Joanna James
Ranked among South Asia's top beach holiday destinations, Sri Lanka is a small island that truly packs in a punch in terms of the diversity of beaches accessible to tourists. Whether one is heading to the paradise island for a short stay or a lengthy vacation, it is possible to explore most of the country's best beaches on a single trip. From timing the trip to choosing the beach hotspots that suit one's preferences, here's how to plan an unforgettable seaside getaway in the island nation.
The first step in planning a Sri Lankan beach vacation is deciding when to travel. Although the island is blessed with sunny skies for most of the year, it is crucial to time the holiday during the dry season. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons and the periods differ on the south coast and the east coast so the timing of the holiday really depends on which beach hubs one wishes to explore. Those who are primarily interested in the south coast beaches of Sri Lanka will find that December to March is the ideal time to head Down South. Beach towns including Mirissa, Unawatuna and Tangalle are ideal during this time of year. Those who wish to check out the eastern coastline should tour Sri Lanka between April and September. The months between May and June are not suitable for beach getaways due to heavy rainfall.
The next step in the planning process is choosing which beach towns to visit. It's important to remember that not all beach hotspots in Sri Lanka offer the same type of activities, attractions or even resorts. Some are more remote than others while only certain beach areas offer water sports activities and opportunities to go whale-watching. The most popular southern beaches in Sri Lanka include Bentota and Unawatuna, with the latter located just 5km away from Galle. Koggala, Weligama, and Mirissa are other top beach locations on the southern shoreline with Mirissa offering whale-watching excursions during the December to March period. West coast beaches include Negombo, which is easily accessible from the Bandaranaike International Airport. Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay reign supreme among the east coast beaches in Sri Lanka.
After narrowing down the beaches that one hopes to spend time in, it is then necessary to find hotels and resorts in each beach town. Whether one selects a single hotel chain or a boutique hotel, it is crucial to consider the property's location and on-site amenities. Unlike Amethyst Resort and other similar hotels in Passikudah, not all beach hotels on the island occupy beachfront locations, so it is important to check the actual location of the base hotels and their proximity to nearby attractions.
While it is possible to spend a beach vacation in Sri Lanka without venturing too far outside one's resort, it would be a shame to miss out on the wealth of experiences on offer in these seaside hamlets. Water sports fans will find that snorkelling and scuba diving are accessible at most beaches around the country while other water-based activities including surfing, water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing are equally accessible. In addition to whale-watching safaris, tourists can also sign up for sailing excursions and tours of coastal islands such as Pigeon Island.
Clothing options for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka must be made from cotton or similar materials. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must while sandals and flip-flops will more than suffice in terms of footwear. Don't forget to have a small first aid kit in the luggage to use in case of emergencies and common ailments during beach trips.
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.
