Beaches in Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean has so many perfect beaches. You can head straight from the airport to busy, beautiful Negombo; see stilt fishermen and discover bohemian surf chic along the south coast; look out for whales in Mirissa, o
Mirissa beach is a popular beach, with a host of restaurants set up on the golden sands. In February and March Blue Whales migrate along the coast, and plenty of whalewatching trips depart from here to see them.
Nilaveli, Trincomalee District
The small beach resort of Nilaveli has a broad stretch of white sand lapped by turquoise waters. It all feels blissfully unspoilt. Boat trips out to Pigeon Island National Park give the opportunity to dive and snorkel among turtles and 300 species of fish over its coral reef.
Kosgoda, Galle District
The sight of thousands of newly hatched baby turtles frantically dashing to the ocean is an unforgettable sight. There are many beaches in Sri Lanka where turtles nest, but Kosgoda on the west coast is a popular one to head to for. There’s a small conservation centre and hatchery here and you can witness the release of baby green sea turtles during hatching season from November to May.
Kalpitiya, Puttalam District
Kalpitiya, on the west coast, is an excellent choice for water sports such as kite-surfing. The winds are strongest from May to September.
Between November and April, you can see a different life-form enjoying the water: boat trips head out into the ocean to track thousands of dolphins frolicking off shore.
Arugam Bay, Ampara District
Arugam Bay on the east coast is a popular spot for surfing. The breaks here are widely considered to be Sri Lanka’s best, and draw surfers from around the world from April through September.
Bentota, Galle District
The well-established west coast resort of Bentota is one of the more popular beaches for families, thanks to the many boutique hotels, restaurants serving fresh seafood and Sri Lankan curries, and activity outfitters offering everything from boat safaris to windsurfing and jet-skiing. The beach is pretty terrific too: a long strip of buttercoloured sand bordered by native flora.
Passikuda, Batticaloa District
Passikuda Beach in Batticaloa district is known for safe swimming, with calm shallow waters edging a crescent of white sand dotted with palm trees.
Further south along the beach is Kalkudah, a similarly blissful tract of sand, but much quieter than its northern neighbour.
Casuarina Beach, Jaffna District
Casuarina Beach is among the most impressive beaches in Jaffna. It is also known as Cashoorina and is located in Karainagar, about 20 km from Jaffna town. The beach is located on the north side of Karativu Island, the peninsula’s biggest island, that is joined to the continent over a highway.
The beach allegedly received its name because of the Casuarina trees planted beside the beach. The coast has shallow waters and is a safe area to have a dip.