Beaches totaling 1,340km fringe the island, from the established beach resorts in the south and west coast of the island to the less-visited expanses of the north and east. Please find below an insight into some beaches worth a visit.
Negombo - 35kms north of Colombo, 6km from the international airport - Sri Lanka’s oldest beach resort just 6km from Bandaranaike International Airport and therefore popular for stays on arrival or before departure from the island. Famous in the 18th century for the cultivation of some of the best cinnamon in the world, Negombo is now one of the island’s most important fishing ports.
Mt Lavinia - 12kms south of Colombo - is a suburb of Colombo, and is therefore especially convenient for those who are confined to Colombo for part or all of their stay. The beach is adjacent to a headland that juts into the Indian Ocean, atop which is the famous colonial-era Mount Lavinia Hotel.
Kalutara - 42kms south of Colombo - is one of the most prominent towns outside the Colombo conurbation as you travel south on the coastal Galle Road. The “dagoba” of “Gangatilaka Vihara” a Buddhist temple built in the 1960s is a major attraction. Kalutara offers picturesque catamaran-scattered beaches, which is ideal for quick dips and long sunset walks.
Bentota - 62kms south of Colombo - The town is a popular tourist destination located by the beautiful Bentota river on one side and the Indian ocean on the other. In addition to the numerous water sport activities available, a nature lover can experience a boat safari upstream through the mangroves and witness a variety of fauna. Bentota owns some of the best up market hotels in the island, other attractions include a turtle hatchery and a 12th century temple.
Ambalangoda - 85kms south of Colombo - Ambalangoda offers long streches of beach which can be enjoyed in seclusion. 5kms away in Balangoda is the RAMSAR declared 915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary, a complex wetland system encompassing 64 mangrove islets to be explored by boat. The village of Meetiyagoda near Ambalangoda is the only place in Sri Lanka where moonstones are found. Other attractions include the traditional Sri Lankan devil mask-making workshops and south asia's longest (35m) Buddha statue.
Hikkaduwa - 98kms south of Colombo - arguably the most popular beach town in the island offers long stretches of beach packed with restaurants serving fresh seafood, bars, and souvenir shops. Hikkaduwa boasts some of the best surfing waves in the island and is complimented with a huge variety of accommodation options. The town is known for its vibrant atmosphere and attracts young surfers from various parts of the world. Other attractions include the Gangarama Maha Viharaya a Buddhist temple filled with the works of an artist depicting scenes from the life of Lord Buddha. The Dodanduwa lagoon and the Telwatte bird sanctuary are also located in close proximity to Hikkaduwa.
Galle & Unawatuna - 140kms south of Colombo - is widely rated as Sri Lanka's best. Unawatuna is a fishing village blessed with a beautiful sandy bay and a double reef making it one of the safest for swimming. Diving, snorkeling and surfing are some of the common activities tourists’ indulge in the clear waters of the bay. Unawatuna is the ideal place to relax and unwind with many tourists staying for extended periods.
Galle is home to a well preserved Dutch fortress a UNESCO world heritage site and the famous Galle international cricket stadium which is considered one of the most picturesque in the world.
Mirissa - 155kms south of Colombo is a sleepy picture perfect town with a secluded bay. It’s a low-key, peaceful destination that was once the preserve of backpackers but is now becoming more popular as travelers seek out quieter alternatives to Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa
Arugam Bay - 315kms east Of Colombo is Sri Lanka’s best surf spot; some consider it there amongst the best in the world. Arugam bay is the east coast’s most tourist friendly destination with many miles of pristine beaches to explore. Due to its distance from the capital Colombo this part of the island is relatively unvisited by tourists, which makes it the perfect place to unwind and experience the un-spoilt beaches.
Nilaveli - 280 km north-east of Colombo its soft white sand and calm turquoise waters rivals Unawatuna for the best beach in Sri Lanka. Clear waters filed with colorful aquatic animals and corals offers a great atmosphere for diving and snorkeling. Other attractions include natural hot water springs.
