Joanna James
The beaches in Sri Lanka are adored by locals and tourists alike. The palm-fringed beaches, golden sand, mild breeze and azure waters are post-card perfection. Here are a few beaches you must visit during your time on the island!
If you visit the south of Sri Lanka, the beach in Weligama, a popular coastal city, is a must-visit! Just a 1.5-hour drive away from Villa 700, which is a well-known Induruwa beach hotel, Weligama beach has emerged as one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka for beginners. If you want to surf the Sri Lankan waves, you can rent a surfboard and book lessons from one of the many surfing schools dotted around the coastline. The young surf instructors around the area are well versed in the local breaks and best areas to test your surfing skills. Weligama is also a great city to go to with kids!
Now a favourite among backpackers and tourists, Hiriketiya is where you'll discover people from all walks of life and different corners of the globe in one place, all sharing a common love for the tropics and beaches. With many pop-up shops, restaurants, co-working spaces and hidden beaches, Hiriketiya will not disappoint. Hiriketiya's deep bay is known to be a showstopper, so remember to take your cameras with you! Hiriketiya is also a yogi's paradise.
Not too far from Colombo, Bentota is packed with holiday hotels and resorts. Bentota is a favourite among the locals and is usually full of children enjoying the beach during peak season. You can enjoy water sports, swimming time on the beach and even spend some time building sandcastles as you eat some ice cream sold by mobile vendors along the beach.
The coastal city of Trincomalee, on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, is said to boast the most stunning beaches in Sri Lanka. The moment you enter the port city, you're sure to witness the light blue waters glistening in the sun, tempting any onlookers for a quick dip! Nilaveli beach is where you need to go, to fulfil your swimming temptations. The beach is 4 kilometres long and is a whale-watching and deep-sea diving hub. You can also visit Pigeon Island, which is just offshore, a protected marine park with blacktip reef sharks and many turtles.
Located in the northwestern part of the Island, Kapitiya provides a haven for all beach lovers, as it is mostly quiet and uninterrupted. This area is a 35-kilometre peninsula, where you'll find a ruined Dutch fort and the Puttalam Lagoon, to the east.
Not too far from the famous city of Galle, Unawatuna continues to be the most sought-after beach in Sri Lanka. The water tends to be calm most of the year and is ideal for those looking to party! The food and dining scene in Unawatuna is also unmatched.
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.
