Joanna James
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all corners, Sri Lanka boasts a number of mesmerizing beaches to its name. For those looking to get sun-kissed, here are the top beaches to visit during your stay.
Hikkaduwa's speciality is that it has something for everyone. Widely thought of as a "jack of all trades", it has plenty to do to attract people of all ages and interests. Those who wish for something laidback can opt for a lounge by the beach. If you wish for something more pulsating, diving and snorkelling are wonderful options, an experience that is further enhanced by the colourful reef and diverse marine life hiding beneath the water surface. Water sports are also readily available at hand. The beach is littered with a number of water-sports operators who can teach you the ropes and sell you or rent you the necessary equipment needed to engage with the sport you desire.
Unawatuna is one of the most highly frequented seaside towns in the country and for good reason. Frequented by both the locals and tourists, Unawatuna has a vibrant nightlife that is guaranteed to appeal to the partygoers. Parties start after sunset and go on till the wee hours of the morning. But before you jump to conclusions, the beach is still a great hangout spot for families. Watersports are easily available and a long fleet of restaurants line the edge of the beach serving a number of tantalizing dishes, both local and foreign cuisine. Sea turtles are known to frequent the beach too during the hatching season while a turtle hatchery a little away allows you to get up and close to these majestic sea creatures.
The Kalpitiya Beach is more wild and desolate compared to most of the beaches in the rest of the country, which is good for some. Free of humans and pollution, the beach has its own lagoon which offers great kayaking experiences. However, the main highlight of the Kalpitiya Beach is that it is regularly frequented by pods of whales and dolphins. You can expect to see whale species like the sperm whale and the blue whale. On the side of dolphins, the rare humpback dolphin has been spotted in the area. Most Marawila hotels, the likes of Amagi Beach should have no issue organizing a whale watching expedition.
If you are a surfer, Arugam Bay is where you should make a beeline too. The surfing points at the Arugam Bay Beach are famous all around the world, evident by the growing influx of surfers to the region. The beach also has surfing points that are ideal for novices, intermediate and experienced surfers. Regularly hosting international surfing tournaments, waves at some points are known to be as high as 10m. On the downside, the beach is around three hundred and fifty kilometres from Colombo which makes getting to the beach a tad bit difficult but for a surfer, there is plenty of rewards awaiting them.
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.
