The most romantic resort in Sri Lanka is located in the south west coast islands in the Galle region, on the banks of the Bentota Ganga River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. Bentota owes its name to the legend of the demon Bem, who once ruled the banks of the river. It has its own small airport, a turtle reserve, and the ruins of a Buddhist temple complex XII century - Galapata Vihara. Bentota is famous for its palm wine, as well as excellent opportunities for water sports and diving. Bentota beach at long distance sand spit at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga River is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bentota – favorite place newlyweds. World-class hotels offer the highest level of service, and uncrowded, many-kilometer beaches offer privacy and comfort. A relaxing beach holiday can be alternated with an active one. From here you can reach the ancient fortress of Galle (approximately 48 km). You can also go for a walk along the Bentota Ganga River among tropical flora and fauna, explore the ruins of the Galapata Vihara temples with preserved frescoes and statues, watch turtles in the reserve, go surfing, fishing, and ride a yacht. Bentota is perfect for beginner divers, as the water here is clear, there are almost no currents, and the most beautiful coral reefs begin at a depth of 4-5 meters. An ancient Sri Lankan city, founded by Arab traders back in the 8th century. Here is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka - Kechimalai. The Beruwela resort is quite young and rapidly developing. Over the past few years, new hotels, shops, and improved tourist area. Beruwela lies at the very beginning of a 130-kilometer beach that stretches along the entire southwestern tip of the island. From here it is 54 km to Galle, 56 km to the capital of the island Colombo, and only 7 km to the nearest resort of Bentota. You can swim on the beaches of Beruwela all year round. The purest sand, palm trees, azure water, bright sun - Beruwela has everything you need for beach holiday and a wonderful tan. The city of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has absorbed many cultures and religions. Here, ancient colonial-style mansions, ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, Catholic cathedrals coexist with skyscrapers, large shopping centers and modern five-star hotels with restaurants, bars, fitness centers, swimming pools, nightclubs and conference rooms. Colombo is the modern capital of the island; the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are included in the “cultural triangle” along with the city of Kandy. " Cultural triangle"is a concentration of historical and cultural attractions in the center of the island.

Negombo is one of the largest cities Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island, on the shores of the lagoon of the same name. It is famous not only for its picturesque nature and beaches, but also rich history and culture.

For many centuries, since the era of Portuguese and Dutch colonization, Negombo has been commercial port and the center of the fishing industry. And in our times it is a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. A huge amount of fish is caught daily in the local bay, which can be bought at the Lellama fish market, the second largest in the country. Lobster, shrimp, and seafood are cooked over an open fire and served in restaurants on the seashore. In addition, Negombo is famous for the production of cinnamon, which is considered one of the best in the world, as well as ceramics and copper products.

Negombo is 40 km from the capital of Sri Lanka and just 7 km from Colombo International Airport. This is an ideal resort for those who do not want to waste time on long journeys. Long scenic sand beach begins north of the center cities. There are many modern comfortable hotels, as well as water sports and diving centers. Divers will be interested in the wreck of a ship that sank more than 50 years ago and was turned into an artificial reef. Lovers wildlife can take a boat trip to the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, which is home to almost 200 species of animals and plants.

Negombo is called the "little Rome" of Sri Lanka due to the abundance of Catholic churches and cathedrals, the most notable of which is St. Mary's Cathedral. There are also mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples here. Among the attractions you can also see the ruins of a Dutch fort built in 1672, city canals that are still in use today, and fishing villages.

Kalutara, located 40 km south of Colombo, on the Kalu Ganga (“Black River”), was once important center spice trade. Today it is a modern resort town with extensive opportunities for water sports and beach recreation. Here you can go water skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, spearfishing, and take a fascinating excursion along the Kalu Ganga River, covered with mangroves.

The main attraction of Kalutara is the huge Buddhist stupa (round temple) Kalutara Vihara, built in 1960 on south coast river near the bridge. This is the only hollow stupa in the world. Inside you can see 72 paintings from the life of Buddha, several statues and a huge panoramic window overlooking the river and the city. During the winter festival of Navam Perahera, a grand procession takes place here with the participation of a large temple elephant, dancers, torchbearers and monks.

Small quiet town 35 km south of Colombo, famous for the plantations of coconut palms, rubber and cinnamon, the production of palm wine and vinegar, and products made from coconut fiber. Tours to Wadduwa are popular among beach lovers due to its beautiful sandy beach. Its width in some places reaches 60 m! Hotels are located on the beach far from each other, providing silence and privacy to their guests. One of best places For relaxing holiday and relaxation away from the bustle of the city.

Wadduwa got its name from the name of the local doctors - “Veda”, who used to live in this area. Now the doctors have been replaced by experienced specialists from spas and health centers who offer Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation classes, and healing courses. One of the most famous hotels Wadduwa – Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort 5*, focused on wellness holidays.

Local guides say that Unawatuna is even mentioned in the great Indian epic “Ramayana”. Now Unawatuna is famous for its beautiful semicircular beach, which the Discovery Channel included in the top ten in the world in 2004. The blue lagoon with clear water is protected by double coral reef. Swimming here is pleasant and safe, since the depth of the lagoon is only 6 meters, and the water warms up well throughout the year. In Unawatuna, divers will find intricate reefs, many species of fish and sea turtles, and shipwrecks such as the British steamship Rangoon, which sank 100 years ago. Holidays in Unawatuna attract eco-tourists, for whom there are many walking paths in the tropical jungle and the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve, located 45 minutes' drive away. You can also visit the ancient stone temple of Yatagala Rajamaha Vihara, built 2,300 years ago, and the famous ancient Galle Fort, which is located just 5 km from Unawatuna. Vaikal (Vaikkala, Vaikkal) is a small village almost within the city of Negombo, a 20-30 minute drive from Colombo International Airport. Several hotels with large areas and wide beach located north of the mouth of the Maha Oya River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. A small village 10 km south of Bentota, about three hours' drive from Colombo. Nearby is another resort - Ahungalla, where there are several Buddhist temples.

A large port city located on the southwestern tip of the island of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Capital Southern Province, the fourth largest city in the country, one of the main centers of tourism. The main attraction of Galle is the 17th-century granite Dutch fort, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is one of the largest colonial fortresses in Asia built by Europeans. The fort lies on a peninsula and is surrounded by water on three sides. At its south-eastern end there is an old lighthouse from which there is a magnificent view.

Other attractions of Galle: the Catholic Cathedral of St. Mary (XIX century), the National Maritime Museum, the collection of which includes exhibits dating back 800 years, the largest Shiva temple on the island, the ancient Amangalla 5 * hotel, built in 1863.

For wildlife lovers, Halle also has a lot to offer. There is a turtle farm and the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, also included in the list world heritage UNESCO. Excursions through the jungle, jeep safaris and horseback riding will not leave anyone indifferent. For those who are tired of the sights, Galle has excellent opportunities for a beach holiday. The most famous beaches Sri Lanka's Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa are just 5 and 10 km from Galle.

A town in the Matara region, 180 km from Colombo, famous for its bustling market, which opens every Saturday near the beach. The main attraction of Dikwella is the largest statue of a seated Buddha in Sri Lanka, 50 meters high. Summer Buddhist festivals (Perahera) - Vesak, Poson and Esala - are held here on a large scale.

Dikwella has a beautiful beach and bow-shaped lagoon protected by reefs and shoals. The Dickwella Resort 4* hotel with a large green area is located at the westernmost tip of the lagoon.

Old City on south coast Sri Lanka has retained the charm of an 18th century Dutch colony. In the center of the city there is a Dutch fort, which is now used as a prison. However, Tangalle is best known for its beaches: Medaketiya, Medilla, Goyambokka and Pallikaduva. Due to the distance from Colombo (195 km), there are few tourists here, and for several kilometers on the coast you may not see a single person. Perfect for a secluded getaway for VIPs.

Weligama (translated from Sinhala as “Sand Village”) is located 144 km from Colombo, 30 km from Galle, in the Matara region in the south of the island, on the shores of a beautiful bay. There are many boutique hotels offering exquisite service. Weligama's most exclusive hotel is located on Taprobane Island, 200 meters from the shore. The island once belonged to the French Count de Mony-Talvan, who built a luxurious villa on it. Since then, many people have stayed on the island. famous people– aristocrats, politicians, writers, artists. Singer Kylie Minogue dedicated the song “Taprobane (Extraordinary Day)” to this island.

In the western part of the city there is a three-meter statue of the Leper King. According to legend, it depicts an ancient ruler who was cured of leprosy by coconut milk. Another interesting detail of the Weligama landscape is the fishermen who use fishing rods to catch fish from high piles driven into the bottom of the bay. Weligama also has the ancient Buddhist temple of Aggrabodhi Vihara and a snake nursery.

Kalpitiya – small resort in the north-west of Sri Lanka in the Puttalam district, 170 kilometers from Colombo. Long beaches with fine sand will delight lovers of calm and sports recreation. Due to the excellent wind that blows here from May to October, this is one of the most favorite places for kitesurfers. In both lagoons of the Kalpitiya and Kapaladi resort there are kite rental stations and schools with instructors. Kalpitiya also has a windsurfing station.
Kalpitiya is also popular among diving and snorkeling enthusiasts; Bar Reef, one of the most interesting reefs in Sri Lanka, is an hour's boat ride from the resort. Diving and snorkeling excursions run from November to mid-April.
Nature lovers will be able to visit a large national park Wilpata, and also watch dolphins or whales. The fishing town is located on the shores of a picturesque lagoon, 53 km north of the airport. In the old days, Chilaw was famous for its pearl fishing. European colonists left a noticeable mark on the history of the city. The main attraction is the ancient hindu temple Munneswaram, which hosts colorful festivals every year. New resort Passikuda is located 300 km from the airport on east coast islands. A wide beach, stretching for several kilometers, borders a picturesque bay. The ocean is rich various types tropical fish. The colorful coral reefs are included in a renowned marine reserve. Passikuda is a resort with the atmosphere of a quiet fishing village, suitable for lovers of a quiet, secluded holiday. Ahangama is a small resort village in the south of Sri Lanka. Family tourists will appreciate the relaxed and calm atmosphere of the resort, the sandy beach, and surf lovers will enjoy the excellent conditions for sports. There are board rentals, the opportunity to take lessons, and yoga classes.
Not far from Ahangama there are picturesque bays Weligama and Mirissa, a 20-minute drive away is the city of Galle and the bustling resort of Unawatuna, which is famous for its discos and night bars. Balapitiya – small resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, 80 kilometers from Colombo. The resort is located in a place where the Maduganga River overflows into the ocean. Lovers of a relaxing holiday will appreciate picturesque nature resort and quiet evenings, its sandy beaches.
From Balapitiya you can go to the turtle farm, take a boat ride through the expanses of the Maduganga Delta with its many islands, or go for a walk to the neighboring resort of Hikkaduwa. Hambantota – Big City on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, one of the most important ports island state. The resort is quickly gaining popularity, because it is located next to national parks Yala, Bundala and Udawalawe, as well as holy city Kataragama. Resort town in the south of Sri Lanka, located 122 km from Colombo. The beaches of Ambalangoda are not crowded and are very attractive for a relaxing holiday. There is everything you need here - hotels and restaurants, a market and supermarkets, as well as a bus and train station.
Among the city's attractions are several temples, two Mask Museums and mines where moonstone is mined. Small resort village on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, located 38 kilometers from Colombo. The spacious, wide beach with fine sand will delight lovers of serenity and family vacation. The sea is calmest from November to March.
Among the interesting monuments that you can visit while relaxing in Vaskaduwa is the 19th century Buddhist temple of Rajaguru Sri Subhuti Maha Vihara.

Trincomalee (or simply Trinco) is a large city and port in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, known since the time of the ancient historian Ptolemy. It is separated from Colombo by more than 250 km. The city lies on a peninsula in the Gulf of Koddiyar with intricately indented shores. Its large natural harbour, the fifth largest in the world, has made it a center of maritime trade since ancient times. The ancient name of the city is Gokanna (Gokarna).

Merchants from China and Southeast Asia visited here and even great traveler Marco Polo at the end of the 13th century. The port has been in the hands of the Dutch, Portuguese, French and British. At Trincomalee in 1782, during the American Revolutionary War, a naval battle took place between the French and English squadrons. During World War II, the Japanese bombed British military installations in Trincomalee. Trinco is now home to the Sri Lankan navy and air force.

Trincomalee's rich history attracts tourists from all over the world. There is something to see here for the most discerning traveler! Hood's Tower Maritime Museum, 17th century Dutch fort Frederick, famous temple Koneswaram (Temple of a Thousand Columns), built in the 3rd century in honor of Shiva, ancient Buddhist monastery Velgam Vihara and much more. Lately Trinco has been very popular boat trips for whale watching. In Cannia (8 km from Trinco), there are several hot springs.

During a tour in Trincomalee, excursions can be combined with relaxation. There are many shallow bays where the water does not reach the neck of an adult even a hundred meters from the shore. The beaches are covered with the purest white sand. The most famous of them are Uppuveli (6 km from the city) and Nilaveli (16 km). Rocky Pigeon Island, where wild pigeons nest, is famous for its coral reef and abundance of fish species. You can rent a boat from any hotel or marina to sail to the island and go diving and snorkeling.

The resort is 15 km from Negombo and about 70 km from Colombo. For a calm budget holiday. The largest hotel Resort Club Palm Bay 4* is located on the shore of a picturesque lake, separated from the ocean by a wide sandy spit and overgrown with lush tropical vegetation.

One of the closest resorts to Colombo, where you can escape from the bustle of the city, without being too far from the capital. The city merged with neighboring Dehiwala and is now called Dehiwala Mount Lavinia.

This was once the residence of the British Governor of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, who ruled the island from 1805 to 1811. His villa was called Mount Lavinia House, after his secret lover, the local dancer Lovina. In 1877, it opened the Mount Lavinia Hotel, one of the oldest and most luxuriously furnished hotels in Sri Lanka. Some scenes of the famous film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (about the Vietnam War) were filmed here.

Dehiwala is home to the National Zoological Garden of Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. This is one of the largest zoos in Asia; it contains about 3 thousand animals of 350 species (according to 2005 data). One and a half million people visit it every year. An aquarium, bird enclosures, a butterfly garden, a reptile house, open spaces where you can walk next to animals without any bars, shows of elephants, monkeys and fur seals - this is an incomplete list of what you can see at the zoo.

Not far from the resort is the largest freshwater lake Sri Lanka - Bolgoda. Its surface area is 347 sq. km, and its depth reaches 15 m. During the British Raj, it was popular resort and a bird hunting ground for English officers. The mangrove-lined lake is home to 45 species of fish, 40 species of reptiles, 30 species of mammals and many species of birds. Part of it has been turned into a nature reserve and is protected by the Global Nature Fund. On the lake you can go fishing, boating, windsurfing. It is home to the Colombo Sailing Club.

A small fishing village near Colombo, stretching along a stream. Induruwa has wide, deserted beaches, ideal for sea and sunbathing. It has its own market, shops and hotels to suit different tastes and budgets. Freshwater lagoons and the Maadu River attract eco-tourists and bird watchers. A fishing village on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, near Lake Madu Ganga, about 20 km from Bentota and 30 km from Galle. There are several Buddhist temples in Ahungalla and the nearby village of Balapitya. The largest and most comfortable hotel in Ahungalla is Heritance Ahungalla 5*. It was designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

"Mecca" for divers and club life lovers, a popular resort with developed infrastructure and a beautiful wide beach. The diving season here lasts from November to April, diving depths range from 4 to 40 m, and there are several interesting wrecks. There are equipment rentals and courses for beginners. Those who are apprehensive about scuba diving can go snorkeling or book a glass-bottom boat ride. The corals in Hikkaduwa are considered some of the most beautiful in all of Asia.

Hikkaduwa is a paradise not only for diving, but also for surfing. Surfers from all over the world come here, especially during the dry season, from November to March. The height of the waves reaches 3.5 meters.

The bustling nightlife also attracts tourists. It was from Hikkaduwa that the discovery of Sri Lanka began by tourists from Europe and America in the 60s of the last century. Today the resort is a continuous chain of hotels, hostels, bars, restaurants and shops, stretching for 4 km. There are always a lot of young people here from all over the world.

The famous Sri Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe, who wrote in Sinhala, was born in Koggala. The unique nature of Koggala: a coast with golden sand beaches and coral reefs, a large freshwater lake with many islands, evergreen rainforests, - inspired him to write novels and stories translated into several languages ​​of the world. The name of the writer is given to the Folk Art Museum (Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum), which has collected an extensive collection of cultural and everyday objects from different regions of the island.

In Koggala there is a rental of boats, catamarans, and bicycles. Transfers to the water sports center in Unawatuna and boat trips for dolphin and whale watching are organized from the hotels. You can visit Buddhist temples on the islands of Lake Koggala, but prior permission is required.

Koggala is located at a distance of 135 km from Colombo. It has its own small airport.

A resort on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 150 kilometers from Colombo. The cozy, calm resort has a beautiful golden beach with a convenient gentle entrance to the sea. Occasionally there are rocky areas of the coast. Hotels are built along the coast and on the hill.
This is one of the best places for surf lovers, who come to Mirissa from November to May for the annual parties. For party lovers, the resort also offers a variety of places to enjoy a great getaway.
30 kilometers from Mirissa is the city of Galle, which will be interesting to visit for lovers of historical excursions.

Tatiana 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 is accordingly rich in beaches, you need to choose a resort here especially carefully.

Don’t forget that the ocean is not a quiet lake; there are huge waves here that can ruin your vacation due to the inability to enter the water. Tourists planning to explore the beaches of Sri Lanka should carefully choose a resort.

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean with a coastline of 1,340 km. Despite the fact that the 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 island's climate.

There are many resorts in the southwest, almost all of them have good infrastructure. There are enough hotels of different levels here, it’s not difficult to find budget housing from local residents. In my opinion, you need to choose the beaches of Sri Lanka based on the time of year and the suitability of the resort to your desires.

Colombo and Negombo

Colombo and Negombo are not suitable for a beach holiday at all. It's a good place to stop for a break before a long flight or during excursions. Due to 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, the shore is compressed yellow sand. Read a guide to Hikkaduwa beach.

Bentota

Bentota is a beautiful resort 65 from Colombo. There are many package tours offered here. The whole city is tailored to the life of tourists, many cafes and shops, a wide choice of accommodation. The coastline is very wide, the waves are quite strong. There are small calm coves, but they are difficult to find right away. If you stay on the outskirts, then in the evening entertainment is limited only to the hotel area.

Beruwella

Beruwella is located five kilometers from Bentota, it is a young resort. Here they relax package tours, finding housing on your own is problematic. The beach holiday is the same as in Bentota, only a little less crowded and quieter. This is a favorite resort of tourists from Europe; there are expensive hotels. The coastline is very beautiful with coconut palms and white sand.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a small closed bay, perfect place for holidays with children. Very beautiful beach, shallow ocean, almost no waves. Everything tourists need is here; there are no noisy parties. However, there are a lot of people because of the budget holiday and the swimmable ocean.

Galle is not suitable for a beach holiday at all; it is an excursion city. The beach is urban with all the ensuing consequences.

Weligama

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

Mirissa

Mirissa – 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. On central beach It is also very stormy, but there are small coves with calm water nearby. There is no entertainment after nine in the evening.

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

Tangalle is a large city in the south of Sri Lanka with a very beautiful beach, but swimming is impossible due to the strongest 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 in Sri Lanka near Galle. There is a busy road along the shore, so you won’t be able to feel like you’re on Bounty Island, although along coastline and coconut trees grow. All life here takes place on the beach and the main street, where there are several shops and a bank.

Beaches in northeast Sri Lanka

Trincomalee

In the northeastern region of Sri Lanka the situation is the opposite; there are few places for recreation. There is only one main resort - Trincomalee. The infrastructure here is also quite developed, but it is located very far from the international airport and getting here is not easy.

Uppuveli, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay

There are several other small villages - Uppuveli, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay (bay), but there is absolutely nothing there. However, magnificent beaches with snow-white sand attract tourists who prefer calm, quiet rest. Very comfortable to relax with small children. Not far from the coast there is a small coral island. It's easy to get to, local residents For a certain fee, they are happy to deliver everyone there.

When going on vacation to Sri Lanka, not all tourists realize that around the island is the Indian Ocean, and not a calm sea. There are gorgeous beaches with coconut trees and clean white sand, but full swimming in the ocean is possible only in small enclosed coves, of which there are very few here. Tourists often complain that when they go into waist-deep water, it is difficult to stand on their feet, the waves are so strong that they knock even strong men off their feet. Vacationers have to be content with walks along the coast and careful swimming near the shore.

I wrote separately how treacherous the ocean is - how I almost returned from the island as a widow, see. I recommend giving the information to your men to read; the confession of the injured husband may make them think. You can find out what else a tourist needs to know before visiting Sri Lanka in my article.”

Perhaps you have your own story of visiting Sri Lanka, write a story in the “Readers Travel” section. 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. With this I say goodbye to you, I hope the information helped you when choosing a beach in Sri Lanka.

Tatiana Solomatina

Sri Lanka - beautiful place For varied recreation. Here you can surf the waves and catch the wind on a kite; snorkel among coral reefs and scuba dive to see the beauty underwater world; enjoy fresh seafood and sweet tropical fruits; meet with local history and culture, visit ancient architectural monuments, temples, cities and wander through the endless green hills, among the Ceylon tea plantations, and, of course, sunbathe and relax on the endless beaches. The sand on many of them is fine and pleasant to the touch, coconut palms hang over the sea, and the water is clean and clear.

The most best beaches located mainly on the southwest coast and a little on the east. But nevertheless, there are more than fifteen large beaches on the island alone, not to mention the wild and unpopular sandy areas. Among the variety of beaches, there are 6 main ones that are most attractive to tourists.

Bentota

One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka and many, not unreasonably, consider it the best on the entire island for a relaxing holiday. Part of Bentota's popularity can be explained by the fact that, of all the major beaches, it is closest to international airport(100 kilometers away). The beach is quite wide, long and, despite its popularity, not too crowded.

The resort is often chosen by newlyweds for a relaxing holiday and honeymoon. Here a good choice first class hotels, restaurants, massage parlors In general, the tourist infrastructure is well developed.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa Beach is located 30 kilometers south of Bentota, but the atmosphere on it is completely different - it’s youth resort with all the appropriate attributes: lots of bars, beach parties, a fairly large selection of budget accommodation.

The resort has gained popularity among young people thanks to its big waves - this is one of the best places for surfing on the island. Hikkaduwa stretches for 7 kilometers and actually consists of two beaches. The first, the eponymous Hikkaduwa, is located in a lagoon (therefore there are almost no waves around it), calm, quite wide and not very long. The second is Narigama, longer, but narrow, with decent depth near the shore and large waves, which makes it unsuitable for swimming, but it is excellent for surfing.

In the sea off the coast you can see sea turtles and a small coral reef. Vacationers in the vicinity of Hikkaduwa will always have something to do: surf in the morning, sunbathe, swim and snorkel in the afternoon, have fun in bars and parties in the evening and periodically go somewhere to neighboring resorts or go on excursions.

Unawatuna

A small but very popular beach among tourists. During the season it can get quite crowded here. Cozy, with a well-developed infrastructure, it is located in a small lagoon, protected from the open ocean by a coral reef on which the waves break. Therefore, the sea near the coast is often clean and calm, which is why Unawatuna is very popular among families with children.

The sea near the coast is quite shallow, so it warms up well during the day; the water temperature does not drop below 27 degrees throughout the year.

There is a good selection of small hotels and guesthouses near the beach, but there are no large or chain hotels that work with large travel agencies, so Unawatuna is popular among independent travelers. In the evening the beach turns into a large restaurant under open air- Nearby restaurants set up tables on the sand, light torches around them and offer fresh seafood for dinner.

When choosing Unawatuna for your vacation, be prepared for the fact that there are quite a lot of fragments of coral and stones in the water, so going into the water is not very pleasant. For a comfortable stay, take coral slippers with you. Locals also like to come here (especially on weekends), who show increased attention to white tourists.

Mirissa

This is another beautiful beach that is very popular among tourists. The beach in Mirissa is very picturesque with pretty palm trees on the shore and pleasant fine sand without large stones. The water in the sea is clean and transparent without algae and debris. The sea near the shore is very shallow.

The infrastructure is not very well developed, but if you make an order at one of the beach restaurants, you can use their sun loungers and umbrellas at no additional cost.

Tangalle

Tangalle Beach is long, wide, incredibly picturesque and almost deserted. This is the farthest from the capital resort area on the south coast, so either a few backpacker travelers or tourists craving solitude come here. In the western part of the beach, where the village of Tangalle is located, there are inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants, and further beyond the village you can walk along the beach for many kilometers, occasionally encountering hotels of a fairly good standard along the way.

The water here is clear, the beach is clean, you can snorkel near the shore, but the sea is almost always big waves, so only those who are good swimmers decide to sail far from the shore.

Trincomalee

There are not very many beaches on the northeast coast; they are even wilder and more deserted than on the southwest. Only nature lovers and those who are willing to spend 9 hours on a train or pay a tidy sum for a comfortable taxi ride come here. Nevertheless, those who still get to the beaches of Trincomalee call these places the most beautiful part of the island.

Holidays in the city of Trincomalee are calm, there is practically no entertainment, the infrastructure was significantly damaged by the tsunami in 2004 and is being restored very slowly. Many hotels have remained empty and abandoned ever since. Not far from the shore there is a small desert island Pigeon with snow-white coral sand and clear water. The island is surrounded by a large coral reef, which attracts lovers of snorkeling and diving - here under the water you can see bright tropical fish, sea turtles and, they say, even reef sharks.

And we also have

It’s amazing how nature can be favorable to one country and create 130 km of coastline, with unique and very beautiful beaches. Sri Lanka is known throughout the world as a pearl Indian Ocean, with evergreen tropical vegetation, mangroves, palm plantations, and perfect beaches- bounty. The beaches of the island are worthy of a rating of 5 out of 5 according to all criteria, for lovers beautiful photos, here is simply paradise on earth, where you can take hundreds and thousands of gorgeous photos, and choose a different landscape each time. We will try to choose for you the five best from all the many amazingly beautiful beaches, gradually moving away from the international airport.

Bentota

The famous beach, with a beautiful coastal area, snow-white sand, covered with greenery along the entire coast. Bentota is famous for its developed infrastructure and expensive hotels. It is here that vacationers will find the most luxurious hotels in all of Sri Lanka, where the price will correspond to the service and quality. The most popular hotel (Bentota Beach) - 4 stars with beautiful view to the ocean or river. By the way, the ocean is not the only one here water fun, there is also a river. The Bentota River is famous for its boat safaris along the banks covered with mangroves and a huge number of small islands with colorful birds and wild animals.

Bentota Beach is not protected from the ocean by either corals or rocks, so it is not calm and is not intended for simple swimming. But people really like that they love waves, ride, jump and ride them to the very shallow waters.

Thickets of the Bentota River

The resort is popular among newlyweds, so it strives to create maximum comfort and privacy. A lot of cafes and restaurants will offer you a huge selection of international or local cuisine, there is always a choice of where to go and where to relax.

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Attention all fans extreme type sports and club parties. Sri Lanka has created especially for you. There are 10 km of golden sand and an incomparably beautiful beach. However, the ocean here is a real element, it is terrible, the waves are huge, with low-frequency, endless noise.

And this is in “” from December to April, and from May to November it is not allowed to go into the ocean, you can only swim in the pool. Therefore, the resort is a banner among surfers. Every day they sit on their boards in the sea, waiting for a “good wave.”

Accommodation in Hikkaduwa can be found to suit any budget and for any need. Here you can find a shack for 5 dollars a day, but you may not even invest 200. (Read all about hotels in this town). The only thing I’ll add is that the most famous hotel in Hikkaduwa is. Very high quality service and gorgeous area.

The city itself is spread out along the Galle Road, and is dotted with souvenir shops, tents with clothes made from natural cotton, wicker hats, fruit stalls, and shops with everything you need for everyday life. Great amount restaurants and cafes, competing in prices and portion sizes, with always fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits.

Beach in Unawatuna.

If you need a beach for swimming, with warm water, without waves and undercurrents, then this is perfect. This coral bay, is reliably protected from the aggressive ocean, and there are no currents. The beach is good for families with children; in addition to the opportunity to swim in the sea water, it has very good infrastructure. A significant number of cafes and restaurants, right on the shore and overlooking the ocean, offer a wide range of dishes, cheap fresh juices, fresh fruits, and various delicacies. In addition, there is also a visit to which, although it is difficult, because it is quite troublesome to get to it, however, photographs from this beach will outshine any others taken in Una.

There are no problems with housing in Unawatuna. There are many hotels on the shore at a variety of prices, and for a completely budget holiday, we go across the road and choose any guest house of our choice. Even for 10 dollars a night, you can live well in a guest house, with your own garden, palm trees and chipmunks.

Mirissa.

According to many tourists and most locals along the entire coast of Sri Lanka. Banuti beach, with lush greenery, mangrove bushes, palm trees that bend over the azure water of the Indian Ocean. This is an indescribable beauty, no matter how much you photograph, but until you see it with your eyes, you won’t believe it.

The ocean in the bay itself cannot be called calm, even from the Galle side. But, in principle, it is not scary, you can jump and ride. From the side, the bay ends with a spit that goes into the ocean, and at the end of the spit, in the ocean, a rocky island grows. At the top of the island there is a very beautiful and colorful restaurant; we recommend visiting it, admiring the gorgeous view and dining on fresh lobsters. Having already passed the spit, you will see a bay with calm water and a swimming beach. There are always a lot of locals splashing around here, you will notice the cove right away.

Accommodation in Mirissa is very easy to find. Walking along the coast, go to any hotel, look at the room, and ask the price. Considering all the proposed options in a nearby cafe, over a glass of fresh juice, you choose the best option for yourself. There are no problems with food here either. Right on the shore there are many cafes and restaurants offering local dishes to suit your taste, such as curry, nadles, very tasty cream soups and, of course, seafood. It's a bit difficult with alcohol here. You can always find it in bars, but there are no specialized stores in the area of ​​28 km.

Dickwella.

A cozy beach, without crowds of tourists, an influx of beach fights and various merchants - that’s all about the beach in . A small bay is located a bit far from Bandaranaike airport, so it is not so popular among tourists. But Dikwella has a beautiful beach, protected by rocks on one side and a coral reef on the other. The beach is considered elite, very quiet and comfortable for vacationers. The sand is golden in color, the water is clear and azure.

Dikwella's infrastructure is not large, just a couple of cafes and several hotels and guest houses. But here it is best hotel Sri Lanka is famous for being surrounded on three sides by the ocean and all the windows have a sea view.

Popular excursions to the blue hall, the so-called tall statue Buddhas on the island.

Here are five of the best of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, all of them famous and located in the southwest of the island. But I would also like to mention one resort, less popular, but very picturesque, and it is located on east side Ceylon.

Pasikuda.

Due to the widespread myth that people don’t go on vacation in Sri Lanka in the summer (read about ), Pasikuda Beach has remained undeservedly forgotten. This is a resort for summer holiday, available to visit from May to October. According to tourists, the beautiful beach also deserves bounty status. Golden sand, palm trees over the azure water, this place is popular among newlyweds. Here you can feel secluded while contemplating the natural beauty of the island. True, the infrastructure is not very developed, but vacationers are always welcome here and local residents give tourists a warm welcome.

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations for a beach holiday in Asia. This island has miles of stunning beaches. However, you will not find beaches in Sri Lanka with white sand like those in the Maldives. At best, you can relax on a beach with light yellow sand.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best sandy beaches in Sri Lanka, which are covered with light but not white sand.

Unawatuna

The resort of Unawatuna, located in the south of Sri Lanka, has gained its high popularity among tourists primarily due to its beautiful beach. Although this resort area has almost everything a tourist needs, even interesting historical places, the main attraction of this resort is its stunning light sand beach, which is good for swimming due to its location in a small bay, which guarantees relatively calm waters most of the year. If you are interested in white sand beaches in Sri Lanka, then you should pay attention to Unawatuna Beach. The sand here may not be white, but it is quite light, and the beach itself is suitable for Bounty-style photos.

Bentota

If light sand on the beach is one of the main criteria when choosing a place to relax, then we advise you to pay attention to Bentota Beach, which is often chosen by tourists who want to enjoy sunbathing and aquatic species sports. Alternatively, you can also go on a boat safari on the Bentota River, which connects to the lagoon. During the boat ride, you can see a variety of birds and admire the mangrove scenery.

Hikkaduwa

The town of Hikkaduwa was famous among foreigners back in the 1970s. Nowadays the resort is considered one of the most noisy places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. What attracts crowds of tourists to this resort? Its popularity is facilitated by the famous coral gardens and beautiful sandy beach. Although the sand on the beach is not white like in the Maldives, its color is still quite pleasant. True, there is no feeling of being on Bounty Beach, mainly due to the fact that it is quite crowded beach.
The resort of Hikkaduwa is also famous for its nightlife. Although there is not a wide variety of stylish clubs and disco bars here, as in Colombo, Hikkaduwa still stands out from the rest. tourist resorts in respect of nightlife.

Negombo

About ten kilometers from Bandaranaike Airport and an hour's drive from the center of Colombo, Negombo offers plenty of entertainment and a beautiful beach with light yellow sand. There are plenty of fun things to do in Negombo, including lagoon rides and colonial-era architecture, including St. Mary's Church, the remains of an old Dutch fort, and attractive mansions along main street.
Negombo beach is quite wide, so it can accommodate many vacationers who come here mainly from Colombo.

Tangalle

On the southern coast of Sri Lanka you will find the beautiful Tangalle Beach. It looks like what many people imagine a beach on tropical island, - swaying palm trees, light sand and turquoise waters. However, not only their beautiful beach this area is famous. There are also interesting sights here. For example, you can visit the famous Buddha statue, ancient monastery in the rock, bird sanctuary.

Mirissa

Mirissa Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. The main reason for this beauty is that there is no rapid development here like some other places. In addition, many tourists are attracted by the light and very soft sand of this beach. Despite its relative underdevelopment, the Mirissa resort can offer stylish mini-hotels and good restaurants. There are also traditional village restaurants that serve inexpensive and tasty dishes.

Arugam Bay

Although the beach in Arugam Bay is popular primarily among surfers, those tourists who just want to swim and relax on the beach also come here. beautiful beach with light sand. While beaches on the east coast are suitable for swimming between May and September, Arugam Bay offers swimming almost all year round.

Uppuveli and Nilaveli

The beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, which are located in the east of Sri Lanka, near the city of Trincomalee, remained untouched during the long civil war. Palm trees, golden sands, fishing boats and a distinct lack of crowds are what you'll find on these beaches. There are few places to stay here, which means that the atmosphere on the beach always remains calm and quiet.