20 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka for a Soulful Experience

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean that is famous for its magnificent sandy coastlines, a colorful history, and many traditions. The beautiful beaches of Seychelles have been ranked as some of the most beautiful in the world with the Island being surrounded by rocky and sandy shores that are serene, adventurous and naturally stunning. Whether you simply want to lounge by the sea or surf, or even engage in the exploration of marine life, the beaches of Sri Lanka can offer you a truly soulful time. Here are 20 of the best beaches in Sri Lanka that can help you restore your mental, physical, and spiritual health.

1. Unawatuna Beach: Situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka’s coastline, Unawatuna Beach has become one of the most favoured and picturesque beaches in Sri Lanka. It is a natural wonder of golden sand and crystal clear water which is the favorite spot of many Cretan tourists. It has palm trees around the beach whereby the sea is shallow enough to allow swimming and snorkeling. Unawatuna is also home to a buzzing nightlife scene with many beachfront bars and restaurants with live music and fresh seafood.

2. Mirissa Beach: The other popular one is the Mirissa Beach located in the Matara District with a crescent shape that exudes natural beauty. They are perfect for those who dream of spending a leisurely afternoon on the beach with warm sand beneath their feet and the water lapping gently against the shore. Another key attraction to visit the Mirissa is whale watching, it offers an exciting chance to observe the blue whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Sunsets are wonderful at this place, and therefore a good place for a stroll during the evening.

3. Bentota Beach: One place that stands out especially for water activities is Bentota Beach. Situated in the south western region, this beach provides watersport facilities, which include, water surfing, parasailing, among others. The Bentota River is holistic with the sea and is ideal for boating and river safaris due to the clear waters. The Bentota Beach also boasts several luxurious resorts and spas where tourists can relax and enjoy their beach vacation.

4. Hikkaduwa Beach: Hikkaduwa Beach is considered to be a fun and exciting tourist spot because of its coral reef and lively marine environment. That is the place where snorkeling and diving attract a lot of people, as several diving centers furnish the guided tour. The beach is also popular for surfing and many people travel to this place for surfing at the various breaks available. Nightlife is also vibrant in the town where one can find many beachfront restaurants and bars offering fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.

5. Arugam Bay: Arugam Bay is another famous beach on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and is famous for surfing. This beach is remarkable for the length of the waves, which are constant here, which attracts surfers. Arugam bay can also be recommended for tourists who are more interested in solitude and less crowded beaches. The area close to the beach features various vegetation, and the Kumana National Park’s wildlife safaris are nearby.

6. Nilaveli Beach: The Nilaveli Beach that lies along the northeastern coast in the district of Trincomalee is a natural and untouched beach characterized by white sandy shoreline and clear water. Staying at this beach will provide you with that much needed alone time that is sometimes essential. Nilaveli is also the starting point to the famous Pigeon Island for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can go diving around the island where there are beautiful corals and many forms of fish, turtles and sharks.

7. Tangalle Beach: Located on the southern coast, Tangalle Beach is a less popular and less crowded beach compared to Kalkudah. The beach is described as having golden sand and clear blue water with palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. It is not as busy as some other beaches in Sri Lanka, which is perfect for those who want to spend a few days in a quiet area. The beach is also in the vicinity of some natural destinations such as the Rekawa Lagoon, or Mulkirigala Rock Monastery.

8. Pasikudah Beach: The Pasikudah beach on the eastern coast is another ideal beach for swimming because the water is shallow and gradually descends far into the sea. The water activity is great for wading and snorkeling while sunbathing and there are hotels and luxury resorts along the shore. Scenic beaches such as Pasikudah beach are popular for swimming and snorkeling since the waters around the island are boast with gorgeous coral reefs and marine life.

9. Weligama Beach: Depending on the region, here are some of the most popular ones:

Welligama Beach: It is a bay situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka and it is famous for its golden hue and the calm sea. Still, the beach is rather appropriate for novice surfers as there are several schools in the area offering the lessons. Weligama is also known for ‘stilt fishermen’ who hang over the sea balancing on wooden poles to fish in the shallow water. The beach lies enclosed by dense vegetation, and the picturesque Taprobane Island located nearby complements the landscape.

10. Kalpitiya Beach: Kalpitiya Beach in the northwest coast remains largely untouched and is surrounded by pristine beauty and diverse wildlife. There is enough space on the beach and wind conditions well suited for kite surfing activities. It is also a major destination for Dolphin and Whale watching tours where one can get to see dozens of Dolphins and at times Blue Whales. Another attraction situated close by is the Bar Reef which is one of the largest coral reefs in Sri Lanka that makes for some great snorkeling and scuba diving.

11. Galle Face Green: The coastal city of Colombo has a unique urban beach known as Galle Face Green, which is perfect for those who want to experience sea and city vibes simultaneously. The culture, traditions, food, and this picturesque beach are a perfect setting for relaxation in the evening with a view to the Indian ocean. Street food vendors are also found at Galle Face Green and they offer different varieties of delicious snacks and meals in Colombo.

12. Trincomalee Beach: When it comes to beach attractions, there is Trincomalee beach situated on the northeastern coast of the country has spacious sandy beaches set beside the blue waters. The beach is well connected to many historic and cultural sites such as Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick. It is also an excellent area for snorkeling and diving, with several sites for divers and snorkeling to view corals and ship wrecks.

13. Polhena Beach: Polhena Beach which lies on the southern coast just near Matara is comparatively a small but beautiful beach with fairly shallow and calm water and coral reefs. There are natural coral breakwaters around the beach that offer good protection for swimmers and snorkelers. Sea turtles can also be seen at Polhena as they come close to the shore in search of seagrass to feed on.

14. Uppuveli Beach: Uppuveli Beach is another famous beach near Trincomalee which is comparatively less crowded and less adventurous. This beach is wonderful for those who want to avoid large crowds and spend a quiet day in front of the ocean. Uppuveli is also a perfect destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, which have several tourist companies providing boat tours with opportunities to see coral gardens and ship wrecks.

15. Mount Lavinia Beach: Mount Lavinia Beach is situated just south of Colombo and is a favourite among the population as well as visitors to the area. Most of them associate this beach with the golden sand and the ability to party all night, with bars, restaurants, and clubs by the beach. Mount Lavinia also boasts a swimming facility and sunbathing area, which is safe for use since there are lifeguards attached to the place.

16. Hiriketiya Beach: Hiriketiya beach also referred to as Hiri is a small bay shaped like a horseshoe situated on the southern coast of the country. This beach is relatively unknown but it provides a serene environment that is free from immense physical activity and tension. It is actually known that Hiriketiya is one of the best places for surfing as water is quite gentle for beginners. It is located close to pristine nature – the coast is bordered by palm trees – and a variety of cafes and restaurants.

17. Mannar Island: A prominent island on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka is Mannar Island which is yet to be fully commercialized and features a fantastic geography. It must also be noted that the main attractions of Mannar Island or the famous beaches consist of the sand coupled with the clear water. It also holds some archeological significance as it is an island with some interesting structures like the Adam’s Bridge which is a series of limestone shoals that join the island of Sri Lanka to that of India.

18. Koggala Beach: Koggala beach stretches from the southern coast and it is comparatively long and broad with comparatively less congestion. The beach is an excellent place for long walks, sun bathing and swimming. Another thing that defines Koggala is the opportunity to observe the natural beauty and density of the places adjacent to the lake because there are several lagoons, mangroves, and even rainforests in the close proximity to Koggala. The beach is located near the Koggala Lake, which offers boat rides and watching various bird species.

19. Dickwella Beach: There is still one – Dickwella Beach which is situated on the southern coast of the island and it is perfect for those who wish to feel solitude and silence. The beach serves as a perfect swimming and snorkeling beach because it has golden sand and clear water. It also has the largest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka at Wewurukannala Vihara, which is also recommended to visit.

20. Induruwa Beach: Another beach, that is Induruwa Beach, is situated on the south-western coast and is less crowded and possibly less energetic than the previous ones. It is an ideal place for those who seek quiet and seclusion and have a desire to sunbath on the seaside. Still, Induruwa is also a nice place for snorkelling, as there are some coral reefs near the shore.

Conclusion: Sri Lanka can boast of extremely diverse beaches starting from the ones where one can just relax and sun tan to the ones full of entertainment. Be it surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or plain sun bathing and beach-lazing, the scenic coastline setting of the island is sure to make an invigorating and soul-filling experience.

Ready to find your soulful beach experience? Contact Viz Travels today at +91-7042917770 or email us at sales@viztravels.com to book your dream Sri Lanka tour package. Let’s plan the trip you’ve always dreamed of!

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