Joanna James
The compact size, the pear-shaped island nation of Sri Lanka is ringed by a slew of topographically varied beaches, making the country a heaven on earth for sun-seekers and beach bums around the world. Lounge under palms, bask in the sun and soak up the best of the tropical paradise's idyllic seascape.
Avid adventurers yearning to catch a wave on the teardrop island, head over to the east coast A-Bay, the thrilling Arugam Bay Beach for some adrenaline-pumping action. Renowned as the surfers' mecca of Sri Lanka, the first-rate beach sees hordes of holidaymakers, especially in the months from April through September, who come to take on, presumably, the most intoxicating breaks on the island nation. Out of the water after some exhilarating surfing, a clutch of seafood shacks and restaurants await you on the golden shores.
The countless beaches that ring Sri Lanka have their own distinctive appeal, thus what puts Mirissa on the map for many tourists is the incredible inhabitation of blue whales in its azure blue waters. Hop aboard a boat and set sail into the wide-open seas, and if lucky, it won't take that long for you to spot the blow of a whale who surfaces to breathe. Aside from spotting these majestic creatures of the sea, there's so much more to be enjoyed at Mirissa, such as snorkelling, surfing, or simply unwinding under its swaying palms.
The west coast beach just off the town of Puttalam, Kalpitiya attracts a good number of tourists who come to engage in the exhilarating water sport, kitesurfing. The winds are strongest from May to September and hence the tourist numbers are too. Not one for action-packed water sports? Kalpitiya still has a lot in store for you, such as the majestic Dutch Fort at the tip of the peninsula. You could also find a host of stellar restaurants in Marawila, a small laid-back town to the south of Kalpitiya, including the likes of Amagi Beach.
The beautiful beach curved around a horseshoe bay on the south coast, Hiriketiya was more or less a hidden treasure until recently. The palm-fringed shores, which were well off the beaten tourist track not that long ago, are now frequented by tourists who find its host of chic bamboo shacks, atmospheric setting, and low-key ambience utterly charming.
Last but not least, the picture-postcard Bentota beach deserves a spot on every Sri Lanka itinerary, without which, your trip to the tropical island nation wouldn't be complete. The golden-hued, palm-fringed stretch of beach is considered to be one of the most breathtaking on the west coast and your first sight of the stunning seascape will make you realise why.
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.
