Beaches on the West Coast of Sri Lanka – Sandy Banks for Unlimited Fun

Negombo is the closest beach resort to the international airport; hence, the place is always first or last on the list of many travellers. A sleepy little fishing village, that has a strong Dutch colonial heritage, Negombo town is a cosmopolitan hub. The beaches, however, remain rustic and verdant; you are treated to tree-lined sandy shores where one can catch a few rays, snooze under the shade of a swaying coconut palm and look out for traditional wooden fishing canoes on the horizon. When you are not on the beach, Negombo, also known as 'Little Rome' offers a bevvy of vintage churches and old Dutch relics to explore.

Kalpitiya Beach is found towards the North West of the island and is most famous for Dolphin watching and kite surfing. Located on a peninsula that juts out to the gorgeous Indian Ocean, this beach is wedged in between sea and lagoon. Due to this fact, the place offers excellent conditions for kite surfing, while dolphin watching tours are well rewarded with sights of the friendly mammals in large pods.

Driving down towards the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Kalutara Beach is one of the first you will encounter. A fabulous tourist resort that offers river and sea adventures, the historical town is home to an ancient Buddhist shrine, which is one of the most visited sites in the country. Many hotels like Anantara Kalutara Resort, hug the shoreline offering visitors a chance to swim, dive, snorkel and indulge in various water sports with ease, while the serene call of temple bells by evening, means you can explore the rich culture and heritage when not chilling on the beach. There are plenty of things to do in Kalutara such as exploring the Edwardian manor – Richmond Castle and taking rewarding boat excursions on the river. If you are intent on rest, relaxation and loads of seaside fun, then Kalutara serves the purpose.

If you are a cosmopolitan traveller and prefer to be within the city, then Mt Lavinia Beach is ideal for some fun in the sun. Located about half an hour from the city centre of Colombo, this suburb is famous for its expansive beach and bevvy of seafood restaurants that line the shore. Mt Lavinia is Colombo's uber-chic beach resort that offers all the lures of a city based, day by the sea.

Located more towards the south, Bentota Beach is easy to reach from your Kalutara resort. A vibrant beach resort, many tourists opt to visit the busy town on day excursions from quieter resorts, such as Kalutara. Bentota Beach too is a huge expanse of sand framed by swaying coconut palms, the popular beach is crowded with locals and tourists enjoying water sports, swimming in the ocean and chilling under the warm rays of Sri Lanka's tropical sun.