With a 1,340 km (830-mile) diverse coastline, Sri Lanka is famed as one of the best countries for Thalassophiles. Sri Lanka has beaches to serve everyone with a mix of scenic value, peak relaxation, and open for adventures! With a spectacular coastline homing many golden beaches, Sri Lanka is a perfect beach station to try year-round. The East coast is the best between May and September, making the South and West the best between November and April.
Beaches in Sri Lanka magnetically attract visitors to the island taking their diversity into the lead. From all the amazing beach spots across the country, you are given a great insight into the 10 best beaches that you should never leave unrevealed. And make sure you do not miss how to get there the easy way!
Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is at the top of beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka that is located south of Galle about only a few kilometers away from historic Galle Fort. It is loved by many for its calm aqua-blue water making it ideal for both swimming and snorkeling. Together Unawatuna is popular for its rich marine life with beautiful coral reefs. And for those who love high nightlife by the sea, Unawatuna should reserve the space where you find regular beach parties and many entertainment activities to take part. You can find some finest restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops along the shore to serve you amazingly.
Best time to visit:
Visit Unawatuna Beach between late October and April to experience a stable climate but being humid the chance for rain stands throughout the year. And most of the year, we find it relatively calm.
How to get there:
You can either take train or public busses from Colombo to Galle and a short ride of a few kilometers of by a tuk-tuk to the beach area. By a private vehicle, it would probably take about 2 hours.
Arugam Bay
If you are here for surfing, Arugam Bay which is located on the East Coast is the top destination which is now no secret among surfers. During its peak season, Arugam Bay is home to many surfers from all around the world. And there are also international surf competitions now take part in Arugam Bay making Sri Lanka’s blue waves more popular. This is a perfect spot for beginners or those who have not surfed before as Arugam Bay’s waves are quite smooth. Even the area is quite crowdy most of the time, it still hasn’t failed to offer remote beachy feel to you. Also you can find good restaurants, bars, and cafes close to the beach to make your beach experience great.
Best time to visit:
Visit Arugam Bay between May and September.
How to get there:
Take a bus or train to Pottuvil from Colombo or any location and take a tuk-tuk ride to Arugambay Beach which would probably take about 15 minutes.
Mirissa Beach
From dedicated sunbathers to extreme surfers, Mirissa beach is undoubtedly a top choice. Homing scenic views plus an active culture, Mirissa arrests all kinds of beach lovers just locating in the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. It has ample space for surfing by the right side of the Parrot rock, do snorkeling by the left, enjoy finest restaurants, bars, and have most lively nights. And if you are a fan of whale watching, Mirissa is going to be working best for you.
Best time to visit:
Visit Mirissa Beach between November and April for its best views and beach culture.
How to get there:
You can take a bus or train to Matara from Colombo or any other location and simply take a tuk-tuk ride to Mirissa Beach from Matara town.
Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikkaduwa Beach is a favorite coastal destination locates on Sri Lanka’s south west coast, for both adventure lovers and those who just want to relax under sun. It’s golden sand, lively beach atmosphere, and picturesque coral reefs make it a paradise. Hikkaduwa is ideal for diving and snorkeling with a great diversity of marine life to explore among the reefs and specially to see Turtles. There you find several surf schools on the beach for those who want to experience surf-friendly waves in Hikkaduwa. There you can also enjoy vibrant nightlife with plentiful beachside restaurants and numerous activities.
Best time to visit:
Visit Hikkaduwa Beach between November to April.
How to get there:
Hikkaduwa Beach is close to Colombo. You can easily travel by train or bus to reach the destination.
Tangalle Beach
If you are hunting a calm and quiet beach vacation with family this palm lined shores and clear blue water at Tangalle can definitely serve you. This picture-perfect destination is relatelively hidden on the southeastern coast creating a perfect tranquil beach atmosphere to relax. However, with reefs and rocks, you possibly meet with strong waves and currents making Tangalle Beach not working for swimming and surfing.
Best time to visit:
Visit Tangalle Beach between November and April.
How to get there:
You can take a Bus from Colombo to Tangalle or travel by train to Matara and a short tuk-tuk ride to Tangalle Beach.
Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli Beach is found north of Trincomalee (east coast) and is popular for its wide and clean powdery sand. This is a picturesque destination and its clean and calm, shallow water make it an ideal spot for deep-sea diving for vibrant marine life and whale watching. And diving is easy and recommended in Pigeon Island Marine Park nearby which is a top snorkeling and diving site to see your favorite turtles and sharks.
Best time to visit:
Visit Nilaveli Beach between May and September for the best beach vibes.
How to get there:
Travel by train or bus to Trincomalee from Colombo or any location and in about 15 km from there you get to Nilaveli Beach. You can take a tuk-tuk ride or hire a vehicle.
Bentota Beach
For your family beach vacation Bentota is the ideal spot which is along a golden beach on the West Coast that meets the end in a narrow stretch of sand dividing the Indian Ocean from a large lagoon. For safe water sports like water skiing, wind surfing and banana boat riding, best swimming with life guards around this is marked a perfect beach getaway for families. And there you can experience luxury stay at high-end hotels and enjoy best times at finest sea side restaurants.
Best time to visit:
November to April, it is best time to visit Benthota beach.
How to get there:
From Colombo it is not too far to reach Benthota. You can take a train or bus to head to Benthota.
Pasikuda Beach
For extreme relaxation, Pasikuda is one of the best a serene beach destination on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. Not only the breathtaking views makes Pasikuda Beach popular, but also the protection by a reef that spans the bay, marking it one of the safest and most calming stretches of coastline. Its shallow waters and golden sands make it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing. The beach is great for families for a peaceful escape and its clear water and beauty in coral reefs make it work for the best snorkeling and diving also as the water is safe.
Best time to visit:
Visit Pasikuda Beach between May and September for the finest experiences.
How to get there:
You can travel by a bus or train from Colombo or any location to Batticaloa, then take a taxi or a tuk-tuk ride to reach Pasikuda.
Uppuveli Beach
Uppuveli Beach is another pleasing beach near Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanks which is full of peace and gives off-the-beat beach getaway. It is famous for its clear water, soft sand and atmosphere where totally a change from busy built-up beach culture in the south. Besides relaxation, this beach is ideal for dolphin watching, and snorkeling, and should not miss fresh seafood from the limited cafes nearby.
Best time to visit:
May to September it is best to visit Uppuveli Beach.
How to get there:
This is close to Trincomalee just as Nilaveli Beach. You can take a bus or train to reach Trincomalee and a short tuk-tuk ride can lead you to Uppuveli beach easily.
Weligama Beach
With quality waves and sandy-bottom Weligama Beach in Southern is a popular spot among surfers and specially for beginners there you find surfing schools as well. Surfboards are available for rent and you can take surfing lessons conduct by experienced local surfers. With soft sand and clear water, Weligama is known as a great spot for families to spend time relaxing on the coast. There are also plentiful of fine restaurants, bars, cafes and accommodations to work for your budget. If you love to see insights into fishing villages around you can take easy boat tours which would be very interesting.
Best time to visit:
Visit Weligama Beach between November to April.
How to get there:
You can travel by a bus or public train to Weligama from Colombo or any other location.
Sri Lanka is a paradise for beach lovers, bringing something to meet with every interest on the island. Just make sure you add these beautiful coastal sites into your next tour plan!
