Joanna James
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on every side, it is safe to say Sri Lanka has an abundance of beaches. If you are looking to get sun kissed, read on as we discover the best beaches in the country.
Hikkaduwa and the sunny side of life go hand in hand with each other. The beachside town can accommodate anyone's wishes; be it a relaxing sunbath as you read your favourite book or an exhilarating round of surfing in the warm waters. Buying swim gear or diving gear is of zero hassle with plenty of shops littering the beaches. Hikkaduwa has long been a major tourist destination and the town has shaped up to accommodate the needs and wants of every tourist. The town has a range of seafood restaurants that serve authentic Sri Lankan dishes as well as foreign cuisine.
The beaches of Unawatuna are frequently haunted by both natives and foreigners alike and the aura of its pristine and sandy beaches ensure you will return for the second time. Most of the beaches in the Southern coast lure people with their beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere, and Unawatuna has the same attributes but, with a bit more to make it stand out. The town's beaches are the ideal place to safely swim with your family, indulge in watersports, or dance yourself to oblivion at one of the many beach parties that go on from sunset to sunrise. Oh, did I forget to mention it is one of the best places to spot sea turtles? On the side of accommodation, the beachfront consists of many world class hotels to stay in. All in all, Unawatuna is a sensory overload and deserves to be high up on your list of places to visit during your tours in Sri Lanka.
Around two hundred and fifty kilometres from the capital, Colombo, Nilaveli Beach is not easy to access but the long ride there is worth it. If you are looking for a beautiful and pollution free beach that has hardly been touched by man, there is no better place than this in the country. With turquoise waters all around, the beach is quite close to the famed Pigeon Island. A marine national park, the island is home to a vast number of endemic specs and birds but the real treat is underwater where you can even swim and dive amongst Black Tip reef sharks and other rare marine species. If you are finding it difficult to reach Nilaveli Beach, many tour operators such as Connaissance de Ceylan can help organize the tour for you.
If you are a surfing fanatic, Arugam Bay needs to be your go to location. Famed for its surfing points, it regularly attracts surfers from around the world and hosts major surfing events frequently. At the end of the bay is the Arugam Bay Point, which is a point for the experienced and where waves reach soaring heights of 5-10 meters on certain days.
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