Anastasia Smith
Your dose of vitamin “sea” in the idyllic teardrop
Sri Lanka, where nothing but strings of golden powdery shores ring the island nation, the vibrant down-south is the proud possessor of the best of the island’s beaches, where there’s no shortage of picture-postcard beaches. Come, savour a dose of vitamin sea in the idyllic teardrop island.
The touristy beach town on the southern coast’s Matara district may not be the most beautiful of beach towns in Sri Lanka, but its palm-dotted shores are nothing short of fantastic. The town is particularly popular among novice surfers and those looking to get their first taste of the adrenaline-pumping water sport, all thanks to the town’s forgiving sandy-bottomed break. As a matter of fact, the town is also named after the alluring bay — “Weligama”, which literally translates to “sandy village”. Once out of the water, the extending 2 kilometres of pristine bay plays host to blissful beach days for many travellers to the city.
A hop, skip, and a jump away from the aforementioned Weligama, Kabalana Beach, in the relative serenity of the laid-back town of Ahangama, strikes one as a quieter, more intimate option, particularly appealing to those mellow souls. This fine stretch of beach is known for its excellent breaks alike, especially the popular “A-frame”, rumoured to be the island’s best deep-reef break. As the azure blue skies slowly fade away and darkness descends, the atmospheric cafes and restaurants that flank the bustling Galle-Matara road take the spotlight.
Among the string of picturesque beaches that span the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is the beach town that is arguably the most popular of them all. Indulge yourself in undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Galle, immersing yourself in soul-relaxing contemplation of the charming seaside, and retreat to one of the finest hotels or resorts in town. Your options include KK Beach Galle.
This idyllic beach town in the south, which travellers to Sri Lanka absolutely need no introduction to, sure does have more than a few treasures and wonders that add to the city’s allure. Among all things fascinating about the beach town, its popularity for blue whales is something that entices many of those descending upon Mirissa’s golden-hued shores. Aside from the majestic creatures of the sea, snorkelling, surfing, yoga and adventures to the likes of (not so) Secret Beach also delight visitors.
Hiriketiya, in the vicinity of the widely popular Dickwella, is one of the few lesser-known beach towns in the south, or so it was until a couple of years ago when the beach town started gaining fame. Nevertheless, visitors to the slice of beach are still afforded a slice of peace and tranquillity incomparable to any other that calls the southern coast home. Lounge in the shade of swaying palms, bask in the tropical sun and let yourself lose in the idyllic beachside scene.
