John Wick Mattingson
Tropical Island paradise Sri Lanka is blessed with a sandy coast in just about any part; miles and miles of golden sand lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean await you there.
The best Sri Lanka hotel with beach frontage can be found around the popular Southern Coast; Ambalangoda Beach is a fine example. Located about 107kms from Colombo and belonging to the Galle District the town is famous for the manufacture of wooden devil masks; a heritage preserved over generations in Ambalangoda.
Located in the Ampara District along the Eastern Coast Arugam Bay is well known as a top surfing spot for amateurs and professionals. Promising warm sunny weather the area is popular for its picturesque bay and water sports. Snorkel, dive and explore wrecks around the gorgeous beach of Arugam Bay, located about 320kms from Colombo.
Sitting along the Eastern Coast Batticaloa is home to the beautiful Batticaloa lagoon a bio-diverse eco system. Famous for 'Singing Fish' and delicious mud crabs the area is home to picturesque white sand beaches and quaint fisher villages; you will love to explore. Batticaloa is 314kms from Colombo and holds within its folds the popular resort of Passikudah; home to sun bleached beaches, Aitken Spence Hotels and the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Passikudah offers easy transfers to other coastal cities via popular hotel chains.
Just 62kms from Colombo Bentota Beach is one of the country's most popular coastal resorts. There you will find a huge stretch of beach known as the Bentota Beach where you can indulge in all manner of water sports. The popular resort is home to many cafes, restaurants, entertainment hubs and offers river cruises.
Heading towards the Western Coast of Sri Lanka you will come across beautiful Kalpitiya Beach well known for dolphin and whale watching. Belonging to the Puttalam district Kalpitiya is 165kms from Colombo. The Kalpitiya Lagoon too is a bio-diverse eco system offering many attractions. Kite surfing is one activity to be enjoyed on the lagoon while succulent prawns and crabs are a speciality in the region.
Part of the Southern Coast Beruwela Beach belongs to the 130km stretch of sandy beach well developed across the years as a popular tourist resort. Located just 56kms from Colombo the town offers a safe bay for sea bathing and indulging in a variety of water sports. The Beruwela fish market is an interesting place to visit if you want to savour some local culture. Make sure to visit between 5.30 am to 8.30 am.
Just 98kms from Colombo via the southern highway Galle is a city steeped in history. Home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites the natural Galle harbour is home to the Old Dutch Fort which is well restored for some old world charm. Galle is famous for beautiful beaches; diving and snorkelling while cottage industries of beeralu lace making and ebony carving ensure you a chance to pick up some worthy souvenirs.
