Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a small island that well makes up for size with its expansive beaches. From the popular southern belt to the North and West coasts the island offers thrills of sun sand and surf.
Negombo is on the western coast and is the closest touristy beach resort to the international airport. Hence beach lovers will either make Negombo their first or last stop before leaving the island. A very popular town Negombo has it all; a bustling city centre and lazy fisher village vibes around the coast. Just 35kms from the commercial capital Colombo Negombo beach is a wide expanse of sandy fun. Ride the traditional wooden canoes, scuba dive and snorkel around the reefs or simply chill on the beach and catch some sun. The area is well serviced with seafood restaurants as the huge Negombo Lagoon bordering the ocean is famous for its offerings of succulent prawns and crab.
If you are after rustic settings its does not get any better than this eastern coast beach. Almost left untouched over the years due to the civil war in the East this beach is yet unspoilt and lacks the huge tourist crowds. The beach is absolutely beautiful punctuated with rocky boulders and swaying palms that create a picture postcard view. There are little coral reefs just off the coast that offer shelter to loads of marine life making snorkelling and scuba diving one of the popular water sports there while the sunken WWII aircraft carrier just off the coast adds a touch of mystery and excitement to all dive tours.
Mingle a bit of beach vibes with history and culture by visiting the very popular Kalutara Beach. The best Kalutara beach hotels offer immediate access to the gorgeous Indian Ocean with expansive lawns leading right onto the sandy beach. Just 37kms from Colombo Turyaa Kalutara is a gateway to other pivotal towns on this very popular coastal stretch. At the beach indulge in a game of beach volleyball, sunbathe or swim to your heart's content while water sports are available in plenty. Kalutara is home to the iconic Kalutara Bodhiya a centuries old Bo-tree planted by Sri Lanka's ancient kings. The temple is one of the country's most revered pilgrimage sites and is a very interesting browse for those of you hankering for a taste of Sri Lanka's roots in Buddhism. Kalutara is also home to the traditional bamboo and coir weavers who offer their products along the roadside; once an integral part of the spice route this town's history is fascinating to explore.
Party animals and beach lovers converge at popular 'Hikka' Beach. The place is well known for its seasonal carnivals drawing international DJ's and being a venue to popular dance parties. There you can explore the expansive coral reef and dive amongst wrecks. The huge beach is popular amongst sun worshipers although unlike Kalutara Beach is quite commercialised with vendors and others out to make a living by selling products to tourists.
Just a hop step and jump from the base town of Kalutara, Bentota Beach is the most popular resort on the south coast. Hence it is crowded most of the time. The beach is large and sandy with lots of locals and tourists enjoying the sun and innumerable water sports on offer.
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