Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a beach paradise like no other and the sheer number of beach hotspots on the island is truly staggering. Whether you are heading to the Emerald Isle for a short getaway or a long holiday, here are 5 beaches every visitor should explore during a vacation in Sri Lanka.
As the most conveniently located beach hotspot in Sri Lanka, Bentota Beach is a short drive from the capital Colombo and offers locals and tourists a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. This southern beach is not only one of the calmest and most pristine beaches in Sri Lanka but the area also offers visitors the chance to explore cultural attractions including the Brief Gardens and the Lunuganga Estate. Water sports enthusiasts will also find that snorkelling and diving are some of the best things to do in Bentota.
Marine life enthusiasts will find no finer beach than Mirissa as it is one of only two seaside hamlets that allow one to embark on a whale and dolphin watching safari. The best time to visit Mirissa Beach is during the peak tourist season from November to April as this is when the weather is ideal and whale and dolphin watching tours are easily accessible. The stunning bay, which encircles the beach and Parrot Rock, are some of the other compelling reasons to spend time at this splendid beach.
Those on the lookout for a peaceful and less crowded beach to relax and unwind on will find no finer alternative to Koggala Beach. Located in the pastoral seaside village where local author Martin Wickramasinghe's epic novel Madol Duwa is set, Koggala Beach is a little piece of heaven for couples and families who wish to truly get away from it all.
As an integral part of nearly all Sri Lanka beach holidays organised by tour operators including Walkers Tours, Arugam Bay is a surfer's dream come true. Occupying pride of place on the north-eastern coastline, Arugam Bay is a playground for active visitors with a passion for wave riding and water sports in general. Having hosted countless international surfing competitions over the years, this area was only recently opened up to visitors after the conclusion of the island's 30-year civil war.
This crescent-shaped beach is perhaps one of the most visually arresting beaches in Sri Lanka. Ideally situated on the southern coast, near the southern capital of Galle, Unawatuna's natural beauty and the shape of the bay are what make this popular beach paradise well worth the trip, even when it's crowded. Apart from snorkelling and scuba diving, some of the top things to do in Unawatuna include jet-skiing as the shallow waters make for an easy riding experience. Don't forget to hike up Rumassala Hill during your stay in Unawatuna as the mountain offers spectacular views of the beach while also serving as a location where medicinal plants are found.
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.
