What are the beaches in Sri Lanka without waves? The best beaches of Sri Lanka: photos, description. Southern beaches of Sri Lanka
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 by coconut palms. This makes Sri Lanka an ideal destination for a beach holiday. There are so many beaches in Sri Lanka that it is simply impossible to talk about all these beaches in one article. However, we have selected the best beaches in Sri Lanka that are most popular among tourists. Most hotels, guest houses and tourist accommodation are located in the area of these beaches.
The main attraction of Sri Lanka for tourists and locals is undoubtedly the beaches. Of course, there is a lot of interesting things on the island, including unique historical and natural attractions, national parks and much more, but still, Sri Lanka would hardly be so popular among tourists if not for its beautiful beaches.
Sri Lanka's most popular beaches are along the coast starting at Negombo, 37 km north of Colombo, and ending at 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, Dickwella, Tangalle and finally Hambantota.
Sri Lanka's best beaches on the east coast of the island include Nilaveli, Kuchaveli, Marble Bay, Sweet Bay and Dead Man's Cove with its magnificent harbour. These beaches are located 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.
Beaches of Sri Lanka on the map
Unawatuna Beach
The wonderful Unawatuna Beach on the southern 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 accommodation and plenty of swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving opportunities. The tourism infrastructure here is very well developed. However, Unawatuna Beach still retains its romantic and somewhat crazy atmosphere. This is a truly beautiful beach with golden sand, clear blue water and gently swaying coconut trees that contribute greatly to the idyll. Sometimes you can see sea turtles laying their eggs here, but it still requires a little luck. Unawatuna Beach is protected by a coral reef, so the waves are usually low. This makes this beach an excellent place for swimming all year round. The reef near the beach is a great spot for snorkelers as you can see many different species of fish in all colors. For practicing divers, Unawatuna can offer the site of 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
A white, beautiful sandy beach, tall tropical palm trees, deep blue water and coral reef, a sleepy and atmospheric fishing village - this is what tourists came to Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka in the 1970s.
Hikkaduwa Beach is still a paradise, perfect for surfers, divers and sun worshipers. But something has changed: mass tourism has arrived here, so many resort hotels have appeared in the Hikkaduwa beach area, and this beach is no longer a hippie paradise. However, the village of Hikkaduwa has retained its charm and the local population has retained its hospitality.
Today, Hikkaduwa attracts tourists not only with its beautiful beach, but also with numerous entertainment options, good nightlife and excellent hotels.
Among surfers, Hikkaduwa Beach is very popular throughout the year. Beginners and professionals will find suitable waves for themselves here. Due to the presence of a coral reef, Hikkaduwa Beach is also a well-known diving spot. Unfortunately, most of the coral has died and the reef is not as impressive as it used to be. It is possible that the corals will recover, but it will take a long time. Until then, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of colorful fish. If you don't want to dive into the water, you can view numerous species of fish, snails, mussels and other oceanic fauna and flora on a glass-bottom boat ride.
Mirissa Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka is located on the south coast of the island. It is a magnificent crescent-shaped golden sandy beach with clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Under the slender coconut trees there are several bungalows where you can stay for a while. Accommodation in such bungalows is offered at reasonable prices. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to take a dip in the ocean and enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathing and simply relaxing. The sunset at Mirissa Beach is simply breathtaking and incredibly romantic. It is said that today Mirissa Beach, with its tranquil atmosphere, is what Unawatuna Beach once was. Mirissa Beach attracts many different travelers, including honeymooners and families with children, as well as those seeking peace and tranquility. Water sports enthusiasts will also appreciate this beach. For example, many surfers come here and 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 excellent for snorkeling.
A special attraction at Mirissa Beach is watching blue whales and dolphins, especially between November and April. Typically starting in the early morning, this "whale watching trip" will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the planet's largest mammals.
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 there is a very picturesque and wide sandy beach. It's not crowded, but worth a visit. Here, fine-grained, yellowish, shiny sand alternates with intricate rock formations and tall coconut trees, providing a wonderful beach idyll. The 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 recreational conditions for families with children.
At Koggala Beach in Sri Lanka, you can observe the traditional fishing techniques characteristic of this island. While many places in Sri Lanka use small wooden fishing boats with a motor for fishing, fishing in the Koggala Beach area is still done in the traditional way for southern Sri Lanka. According to this method of fishing, the fisherman climbs onto 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, to clearly 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 there is almost nothing under construction 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 is approximately 15 km long and is ideal for walking and also for swimming. However, in some places there are currents that can be dangerous. It is important to keep an eye on the flags on the beach. A red flag means that swimming is not recommended, but not prohibited. However, 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 footsteps approaching. The area is also home to turtles such as the caretta caretta, whose tracks can be seen in the sand on some days. Usually no one sees the animals themselves.
Balapitiya Beach
The coastal town of Ambalangoda is famous mainly for Sinhala 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, like Balapitiya Beach, are wonderful destinations 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 among tourists.
The sand on 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 shore, relax in the shade of palm trees, or simply swim in the Indian Ocean. In the evening, fishermen return to the beach in their old, sometimes painted wooden boats and unload the fish.
Bentota Beach
Bentota Beach is located approximately 50 km south of Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka and is a good example of a popular seaside resort on the island that has grown out of a once sleepy fishing village. Since the 1980s, Bentota has been an important tourism center 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 because of the magnificent sandy beach. Indeed, Bentota Beach looks just like in the picture: fine and white sand, countless palm trees and azure water. Various 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 long periods of time, the beach is also suitable for families with children. However, during the monsoon season, swimming can be a little dangerous. Red flags in the water mean swimming is not recommended. The southern part of Bentota Beach tends to have higher waves, while the water in the northern part (also known as Bentota Lagoon) is relatively calm. Many famous hotels can be found here. Overall, finding accommodation in Bentota is not a problem as there is a large selection of hotels and guest houses in different price ranges.
Negombo Beach
The town 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, which laid the foundation for a boom in tourism. This is why Negombo is also called the cradle of beach tourism in Sri Lanka. Even today, the beautiful Negombo beach is one of the most important and best known on the island.
Today, Negombo offers a variety of hotels, guest houses and bungalows with varying levels of comfort and varying prices. In addition, the city offers a vibrant nightlife.
With a length of 8 km, the very wide Negombo beach 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 flags and beach conditions.
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 of the Kudapada.
Since Negombo Beach is only 10 km from the international airport, it is often a stopover at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.
Rekawa 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 bustle. There is just this perfect beach with fine sand and beautiful clear water. Rekawa is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday, swimming, sunbathing or walking. Sea turtles can still be seen at Rekawa Beach, returning every year to lay eggs. Already in 1994, a program to protect these turtles was created here, supported by the United Nations. Today these turtles are under international protection. If you're lucky, you might see these fascinating animals laying eggs. Sometimes you can even see baby turtles leaving their eggs and heading into the ocean. These observations are usually conducted in the evening under the direction of the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP). The best time for observations is from January to April, as well as nights with a full moon throughout the year.
Rekawa Beach, which is about 10 km from Tangalla, has several guest houses and small hotels.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a real paradise for surfers. The moon-shaped bay near the Muslim town of Pottuvil is considered one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka. The tsunami in 2004, as well as the civil war, barely affected this place, so today Arugam Bay looks impressive. What’s special is that the monsoon in Arugam Bay is barely noticeable, so you can relax here almost all year round.
Despite the tourist appeal of the Arugam Bay area, the local population has so far successfully protected the area from the development of large hotel developments. Therefore, these days the area has retained a natural and relaxed atmosphere and attracts mainly nature and water sports lovers.
The fine sandy beach, lined with palm trees, offers fairly good conditions for swimming. The area surrounding it is very beautiful: the forest contains a variety of exotic plants, as well as wild elephants and monkeys.
You'll find affordable accommodation on the beach, but there are also luxury bungalows. Therefore, we can say that the beach in Arugam Bay offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Most residential buildings are located directly on the beach. During the high season, which runs from May to November on the east coast of Sri Lanka, upscale accommodation is almost always booked, so it is advisable to book in advance.
If you want to come to Arugam Bay to surf, you can book surf lessons right on the beach or rent a board and other equipment.
Nilaveli Beach
Perhaps the most popular beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka 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 among swimmers, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. Nilaveli Beach is also suitable for families with children, as there is a gentle and level 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're lucky, you might spot blue whales and sperm whales on this tour. Nilaveli Beach also offers tours to Pigeon Island, which offers excellent diving and snorkeling conditions, breathtaking beaches and magnificent coral reefs. During the period from May to September, visibility in the water is greatest here.
On the Nilaveli beach itself there is accommodation of varying levels of comfort. In general, however, tourists here will find it difficult to find suitable low-budget accommodation. There are very nice bungalows for rent right on the beach.
It is worth noting that the military site is located right on Nilaveli Beach, so you can meet a lot of soldiers here. Despite its 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 vary greatly. That is why different beaches are better suited for relaxation in different months. In order to understand where the best beaches are in Sri Lanka at certain times of the year, we advise you to study information about the weather and recreation on this island in different months of the year.
Also, do not forget that when choosing the most suitable beach for a holiday in Sri Lanka, it is also important to take into account the choice of accommodation on this beach. For example, if you prefer to stay in luxury all-inclusive hotels, then you will only find such hotels on some beaches.
Review of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka: map, description, season, pros and cons. Find out where the best beach holidays are on the island!
Sri Lanka has many wonderful resorts with good beaches and well-developed infrastructure. In this review you will learn about the most popular resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka. We will tell you about a beach holiday in Sri Lanka: what is good about each resort, how to spend time on vacation and when is the best time to go on vacation.
Map of resorts and beaches of Sri Lanka
List of the best resorts in Sri Lanka
Negombo is located closer than other resorts to Colombo airport - the distance to it is about 30 km. This is very convenient for tourists who have had a long flight. The place is more famous for its fishing conditions than for beach holidays: the coastal waters abound with a large number of fish, their migration period occurs during the high tourist season. The large seafood market is one of Negombo's most famous attractions. Negombo has reefs, which makes the place popular among divers.
Beach holidays in Negombo are mediocre: the water is muddy, some areas of the shore are occupied by fishermen, where they lay out gear and dry fish. There are few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as water activities, the only exceptions being expensive hotels.
Nevertheless, Negombo is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka thanks to the convenient beaches that stretch along Lewis Place. In addition, there is an optimal choice of accommodation and many photogenic fishermen and beautiful scenery.
Negombo can be visited all year round, however it is very wet in May and October - November.
(Photo © ronsaunders47 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hikkaduwa is located 100 km from Colombo and is the leader in attendance. Divers, surfers, snorkelers, young people and family people come here. Water activities and a modest nightlife have made Hikkaduwa the busiest and best resort in Sri Lanka.
Here are the longest beaches in Sri Lanka and many hotels of different categories. The beaches are ideal for surfing - there is almost always a strong wave. Early in the morning, huge turtles appear near the shore; they are so accustomed to people that they take treats directly from people’s hands.
In the center of Hikkaduwa there is a coral park where you can ride a glass-bottom boat, go snorkeling, or book a boat trip. There are several Buddhist temples in Hikkaduwa, the most famous and popular among them is located on a small island. Entrance to the temples is free, excluding travel fees. Excursions to the mines where precious stones are mined and can be purchased are popular among vacationers.
A great time to holiday in Hikkaduwa is from November to April.
Wadduwa is located 35 km from Colombo. At this Sri Lankan resort you will find golden sandy beaches, coconut palms, diving centers, sailboats, surfing and other entertainment. During the dives you can see the remains of sunken ships. Tennis courts and golf courses are equipped especially for vacationers. All hotels are comfortable.
Fans of excursions will not be bored - they will be able to visit neighboring Kalutara with the Buddhist temple Gangatilaka Vihara and the fishermen's town of Hambantota, take a boat trip along the canals and capture the local beauty.
The best time for an active and beach holiday at this resort is from October to March.
(Photo © Hash Milhan / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
The village of Bentota is located south of Colombo - 65 km (2 hours drive), between the mouth of the river of the same name and the ocean. It is considered an elite and best resort in Sri Lanka, a favorite beach holiday destination for romantics and those seeking solitude.
Here are the largest number of comfortable hotels, uncrowded clean beaches and lush jungle nature, famous mangrove forests grow in this area. The resort offers a lot of entertainment for its guests - sea and river fishing, an exciting safari on the river with crocodiles, excursions to a turtle farm, yacht trips and much more. There is a center for diving enthusiasts.
The best time for a beach holiday in Bentota is from October to April.
(Photo © lola media / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
The small resort village of Unawatuna is located 120 km from Colombo. Once a fishing village, this rapidly developing resort is only slightly inferior in popularity to Hikkaduwa and Bentota.
This place is especially loved by tourists who vacation on their own - the resort has many guesthouses at an affordable price. The main advantage of Unawatuna is the calm water in the ocean. The central beach is located in a bay, and coral reefs protect from strong waves, so families with children are happy to relax here.
The entire tourism infrastructure has been created. Vacationers can go diving or snorkeling; lovers of excursions can visit the neighboring resort of Galle. But this is not a place for solitude: the beaches of Unawatuna can be quite crowded.
The optimal time for vacation is from December to April. It is too rainy in May and October–November.
(Photo © iris0327 / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Due to their distance from the airport, the resorts on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka are less popular than on the southwestern coast. Nevertheless, Trincomalee is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka and the most beautiful place on the island: there is a deep-water bay discovered by Admiral Nelson. Trincomalee itself is unique in terms of architecture - there are Muslim buildings, Buddhist and Hindu temples. You can get there by night train from Colombo (9 hours travel time) or by bus (7 hours).
According to some vacationers, Trincomalee beaches are the best in all of Sri Lanka. The holiday is quiet, there is little entertainment here, the infrastructure is still under development, most hotels are inexpensive, bars and restaurants are of the same level.
The natural beauty of this place is amazing - tall palm trees and lemurs roaming free. Not far from the coast is a coral island, which is favored by divers and snorkelers; there are hot springs a few kilometers away.
It is best to plan your trip from March to August, as November-December is too rainy.
(Photo © Images of Sri Lanka - Sequential Shots / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)
List of the best beaches in Sri Lanka
All the island's beaches are sandy, many of them are surrounded by coconut palms and other tropical plants. The best beaches in Sri Lanka are located on the southwest coast and are not too far from each other.
Bentota Beach
The most famous beach on the island, and according to numerous reviews from enthusiastic tourists, it is also one of the best for a beach holiday. This is where newlyweds prefer to spend their honeymoon. A wide coastal strip, palm trees, complete privacy - these are the main advantages of this place.
A wonderful place and almost complete absence of infrastructure. Since the beach is quite far from Colombo (5 hours by bus), it is visited by single tourists or those who have taken an independent trip around the island.
(Photo © That Guy,Will / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Unawatuna Beach is located in the village of the same name. The coastal strip is not as wide as in Bentota, but the calm water off the coast makes it extremely attractive. The sand is very fine and clean, part of the territory is occupied by cafes and hotels, the rest is available for swimming and water activities. There is shallow water intended for swimming with children.
Hikkaduwa Beach
The longest beach line in Sri Lanka. Orange sand and turquoise water, along the line there are numerous cafes and guesthouses. Strong waves have made this place a favorite spot for surfers, but there are relatively calm areas - near the Chaaya Tranz hotel. There are no sunbeds there, there is enough shade from palm trees, many people come there to swim with their children. Thanks to all this, Hikkaduwa Beach is considered one of the best places for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka.
The Tangalle beach complex has long been persistently included in the lists of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. This is an ideal place for a secluded holiday: you can walk a mile and not see another person. Any accommodation can be found. You can get to the place by bus from Colombo (6 hours).
(Photo © Šejba / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
It's hard to predict where and who will like it more. Sri Lanka is still an amazing island, where every place deserves special attention and admiration, so it is quite difficult to compile a list of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka that claims to be objective. However, we hope that our review will help you decide on a place to stay and you will have a great time.
Introductory image source: © Dhammika Heenpella / Images of Sri Lanka / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
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 a 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 the classical sense - a good beach, a clean sea, tourist infrastructure and other benefits of a civilized holiday. 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, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, animation;
Bentota Beach
In our opinion, Bentota is one of the 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 swimming 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, the depth is sufficient 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, and there is not a huge choice of accommodation, but what is available is often very, very good. Many hotels are brand new, simple ones shine 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 nice beaches (to the south of Hikkaduwa Beach), on the other there is excessive overcrowding, overcrowding, and the coastline close to the water is built up with hotels and restaurants, 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
In terms of popularity among Russian tourists, only Hikkaduwa can compete with Unawatuna, keep this 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 are attracted not by natural beauty, but by 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 spot of sushi. But don’t forget - these beaches are located in a bay (rather closed), on the shores of which one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka is located - 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
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 best place for divers and clubbers. This is a beautiful large beach where dive 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 such delicacies as squid, shrimp and lobster at the most affordable prices can be tasted 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 (Bentosa, 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 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 have been built here, shops have been improved, and the tourism area has been improved. 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. That is why many people want to come to this resort, since they can relax here with their 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, a turtle sanctuary, and the ancient ruins of a 12th-century Buddhist temple. 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.
Tatiana Solomatina
A brief overview of the beach resorts of Sri Lanka
Greetings, dear readers! Despite the fact that the island is surrounded on all sides by the ocean and is accordingly rich in beaches, you need to choose a resort here especially carefully.
Don’t forget that the ocean is not a quiet lake; there are huge waves here that can ruin your vacation due to the inability to enter the water. Tourists planning to explore the beaches of Sri Lanka should carefully choose a resort.
Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean with a coastline of 1,340 km. Despite the fact that the beach season here lasts all year round, due to climatic conditions it is better to go to the northeast in the summer months, and to the southwest in the winter. You can read more about the island's climate.
There are many resorts in the southwest, almost all of them have good infrastructure. There are enough hotels of different levels here; it is not difficult to find very budget accommodation from local residents. In my opinion, you need to choose the beaches of Sri Lanka based on the time of year and the suitability of the resort to your desires.
Colombo and Negombo
Colombo and Negombo are not suitable for a beach holiday at all. It is a good place to stop for a break before a long flight or during excursions. Due to the proximity of a big city, the ocean is dirty, and there is a large metropolis nearby with all the ensuing consequences.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is perfect for young people and active tourists. It is located 100 km from the airport and has a well-developed infrastructure. On Fridays, one of the hotels hosts noisy beach parties. Lots of accommodation, ranging from expensive hotels to cheap rooms. The coastline stretches for 10 km, but the waves here are very large, and there is compressed yellow sand on the shore. Read a guide to Hikkaduwa beach.
Bentota
Bentota is a beautiful resort 65 from Colombo. There are many package tours offered here. The whole city is tailored to the life of tourists, there are many cafes and shops, a wide choice of accommodation. The coastline is very wide and the waves are quite strong. There are small calm coves, but they are difficult to find right away. If you stay on the outskirts, then in the evening entertainment is limited only to the hotel area.
Beruwella
Beruwella is located five kilometers from Bentota, it is a young resort. People vacation here on package tours; finding accommodation on your own is problematic. The beach holiday is the same as in Bentota, only a little less crowded and quieter. This is a favorite resort of tourists from Europe; there are expensive hotels. The coastline is very beautiful with coconut trees and white sand.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a small sheltered bay, an excellent place for families with children. Very beautiful beach, shallow ocean, almost no waves. Everything tourists need is here; there are no noisy parties. However, there are a lot of people because of the budget holiday and the swimmable ocean.
Galle is not suitable for a beach holiday at all; it is an excursion city. The beach is urban with all the ensuing consequences.
Weligama
Weligama is a quiet resort place with a beautiful three-kilometer beach. However, the waves here are so strong that swimming is very difficult. There is almost nothing for vacationers. Suitable for a secluded holiday and for surf lovers.
Mirissa
Mirissa is a small town in the south of Sri Lanka. The infrastructure was built for tourists, but it is much quieter and calmer here than in Unawatuna. The central beach is also very stormy, but there are small coves with calm water nearby. After nine in the evening there is no entertainment.
Dikwella is a small fishing town in Sri Lanka, which has a couple of expensive hotels and some private housing. The ocean is very clean and the beaches are beautiful. You can find a place without waves. For a quiet, secluded holiday, there are almost no people here.
Tangalle is a large city in the south of Sri Lanka with a very beautiful beach, but swimming is impossible due to the strongest waves on the coast. The coastline is very long, you can always find a secluded place. There is no entertainment at all.
Koggala is not the most developed and popular resort in Sri Lanka near Galle. There is a busy road along the coast, so you won’t feel like you’re on Bounty Island, although coconut palms grow along the coastline. All life here takes place on the beach and the main street, where there are several shops and a bank.
Beaches in northeast Sri Lanka
Trincomalee
In the northeastern region of Sri Lanka the situation is the opposite; there are few places for recreation. There is only one main resort - Trincomalee. The infrastructure here is also quite developed, but it is located very far from the international airport and getting here is not easy.
Uppuveli, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay
There are several other small villages - Uppuveli, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay (bay), but there is nothing there at all. However, magnificent beaches with snow-white sand attract tourists who prefer a calm, quiet holiday. Very comfortable to relax with small children. There is a small coral island not far from the coast. It’s not difficult to get there; local residents are happy to take everyone there for a fee.
When going on vacation to Sri Lanka, not all tourists realize that around the island is the Indian Ocean, and not a calm sea. There are gorgeous beaches with coconut trees and clean white sand, but full swimming in the ocean is possible only in small enclosed coves, of which there are very few here. Tourists often complain that when they go into waist-deep water, it is difficult to stand on their feet, the waves are so strong that they knock even strong men off their feet. Vacationers have to be content with walks along the coast and careful swimming near the shore.
I wrote separately how treacherous the ocean is - how I almost returned from the island as a widow, see. I recommend giving the information to your men to read; the confession of the injured husband may make them think. You can find out what else a tourist needs to know before visiting Sri Lanka in my article.”
Perhaps you have your own story of visiting Sri Lanka, write a story in the “Readers Travel” section. Read more about this. If the article was useful to you, share it with your friends on social networks, maybe they will also want to visit this island. Leave comments and subscribe to blog updates, new readers are always welcome. With this I say goodbye to you, I hope the information helped you when choosing a beach in Sri Lanka.
Tatiana Solomatina