Down South Beaches - Waves for days!

Hikkaduwa is an extremely popular beach that is located around 100km to the south of the country's capital city of Colombo. Hikkaduwa is known for its parties and festivals during the high season, which brings in many tourists and locals alike to enjoy the music, clubs and bars around. October to around the mid of April is generally considered the best time to visit Hikkaduwa as this is the aforementioned high season for the party lovers. If you're looking at things to do in Hikkaduwa, the nearby reef is an excellent spot for snorkelling.

Both Bentota and Beruwla essentially lie on this very long sandy beach and is considered one of the most scenic and beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka. The shallow waters present here, along with the palm-lined blissful scenery make it a very popular location for families looking for an amazing holiday. Beruwela is only a 2-hour drive away from Colombo which makes it really close to the capital city. If you're visiting these beaches, October to mid-April would be the ideal time. The two locations also offer some great things to check out, such as a river safari at the Bentota River where you'll see all sorts of creatures like birds and crocodiles, and other activities like snorkelling and diving at the nearby reef. Two other popular attractions are the turtle research centre in Kosgoda as well at the Masjid-ul-Abrar which is the oldest mosque in all of Sri Lanka.

Mirissa is a relatively calmer beach in comparison to the others on this list. It is less touristy but offers an amazing view of the daily colourful sunset that is a highlight of anyone who witnesses it. The beach is home to many beautiful mussels and stones that add to the overall ambience. October to Mid-April is what you should be looking at if you're interested in visiting this beach. The most popular attraction in Mirissa is whale watching, you'll find people from all around the world who are excited to catch a glimpse of blue whales. Sri Lanka is a popular country for its traditional ways of fishing and you'll see this through the many Stilt fishermen who work close to the beach in Mirissa.

The UNESCO World Heritage recognizes the old town and Galle Fort as a site and deservedly so, the place is a visual treat and is an excellent insight into Sri Lanka's history. You'll witness pastel-coloured houses that incorporate wooden patios as well as many small shops that sell handmade crafts and jewellery. Climbing the walls of the fort you'll be able to witness a glorious view of the sea along with the chance to glimpse sea turtles. Surfing in Galle is an excellent past time that brings in both tourists and locals alike. Unawatuna which is located just a short distance away from Galle is the prime location to do so. October to Mid-April is once again the best time period to visit this beach. If you're looking for accommodation around Galle or Unawatuna, you'll find plenty on offer. One such example is the Mosvold Villa which is a short drive away.

The Yala beach is not an entirely popular one due to the inability to swim in it. The waters have dangerous currents that prevent you from doing so. However, it makes for an amazing location for walks and witnessing the majestic power of the ocean. Yala also has Safari's that take you right into the forest where you'll be able to see elephants, crocodiles and even leopards which are the prime reason many visit the area. April through August would be the ideal time period for you to visit Yala.