Gabriel Anthony
The beaches in Sri Lanka are predominantly golden sandy stretches of bliss. From the western coast to the eastern coast each beach offers its allures, activities and amazing experiences.
Located about 60kms from the bustling city of Colombo Bentota Beach is a vast stretch of golden sand. Enjoy exploring the verdant mangrove forests and kayaking around the serene lagoon. Bentota beach offers a range of water sports activities; such as water skiing, jet skiing, riding a banana boat and wind surfing. Bentota Beach is also well known for Turtle spotting, just a few kilometres away is the sleepy hamlet of Kosgoda where lots of Turtle hatcheries offer you an insight to the animals cycle of life.
Hikkaduwa too is located along the southern coastline; the popular tourist resort is loved for its expansive sandy beaches and thrills of coral watching. Hire a glass bottomed boat and set off on a coral spotting tour or opt to soak up the gorgeous sunshine and chill on the beach.
This beach is located close to the historic town of Galle. It is quite famous as a tourist resort and unlike the tranquil ambiance of Passikudah can be quite crowded. Sun worshipers favour the sandy beaches for relaxing on although they are a bit narrow. The bay and offshore reef offer good swimming opportunity while the thriving marine life there makes it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Negombo is a historic fishing village which has grown to be one of the most popular tourist resorts on the western coast of Sri Lanka. The beaches are expansive stretches of sand while the huge Negombo Lagoon is known to yield some of the best prawns and mud crabs in Sri Lanka.
Mt Lavinia beach is just 20 minutes from the city centre. It is a prelude to what awaits you along the southern stretch. This beach is popular amongst locals and is quite busy and crowded. Kite flyers, joggers and even batches of people indulging in beach rugby fill the beach. It is lined by a number of seafood restaurants while the waters are warm and ideal for a quick swim.
Passikudah is a beautiful stretch of beach located along the exotic eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is about 300kms from the Katunayake International Airport and is probably one of the best locations to look for a relaxing Sri Lanka resort. Passikudah Beach is blessed with sun bleached sandy beaches, azure blue ocean and relaxing ambiance that is in league with the laid back hamlet it is named after. Some of the best luxury beach resorts in Sri Lanka are located along the beach, look forward to relaxing in comfort and tasting the best culinary delights. Hugging the sandy beach is the Maalu Maal Resort & Spa. Passikudah is well known for water sports activities of kayaking, skiing, wind surfing and more. The tropical coral beds draw many snorkelling and diving enthusiasts while exploring the ancient wrecks located off the coast is another thrill to look forward to.
