Joanna James
Sri Lanka’s southern which stretches from Galle to Tangalle, a total of 80 kilometres, features several beautiful beaches that are hailed as some of the best on the island. While many of them were largely unknown in the early 2000s, the country’s rise in tourism over the years has led to several developments and commercialisation efforts. Now, Sri Lanka’s southern coast is a beach-goer’s paradise, with beaches that suit different traveller types, from solo adventurers to adrenaline seekers to underwater enthusiasts. From among them all, here are 5 of Sri Lanka’s southern beaches that always stand out above the rest.
Those who visit the historic town of Galle in the south as part of an excursion by the likes of Walkers Tours often make their way to Unawatuna Beach, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most popular coastline hotspots. Blessed with a long stretch of golden sandy shores lined with beachside restaurants, cafes and bars, Unawatuna Beach is perfect for families looking to enjoy a stroll or relax after a day’s exploration.
The beach also features fairly clear waters making it ideal for a quick swim or scuba diving. The southern end of the beach has multiple dive shops at which you can get reasonably priced equipment and gear. If you prefer to stroll along the beach and explore the surrounding area, the northern end is where you should be, where you can also access the nearby Japanese Peace pagoda for some cultural exploring.
Located close to Unawatuna Beach, Koggala Beach is another popular spot for those who prefer a more serene and peaceful experience on the shores. Koggala is popularly known as it is home to some of the best beach accommodations in Sri Lanka, from private beach villas to more modern boutique hotels. Koggala Beach is also great for photography as it features unmistakable scenes of local fishermen perched on stilts in the water from where they hunt for fish. You’ll find that they are more than happy to be featured in your photos.
Weligama Beach is one with a scenic backdrop of cliffs standing tall in the sky and is known for being a surfer’s paradise. Plenty of beginner surfers flock to the area where the waters are gentle and consistent and provide the perfect conditions for surfing lessons. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of surf schools along the beach that offer hourly lessons by experienced instructors. You can also rent out a surfboard if you haven’t brought your own. In addition to the flurry of activity by surfers, Weligama Beach also has its share of picturesque beauty with several vibrantly coloured fishing boats line along the shore and are captured among the fading light of the late evening sun.
The beach at Mirissa is commonly known for providing exciting water sports activities and ocean adventures. It is hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s top whale-watching beaches with plenty of tourists arriving to head out to sea to witness the ocean’s gentle giants. The best time to visit the beach for a whale-watching excursion is from February to March, while the months from November to April are ideal for spotting dolphins. Additionally, the beach comes alive at night with plenty of beach bars and lively restaurants serving fresh seafood delights and local snacks.
While it was initially a lot less common than other southern hotspots, Hiriketiya has since grown in popularity because of its diverse appeal. It is another popular surfing location in the south and gives surfers the advantage of enjoying a scenic shoreline. It is often visited by families on vacation who typically choose to stay at one of the several nearby accommodations that offer good quality service for Sri Lanka beach holidays. If you decide to walk along Hiriketiya Beach you’ll likely have a few encounters with the local wildlife from inquisitive monkeys to vibrant wild peacocks, thus making your beach holiday all the more interesting.
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.
