Tatyana Solomatina

Short review beach resorts Sri Lanka

Greetings, dear readers! Despite the fact that the island is surrounded on all sides by the ocean, and accordingly rich in beaches, here you need to carefully choose a resort.

Do not forget that the ocean is not a quiet lake, there are huge waves and waves that can nullify your vacation due to the inability to enter the water. Tourists planning to explore the beaches of Sri Lanka should carefully consider the choice of a resort.

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean coastline which is 1340 km. Though beach season here lasts all year round, due to climatic conditions it is better to go to the northeast in the summer months, and to the southwest in the winter. You can read more about the climate of the island.

There are many resorts in the southwest, almost all of them with good infrastructure. There are enough hotels of different levels, it is not difficult to find very budget accommodation near local residents. In my opinion, you need to choose the beaches of Sri Lanka based on the season and the suitability of the resort to your desires.

Colombo and Negombo

Colombo and Negombo beach holiday don't fit at all. It is good to stop here for a break before a long flight or during excursions. Because of the proximity big city, the ocean is dirty, nearby major metropolis with all the ensuing consequences.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is perfect for young people and active tourists. It is located 100 km from the airport and has a well-developed infrastructure. On Fridays, one of the hotels hosts noisy beach parties. Lots of accommodation ranging from expensive hotels to cheap rooms. The coastline stretches for 10 km, but the waves here are very large, there is compressed yellow sand on the shore. Hikkaduwa beach guide, read.

Bentota

Bentota - lovely resort 65 from Colombo. Many package tours are offered here. The whole city is adjusted to the life of tourists, many cafes and shops, a large selection of accommodation. The coastline is very wide, the waves are quite strong. There are small calm coves, but it is difficult to find them right away. If you stay on the outskirts, then in the evening entertainment is limited only to the territory of the hotel.

beruwella

Beruvella is located five kilometers from Bentota, it is a young resort. Here they rest on package tours, finding accommodation on their own is problematic. Beach holidays are the same as in Bentota, only a little less people and calmer. This is a favorite resort of tourists from Europe, there are expensive hotels. The coastline is very beautiful with coconut trees and white sand.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a small enclosed bay, a great place to relax with children. Very beautiful beach, shallow ocean, practically no waves. Everything you need for tourists is here, noisy parties do not happen. However, there are many people because budget holiday and bathable ocean.

Galle is not suitable for a beach holiday at all, it is a sightseeing city. City beach with all the ensuing consequences.

Weligama

Weligama is a quiet resort place with a beautiful three-kilometer beach. However, the waves here are so strong that it is very difficult to swim. There is almost nothing for vacationers. Suitable for a secluded holiday and for surfers.

Mirissa

Mirissa is a small town in the south of Sri Lanka. The infrastructure was built for tourists, but it is much quieter and calmer here than in Unawatuna. It is also very stormy on the central beach, but there are small coves with calm water nearby. After nine in the evening there is no entertainment.

Dikwella is a small fishing town in Sri Lanka that has a couple of expensive hotels and some private housing. The ocean is very clear and the beaches are beautiful. You can find a place without waves. For a quiet, secluded holiday, there are almost no people here.

Tangalle - Big City in the south of Sri Lanka with a very beautiful beach, but swimming is impossible due to the most strong waves on the coast. The coastline is very long, you can always find a secluded place. There is no entertainment at all.

Koggala is not the most developed and popular resort of Sri Lanka near Galle. A busy road runs along the coast, so you won’t be able to feel like on the Bounty Island, although coconut palms grow along the coastline. All life here takes place on the beach and the main street, where there are several shops and a bank.

Beaches in the northeast of Sri Lanka

Trincomalee

In the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka, the situation is opposite, there are few places to stay. There is only one main resort - Trincomalee. The infrastructure is also quite developed here, but it is located very far from the international airport and it is not easy to get here.

(bay), but there is absolutely nothing there. However, magnificent beaches with white sand attract tourists who prefer a calm, quiet rest. Very comfortable to stay with small children. Not far from the coast there is a small coral island. It is easy to get to it, local residents are happy to deliver everyone there for a fee.

When going on vacation to Sri Lanka, not all tourists realize that around the island is the Indian Ocean, and not a calm sea. Here gorgeous beaches with coconut trees and clean white sand, but to fully swim in the ocean is possible only in small closed bays, which are very few here. Tourists often complain, having entered the water up to their waists, it is difficult to stand on their feet, the waves are so strong that even strong men are knocked down. Vacationers have to be content with walks along the coast and careful swimming near the coast.

How insidious the ocean is, I wrote separately - how I almost returned from the island as a widow, see. I recommend giving information to your men to read, the confession of the injured husband may make them think. What else a tourist needs to know before visiting Sri Lanka can be found in my article.

Perhaps you have your own story of visiting Sri Lanka, write a story under the heading "Readers' Travels". Read more about this. If the article was useful to you, share it with your friends on social networks, maybe they will also want to visit this island. Leave comments and subscribe to blog updates, new readers are always welcome. On this I say goodbye to you, I hope the information helped you when choosing a beach in Sri Lanka.

Tatyana Solomatina

Hello friends. Today I will talk about the beaches of Sri Lanka. About when it is better to go to this beautiful country in all respects for tourism. There are also national nature parks and ancient monuments of culture and architecture under the protection of UNESCO, mountain landscapes of incredible beauty with tea plantations and, of course, beaches. After all, Sri Lanka is an island.

You can go to Sri Lanka at any time of the year and for different purposes. The country has many hotels with fresh pools and spa treatments where you can enjoy your vacation and not depend on the mood of the weather. You can go to Sri Lanka both independently and through a travel agency.

In the article, we briefly talked about roads, weather, country features.

It's time for a detailed story about the beaches of the island, about their pros and cons, about what you can see and where to go near the beach.

Sri Lanka is lucky with beaches. You will not need, as in India, to travel more than a day and a half by train to get from the beaches GOA to the beaches of Varkala. In Sri Lanka, distances are completely different. Everything happens faster and more pleasantly. The south-west of the island is directly littered with beaches, the distance between which takes from 15 minutes by tuk-tuk to 2 hours by bus. You just have to choose the right one for you.

Important! When choosing a beach in Sri Lanka, you need to remember three things: the season, geographical features and infrastructure of the island. V different time monsoons blow from the ocean to the island. In coastal waters rise high waves and swimming is simply impossible. Hotels temporarily stop their work and wait for a change in the wind.

In October, November, December, January and February, you need to choose beaches southwest coast. It is about them that my story today.

If you have plans to relax at sea from May to September, then you should think about east coast Sri Lanka.

You can open the map and point your finger at any beach in the southwestern part of the island. Storms and huge waves will not be there. We give the top popular places that tourists prefer to visit. With them, we recommend starting acquaintance with beach sri lanka. To make it easier for you to navigate, I will describe the best beaches in Sri Lanka from west to south. These beaches are equipped with good infrastructure. They have a large selection of accommodation, cafes, restaurants, entertainment and attractions.

Sri Lanka beaches on the map

Negombo

The beach is closest to (7 km), which in turn is 30 km north of the capital. The beach is suitable for those who want to immediately plunge into the Indian Ocean upon arrival, take a break from the flight. Or vice versa, take a break from exotic travel around the island and gain strength before the long flight home.

The long sandy strip of Negombo beach is wide. There are plenty of places, but unfortunately, umbrellas and sunbeds are offered mainly only to those who stay in a coastal hotel. Independent tourists it is necessary or to agree with the hotel, or to think over.

All hotels are located along the coast. The choice is large. There are more expensive, there are cheaper, there are closer to the shore, there are further away. Finding accommodation to your taste is very easy.

• More expensive and close to the beach - Hotel Snahelo
• Slightly cheaper, but not worse - hotel Holiday Fashion Inn
• Budget guesthouse — Blue Elephant Tourist Guesthouse

Of the attractions in the neighborhood: you can visit the Muthurajawela nature reserve, which is home to about 200 species of plants and animals. The main historical values ​​of Negombo are the old Dutch Fort and the Church of the Virgin Mary. For diving enthusiasts, there is a sunken ship and coral reefs.

Pros: close to the airport and the capital. Large selection of accommodation, cafes and restaurants.

Minuses: many tourists and locals, the beach is not very clean. You can find a quiet and clean place, but sometimes it's not easy.

On the island, we met people who were happy to spend their holidays only in this place. It's a little unclear to us. We would not spend our entire vacation in Negombo alone. A maximum of one day to relax and forward to the adventures of Sri Lanka.

Mount Lavinia

The next beach, located 12 km from Colombo and 45 km from the airport, in the city of the same name Mount Lavinia. This beach is also strategically suited for those who are going to travel around Sri Lanka or vice versa, relax before flying home. In our route around the island of Mount Lavnia, we made the starting and returning point, plus here we left the winter things at the hotel. Picked up before flying home.

The hotel is a house with separate rooms for tourists. It's inexpensive and conveniently located. The owner is sociable and will gladly answer all questions about Sri Lanka. It will even help you plan your itinerary. For those who choose not a place of rest, but a convenient point of arrival and departure, we can recommend this hotel. To the beach 2 minutes walk.

Mount Lavinia Beach is a wide and long stretch of sand. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available on site. Entry into the water is fast. The current here is changeable. You can encounter rip currents (they are also called rip currents). The thing is unpleasant and dangerous for beginners. Watch out for local vacationers - if you see that in some places they don’t swim, most likely there is a current. Don't go there.

On the beach we met foreign tourists, and many local residents with children who enthusiastically built multi-tiered living pyramids, climbing onto each other's shoulders.

Mount Lavinia is a historic town built by the British. Of the preserved buildings, a hotel stands here. Mount Lavinia Hotel. It used to be the governor's house, built for the mistress of the governor, Lavinia. Hence the name of the resort itself.

What to see: Dehively Zoo, Bolgoda Lake, where 45 species of fish live, about 160 species of migratory and waterfowl.

Pros: much less crowded than in Negombo

Minuses: rip currents, waves, many locals come on weekends and holidays.

As I wrote above, Mount Lavinia beach was chosen for strategic reasons: to leave winter things for the whole trip, to swim before a long route to the center of the island. I wouldn't stay here for a long time.

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Bentota

The resort is located 80 km from Colombo and offers tourists a gorgeous long beach with golden sand. The infrastructure is well developed. The beach is considered romantic, because. popular with lovers. Newlyweds often stop here and spend their honeymoon.

Bentona is located at the point where the Bentota Ganga flows into the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the resort is divided into two parts. Calm cape in the north - paradise beach, and the south beach where all the entertainment, cafes and restaurants are collected.

The resort has the largest water sports center and diving club. Here you can rent water skiing, catamaran, scooter, canoe, surfboard.

• Stylish 5-star hotel on the coast - Paradise Road The Villa Bentota
• Cheaper hotel Ocean of Life Ayurvedic Resort
• A budget option - Dimuthu Tour Inn

From attractions: sightseeing of the ruins of the Galapata Vihara complex, boat trip along the Bentota Ganga river. There is a turtle farm 3 km from the resort. It is worth going here - you will see how small funny turtles are bred.

Pros: wide long beach, quiet relaxing holiday, not crowded

Minuses: waves, a small selection of inexpensive housing, expensive holidays. Bentota is considered an expensive resort, so wealthy people prefer to visit it.

Hikkaduwa

This is our favorite beach. We chose a resort for a long time and decided to go to Hikkaduwa. And they didn't fail. Hikkaduwa combines an excellent beach strip, a large selection of housing, developed infrastructure and entertainment.

In the northern part of the city there is a railway and bus station; a market where you can buy fruits and seafood.

A large selection of umbrellas and sunbeds can be found on Narigama Beach, next to the hotel Rita Hotel and the Blue Moon restaurant. In some places, even large double trestle beds with a roof.

On the beach you can rent a surfboard and a small board for riding the waves. There are waves by the way, but you can swim with pleasure.

Fewer waves in the lagoon near the hotel Coral Sands.

In the evening, parties are held on the beaches. The environment is relaxed and friendly

On the coast there is a large selection of housing from 5 stars to guesthouses. At night, you can hear the sound of the ocean, sometimes the noise of the party. For those who want to sleep in silence at night, we suggest looking for housing on the second line, behind the road. We lived in .

From entertainment: 50 meters from the coast there is a coral reef, a good place for snorkeling. You can also take a surfboard and catch a wave. Turtles also swim in the lagoon. You can try to feed them.

Pros: a large selection of housing, cafes, restaurants, shops, a large wide beach.

Minuses: not seen

On the beaches were seen as independent travelers and package tourists. We recommend this beach for long stays.

Unawatuna

An ideal place for holidays with children and for the elderly. Thanks to the lagoon, there are practically no waves here. Entry into the water is easy and pleasant.

The infrastructure is developed, there are cafes and restaurants along the entire coast. They also offer sunbeds and umbrellas. There are various shops and diving centers.

• Cozy hotel by the sea La Veranda Di Serena
• The hotel is cheaper, also on the coast - Rock Fort Hotel
• Budget guesthouse — Sam's Guest House

From Unawatuna, it is easy to get to the city of Galle, where the listed fort is located. world heritage UNESCO.

From entertainment: you can go snorkeling, diving (there are several sunken ships and coral reefs), fishing from a boat.

Pros: ocean without waves, beautiful nature

Kogalla

A small resort is located 12 km from. Kogalla has a five-kilometer beach. There is a good choice of hotels from 5 stars to guesthouses.

Tourists with children, lovers, newlyweds, diving enthusiasts love to relax here (diving centers work on the coast)

The peculiarity of Kogalli is in the lake of the same name. It was chosen by birds, ecotourism fans and pilgrims who want to visit the ancient Buddhist sanctuaries, once built by hermits.

• Resort hotel on the coast South Lake Resort
• Cheaper hotel on the lake Madoldu eco resort
• Budget hotel on the first line - Rainbow Surf Beach

Entertainment: those who are interested in the life and history of Sri Lanka can visit the Museum of Folk Art and Culture.

Pros: quiet cozy resort

Minuses: waves

The beach next to Koglalla is Weligama. It is located in a picturesque bay with golden sand. Waves are 300-400 meters from the shore. Surfers catch waves there. The wave almost does not reach the beach.

Hotels are located along the entire coast. The choice is large, for every budget.

• Nice 5 star hotel on the beach W15
• Cheaper hotel on the coast, with a pool - We Escape
• Budget guest house-villa — Diamond House

A feature of the resort is the world-famous fishermen who fish sitting on large thick sticks. They climb on their pole, sit on the crossbar-seat and fish. Caught fish can be bought. Fishermen are a kind of show for tourists. By the way, on the beach they offer to try fishing in such an exotic way for a small fee.

Another feature - not far from the beach is the island of Taprobane (Taprobane) with a small hotel.

From entertainment: walk around the city itself, on its streets you will meet colonial mansions, Buddhist dagobas, Catholic churches.

Sight cities - a figure of the God of Death (Leper King) carved from a three-meter block.

Recommended for stays of 3 or more days. Nearby is Mirissa beach. You can stop at Weligama for 1 night, explore it, then go to the neighboring Mirissa beach and explore it. Then choose from these two beaches already for a long time.

Mirissa

Beautiful beach in the lagoon with a great sunset. There are waves in the main lagoon. There are no waves in the third lagoon (the farthest one). Swimming is better there. You can even go snorkeling and snorkelling.

In the morning, a fish market opens in Mirissa. If you want to eat the freshest fish, get up early and go to the market.

From attractions: there is no entertainment as such in Mirissa, only the sea and the sun. There is a small rock with a viewing platform. The nearest attraction is the fort in Galle.

A plus: quiet and peaceful

Minus: few shops

Due to the small choice of entertainment and excursions, it is ideal here just to lie on the beach and swim. It seemed to us that there was nothing more to do on the beach for more than 6-7 days. Need to explore other beaches.

The beaches in Tangalle seem endless. A wide sandy spit stretches for several kilometers.

The resort does not have such a developed infrastructure as in Hikkaduwa. Mostly tourists come here for deserted beaches, of which there are several in Tangalle. There are two of them in the northern part: Medaketiya beach - the safest beach for swimming and Medilla. In the western part of the beaches Goyambokka (Goyambokka) and Pallikaduwa (Pallikaduwa).

There are waves in Tangella. Sometimes because of them it is generally impossible to go into the ocean. We recommend the beach next to the hotel Eva Lanka. There is a more or less calm bay.

From entertainment: visit the Mulgirigala caves, the national parks of Yala, Udawalawe, the Kalametiya nature reserve. Watch the turtles lay their eggs (April to September) on west beach Rekawa. At the hotel, book an excursion for a walk to the whale migration site.

Pros: deserted beach, few people, close to national park Yala and other natural reserves.

Minuses: waves.

Sri Lanka beaches without waves

The southeastern part of the island of Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and is quite different from the European resorts known to us with a sea beach. We must remember that the waves will always be here, at any time of the year. In winter, from October to March, there are fewer waves.

Of the resorts that I listed above, the waves are the least on Unawatuna Beach (due to the natural bay), Mirissa (in a certain lagoon), Weligama (not all over the beach). There are waves in Hikkaduwa, but they are not terrible, except for stormy days, of which we met few. We just learned to communicate with them.

How much does a holiday in Sri Lanka cost?

Sincerely,

12/30/2016 at 03:18 pm pavlofox · 2 040

The best beaches Sri Lanka

One of the most paradise on Earth, Sri Lanka is rightfully considered. There are many beaches with a sandy shore, incredibly transparent and clean water, shady palm trees and amazingly beautiful landscapes. Fans of exotic and active beach holidays should definitely visit this place.

The top ten included best beaches in sri lanka for winter holidays. The rating is based on traveler reviews.

10. Bentota

The most famous beach in Sri Lanka is not a cheap holiday destination, as a rule, either newlyweds come here from all over the world for a romantic honeymoon, or wealthy people to celebrate round dates. Bentota is an ideal place for water sports.

9.

One of the top ten beaches in Sri Lanka. In this Sri Lankan resort you will find golden sandy beaches, coconut palms, diving centers, sailboats, surfing and other entertainment. During the dives, you can see the remains of sunken ships. Tennis courts and golf courses are specially equipped for vacationers. All hotels are comfortable. Fans of excursions will not be bored - they will be able to visit neighboring Kalutara with the Buddhist temple of Gangatilaka Vihara and the fishermen's town of Hambantota, take a boat trip along the canals and capture local beauties.

8.

The most premium beach resort in Sri Lanka. There are no guesthouses and, as a result, backpackers, but there are five-star hotels and expensive restaurants. On the beaches (they stretch from the city of Beruwala for more than 100 kilometers) there are umbrellas, sunbeds and tables on which dishes with fresh fruits flaunt. Many hotels have Ayurvedic and spa centers. In addition to Russians, wealthy families from India and the Netherlands often stop in Beruvella (after all, Ceylon was a Dutch colony for a long time). The beaches here are wonderful: white sand, clear azure water and palm trees. By the way, the waves here are low, and the water is warm all year round.

7.

Long scenic sandy and absolutely clean beach. Many comfortable hotels have been built here and a huge amount of entertainment is offered, both on land and on water: windsurfing, diving and kite surfing. The latter is quite relevant, since the sea here is usually restless and wavy.

6.

One of the best beach resorts in Sri Lanka. This is a great place to relax, which, moreover, is one of the ten the best places in the surf world. Huge sand beach, safe even for inexperienced swimmers, extends up to high cliff Crocodile Rock, where you can often see wild elephants. Surrounded by jungle, Arugam Bay is surrounded by lakes and wet wetlands, which has created a special microclimate and low rainfall.

5.

Huge and beautiful beach, it consists of several conditional parts. You can swim on it, but not everywhere, because somewhere there are very big waves, a joy for surfers, and somewhere there are fishing boats. The sand is wonderful, fluffy, the color of coffee with milk. Hikkavuda is very clean. On the coastline, among the palm trees, there are hotels and guesthouses, cafes and restaurants.

4.

A small but very picturesque beach in Sri Lanka. Dikwella is one of the most peaceful, idyllic beaches on the island, where newlyweds do not mind: honeymoon will be stunningly beautiful and secluded. The length of the beach is 3 km. Dikwella Beach is one of those places where it is convenient and pleasant to swim. Best suited for this Western part, since the waves are relatively large in the center, and there are many stones in the east. You can also go scuba diving here. There are practically no large hotels in the village of the same name: only one hotel and several guesthouses. Local cafes serve seafood dishes. Whole South coast very picturesque, it is indented with bays of all stripes, rocky in places, large boulders protrude onto the shore, on which waves break.

3.

This is one of the most beautiful beach spots in the south, while the resort, although well known, is never oversaturated with tourists. The beaches here are very beautiful and very deserted, and sometimes you might think that there is no one but you on the long coast. But at the same time, this is one of the most unfortunate places for swimming because of the constant big waves, perhaps the most undulating in the entire south. This is just the perfect place for those who just want to enjoy the ocean and do nothing, but active people can find it very boring here. The tourist infrastructure is poorly developed here. There are plenty of hotels here, but there is no separate tourist area. There are few restaurants and cafes for tourists.

2.

One of the top three beaches in Sri Lanka. Mirissa is very beautiful, there is snow-white sand, palm trees hang over the ocean, it is green along the entire coast. The beach begins and ends with hills, as if limiting the territory. For lovers of walking, there is an opportunity to walk towards Matara, along the coastline for a very long time. On the way, you will see 2 more coves with a calmer ocean, expensive hotels, a hill, completely consisting of iron ore. Just behind the hill is a village that is carved right into this hill, all red.

1.

Completes the ranking of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. According to the Discovery Channel, this beach is one of the "top ten" best in the world. There are no large tourist complexes and fashionable hotels in the resort, most of the vacationers here are "savages" who come for a month or more. This is an absolutely safe place for swimming: the entire coast is sandy, there are no strong currents here, and the entrance to the sea is gentle. Once it was a wild beach, but tourists quickly trodden a path here, and in high season it's pretty crowded here. True, this did not particularly affect the infrastructure of the beach. Of course, there were some beach cafes, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and even a shower and toilet. However, the feeling of "wild beach" persists to this day.

Sri Lanka is a small island in the Indian Ocean, located slightly south of India.

The country is also known as Ceylon, it is here that the best tea in the world grows. Also, many exotic animals live here - elephants, monkeys, chipmunks.

Thanks to the climate, you can relax on local beaches at any time of the year, in November, January, etc.

Every year thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the beautiful beaches and exotic nature. You can also watch elephants and see world-famous tourist sites.

The main cultural attraction is the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha near Ambalangoda should also be visited.

From natural places it will be very interesting visit an elephant orphanage Pinnawala.

When choosing a resort in Sri Lanka, you should understand a few things:

• Traffic on the island is slow. A distance of 100 kilometers can be covered in 3-5 hours. For example, a transfer to the resort of Hikkaduwa from the airport will take about 4-5 hours.
• Another nuance is the type of food. It is recommended to take accommodation on the basis of breakfast, and have lunch and dinner in a variety of restaurants, especially since food here is inexpensive. For example, a full two-course dinner for two will cost no more than ten dollars . It should also be understood that portions in local restaurants are very large.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

Where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka? This question has many answers, because. some people are interested in some beaches, and others in others.

On the island you can choose white beaches suitable for families with children, young people, for those who love surfing, diving or just lying on the beach.

for instance Nilaveli- a famous paradise beach, but there are few hotels here, so it will not be easy for tourists to visit it on their own.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts in Ceylon. It is perfect for lovers of diving, snorkeling, it is also the most youthful resort on the island.

It is near Hikkaduwa that is located coral reef. In the lagoon, located near the Chaaya Tranz hotel, everyone has the opportunity to feed the giant turtles, and the bravest ones can also swim with them.

Not far from the coast of Hikkaduwa, you can see a beautiful coral reef, and those who wish can observe the local flora and fauna.

There are good waves on the shore of the resort, so everyone can learn to surf.

Now Hikkaduwa is one of the most advertised and developed resorts on the island, there are a lot of excellent hotels and restaurants.

The history of the resort is quite sad, ten years ago it was badly damaged by the 2004 tsunami. In memory of those times, a Buddha statue was built at the entrance to the resort.

Negombo Beach

Negombo- a resort located near the airport in Colombo. The coast is washed by the Laccadive Sea.

There are a lot of fish restaurants in this region, where everyone can enjoy fresh seafood and other delicacies.

True, it should be noted that the coastal waters here are not the cleanest, so Negombo is hardly suitable for families with children.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is considered one of the best on the island.

It is also one of the ten best beaches in the world according to the Discovery Channel.

The beach itself looks like a lagoon. It is considered safe, there are practically no strong currents and waves.

This region is suitable for divers. In the coastal waters, you can find corals and see sunken ships.

Families with children, as well as independent travelers, fell in love with Unawatuna. First Like local beach and the absence of currents, and the second one likes low prices for accommodation.

Pottuvil Point Beach

Pottuvil Point

Pottuvil Beach is located in the eastern part of the island. It is distinguished by the presence of pure white sand and many stones beautifully stacked near the shore.

The resort has mangrove forests, and many hotels and bars have been built along the shoreline.

This region is not suitable for families with children, but will perfect place for surfers. Because the waves here are quite large, and in summer the resort hosts various championships in this sport.

Trincomalee Beach (English Lang Co Beach)

Trincomalee

Trincomalee- one of the sunniest resorts in Sri Lanka. Located on the east coast of the island.

Along the coast of Trincomalee there are a lot of secluded bays that are suitable for both romantic and family vacation.

The only disadvantage of the region is its remoteness from International Airport in Colombo. It will take about 8-12 hours to drive from it to the resort.

Bentota Beach

Bentota- one of the most famous and quiet resorts in Ceylon, which is suitable for a romantic getaway.

The Bentota River flows in this area, where you can see crocodiles, monitor lizards and other exotic animals.

Also in this region is a lot of prestigious and respectable hotels which can safely be called one of the best on the island.

Kogalla Beach

Kogalla- one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. The coastline stretches for five kilometers, and the resort itself is suitable for all categories of vacationers.

One of the main natural attractions of the region is a lake that stretches along the coastline.

The resort has a lot of accommodation options - from inexpensive hotels to more prestigious facilities. The bulk of tourists are young people who come for high-quality and inexpensive holidays.

Tangalle Beach

Resort Tangalle also boasts one of the best beaches in Ceylon. One of the pluses is the lack of a large number of tourists.

Tangalla

The resort has a lot of hotels and inexpensive apartments.

Rent a car in Sri Lanka

The best beaches in Sri Lanka for winter holidays

Holidays in Sri Lanka are divided into two categories or two seasons: summer and winter.

Some of the resorts are designed for recreation in the winter season, those from October to April, and the other in the summer - from April to October.

Beaches located in the south-west of the country are suitable for relaxing in Sri Lanka in winter: Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Kogalla, Unawatuna and others.

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The best resorts in Sri Lanka from October to March

Sri Lanka is one of the best winter holiday destinations.

The coastline on the island stretches for a thousand kilometers, also at a time when we have winter and cold here summer and heat.

Winter - the best time for recreation in the southwestern part of the country. At this time, there are practically no rains and strong waves.

Mount Lavinia

Mount Lavinia

The beach resort of Mount Lavinia is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Colombo. This region has gained popularity since the days of the English colony.

The main advantage of the resort is its proximity to Colombo. Accordingly, everyone will have the opportunity to go for one day to the Ceylon metropolis.

Going on vacation to the beaches of Mount Lavinia, you should be careful. In coastal waters there is a very strong current.

Weligama

Weligama

Weligama- one of the resorts of Sri Lanka, which will be an ideal place for surfers.

Big waves meet in the eastern part of the resort, and in the west everyone who likes the absence of waves and a calm lying on the beach can relax.

Mirissa

Mirissa located between Weligama and Matara. This is a small resort that can become an alternative to such regions as Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.

There are few hotels in the resort, it is better to book accommodation in advance.

Order an inexpensive transfer - taxi in Sri Lanka

Where can you relax with children?

One of the main advantages of Sri Lanka is a high level of security, which is important if you go on vacation with children.

One of the best places for families with children in Sri Lanka is Unawatuna.

Firstly, there are not a lot of noisy youth here. Secondly, the bay is great for swimming with children, as there are practically no strong currents in coastal waters.

Bentota

The second resort suitable for families with children is Bentota.

There are not so many vacationers here, hotels can offer high-quality service, and the ocean is not very stormy.

Hikkaduwa

The third resort is Hikkaduwa, which, although considered the most youthful, is nevertheless suitable for families with children.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has turtle farm which will be very interesting for the smallest tourists.

Sri Lanka beaches without waves

When planning to relax in Sri Lanka, you should find out in advance whether there will be waves in the region where you are going to relax.

Beach without waves near Tangalle

There is a concept of seasonality, which means that in most cases there will be no waves on the beaches located in the south-west of the country during the winter season.

If we talk about the eastern part, then there are no waves here in summer.

During the off-season - spring and summer, waves are possible on the territory of all beaches.

However, it should be understood that there are exceptions to all rules.

For example, Unawatuna beach boasts calm water in the ocean, waves are very rare here. Waves are also extremely rare in the western part of the Weligama resort.

Deserted beaches in Sri Lanka

One of the most deserted beaches in Sri Lanka is Tangalle. If desired, you can find enough secluded places in the trendy resort of Hikkaduwa.

You should also pay attention to the beaches of Bentota, where in most cases you will not meet anyone other than hotel guests.

Top 5 most popular beaches on the island

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

In the list of the most popular beaches in Ceylon, of course, the leader is Hikkaduwa. It is also the most advertised and fashionable resort on the island.

There are both secluded bays suitable for a relaxing holiday, in which there is no current, and regions with beautiful coral reefs that divers have chosen.

In Hikkaduwa it is not boring both during the day and in the evening, for young people there are a lot of restaurants and several discos.

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From the attractions must visit pagoda, the writing of which is practically not found in any tourist route.

Bentota

The third place in popularity should be given to the beach Bentota, which is one of the most peaceful and romantic on the island.

There are many hotels in this region, and the Bentota River also flows.

If you take a boat tour and swim along the river, you can meet many exotic animals - crocodiles and monitor lizards.

Kogalla

Fourth place went to the beaches Kogalla, the region is known for its affordable hotels, it is also one of the favorite places for youth recreation.

Tangalle

Fifth place went to Tangalle Beach, which is located in the east of the country. This region is notable for the fact that the sun shines here almost all year round.

The three most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka

The best and most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka can safely be called Unawatuna. He also one of the top ten beaches peace according to the Discovery Channel.

The ocean in this region is quite calm, the majority of vacationers are lovers of a relaxing holiday and families with children.

Another plus of the region is insanely beautiful sunsets and abundant greenery, many palm trees grow along the coastline.

The best time to visit the resort is from December to March.

Bentota

The second beach on the island is Bentota, the local resort is considered one of the best and most prestigious in Sri Lanka.

Local beaches are covered with golden sand, mangrove forests grow along the coastline. The main activities in Bentota are diving, fishing, and surfing.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

The third beach on the island will be Hikkaduwa. In particular, the beach belonging to the Chaya Tranz hotel.

There are two lagoons here - it is convenient to swim in one, there are practically no waves and currents, and giant sea turtles live in the second.

Hotels with the best beaches

When choosing a hotel in Sri Lanka, you should pay attention to the beach. After all, the first coastline does not always mean that you can swim in this area.

Also, when choosing a hotel, you should find out about the availability of certain services, about filling the room and other little things that may affect your vacation.

What hotels on the island can boast of beautiful beaches?

Ridee Villa 4*

The RideeVilla is located in the Unawatuna resort and boasts one of the best travel ratings.

This hotel offers fairly reasonable prices for accommodation and a high level of service.

RideeVilla is located right in the middle of the resort. Accordingly, vacationers will have the opportunity to stroll along the beach during the day, and in the evening sit on the ocean and admire the gorgeous sunsets.

Villa Taraby Remo Hotels & Resort 4*

VillaTarabyRemoHotels&Resort 4*

This hotel boasts a high level of service, beautiful grounds and a quality beach.

Lavanga Resort & Spa 5*

This hotel is also located in Hikkaduwa, located right on the beach.

The pride of the hotel lies in the beautiful territory, quality rooms and a good quality beach.

Lavanga Resort & Spa 5*

The bulk of tourists are Europeans.

Most of the rooms have beautiful view from the windows, respectively, in the evening you can admire the beautiful sunset sitting right on the balcony.

Avani Bentota 5*

Hotel AvaniBentota is located in the resort of Bentota, boasts a beautiful beach, green areas and a high level of service.

Avani Bentota 5*

This hotel is suitable for the descriptions of tourists suitable for a relaxing and romantic holiday.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa 4*

The Chaya Trans Hotel is considered one of the best in Hikkaduwa and throughout Ceylon.

The hotel has its own bay, which is protected from the winds, there are practically no currents in it.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa 4*

The second advantage of the hotel is giant turtles living in the bay. Tourists of all ages are happy to feed them, and the most daring can swim with them.

The territory of the hotel is small, the food is of high quality and varied.

Personal experience

I visited Sri Lanka with a young man in December 2013.

Visited the beaches in the west of the island. I visited Central Sri Lanka, in the mountains. celebrated New Year and Christmas on the island.

See the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Ceylon is a huge island surrounded on all sides by the ocean. There are so many beaches in Sri Lanka that even a month would not be enough to see them all. We will tell you and show you the beaches that travelers choose when they come to rest in Sri Lanka on a package tour or on their own.

Endless beaches in Sri Lanka

The most popular beaches in Sri Lanka

What unites most beaches in Sri Lanka is yellow and coarse sand, high waves, and the length of the coastline. At first glance, it may seem that all the beaches of Sri Lanka are very similar to each other. Looking closely, you notice some differences. For example, somewhere there will be tall palm trees, and moving to the south of the island, it becomes more blue water.

Big ocean waves in Sri Lanka always and on all beaches. Only a few closed small bays allow you to swim with minimal waves, or even without waves at all.

From Negombo all the way to Hikkaduwa, sun loungers on the beaches are rare, and there are no beach restaurants at all. Beach activities are not developed in Sri Lanka. Jet skis have only been seen in Mirissa. But the locals offer to go boating or fishing.

Harassing tourists on the beach in Sri Lanka is practiced everywhere. Merchants, guides, beach fights. It is best not to communicate with these people, completely ignore them, then they will fall behind themselves.

All the main beaches of Sri Lanka are marked schematically on the map:

Let's start in order from north to south.

Negombo

Negombo beach is very long, not crowded, but far from the cleanest in Sri Lanka. Suitable for those who want to quickly get to the nearest beach from the airport. Negombo is definitely not the place to go for the whole vacation with the hope of swimming in the ocean. Read our report.

For housing in Negombo, we have a blog with good reviews. From hotels within walking distance from the coast, the following good options can be distinguished:

• Heritance Negombo
• Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel

Maravila

Marawila beach is located 20 km north of Negombo and is, as it were, its continuation. However, the views are a little more picturesque, there is more greenery here, and there are even fewer people. Where to stay in Marawil:

• Club Palm Bay
• Solomon Beach Hotel

Wadduwa

Wadduwa Beach is very secluded and non-touristy. In addition to fishermen, there are few people you will meet on the shore. The beach is visually beautiful, thanks to the tall dangling palm trees. read our review.

There are enough hotels in Hikkaduwa, the prices are different, from cheap guest houses to four and five star hotels with their own beach. See our selection. We lived in a hotel. A new and inexpensive 4-star hotel, located almost in the center, across the road from the sea.

The most successful options for relaxing on Hikkaduwa beach:

• Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon
• Coral Sands Hotel
• KAI Hotel

Where can I order a transfer from the airport?

We use the service - KiwiTaxi
Ordered a taxi online, paid by card. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You have already talked about your experience in this article

Unawatuna

Unawatuna Beach is the most popular beach in Sri Lanka. And for good reason. Unawatuna has the bluest water and the least waves. Suitable for families with children and even for those who can not swim. In addition, a very developed area. .

There are many inexpensive housing. The most popular accommodation options in Unawatuna are:

• Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
• SHORE by HOPPA
• The Lodge Unawatuna

Koggala

Koggala beach is a few kilometers of deserted ocean beach with yellow sand and palm trees. It can be attributed to wild beaches, despite 10 hotels. It is unsafe to fully swim, because big waves and the beach are not followed outside the hotel. . Where to stay:

• The Fortress Resort & Spa
• Long Beach Resort

Weligama

Weligama beach refers more to beaches for surfers, Weligama Bay is pretty and party-going, there is definitely a zest. Selection. Good stopping options:

• Weligama Bay Marriott Resort
• W15 Hotel Weligama

Mirissa

Mirissa beach is good in everything. Beautiful coastline, unique views, clear water. It is possible to compete with high waves or find a secluded corner where there are no waves. .

Guesthouses predominate in housing. Most of them are close to the ocean. In Mirissa, we lived in a guesthouse for $30 per night, 3 minutes walk from the beach. We've compiled a list based on reviews and location.

• Ocean Reach Holidays
• Citrine Mirissa
• Blue Whale Holiday Hotel

Matara

The beaches in Matara are wild, urban, fishing and dirty. The coast of Matara is more for contemplation than for swimming. No one cares for him properly, so the beach is public in every sense of the word. For a stop in this area, it is better to choose the neighboring villages - Mirissa or Dikwella.

Dikwella

Dikwella beach is not the most popular beach in Sri Lanka. The beach is little known among tourists. Large deserted bay. There are waves in Dikwella, as elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but nearby there is a picturesque beach without waves Hiriketya, which can be reached on foot. From housing in Dikwella, these hotels are worth considering:

• Crystal Resort Dickwella
• Dickwella Resort & Spa
• Dickwella Beach Hotel

Hiriketia

Hiriketiya Beach- secret beach. It is a cove, popular among surfers, but there are places for swimming without waves at all. One of the few beaches in the country where it is cozy, calm and blue water. . Hotels on Hiriketia beach:

• Pepper Hiriketiya
• Dots Bay House
• Salt House

Tangalle

Tangalla beach is preferred by advanced tourists, because this beach is one of the farthest in Sri Lanka. Despite the fact that it does not stand out too much for some features, many appreciate it for its privacy. In general, this is an ordinary beach for Sri Lanka, like dozens of others. Long, with yellow sand, big waves and not the most the best choice hotels. But a few good options housing is here:

• Golden Pearl Tangalle
• Sea View Tourist Inn
• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Which beach to choose in Sri Lanka

The best beaches in Sri Lanka are Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Mirissa. For most tourists, they will be the best choice. These beaches are good in their own way, on each of them you can spend an unforgettable vacation. You can also add Bentota to this list, but this area is underdeveloped, there are few cafes and tourist infrastructure.

• Little-known and non-tourist beaches are usually unkempt and littered. There are many fishermen and dogs on them.
• If you go to areas such as Negombo, Wadduwa, Kalutra, then you should only check into a good expensive hotel and be ready to eat at the hotel restaurant, as there may not be anything nearby.
• In addition to relaxing in a hotel and excursions, a tourist in such places has nothing to do and nowhere to go.
• The distant beaches of Sri Lanka, such as Dikwella, Tangalle or Hambantota, will suit lovers of a deserted ocean coast. There you can find many hotels where within a radius of several kilometers there is nothing, no cafes, no houses. Not everyone will like this, so keep this feature in mind.

Write in the comments what is your favorite beach in SL? Which beach would you say is the best?