Joanna James
The south of the Indian Ocean's Sri Lanka basks not only in the soothing sun but also in the glory of being home to a stunning seascape with arguably the most breathtaking beaches on the island nation. Head down to the south coast and treat yourself to a dose of Sri Lanka's best sun, sand, and sea.
The biggest draw of the laid-back moon-shaped sandy bay of Mirissa is the majestic creatures of the sea — the blue whales. Boats set sail into the wide-open seas every day during the season, treating to the whale-watching cravings of hordes of holidaymakers that descend upon Mirissa's palm-fringed shores. However, Mirissa has got a whole lot more in store for you besides the fascinating blue whales. The adventure-lovers can make themselves busy with some exciting snorkelling and surfing, while the more mellow folks can take some yoga on the shores or bask in the light of tranquillity at Mirissa's Secret Beach.
Nestled in the same lively string of beaches on the south coast, Hiriketiya Beach has been hiding in plain sight all this time. It hasn't been long since the slice of the beach has come off under the radar and caught the eye of hordes of beach-loving holidaymakers to the minuscule island nation. Today, the untouched, curved sandy strip of Hiriketiya is rising in popularity for a safe dip in the alluring waters and catching a decent amount of waves throughout the year.
A short 6-kilometre drive away from the star tourist attraction – the history, culture, and heritage-rich Galle Fort – is the picturesque beach of Unawatuna. As an island nation, Sri Lanka has its fair share of beaches ringing the country and Unawatuna is arguably one of the best, not just on the south coast but in all of Sri Lanka. The ambience is always idyllic, and the golden sands are busy from dawn to dusk, with hordes of vacationing beach bums enjoying the palm-fringed shores to the last drop.
Those who look forward to venturing off the beaten path and savouring a slice of sun, sand, and sea free from thronging crowds – make your way just east of the popular Unawatuna Beach to find yourself at Wijeya Beach. Otherwise known as Dalawella, this stretch of beach is one of the least visited on the south coast but no less beautiful and is far quieter than the rest of the beaches in the area.
Ahangama is too one of the lesser visited beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka, allowing its visitors to enjoy the charming seaside aura in peace and quiet. Vacationing tourists can find many fine hotels in Ahangama, including the likes of Tri Koggala, which add to your blissful beach experience in the vibrant south.
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.
