Sri Lanka’s Coastal Paradise
Boasting year-round sunshine and breathtaking sceneries, beach holidays in Sri Lanka offer a laidback coastal escape.
Laze on soft sandy beaches, get the perfect tan, delight in magical sunsets and the thrills of water sports — a perfect holiday with the whole family or that special someone.
Beaches & Sunsets Map
Eleven coastal escapes around the island.
Negombo
Little white sailboats voyage into the heart of the seas while the deep blue skies stretch like a canopy of glory above the picturesque oceanic vistas. When the sun sets in the golden horizon, stylish restaurants illuminate their spaces with dim, romantic lights; tourists gather around tables to enjoy meals of the best lobsters, prawns and crabs found in the country and conversations while the salty breeze keeps all company under the starry skies. All of this you will find in the cinnamon hub of the colonised Dutch city of Negombo Sri Lanka; beach holidays do not get any better!
The golden sands of the shores of Negombo are lined with many luxurious resorts and have plenty of accommodation options to choose from. With many of the modern amenities available in the town, the plethora of choices for the discerning shopper is fulfilled. Negombo also represents the ultimate nightlife featuring bars, disco bars and clubs. So, jazz up to the rhythm of the west, and be ready for a night of ‘fest’, because at Negombo everything is ‘best’.
Kalpitiya
The little city of Kalpitiya, which beautifully embraced a simple life for years, has now started becoming a major tourist attraction. Travellers from all over the country and the world have started falling in love with the rich beauty of this remarkable destination that boasts of pristine beaches and dazzling ocean waters. Kalpitiya has 14 islands in total and each of these possesses stunning beauty and appeal.
Located in Puttalam in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, the area has a number of luxury resorts and boutique hotels, making it a tourist magnet.
Kalpitiya is one of the best beaches to visit in Sri Lanka to have a quiet coastal vacation, as the region is still quite new to the tourism industry. Calm, unspoiled stretches of powdery shores line the borders of the city, glistening under the golden sun creating a vista that is breathtakingly beautiful.
Adventure seekers will find perfect delight when a visit is made to Kalpitiya. The area is quite popular among kite surfing enthusiasts. You can also enjoy whale and dolphin watching cruises while you are here. Witness the magnificent giants of the ocean, as they breach the waters and put on a priceless display like no other.
Kalutara
Kalutara, famous for its rich history and cultural background set against the golden beaches of the region, makes the city quite a popular destination among locals and tourists. There are many hotels and resorts that offer premium comforts to travellers in Kalutara, which enhances the appeal of the city.
Perfect “family time” is always guaranteed at Kalutara Beach. Sri Lanka has many other marvellous attractions in the Western and Southern Provinces, which are quite easy to reach from the city. Among these attractions, undoubtedly the most famous one is the Kalutara Bodhiya. It is one of the most prominent places of worship among the Buddhists in the country. It is one of the 32 saplings of the famous Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura, the oldest Bo Tree in Sri Lanka. A large number of devotees visit this sacred place of worship throughout the year.
Richmond Castle, Thudugala Ella Waterfall, Fa Hien Caves, Holy Cross Church, Ranjith’s Carving and Batik Museum & Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple are some of the other famous landmarks in the region; these definitely should be included in your travel itinerary when visiting Kalutara. The area is famous for growing delicious mangosteens which were introduced to the country from Malaysia back in the 19th century.
Bentota
Sun-kissed beaches that glisten under brilliant blue skies, greet you the moment you enter the town of Bentota. Luxury resorts encircle the shoreline while the spectacularly gorgeous Indian Ocean ceaselessly ripples and crashes upon it. Albeit its fame, the little town of Bentota is a quiet one, and you will be able to look forward to hours of blissful contentment upon these pristine shores while tiny sand crabs keep you company.
While Bentota features one of the best beaches to visit in Sri Lanka, it has more than seaside delights to look forward to. The region has many popular tourist attractions too so a tour here will certainly be a richly rewarding one. The Galapota Temple which houses a large statue of Buddha is a popular attraction, as is the Paradise Island, which is a sandy strip of the Bentota Beach that runs parallel to the Bentota Lagoon. Visit the famed architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s home, Lunuganga, open to those who appreciate fine architecture and design.
Water sport fanatics will be delighted to learn that Bentota offers quite a few easy to access diving and snorkelling sites. Among these, the Canoe Rock is quite famous. The many resorts, as well as the water sports centres in the region, provide equipment and facilities needed to enjoy hours of blissful indulgence in the waters here.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a stylish seaside resort town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The number of luxurious resorts that are scattered along the golden shores of Hikkaduwa Beach in Sri Lanka makes this gorgeous destination an immensely popular one among tourists around the world.
Picture perfect vistas of golden beaches, turquoise oceans and dazzling blue skies are all yours to enjoy when you visit this enchanting little coastal getaway. You can laze upon the beach and soak up the golden sun or give yourself an epic adrenaline rush by enjoying the many forms of water sports that the region offers. Take a snorkelling tour and delve into the mysterious depths of the ocean to discover some of its best-kept secrets. The mesmerising beauty of the coral reef here can be observed when taking a glass bottom boat ride across the Hikkaduwa National Park, a world-famous coral sanctuary.
Dotted along the coastline are plenty of restaurants that serve mouth-watering seafood concoctions! Be brave and sample the fiery crustaceans placed before you and fall in love with the flavours of this magical paradise island. After a hearty meal, visit one of the many pubs dotted along the coastline and dance the night away!
Unawatuna
Indulge in a holiday experience of a lifetime in the idyllic town of Unawatuna. There are plenty of luxury resorts in Unawatuna that offer world-class service and the warm hospitality of the island to tourists who visit from all over the world. These along with the myriad of well-established surf centres that are located in and around the town offer sensational thrills to adventure seekers too. Sea kayaking, sailing and surfing are immensely popular activities here.
Unawatuna Beach in Sri Lanka lies in close proximity to many prominent tourist attractions. Places such as Dalawella Beach, Jungle Beach and Mihiripenna Beach are great spots to soak up the sun, while there are other popular sites of interest too; the Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rumassala Sanctuary, Unawatuna Devol Devalaya and Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya can be included in your travel itinerary if you wish to embark on exploratory tours during your vacation.
Fans of seafood will find divine satisfaction at the many restaurants and eateries that line the shores of Unawatuna. You can opt for a simple meal or indulge in an exquisite gastronomic treat at local restaurants here too. The opportunities to find blissful contentment are abundant indeed!
Koggala
If you are in love with the surpassing beauty of the golden beaches in Sri Lanka, Koggala Beach is certainly one of the places that you must consider visiting. The picturesque environs are engulfed in the timeless beauty of simplicity. While the world and all its cares rage and rave in the distance, the sleepy little town of Koggala lies, dreaming upon the golden shores that fringe the ocean’s blues.
You will be able to witness stilt fishermen when you visit and observe how they patiently wait for the ocean to render to them their living, while the golden sun browns their bare skin. The long beach here is perfect for relaxing too. Find refreshment in your glass of tropical cocktail or try out the tastes of king coconut, a local favourite! You can sample exquisite Sri Lankan food at the many restaurants and eateries that are located in and around the beach. Do try out spicy local seafood curries while you are here! Many small restaurants serve signature versions that rival epicurean delights served at high-end restaurants in the country.
Several famous tourist attractions can be reached with ease from Koggala. Places like the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum Complex, Handunugoda Tea Estate, Sea Turtle Conversation Project and Koggala Lake can be included in your travel itinerary for a well rounded holiday experience. You can also enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing during your tour.
Ahangama & Kabalana
While Weligama welcomes beginners with gentle, forgiving waves, just a few kilometers west lies a twin destination with a completely different personality. Ahangama and its famous beach Kabalana form a sophisticated, dual-faced surfing hub that has quickly become one of Sri Lanka's most desirable destinations for intermediate and advanced surfers. If Weligama is the friendly classroom where you learn to stand, Ahangama and Kabalana are the exhilarating playground where you learn to surf.
Kabalana Beach is home to “The Rock” – one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and powerful surf breaks. Unlike Weligama’s sandy-bottom rollers, The Rock is an A-frame reef break that produces both left and right-hand waves capable of delivering rides up to an astonishing 400 meters on a good swell. The variety of waves lets you level up: you learn in Weligama, you improve in Ahangama.
The scenery here is the kind of wave surfers dream about, and the dining scene rivals anywhere on the south coast – you’ll eat better than you expect. Surf in the morning, yoga in the afternoon, explore a tea plantation or a lake, and feast on incredible food at night. Ahangama supports a full, rich travel experience, not just surfing.
Weligama
Indulge in a holiday experience of a lifetime in the idyllic town of Weligama. There are plenty of luxury resorts in Weligama that offer world-class service and the warm hospitality of the island to tourists who visit from all over the world. These along with the myriad of well-established surf centres that are located in and around the town offer sensational thrills to adventure seekers too. Sea kayaking, sailing and surfing are immensely popular activities here.
At the edge of town stands Kushta Raja Gala – a 3-meter (10-foot) tall stone statue of a king. Local legend says he suffered from a disfiguring skin disease (kushta in Sinhala) and was cured by local physicians. The statue remains a place of quiet pilgrimage and curiosity – one of Sri Lanka’s oldest surviving free-standing rock carvings.
Weligama’s beach is not the wild, dramatic kind. It is gentle, welcoming, and photogenic – a 5-kilometer (3-mile) arc of golden-brown sand that curves gracefully between two rocky points. Fans of seafood will find divine satisfaction at the many restaurants and eateries that line the shores. You can opt for a simple meal or indulge in an exquisite gastronomic treat at local restaurants here – the opportunities to find blissful contentment are abundant indeed!
Tangalle
Captivating beaches that dazzle under the golden sun beckon you to enjoy a perfect respite in the beautiful town of Tangalle. Luxury hotels have added a grand touch of elegance to the environs of this idyllic destination. Clusters of stylish seafood restaurants add the perfect flavour to the holidays spent here too.
Tangalle Beach in Sri Lanka is an important fishing port in the country. It used to be quite active even in colonial times when it was a popular port amongst the Dutch and British colonials. Many remnants of this era can be witnessed scattered across the territories of the town. If you wish to catch a glimpse of the colourful culture of the region, you can take a tour and discover beautiful old buildings that carry emblems of the colonial past. Places such as the Dutch Fort, Court House and Rest House can be included in your travel itineraries.
For nature enthusiasts, the Bundala National Park and Udawalawe National Park can be easily explored from Tangalle. You can visit places like Rekawa Lagoon, the Parewella Natural Swimming Area and the Hummanaya Blow Hole while exploring neighbouring destinations. The famous beaches in the region which include Goyambokka Beach, Marakolliya Beach and Kudawella Beach are immensely popular among tourists. If idle relaxation is what you are seeking, you can rest by the waters of the sea and soak up the golden sun while the quiet town lulls you to perfect rest!
Mirissa
Mirissa offers an unforgettable coastal adventure along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. In addition to the characteristic appeal of a seaside resort town, Mirissa offers all of its visitors the opportunity to embark on whale and dolphin watching adventures.
Voyage into the heart of the sea and witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of blue whales and the childlike friskiness of dolphins with your loved ones; create a perfect memory to cherish for a lifetime. Bring along your cameras and click away as the magnificent giants of the depths majestically part the waters.
The whale watching season in Mirissa starts in the month of November and generally lasts till April. So if you happen to be travelling in the region during this time, do schedule a whale watching tour and treat yourself to this epic indulgence!
After your exciting expedition, you can go back to the town and relax at one of the many beachside restaurants and sample the sensational tastes of the paradise island. Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka is also home to a large number of luxury hotels and resorts so you can be pampered like royalty here. You will also find many nightclubs in the town that offer plenty of fun after the sun has set.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay, a surfer’s paradise, where time does not exist. Surfboards in hand, venture out to sea to catch a good swell, listen to the mighty ocean and let it carry you back to the white sandy beach. When you are not surfing, enjoy the many local restaurants serving a magnitude of different cuisines along the beach.
Arugam Bay Beach is a relatively quiet and truly idyllic place. The small number of local families who are fortunate enough to call this incredible destination their home, are friendly so you will certainly be warmly welcomed during your stay. While surfing remains the major activity of interest, there are other delightful indulgences that you can experience in Arugam Bay. Consider visiting famed attractions such as Elephant Rock, Muhudu Maha Viharaya and Kudumbigala Monastery to witness the rich cultural allure of this charming coastal region. For surfers who are wildlife enthusiasts, the Yala National Park & Kumana National Park can be reached with ease from Arugam Bay.
Those who are spellbound by the insatiable desire for adventure should definitely mark this spot in their maps and include it in their travel itineraries!
Pasikudah
Powdery white sands, turquoise seas and a string of luxurious hotels and resorts all make Pasikuda a truly magical destination that is ideal for beach vacations. The crystal clear waters here are so inviting and the dazzling white sands so pristine that you will wonder if you have discovered a lost paradise.
The area offers plenty to do to keep you entertained. You can visit famous tourist attractions like Kallady Beach, Batticaloa Lighthouse and Kokkadicholai Hindu Temple. Unique souvenirs can also be found at Palmyrah handicraft outlets. If you wish to explore the enchanting ruins that showcase the golden glory of the island’s beautiful past, take a drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Wildlife enthusiasts can also opt to visit Minneriya National Park and witness the gentle giants of the jungles as they roam freely in their natural habitats.
The shallow coastline of Pasikuda Beach in Sri Lanka makes it quite appealing for sea lovers. Some say the beach has the longest stretch of shallow coastline in the world! The weak currents make the waters here quite safe for swimming too.
While Pasikuda has seen an increase in popularity in the recent past, it is still relatively less crowded than some of the beaches on the south coast. This factor serves as a motivation for those who desire privacy and seclusion during their holidays by this magical stretch of shore.