Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a small tropical island; hence you have a good choice of coastal cities to holiday at. Each region offers cultural differences as well as land biodiversity. To learn about the most popular, check out this article which lists the best coastal cities in Sri Lanka.
The south coast of Sri Lanka is the most popular, and oldest in terms of touristy attractions. Hikkaduwa especially is a town established as far back as the 60s as a top tourist destination by the world hippie community. 'Hikka' as the place is popularly called, is now a thriving town of beach and land attractions. From playing host to international music festivals to the vibrant nightlife, Hikkaduwa is for the fun-loving sun-worshiper. The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand, where you can enjoy, snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing at popular points catering to both amateur and professional surfers.
The town of Negombo on the western coast of Sri Lanka is the closest beach resort to the international airport. Negombo offers a large sandy beach and a lovely old town vibe. Highly influenced by the Dutch colonists, Negombo is enhanced by the beauty of a huge lagoon, a verdant oasis of mangrove plantations and wetlands. Some of the best hotels in Negombo, Sri Lanka, overlook the lagoon, offering guests a chance to relax to views of the aquatic life, savouring soft breezes wafting off the water as well as enjoying the bountiful harvests of crabs and prawns. The popular ones like Amagi Aria offer excursions to explore not only the lagoon but the iconic Dutch historical sites, charming fisher villages, and the beautiful Negombo Beach where you can enjoy exciting canoe rides in the ocean, snorkel, dive, and surf.
Galle too is located on the southern coast and one of the oldest port cities in Sri Lanka. Home to a natural harbour, Galle was a stronghold of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists. The Old Dutch Fort is an iconic attraction and UNESCO heritage site. Wandering around the cobblestone streets is quite a thrill, as you enjoy a step back in time experience, exploring vintage landmarks, stopping at the retro cafes, and people watching on the ramparts. Galle offers a collection of sandy and rugged boulder-strewn beaches, as well as loads of culture and history to explore.
The sleepy village of Unawatuna is about 5km from Galle and home to one of the most popular beaches on the island. Not only is the beach a huge expanse of sand, the way it tapers down to the sea, makes the spot one of the best for swimming. Explore Jungle Beach and climb Rumassala Hill as part of your excursions in Unawatuna.
Arugam Bay is world-famous for its surfing allures. Located on the rustic Eastern coast of Sri Lanka, this beautiful stretch of coast is ideal for snorkelling, swimming, water sports, and just relaxing.
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.
