Joanna James
Sri Lanka is blessed with some of the world's best beaches offering plenty of fun in the sun, sand & surf. Here are 5 top beaches in the island well worth exploring.
One of the long established beach hotspots in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa Beach can be found along the island's famed South Coast. A coastal area known for its golden sandy beach, marine life and thrilling water sports, Hikkaduwa has also gained in popularity when it comes to enjoying laidback nightlife by the sea. Well worth adding to the itinerary when planning your Sri Lanka tours, this beach is perfect for those looking to engage in some surfing too. Snorkelling is another popular activity that can be tried here along with taking a ride on a glass bottom boat which gives you a chance to get a glimpse of the marine and coral life beneath the waves.
Located close to Galle, Unawatuna Beach was for long regarded as one of the best kept secret beach hideaways on the south coast. While it has now grown in popularity, it nevertheless still offers a charming seaside escape. It is the perfect place to just lie back in the sand and work on that holiday tan or even take to the waters and enjoy a lazy swim in the azure Indian Ocean. Try some local cuisine and enjoy cool cocktails at sunset soaking up the magical island ambience.
Nestled along the west coast, the town of Negombo was once a sleepy fishing village. Today, it is one of the hottest coastal destinations on the island. The beach in Negombo is just what you would want for a beachside holiday, soft sand bathed in sunshine, picturesque ocean vistas and something that the west coast of Sri Lanka is famous for providing; a truly glorious evening sunset. Such enchanting shores can be easily experienced while on special beach tours offered by local tour operators such as Walkers Tours. Apart from spending time on the sands of Negombo Beach one can also look to engage in some snorkelling and kite surfing or plan a diving excursion further out to sea.
A short distance away from the commercial capital Colombo, the Mount Lavinia Beach is another top beach in Sri Lanka. A popular haunt amongst locals, this wonderful stretch of shore is bordered by quite a number of beachside restaurants offering a tantalising array of dishes and drinks. A super spot for people watching too, Mount Lavinia Beach is a great place to visit with the family, that special someone or just by yourself, taking in the coastal beauty and enjoying the enchantment of the ocean.
Tucked away on the island's east coast is Pasikuda Beach. Offering a different beachside experience, this wonderful shoreline is bordered by a protected bay which means that the waters are relatively shallow and ideal for swimming. While you can engage in other water sports too, one of the key attractions that this beach offers is the chance to capture a magnificent site come dawn; a captivating ocean sunrise.
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