Best Beaches in Sri Lanka – Oases of Sun, Sand and Exotic Fun

The closest stretch of beach to the commercial capital of Colombo and the international airport, one can enjoy modern vibes around the western coast. The west coast spans from the town of Negombo located towards the northern point to where the very popular southern coast starts. This stretch is for the cosmopolitan tourist, out to enjoy modern benefits, water sports and dining on the freshest seafood. Negombo is the most famous city on the western coast and is often an in between point for visitors leaving or arriving on the island.

Weligama is part of the south coast, which winds its way around the lower half of the island. Home to some of the island's most popular beaches amongst sun loving tourist and locals, this coast has many attractions. Weligama, for example, is home to a stunning bay and beach, which enables one to walk far into the shallow sea. Around this bay, you can find lovely hotels offering easy access to the beach, such as We Escape. Mirissa Beach also in Weligama is a well-known location for setting off on whale and dolphin watching tours. Weligama accommodation is highly sought out by surfer clans too, especially since the area offers unique bunk bed accommodation for large parties to stay and hit the waves.

Galle is a heritage city that was once a colonist's stronghold; remains of this era are reflected in the city's iconic attraction, the Old Dutch Fort. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site resplendent with well-maintained cobblestone streets, vintage Dutch bungalows and a maritime museum. Around the city are beautiful stretches of sandy beach where one can enjoy sea bathing and relaxing. Fisher boats are up for hire in case you want to head out to sea while scuba diving and snorkelling is highly recommended since there are some vintage wrecks scattered around the Galle coastline.

One of the most popular tourist resorts in Sri Lanka Bentota is loved for not only its large sandy beach but a variety of modern water sports, varied seafood restaurants and hip nightlife. Enjoy your Sri Lankan holiday in the sun with day visits to Bentota; easy to reach from less crowded areas like Weligama. Close to Bentota is the fisher village of Balapitiya, home to a bevvy of Ayurveda treatment sites while the famous Madu Ganga is loved for its river safaris. The river is a bio-diverse environ that will prove to be a rich experience for the nature lover.

Unawatuna is a small village located just 5kms from Galle. The place is most famous for its expansive beach that slopes into the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Unawatuna is known for other attractions such as Rumassala Hill, believed to be a part of the Himalayan Mountains, dropped by a mythological monkey god; a story to explore. In Unawatuna, you can trek to Jungle Beach, another little gem of an oasis, which promises beautiful settings and the ocean to swim in.