<<<< Beaches >>>>

West Coast Beaches (north to south)

Negombo Beach (35km north of Colombo)
Negombo, “The Village of Honey”, is Sri Lanka’s oldest beach town, just 6km from Bandaranaike International Airport and therefore popular for stays on arrival or before departure from the island. Negombo is now one of the island’s most vital fishing ports. The catamaran-type fishing craft, called oruwa, fitted with their large sails, characterize Negombo. On their return from fishing their trademark creamy-brown sails dot the horizon, becoming bigger as they make their way to the shore. You can even organize to go out in one or, at least inspect its meticulous and clever design.

Negombo is a centre for Roman Catholicism (its nickname is “Little Rome”) and so the town is dominated by beautiful shrines and churches. The biggest is the impressive, candy-colored church of St Mary’s, built over a period of 50 years from 1874, which exhibits some amazing ceiling painting.

The waterways surrounding Negombo offer the opportunity to explore the area. The Dutch Canal – also called the Hamilton Canal – runs south to Colombo and north to Puttalam. It was designed especially to transport spices such as cinnamon. You can enjoy peaceful boat trips observing local life and appreciating the wildlife as you sashay by.

The Negombo Lagoon – a great expanse of water usually visible from your plane window as you land or take off – is famed for the quality of its prawns and crab. It joins the Indian Ocean to the north, and to the south weaves into the estuaries and waterways of the Muthurajawela Marsh – a mangrove-studded wetland 15km south of Negombo that makes for a great expedition.

Mount Lavinia Beach
(12km south of Colombo) Mount Lavinia is a suburb of Colombo that possesses the nearest beach to the city centre, and is hence 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. Considering its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Colombo the beach is pleasant enough, and enjoys a quiet atmosphere. There are several beachside restaurants and bars. The sea is usually safe for swimming, but can be rough and you need to be wary of the strong undercurrents typical of this seashore.

Kalutara Beach
(42km south of Colombo) Kalutara is the first town outside the Colombo conurbation as you travel south on the coastal Galle Road. When you approach the town from Colombo the striking Stupa of Gangatilaka Vihara, Kalutara’s dominant landmark, looms as you traverse a bridge that spans Sri Lanka’s fourth largest river, the Kalu Ganga (“black river”) - from which the town gets its name – before it enters the sea. North of this bridge, all the way to Wadduwa (8km), extends a fine catamaran-scattered beach, often deserted, which is ideal for quick dips and long sunset strolls

North Coast Beaches

Nilaveli & Uppuveli
(280 km north-east of Colombo) The bordering beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli north of Trincomalee, together 6km in length, are the most favored by visitors to the region. Nilaveli, particularly, has one of the finest beaches in Sri Lanka - the expansive stretches of the island’s typical soft white sand are an ideal location for swimming and sunbathing. From here you can hire a boat to take you to nearby Pigeon Island – so-called because it is home to the rare Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) - which is good for diving and snorkeling.

Trincomalee
(257km north-east of Colombo) Trincomalee, or “Trinco” the popular abbreviated form, has a history extending well beyond its Portuguese, Dutch, British and even French occupations. In early times Trincomalee was known as Gokanna and its harbor was recognized very early on as a momentous one by the kings of that period. Visitors to Trinco are effortlessly enraptured by the region’s quiet beaches that it makes it difficult to think about anything other than lazing in the sand, swimming, water-sports such as diving, or going on a whale-watching expedition. Nevertheless, as with most places in Sri Lanka, a little exploration can uncover any digit of treasures.

East Coast Beaches

Arugam Bay Beach
(315km east of Colombo) Arugam village is situated in the bay of the same name on one of the nicest stretches of the south east coast with many miles of pristine beaches; it was once occupied by the Dutch as a military post and had a small mud fort. For the past quarter-century, but, it has been seasonally occupied by multinational surfers attracted by the waves and discerning travellers who appreciate the splendor of its isolation. During May to October, which is dry season on the east coast, the bay becomes safe for swimming, and best for surfing. There are some beautiful coral reefs and an unbelievable number of tropical fish to be seen in and around the area where the best snorkeling, on a calm day, is on the southern tip of the bay.

South Coast Beaches

Bentota Beach
(62km south of Colombo) Bentota combines a number of package resorts plus an excellent selection of up market hotels and the National Tourist Resort, which comprises a shopping centre, post office and a market. The city has long been a tourist haven, for in the 19th century, when Galle was the island’s main port, those scheduled to Colombo in stagecoaches stopped here at the rest-house (long gone) and indulged in local oysters. Bentota is Sri Lanka’s water-sports centre. The ocean here is calm and an excellent diving location. The beach divides into two, the north end comprising a spit of land – dubbed “Paradise Island” - dividing the waves of the Indian Ocean from the still waters of the Bentota Lagoon, while the more pleasing southern end comprises an attractive swathe of wide sandy beach where some of the island’s best up market hotels are located. Amazingly, although Bentota is one of the island’s most popular resorts, the beach is relatively quiet.

Hikkaduwa Beach (98km south of Colombo)
There is only one town that can swank of some of the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka, a long stretch of beach packed with restaurants serving fresh seafood, an equally long stretch of souvenir shops for the serious shopper, and guesthouses and hotels galore, from the cheap and cheerful to star-class. The name of the place is Hikkaduwa, and there is no other resort on the island like it.

The best period for surfing is November to April, as it is for diving and snorkeling, for the visibility is good. There are a number of excellent wreck dives, including the Shell-owned SS Conch, the world’s first oil tanker, sunk in 1903. The Hikkaduwa Maritime Sanctuary, established in 1988, ensures the underwater world is accessible to all whether they can dive or not. Snorkeling in the shallow waters 200m off shore is possible, and although the corals are dead in places you still come across a number of brightly-colored fish as you float a few meters above. The less adventurous can forever take a glass-bottomed boat ride, though this is environmentally open to discussion.

Unawatuna Beach
(140 km south-east of Colombo)Unawatuna is a fishing village set apart with a beautiful sandy bay fringed with palm trees. Science-fiction author Arthur C Clarke was so enchanted by the “exquisite arc of beach,” that he once made it his second home. To many visitors, Unawatuna is simply Sri Lanka’s best, a view endorsed by the Discovery Channel, which has rated the beach one of the ten best in the world.

Weligama Beach
Weligama possesses an extensive, all-embracing bay that welcomes long frothing rollers which spill onto the barrel-chest of a beach. An afternoon stroll the length of the bay to enjoy the panoramic vista while taking in the buzz of fishing activity is very enjoyable. The eastern end is a considered place to be at sunset, the place the bay where the waves roll in to provide great opportunity for surfers. This is where the bulk of guesthouses are situated. At the western end, with islands just offshore, the water in season is incredibly still, calm and as blue as a Sri Lankan sapphire. (143km south-east of Colombo)

Mirissa Beach
Five kilometers from Weligama, at the extremity of Weligama Bay, lays the relaxed, picturesque and isolated bay of Mirissa. The beach is measured to be one of the prettiest in Sri Lanka. Once a much sought-after hideaway, the last few years have seen a boost in visitors and some development, though nothing to the extent of spoiling its charm. Formerly a fisheries harbor, Mirissa features a wide stretch of golden sand fringed by palm trees and rolling surf.

Tangalle
(195km south-east of Colombo) On approaching Tangalle, the initial aspect to attract the gaze of the traveler is the intensely blue bays, which once harbored Dutch and British ships. No longer do foreign sailors linger there, but foreign tourists do, for it is measured one of the best bathing places in Sri Lanka. Even tea planters from the hills travel south to laze in the warm waters. Ten kilometers to the east, at Rekawa, is a turtle nesting site run by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP). TCP pays villagers to protect turtle eggs laid on the beach. November to April and full moon days are the best time to go and watch turtles laying eggs.

DIVING & SNORKELING Sri Lankan diving is divided into two basic seasons: one for the east coast and one for the west. You dive on the side of the island that's not directly exposed to the prevailing monsoon. For example, from late November to early March, when the northeast monsoon is blowing, diving conditions are best on the west coast.

Conversely, from March to September, during the southwest monsoon, the east coast has calm seas. The further south you go on either coast, the shorter the season


Home Sri Lanka About us Crazy Offers Different Tours Anuradapura Polonnaruwa Sigiriya Kandy Different Place Different Beaches Different Falls Safari & wild life Bird Lovers Ayurweda & Eco Find your way Comments Contact Us	Different Beaches

	Notwithstanding the terrible events of 26 December 2004, the beaches of Sri Lanka stand comparison with any in the world. Many, especially on the west coast, were largely unaffected by the tsunami and, with respect to the equally many in other locations that were struck, great strides have been made during the intervening period to restore environments to their former beauty. The island is blessed with literally hundreds of kilometres of pristine beaches, many throbbing with traditional life and colour. Watching fishermen tend to their boats in the morning or just enjoying a sunset with coconut trees silhouetted against a glowing ocean have a life enhancing quality that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated Different Beaches Sri Lanka Notwithstanding the terrible events of 26 December 2004, the beaches of Sri Lanka stand comparison with any in the world. Many, especially on the west coast, were largely unaffected by the tsunami and, with respect to the equally many in other locations that were struck, great strides have been made during the intervening period to restore environments to their former beauty. The island is blessed with literally hundreds of kilometers of pristine beaches, many throbbing with traditional life and color. Watching fishermen tend to their boats in the morning or just enjoying a sunset with coconut trees silhouetted against a glowing ocean have a life enhancing quality that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Where beaches are concerned you will be spoilt for picking in Sri Lanka. Beaches totaling 1,340km fringe the island, from the long-established tourist destinations of the southern coast, to the vast beaches of the Deep South, and the less-visited expanses of the north and east. No matter what time of the year, you can discover a beach that is in season and just waiting to welcome you to its warm sands. Where beaches are concerned you will be spoilt for picking in Sri Lanka. Beaches totaling 1,340km fringe the island, from the long-established tourist destinations of the southern coast, to the vast beaches of the Deep South, and the less-visited expanses of the north and east. No matter what time of the year, you can discover a beach that is in season and just waiting to welcome you to its warm sands. West Coast Beaches (north to south) Negombo Beach (35km north of Colombo) Negombo, “The Village of Honey”, is Sri Lanka’s oldest beach town, just 6km from Bandaranaike International Airport and therefore popular for stays on arrival or before departure from the island. Negombo is now one of the island’s most vital fishing ports. The catamaran-type fishing craft, called oruwa, fitted with their large sails, characterize Negombo. On their return from fishing their trademark creamy-brown sails dot the horizon, becoming bigger as they make their way to the shore. You can even organize to go out in one or, at least inspect its meticulous and clever design. Negombo is a centre for Roman Catholicism (its nickname is “Little Rome”) and so the town is dominated by beautiful shrines and churches. The biggest is the impressive, candy-colored church of St Mary’s, built over a period of 50 years from 1874, which exhibits some amazing ceiling painting. Negombo is a centre for Roman Catholicism (its nickname is “Little Rome”) and so the town is dominated by beautiful shrines and churches. The biggest is the impressive, candy-colored church of St Mary’s, built over a period of 50 years from 1874, which exhibits some amazing ceiling painting. The waterways surrounding Negombo offer the opportunity to explore the area. The Dutch Canal – also called the Hamilton Canal – runs south to Colombo and north to Puttalam. It was designed especially to transport spices such as cinnamon. You can enjoy peaceful boat trips observing local life and appreciating the wildlife as you sashay by. The Negombo Lagoon – a great expanse of water usually visible from your plane window as you land or take off – is famed for the quality of its prawns and crab. It joins the Indian Ocean to the north, and to the south weaves into the estuaries and waterways of the Muthurajawela Marsh – a mangrove-studded wetland 15km south of Negombo that makes for a great expedition. Mount Lavinia Beach (12km south of Colombo) Mount Lavinia is a suburb of Colombo that possesses the nearest beach to the city centre, and is hence 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. Considering its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Colombo the beach is pleasant enough, and enjoys a quiet atmosphere. There are several beachside restaurants and bars. The sea is usually safe for swimming, but can be rough and you need to be wary of the strong undercurrents typical of this seashore. Kalutara Beach (42km south of Colombo) Kalutara is the first town outside the Colombo conurbation as you travel south on the coastal Galle Road. When you approach the town from Colombo the striking Stupa of Gangatilaka Vihara, Kalutara’s dominant landmark, looms as you traverse a bridge that spans Sri Lanka’s fourth largest river, the Kalu Ganga (“black river”) - from which the town gets its name – before it enters the sea. North of this bridge, all the way to Wadduwa (8km), extends a fine catamaran-scattered beach, often deserted, which is ideal for quick dips and long sunset strolls North Coast Beaches Nilaveli & Uppuveli (280 km north-east of Colombo) The bordering beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli north of Trincomalee, together 6km in length, are the most favored by visitors to the region. Nilaveli, particularly, has one of the finest beaches in Sri Lanka - the expansive stretches of the island’s typical soft white sand are an ideal location for swimming and sunbathing. From here you can hire a boat to take you to nearby Pigeon Island – so-called because it is home to the rare Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) - which is good for diving and snorkeling. Trincomalee (257km north-east of Colombo) Trincomalee, or “Trinco” the popular abbreviated form, has a history extending well beyond its Portuguese, Dutch, British and even French occupations. In early times Trincomalee was known as Gokanna and its harbor was recognized very early on as a momentous one by the kings of that period. Visitors to Trinco are effortlessly enraptured by the region’s quiet beaches that it makes it difficult to think about anything other than lazing in the sand, swimming, water-sports such as diving, or going on a whale-watching expedition. Nevertheless, as with most places in Sri Lanka, a little exploration can uncover any digit of treasures. East Coast Beaches Arugam Bay Beach (315km east of Colombo) Arugam village is situated in the bay of the same name on one of the nicest stretches of the south east coast with many miles of pristine beaches; it was once occupied by the Dutch as a military post and had a small mud fort. For the past quarter-century, but, it has been seasonally occupied by multinational surfers attracted by the waves and discerning travellers who appreciate the splendor of its isolation. During May to October, which is dry season on the east coast, the bay becomes safe for swimming, and best for surfing. There are some beautiful coral reefs and an unbelievable number of tropical fish to be seen in and around the area where the best snorkeling, on a calm day, is on the southern tip of the bay.	South Coast Beaches Bentota Beach (62km south of Colombo) Bentota combines a number of package resorts plus an excellent selection of up market hotels and the National Tourist Resort, which comprises a shopping centre, post office and a market. The city has long been a tourist haven, for in the 19th century, when Galle was the island’s main port, those scheduled to Colombo in stagecoaches stopped here at the rest-house (long gone) and indulged in local oysters. Bentota is Sri Lanka’s water-sports centre. The ocean here is calm and an excellent diving location. The beach divides into two, the north end comprising a spit of land – dubbed “Paradise Island” - dividing the waves of the Indian Ocean from the still waters of the Bentota Lagoon, while the more pleasing southern end comprises an attractive swathe of wide sandy beach where some of the island’s best up market hotels are located. Amazingly, although Bentota is one of the island’s most popular resorts, the beach is relatively quiet. Hikkaduwa Beach (98km south of Colombo) There is only one town that can swank of some of the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka, a long stretch of beach packed with restaurants serving fresh seafood, an equally long stretch of souvenir shops for the serious shopper, and guesthouses and hotels galore, from the cheap and cheerful to star-class. The name of the place is Hikkaduwa, and there is no other resort on the island like it. The best period for surfing is November to April, as it is for diving and snorkeling, for the visibility is good. There are a number of excellent wreck dives, including the Shell-owned SS Conch, the world’s first oil tanker, sunk in 1903. The Hikkaduwa Maritime Sanctuary, established in 1988, ensures the underwater world is accessible to all whether they can dive or not. Snorkeling in the shallow waters 200m off shore is possible, and although the corals are dead in places you still come across a number of brightly-colored fish as you float a few meters above. The less adventurous can forever take a glass-bottomed boat ride, though this is environmentally open to discussion. Unawatuna Beach (140 km south-east of Colombo)Unawatuna is a fishing village set apart with a beautiful sandy bay fringed with palm trees. Science-fiction author Arthur C Clarke was so enchanted by the “exquisite arc of beach,” that he once made it his second home. To many visitors, Unawatuna is simply Sri Lanka’s best, a view endorsed by the Discovery Channel, which has rated the beach one of the ten best in the world. Weligama Beach Weligama possesses an extensive, all-embracing bay that welcomes long frothing rollers which spill onto the barrel-chest of a beach. An afternoon stroll the length of the bay to enjoy the panoramic vista while taking in the buzz of fishing activity is very enjoyable. The eastern end is a considered place to be at sunset, the place the bay where the waves roll in to provide great opportunity for surfers. This is where the bulk of guesthouses are situated. At the western end, with islands just offshore, the water in season is incredibly still, calm and as blue as a Sri Lankan sapphire. (143km south-east of Colombo) Mirissa Beach Five kilometers from Weligama, at the extremity of Weligama Bay, lays the relaxed, picturesque and isolated bay of Mirissa. The beach is measured to be one of the prettiest in Sri Lanka. Once a much sought-after hideaway, the last few years have seen a boost in visitors and some development, though nothing to the extent of spoiling its charm. Formerly a fisheries harbor, Mirissa features a wide stretch of golden sand fringed by palm trees and rolling surf. Tangalle (195km south-east of Colombo) On approaching Tangalle, the initial aspect to attract the gaze of the traveler is the intensely blue bays, which once harbored Dutch and British ships. No longer do foreign sailors linger there, but foreign tourists do, for it is measured one of the best bathing places in Sri Lanka. Even tea planters from the hills travel south to laze in the warm waters. Ten kilometers to the east, at Rekawa, is a turtle nesting site run by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP). TCP pays villagers to protect turtle eggs laid on the beach. November to April and full moon days are the best time to go and watch turtles laying eggs. DIVING & SNORKELING Sri Lankan diving is divided into two basic seasons: one for the east coast and one for the west. You dive on the side of the island that's not directly exposed to the prevailing monsoon. For example, from late November to early March, when the northeast monsoon is blowing, diving conditions are best on the west coast. Conversely, from March to September, during the southwest monsoon, the east coast has calm seas. The further south you go on either coast, the shorter the season
Home \| Aout Us \| Crazy Offers \| Different Tours \| Comments \| Contact Us \| Site map

Different Beaches

West Coast Beaches (north to south)

North Coast Beaches

East Coast Beaches

South Coast Beaches