Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a culture buff's haven but the tropical island is also one of Asia's top destinations for scuba diving. The warm Indian Ocean is a treasure chest of fascinating treats to discover.
Hikkaduwa has been famous since days of yore for its beautiful coral beds. Glass bottomed boats have been plying tourists across the sea for views of these underwater gardens for over eons. Imagine how stunning a scuba diving tour would be; the waters are teeming with all manner of marine life. Thrill at sights of tiny coral fish darting in between the weeds or the bigger game that offer an up-close and personal encounter. There are some shipwrecks off the coast of Hikkaduwa that draw many professional divers eager for a scout within and around the remnants of these once seafaring vessels. Hikkaduwa Beach is undoubtedly one of the south's most popular and vibrant resorts.
Kalpitiya is located on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka; it is a virtual haven for underwater life. The water is extremely clear while the coral reef is home to an abundance of marine life ranging from tiny tropical fish to friendly dolphins. The island-dotted coast of Kalpitiya is fast gaining prominence as a top scuba diving destination in Sri Lanka with the beach being a favourite for enjoying sights of playful dolphins.
Kirinda is located towards the south-east of the island. The boulder-dotted beach is part of the sleepy Kirinda hamlet made famous by its ancient temple. The beach gives way to a stunning reef almost 40kms in length and as expected is a big lure for scuba divers, eager for encounters of grey shark and tuna trolling the waters. Add to this the thrill of exploring shipwrecks around the coast and your diving tour is complete. Kirinda is also an ideal destination from which to explore the Yala National Park. Just one of the fabulous stops if you plan a road trip to top scuba diving beaches in Sri Lanka. Look for boutique hotels in Sri Lanka that sit along the coast for best accommodation options. Like Mosvold Hotels many offer a choice of accommodation along the south coast.
Again one of the most popular towns on the south coast, Weligama Bay is quite beautiful. The shallow beach allows you to walk for many metres into the sea while the reef with its hidden caves is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. You will find that Weligama is a surfers resort with many chic surf hostels dotting the beach front. Scuba divers, surfers and beach lovers are well appreciated at this rewarding beach.
The natural harbour of Trincomalee is well known for its whale watching potential while scuba diving is a top attraction there. Quite a treat the soft sands of Trincomalee's beach are only bettered by the fabulous rocky outcrops you get to explore on a diving tour. Shipwrecks from WWII as well as the largest air carrier of the time lie at the ocean depths off the coast of this fabulous town.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
