Joanna James
Encompassed on all sides by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is not short of great beaches. However, when spoilt for choice, it is difficult to rank the best. Worry not as we do the difficult task for you!
Considered a jack of all trades, the Hikkaduwa Beach caters to people of all interests and ways of life. Whether it is a leisurely lounge on the beach or diving amongst the colourful reefs, the mesmerizing coastline of Hikkaduwa is guaranteed to fulfil your expectations. A large number of water sports operators can be found, so renting or buying equipment is as easy as you like. Since the town has long been a tourist hotbed, the locals have shaped up to cater to visitors needs. An assortment of seaside restaurants serves up the best of local and foreign cuisine while the nearby stores sell souvenirs and other essentials.
One of the most popular beaches in the country, Unawatuna has always lured both locals and foreigners looking for the sunny side of things. Ideal for a family day out, you can find a vast number of water spots here and even feast your eyes on sea turtles. The Southern Expressway makes getting here from Colombo a breeze. Another allure of the beach is its vibrant nightlife. The beach is often the scene for parties that go on until the early hours of the morning. Try to drop by to Unawatuna between November and April as this is when the tropical climate is at its best.
Well suited for anyone who is interested in water sports, Bentota guarantees a great time to any visitor to its shores. To start with, accommodation is of zero hassle as you can easily find a resort in Bentota, with the likes of AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa a little away from the town centre. The calm seas make swimming a viable option while diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing and para-cycling some of the options on the cards.
Desolate and less developed compared to its compatriots in the South, the wild beach is charming enough but its main attraction is the whale watching opportunities present. Five whale species frequent the sea off Kalpitiya including the sperm whale and the massive blue whale. You are also likely to meet dolphins such as the elusive humpback dolphin. The best times to view whales and dolphins are during the months of February and March.
A paradise for surfers, Arugam Bay attracts surfers from all the world looking to ride the beach's famed surfing points. The Arugam Bay point is widely acknowledged to be the most intricate of points and waves are known to reach heights of up to ten metres! International surfing competitions are regularly held at the beach while many cosy hotels and restaurants litter the beachfront. Any surfer should absolutely make the trip here. Almost three hundred and fifty kilometres from the capital, getting here is quite a task but the end result might just make it all worth it!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
