Beaches in Sri Lanka

The beaches here are among some of the best in the world. Being a tropical country, they are renowned for having an idyllic setting with soft golden sands backed by swaying palms. As you head round each headland, you will be presented with yet another fantastic tropical vista proving that this is the perfect place to relax and have that perfect beach holiday. The aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean that lap the beaches provide an aquatic playground for diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and  sailing to name but a few.

The following beaches are renowned:-

West Coast

Negombo

• 35km north of Colombo on the western coast
• Broad stretch of clean golden sand
• Famous for its fishing providing amazing crabs, prawns and lobster

Wadduwa & Kalutara

• Between 35km and 40km south of Colombo on the western coast
• Quiets towns and relatively little tourist development outside the hotels

Beruwela

• 56km south of Colombo on the south-western coast.
• Numerous Luxury hotels with heavy tourist development

Bentota Beach

• 65km south of Colombo on the south-western coast
• Typical tropical beach with golden sands and gently swaying palms.
• Busy town with a lot of hotels.
• Excellent range of watersports
• Big selection of luxury beachside hotels
• River trips through mangroves

Ambalangoda Beach

• 85km from Colombo on the south-western coast
• Beautiful stretch of sandy beach with an enticing rocky island just offshore.

Hikkaduwa

• 98km south of Colombo on the south-western coast
• One of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka
• Relaxed, youthful atmosphere with surfers and backpackers
• Good snorkelling on the coral reef

South Coast

Unawatuna

• South of Galle and 125km south of Colombo
• Voted as one of the world’s top 12 beaches
• 4km of sandy beach
• Calm waters all year round and good snorkelling over the coral reef
• Good surfing
• Good diving on wreck sites
• Relaxed youthful atmosphere with backpackers and surfers
• Lots of little beachside cafes and restaurants

Weligama

• 27km east of Galle
• Home of the stilt fishermen
• Picturesque shallow bay
• Broad sandy beach

Tangalle

• Miles of unspoilt golden sand including Godeliawela Beach
• One of the prettiest beaches in Sri Lanka
  
  

East Coast

Arugam Bay

• 314km east of Colombo
• Fishing village
• Sweeping beach and beautiful bay
• Top surfing destination in Sri Lanka
• Voted as one of the top surfing destinations in Asia

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