and attracts mainly lovers of nature and water sports.
The fine sandy beach, lined with palm trees, offers quite good conditions for swimming. The surrounding area is very beautiful: the forest has a variety of exotic plants, as well as wild elephants and monkeys.
On the beach you will find inexpensive accommodation, but there are also chic bungalows here. Therefore, we can say that the beach in Arugam Bay offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Most residential buildings are located right on the beach. During the high season, which on the east coast of Sri Lanka lasts from May to November, upscale accommodation is almost always occupied, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
If you want to come to Arugam Bay for surfing, then you can order surfing lessons right on the beach or rent a board and other equipment.

Nilaveli beach

Perhaps the most popular beach on Sri Lanka's east coast is Nilaveli Beach, located about 15 km north of Trincomalee. The white, soft and fine sandy beach and clear waters of the Indian Ocean remind many visitors of the beaches of the Caribbean. The legendary beach is equally popular with swimmers, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. Nilaveli Beach is also suitable for families with children, as there is a gentle and even entrance to the ocean (or rather, the Bay of Bengal), and the waves here are rarely very high.
Naliveli Beach is also known as the starting point for whale watching trips. If you are lucky, you can watch blue and sperm whales during such a tour. Nilaveli Beach also offers tours to Pigeon Island, which attracts with its excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, as well as breathtaking beaches and magnificent coral reefs. In the period from May to September, the visibility in the water is the highest here.
On the Nilaveli beach itself, there are accommodations of various levels of comfort. In general, however, it will be difficult for tourists to find suitable low-budget accommodation here. There are very nice bungalows for rent right on the beach.
It is worth noting that the military site is located right on the Nilaveli beach, so you can meet a lot of soldiers here. Despite the proximity to the military exclusion zone, Nilaveli beach is quite quiet and calm. It is also a very clean beach.

Where are the best beaches in Sri Lanka?

As you know, at certain times of the year the weather in different regions of Sri Lanka can be very different. That is why different beaches are better suited for relaxation in different months. In order to understand where the best beaches in Sri Lanka are at certain times of the year, we advise you to study the information about the weather and recreation features on this island in different months of the year.

Also, do not forget that when choosing the most suitable beach for relaxing in Sri Lanka, it is also important to take into account the choice of housing on this beach. For example, if you prefer to relax in luxury hotels with an all-inclusive system, then you will find such hotels only on some beaches.

Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean, located slightly south of India.

The country is also known as Ceylon, it is here that the best tea in the world grows. Also, many exotic animals live here - elephants, monkeys, chipmunks.

Thanks to the climate, you can relax on local beaches at any time of the year, in November, January, etc.

Every year thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the beautiful beaches and exotic nature. You can also watch elephants and see world-famous tourist sites.

The main cultural attraction is the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha near Ambalangoda should also be visited.

From natural places it will be very interesting visit an elephant orphanage Pinnawala.

When choosing a resort in Sri Lanka, you should understand a few things:

Traffic on the island is slow. A distance of 100 kilometers can be covered in 3-5 hours. For example, a transfer to the resort of Hikkaduwa from the airport will take about 4-5 hours.
Another nuance is the type of food. It is recommended to take accommodation on the basis of breakfast, and have lunch and dinner in a variety of restaurants, especially since food here is inexpensive. For example, a full two-course dinner for two will cost no more than ten dollars . It should also be understood that portions in local restaurants are very large.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

Where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka? This question has many answers, because. some people are interested in some beaches, and others in others.

On the island you can choose white beaches suitable for families with children, young people, for those who love surfing, diving or just lying on the beach.

For example Nilaveli- a famous paradise beach, but there are few hotels here, so it will not be easy for tourists to visit it on their own.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts in Ceylon. It is perfect for lovers of diving, snorkeling, it is also the most youthful resort on the island.

It is near Hikkaduwa that is located coral reef. In the lagoon, located near the Chaaya Tranz hotel, everyone has the opportunity to feed the giant turtles, and the bravest ones can also swim with them.

Not far from the coast of Hikkaduwa, you can see a beautiful coral reef, and those who wish can observe the local flora and fauna.

There are good waves on the shore of the resort, so everyone can learn to surf.

Now Hikkaduwa is one of the most advertised and developed resorts on the island, there are a lot of excellent hotels and restaurants.

The history of the resort is quite sad, ten years ago it was badly damaged by the 2004 tsunami. In memory of those times, a Buddha statue was built at the entrance to the resort.

Negombo Beach

Negombo- a resort located near the airport in Colombo. The coast is washed by the Laccadive Sea.

In this region there are a lot of fish restaurants where everyone can enjoy fresh seafood and other delicacies.

True, it should be noted that the coastal waters here are not the cleanest, so Negombo is hardly suitable for families with children.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is considered one of the best on the island.

It is also one of the ten best beaches in the world according to the Discovery Channel.

The beach itself looks like a lagoon. It is considered safe, there are practically no strong currents and waves.

This region is suitable for divers. In the coastal waters, you can find corals and see sunken ships.

Families with children, as well as independent travelers, fell in love with Unawatuna. The former like the local beach and the lack of currents, while the latter like the low prices for accommodation.

Pottuvil Point Beach

Pottuvil Point

Pottuvil Beach is located in the eastern part of the island. It is distinguished by the presence of pure white sand and many stones beautifully stacked near the shore.

The resort has mangrove forests, and many hotels and bars have been built along the shoreline.

This region is not suitable for families with children, but will be an ideal place for surfers. Because the waves here are quite large, and in summer the resort hosts various championships in this sport.

Trincomalee Beach (English Lang Co Beach)

Trincomalee

Trincomalee- one of the sunniest resorts in Sri Lanka. Located on the east coast of the island.

Along the coast of Trincomalee there are a lot of secluded bays that are suitable for both romantic and family holidays.

The only disadvantage of the region is its remoteness from the International Airport in Colombo. It will take about 8-12 hours to drive from it to the resort.

Bentota Beach

Bentota- one of the most famous and quiet resorts in Ceylon, which is suitable for a romantic getaway.

The Bentota River flows in this area, where you can see crocodiles, monitor lizards and other exotic animals.

Also in this region is a lot of prestigious and respectable hotels which can safely be called one of the best on the island.

Kogalla Beach

Kogalla- one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. The coastline stretches for five kilometers, and the resort itself is suitable for all categories of vacationers.

One of the main natural attractions of the region is a lake that stretches along the coastline.

The resort has a lot of accommodation options - from inexpensive hotels to more prestigious facilities. The bulk of tourists are young people who come for high-quality and inexpensive holidays.

Tangalle Beach

Resort Tangalle also boasts one of the best beaches in Ceylon. One of the pluses is the lack of a large number of tourists.

Tangalla

The resort has a lot of hotels and inexpensive apartments.

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The best beaches in Sri Lanka for winter holidays

Holidays in Sri Lanka are divided into two categories or two seasons: summer and winter.

Some of the resorts are designed for recreation in the winter season, those from October to April, and the other in the summer - from April to October.

Beaches located in the south-west of the country are suitable for relaxing in Sri Lanka in winter: Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Kogalla, Unawatuna and others.

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The best resorts in Sri Lanka from October to March

Sri Lanka is one of the best winter holiday destinations.

The coastline on the island stretches for a thousand kilometers, also at a time when we have winter and cold here summer and heat.

Winter is the best time to relax in the southwestern part of the country. At this time, there are practically no rains and strong waves.

Mount Lavinia

The beach resort of Mount Lavinia is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Colombo. This region has gained popularity since the days of the English colony.

The main advantage of the resort is its proximity to Colombo. Accordingly, everyone will have the opportunity to go for one day to the Ceylon metropolis.

Going on vacation to the beaches of Mount Lavinia, you should be careful. In coastal waters there is a very strong current.

Weligama

Weligama- one of the resorts of Sri Lanka, which will be an ideal place for surfers.

Big waves meet in the eastern part of the resort, and in the west everyone who likes the absence of waves and a calm lying on the beach can relax.

Mirissa

Mirissa located between Weligama and Matara. This is a small resort that can become an alternative to such regions as Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.

There are few hotels in the resort, it is better to book accommodation in advance.

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Where can you relax with children?

One of the main advantages of Sri Lanka is a high level of security, which is important if you go on vacation with children.

One of the best places for families with children in Sri Lanka is Unawatuna.

Firstly, there are not a lot of noisy youth here. Secondly, the bay is great for swimming with children, as there are practically no strong currents in coastal waters.

Bentota

The second resort suitable for families with children is Bentota.

There are not so many vacationers here, hotels can offer high-quality service, and the ocean is not very stormy.

Hikkaduwa

The third resort is Hikkaduwa, which, although considered the most youthful, is nevertheless suitable for families with children.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has turtle farm which will be very interesting for the smallest tourists.

Sri Lanka beaches without waves

When planning to relax in Sri Lanka, you should find out in advance whether there will be waves in the region where you are going to relax.

Beach without waves near Tangalle

There is a concept of seasonality, which means that in most cases there will be no waves on the beaches located in the south-west of the country during the winter season.

If we talk about the eastern part, then there are no waves here in summer.

During the off-season - spring and summer, waves are possible on the territory of all beaches.

However, it should be understood that there are exceptions to all rules.

For example, Unawatuna beach boasts calm water in the ocean, waves are very rare here. Waves are also extremely rare in the western part of the Weligama resort.

Deserted beaches in Sri Lanka

One of the most deserted beaches in Sri Lanka is Tangalle. If desired, you can find enough secluded places in the trendy resort of Hikkaduwa.

You should also pay attention to the beaches of Bentota, where in most cases you will not meet anyone other than hotel guests.

Top 5 most popular beaches on the island

Hikkaduwa

In the list of the most popular beaches in Ceylon, of course, the leader is Hikkaduwa. It is also the most advertised and fashionable resort on the island.

There are both secluded bays suitable for a relaxing holiday, in which there is no current, and regions with beautiful coral reefs that divers have chosen.

In Hikkaduwa it is not boring both during the day and in the evening, for young people there are a lot of restaurants and several discos.

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From the attractions must visit pagoda, the writing of which is practically not found in any tourist route.

Bentota

The third place in popularity should be given to the beach Bentota, which is one of the most peaceful and romantic on the island.

There are many hotels in this region, and the Bentota River also flows.

If you take a boat tour and swim along the river, you can meet many exotic animals - crocodiles and monitor lizards.

Kogalla

Fourth place went to the beaches Kogalla, the region is known for its affordable hotels, it is also one of the favorite places for youth recreation.

Tangalle

Fifth place went to Tangalle Beach, which is located in the east of the country. This region is notable for the fact that the sun shines here almost all year round.

The three most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka

The best and most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka can safely be called Unawatuna. He also one of the top ten beaches peace according to the Discovery Channel.

The ocean in this region is quite calm, the majority of vacationers are lovers of a relaxing holiday and families with children.

Another plus of the region is insanely beautiful sunsets and abundant greenery, many palm trees grow along the coastline.

The best time to visit the resort is from December to March.

Bentota

The second beach on the island is Bentota, the local resort is considered one of the best and most prestigious in Sri Lanka.

Local beaches are covered with golden sand, mangrove forests grow along the coastline. The main activities in Bentota are diving, fishing, and surfing.

Hikkaduwa

The third beach on the island will be Hikkaduwa. In particular, the beach belonging to the Chaya Tranz hotel.

There are two lagoons here - it is convenient to swim in one, there are practically no waves and currents, and giant sea turtles live in the second.

Hotels with the best beaches

When choosing a hotel in Sri Lanka, you should pay attention to the beach. After all, the first coastline does not always mean that you can swim in this area.

Also, when choosing a hotel, you should find out about the availability of certain services, about filling the room and other little things that may affect your vacation.

What hotels on the island can boast of beautiful beaches?

Ridee Villa 4*

The RideeVilla is located in the resort of Unawatuna and boasts one of the best ratings for traveler reviews.

This hotel offers fairly reasonable prices for accommodation and a high level of service.

RideeVilla is located right in the middle of the resort. Accordingly, vacationers will have the opportunity to stroll along the beach during the day, and in the evening sit on the ocean and admire the gorgeous sunsets.

Villa Taraby Remo Hotels & Resort 4*

VillaTarabyRemoHotels&Resort 4*

This hotel boasts a high level of service, beautiful grounds and a quality beach.

Lavanga Resort & Spa 5*

This hotel is also located in Hikkaduwa, located right on the beach.

The pride of the hotel lies in the beautiful territory, quality rooms and a good quality beach.

Lavanga Resort & Spa 5*

The bulk of tourists are Europeans.

Most of the rooms have a beautiful view from the windows, so in the evening you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset sitting right on the balcony.

Avani Bentota 5*

Hotel AvaniBentota is located in the resort of Bentota, boasts a beautiful beach, green areas and a high level of service.

Avani Bentota 5*

This hotel is suitable for the descriptions of tourists suitable for a relaxing and romantic holiday.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa 4*

The Chaya Trans Hotel is considered one of the best in Hikkaduwa and throughout Ceylon.

The hotel has its own bay, which is protected from the winds, there are practically no currents in it.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa 4*

The second advantage of the hotel is giant turtles living in the bay. Tourists of all ages are happy to feed them, and the most daring can swim with them.

The territory of the hotel is small, the food is of high quality and varied.

Personal experience

I visited Sri Lanka with a young man in December 2013.

Visited the beaches in the west of the island. I visited Central Sri Lanka, in the mountains. Celebrated New Year and Christmas on the island.