Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Frequented by beach lovers from around the world since time immemorial Sri Lanka's south coast beaches are the envy of Asia. Golden and pristine here are the beach highlights decorating the island's southern shorelines.
As the capital of the southern coastal region of Sri Lanka Galle is a cannot-miss highlight for beach lovers exploring Sri Lanka. As the cultural, economical and touristic epicentre down south, Galle is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the island. White, sandy and pristine the Galle beach is ideal for swimming activities while water sports aficionados can also let lose among the waves of this bustling coastal city. Must- experience highlights include a sea bath beneath the iconic Galle Fort in the shadow of a functional lighthouse where local Muslim women also take a dip in the area known as Lady Sea Baths.
Ideally located within 4km of Weligama along the island's southern shores lies Mirissa, a tranquil and breathtaking curved beach with crystal clear blue waters. Frequented by backpackers and tourists in search of secluded, private beaches Mirissa is also the whale watching capital of the south coast. A popular activity since 2009 when whale watching excursions were first introduced in the area no tour of Sri Lanka would be complete without a trip on board the many whale watching vessels that set off from Mirissa Beach. Beach lovers will get more than their money's worth when they spot majestic blue whales, the largest marine mammal on the planet and sperm whales occupying the waters off the coast of Mirissa. Spinner dolphins are also frequently spotted by whale watching boats as hundreds flock near the boats.
Regarded as one of the island's most pristine beachfronts Unwatuna is home to a stunning beach that is famed for its shallow waters and coral laden sea beds. Tipped to be one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming activities the Unawatuna beach is a shady patch of paradise fringed by tropical foliage. A popular diving Mecca the venue is frequented by divers from around the world. With vibrant coral reefs littering its ocean floors the venue is also ideal for snorkelling and bird watching as winged beauties the likes of Asian Palm Swifts, Black Bitterns and Loten's Sunbirds are found here.
Famed as the beach capital of southern Sri Lanka Hikkaduwa is one of the most popular beaches in the Emerald Isle. Hosting the popular Hikka Beach Fest each year this one-stop beach paradise is abound with tourists all year round. A mere 17km from Galle the venue's thriving nightlife and party scene earned it a spot in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations travel show. A popular haunt for board surfing this stunning beach is one of the must-visit highlights on a tour of Sri Lanka.
Conveniently located within 40km of Colombo Kalutara is home to some of largest stretches of pristine beaches in the island. A favourite weekend getaway beach destination for locals Kalutara beach is ideal for basking in the sun and engaging in swimming and beachfront picnic activities. Home to some of the country's top beach resorts selecting hotels in Kalutara is all about location as some enjoy breathtaking and strategic locations with access to the beach and the lagoon as in the case of the Avani Kalutara Resort while other offer convenience located in the heart of the town centre.
