Sri Lanka’s Beaches

Known as the tear drop of India, surrounded by the blue ocean the island of Sri Lanka has been long sort after for its sun, sand and sea by travelers around the world. With a coastal length of 1,340km Sri Lanka has some amazing beaches which are in season throughout the year at different parts of the island.

If you are trying to get away from the Northern Hemisphere winter during the months of November to March the West and South coast beaches of Sri Lanka would be the best places to visit. These beaches can easily be fitted in to a round tour holiday where you spend a week or so exploring the inland parts of the island which include cultural, wildlife and hill country sites and then finish off with a week of relaxing in one of the many beach hotels in the South or West coast.

During the summer months of the Northern Hemisphere and winter time in the Southern Hemisphere the best places to visit are the North and East coast beaches of the country. April to October are very good months in these parts of the island, there is virtually no rain during this time and known to be the dry season and sunshine is guaranteed! Come and enjoy a truly relaxing stay on the beach!!

Places to be visited

We recommend some places that you should not miss out on during your trip to Sri Lanka. These need to be in your bucket list for you’re a perfect beach holiday in Sri Lanka.

Negombo

The coastal town of Negombo – great beach, lots of bars and restaurants and just 20 minutes from the airport

Kalpitya

The Kalpitya beach – introduced to the public only a few years back, this isolated beach area towards the North from Colombo is the perfect place for honeymooners seeking some privacy/ A selection of small rustic luxury hotels are located here and during the months from Nov to April this area comes alive with the Dolphin watching season where you can see over a 1000 dolphins in one visit and from May to September each year this area is known to be the best place in the world for Kite Surfing with perfect winds and calm seas.

Trinco

Trinco beach – one of the favorite beaches in the East coast of the country, Trincomalee as its known locally has become the hot spot for summer holidays.

Passikuda

Passikuda beach – with your own private ocean swimming pool the Passikuda beach has white sand shallow waters to up to 500meters from the shoreline and totally calm seas due to the coral reefs surrounding the bay.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay – Best known by surfers around the world, the beaches of Arugam Bay have been attracting tourists for the past 40 years. With lots of beach bars, guest houses and home stays this area is perfect in the months of May to September for surfers.

Tangalle

Tangalle beach – Located in the Southeast corner of the island this beach area is known to have good weather throughout the year, private and unspoiled beaches. Many of the exclusive hotels are located here along with some nice beach cabanas as well.

Mirissa/Weligama

Mirissa/Weligama beach – Located in the south of the island, this sea is known for its whale watching boats that go out during the season. Some of the few beaches in the south coast that are good for swimming is found in this area.

Galle - Unawatuna

Galle – Unawatuna beaches – This area does have nice beaches and some hidden gems like Unawatuna are located within this coast. A collection of Sri Lanka’s best boutique hotels and villas are scattered within this coastal area and is perfect for family holidays, weddings and long beach stays.

West coast

West coast – being closest to Colombo this coast is dotted with beach hotels mostly large chain hotels from Kalutara to Hikkaduwa. The best beach to swim would be Hikkaduwa beach with amazing coral reefs as well.

Surfing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a famous surfing destination that caters to all experience levels.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay, 3km (2 miles) south of the small fishing village of Pottuvil, had a reputation as a surfer’s paradise.