Joanna James
Home to some of the best beach in Asia, Sri Lanka is a beach lover's dream come true. Here are six of the country's top beaches for holidaymakers based on popularity and natural attributes.
As one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa beach boasts a wide variety of activities and attractions that make it a hit with the masses. Surrounded by nightclubs and hotels Hikkaduwa beach is synonymous with glass bottom boat tours and scuba diving tours thanks to the rich coral life heritage and the colourful marine species occupying the waters off the coast of the beach hub. The best time to holiday in Hikkaduwa beach is during the months from March to September. Hosting the annual Hikka Beach Festival the party atmosphere is hard to escape while turtles are also known to lay their eggs on the shores of this pristine beach.
This crescent-shaped beach is not only one of the island's most accessible beach holiday hotspots but also a historic locale which has earned itself a place in the Hindu epic poem the Ramayana. Renowned for its crystal clear and tranquil waters, Unawatuna is the perfect beach for swimming activities as big waves are not likely to tamper with your rhythm. Ideal for water sports activities such as Jet skiing and snorkelling. The period from August to September is ideal for a trip to Unawatuna while visitors should avoid visiting the area in October as the rainy season commences during the middle of the month.
As a well-known day trip hub for locals as well as tourists based in Colombo, Bentota encompasses everything one expects from the perfect beach getaway. Home to luxury resorts the likes of AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa and countless other accommodation providers, the likelihood of your resort in Bentota occupying a beachfront location is very high. The best time to spend a few days in Bentota is usually during the months from August to October. Canoeing and water-bound activities are also accessible for water sports fans.
The perfect beach escape for those in search of a quiet little paradise all to themselves, Koggala beach is another fantastic beach in Sri Lanka. The idyllic seaside hamlet is a thriving breeding ground for leatherback turtles. Boat safaris and water sports activities are also easily available through resorts and private operators in the area. Surfing is one of the most popular activities in the area. Koggala beach is at its best during the months from July to the last days of October.
Famed for its green-hued, crystal clear waters and white, powdery sands, Polhena beach is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka's most captivating beaches. The beach is not only surrounded by a coral reef barrier which makes the water free of large waves and strong tides but is also ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling activities. The 4km long coral reef around Polhena beach is occupied by hundreds of marine creatures which makes it a treasure trove for marine life enthusiasts and snorkellers.
Revered as the capital of Sri Lanka's southern coastline, Galle is another must-experience beach highlight in the island nation. The period from September to March is perfect for a road trip to Galle which has served as the holiday home of many a poet and writer. Whale watching tours and other excursions await beach lovers heading to the golden sanded confines of this idyllic piece of paradise.
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.
