Best Beaches in Sri Lanka – Golden Sands, Coconut Palms and Blue Waters

The Pasikhuda Beach is arguably the best beach on Sri Lanka's eastern coast. Located roughly about 35km away from city of Battitaloa, Pasikhuda was unfortunately inaccessible for the better part of the last three decades, owing to the civil war. However, upon the secession of hostilities in 2009, the beach was once again made open to the public. The untarnished strip of soft white sandy beach and clear blue waters is of immense beauty and is fast gaining popularity as one of Sri Lanka's top tourist destinations and water sports destinations. The beach has also become a popular site from which the sunrise can watched.

Located in the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, the beach at Arugam Bay has gained a reputation for being one of the most tranquil beaches in Sri Lanka. Roughly about 116km away from Colombo, the beach at Arugam Bay is golden sandy with several luscious coconut palms in the background. It is perfect for those who want to retreat away from any form of urbanization and just chill out on the beach. The warm waters, coupled with the tropical climate also make Arugam Bay beach ideal for water sports, in fact the beach is considered to be one of Sri Lanka's best surfing beaches.

Located on the western coast, just a few kilometers from the Bandaranaike International Airport, is the Negombo Beach. The Negombo Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the area, as this large golden sandy beach is beautiful and untarnished. The beach is great for any type of beach activity, be it a spirited game of beach volley-ball or just chilling on the beach while sipping on your favorite cocktail. One of the most recommendable Negombo hotels is the luxurious Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa Negombo.

Hikkaduwa is probably the most famous beach in the South of Sri Lanka, as the beach is both beautiful and is the site of many tourist attractions. The golden sandy beach of Hikkaduwa stretches undisturbed almost throughout the entire boundary of the city, and is great for all beach activities and sports. The beach is also dotted with numerous hotels, restaurants and bars as well, making the Hikkaduwa beach one of the hottest tourist destinations in the South. The beach is also the site of many nightlife events and beach parties as well.

Mirissa, also located in the Southern region of Sri Lanka, is home to a large stretch of pristine golden sandy beach. Any beach lover is sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of Mirissa, as this untarnished beach is nothing but golden sandy, coconut palms, clear warm waters and an ambiance of tranquility. Over the years Mirissa has also become increasing popular as a premier whale and dolphin watching site in Sri Lanka.

No list of best beaches in Sri Lanka will be complete without Nilaweli, a golden sandy beach which has been a hot-spot of tourist activity for many years. Located in the Northeast of Sri Lanka, just a few kilometers away from Trincomalee, Nilaweli is stunningly beautiful, unbelievably serene, and ideal for water sports. The beach is also just 2km away from the famous Pigeon Island; a great diving and snorkeling site.