Joanna James
Blessed with a coastline fringed with idyllic golden beaches, Sri Lanka is renowned for offering truly unforgettable seaside getaways. Wondering which sun-kissed sandy shores should figure prominently on your list of top beaches to visit in Sri Lanka, then read on!
Widely considered to be one of the best beaches on the island's south coast, Hiriketiya Beach is a little slice of heaven. Taking the shape of a horseshoe, Hiriketiya Beach is every yogi's delight and surfer's paradise – and the penultimate location to simply kick back and relax under endless blue skies, plentiful sunshine and a lovely breeze flowing every so often to cool you off. The beach is also home to some great restaurants where you can sample anything from poke bowls to spicy rice and curry – Sri Lanka's staple meal.
Barely an hour from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Negombo Beach certainly is an atmospheric beach where one can find every kind of water sport imaginable to enjoy ranging from jet skiing, parasailing, and diving. Apart from the sporting activities Negombo Beach is renowned for its offering of great seafood restaurants, cosy cafes and bustling pubs and bars.
If you are in search of a beach which is peaceful, quiet and relatively untouched by mass tourism, then Ahungalla Beach is your best bet. Here one can simply rest and relax under the shade of swaying palms, soak up the sun undisturbed broken only with a quick dip in the tranquil waters to cool off. Visitors to the beach will find many Ahungalla hotels in the area including properties such as Heritance Ahungalla opens to the beach, where one can head to sample some great food. The best time to visit Ahungalla beach is anywhere between January to March.
Renowned for being the largest fishing port on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa sits right on the southernmost tip of the island. Its relative proximity to Sri Lanka's main airport means that it attracts plenty of visitors, especially during its peak season. Once a quiet little beach hamlet, Mirissa today has grown and evolved into becoming one of the top beach destinations in the world with much to offer. Despite the sudden growth and expansion, Mirissa still retains its beauty with a large beach backed by dense palm groves, soft sandy beaches, and delightfully gin-clear waters. Mirissa is a great place to visit especially if you are keen on doing some whale watching, which is best enjoyed anywhere between February and March. Some other great activities to enjoy while here includes surfing, diving, and snorkelling!
Every beachgoer's dream, Nilaveli Beach is truly paradise on earth. Boasting calm clear waters with an ever-so-gentle surf, Nilaveli Beach is great to visit with kids in tow. Here one can explore the thriving reefs, swim, and sunbathe to their heart's content and of course, indulge in fresh seafood!
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.
