Sri Lanka is a gorgeous island country, comprising a cluster of little islands. The Sri Lankan beaches are stunning, each with its distinct features setting it apart from the others. Some of the beaches are small and some may spread across miles, but they are all worth visiting for different reasons. The southern portion of Sri Lanka houses all the popular beaches. The coastal sides are always cooler than the humid interiors of the country. Enjoy the breeze, get a hot tan, flaunt your bikini, pose for Instagram, and add to your collection of photography while spending some amazing time at the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
1. Hiriketiya Beach
The horseshoe bay at Hiriketiya is a beautiful beach with super clear, turquoise water and great waves for surfing. It is quiet and calm, with lesser developments taking place in and around it. The view is stunning, and you will find plenty of places to stay around this region. You will find a mini yellow bus parked by the beach, which converts into a restaurant. The beach can get crowded with tourists. However, the food options nearby are plentiful. There are a few great places to stay near this beach.
Hiriketiya Beach
Address: Matara, Sri Lanka
Website: Hiriketiya Beach
2. Arugam Bay Beach
If you are a backpacker and like to roam around places by yourself, then you are going to love the vibe of this beach. Go surfing, on a motor-boat ride to spot dolphins in the sea or shopping from one of the several mini shop markets and paid services, where you can buy all kinds of things from dresses to jewellery. You can even get souvenirs for loved ones at home from the shops here. Also, witness live music performances and a lot of people like your to befriend and share a drink or two with. Pottuvil Lagoon is nearby attraction that is a must-visit.
Arugam Bay Beach
Address: Arugam Bay 32500, Sri Lanka
Website: Arugam Bay Beach
3. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is an artificial beach that shows off blue water and a number of fun activities to keep yourself engaged. You can very well enjoy a swim here. Coral reefs prevent dangerous currents of the Indian Ocean out. If you are fortunate, you might catch sight of a whale shark. The beach is lined with a number of bars and restaurants, where you can spend some time with friends and family. There are several party spots to visit. Dress to kill and party hard at night and rejuvenate from the happy exhaustion at the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya temple in the morning.
Unawatuna Beach
Address: Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Website: Unawatuna Beach
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4. Jungle Beach, Unawatuna
Jungle Beach, Unawatuna, is hidden from the main region, but it does get crowded during the peak season. The path to the beach is quite an adventure. You need to walk through a small jungle for about 10 minutes to reach the beach. The view around the beach is spectacular. The sea can be pretty rough on some days, so it is important to be cautious. The beach has a lot of rocks, so it is better to stay away from swimming, but it can be a good spot for snorkelling.
Jungle Beach, Unawatuna
Address: Unawatuna 80600, Sri Lanka
Website: Jungle Beach, Unawatuna
5. Tangalle Beach
Tangalle Beach is a very pretty beach and can be the perfect spot for the model in you and the photographer alike. Tangalle is the last town within the Sri Lankan border and hence is isolated and away from the hustle of the city. If you want a romantic getaway with your love, then this is the perfect beach to visit. Tangalle has a number of wide beaches for you to relax in, along with mangrove vegetation and beautiful lagoons. In spite of being such a pretty beach, it offers a budget travel and is also very well suited to travellers who have just started out.
Tangalle Beach
Address: Tangalle 82200, Sri Lanka
Website: Tangalle Beach
6. Mirissa Beach
Merissa Beach has great waves that can be a lot of fun for an experienced surfer and also for someone who is keen on learning or enjoying a surf. Soak up the sun during the day lying on the sun beds spread across the beach or go fishing near the coral reefs with the locals. There are several restaurants and beach bars that are lit up at night, and you get served fresh and delicious seafood. Some of the restaurants may be more expensive than a few but there are a range of eateries to choose from as per your budget. Go on a River safari, to view lush paddy fields, migratory birds and marine animals.
Mirissa Beach
Address: Mirissa 81740, Sri Lanka
Website: Mirissa Beach
7. Polhena Beach
You will meet several turtles in Polhena Beach, and you might enjoy swimming with them. It can be a fun experience. Especially if you decide to take a guided tour, then the guide might help spot the turtles better, for you to take a snap. It is a good beach to enjoy a bath, as the water is relatively shallow compared to those of other beaches. There are water taps to wash yourselves after bathing in the sea. Snorkelling, too, is going to be a fun activity.
Polhena Beach
Address: Matara, Sri Lanka
Website: Polhena Beach
8. Mount Lavinia Beach
If you are staying at Mount Lavinia Hotel, then you must visit Mount Lavinia Beach. Basically, the star of the beach is the beautiful hotel. It is there for years now, and it is a wonderful place to put up. The hotel is the cherry on the cake. The hotel offers stunning ocean-view rooms. You must visit the beach before dark if you want to see turtles. There are plenty of restaurants and bars on the beach that offer affordable food and drinks. You also get served amazing seafood at Mount Lavinia Hotel.
Mount Lavinia Hotel
Address: Mount Lavinia Beach, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 10370, Sri Lanka
Website: Mount Lavinia Hotel
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Hikkaduwa Beach
Feast on crabs and coconuts, which are found in plenty on the South Coast of Sri Lanka in Hikkaduwa beach. The beach is filled with turtles and crabs. A coral sanctuary is situated at only a 5-km (3 mi) distance from the beach. You will find the locals selling souvenirs that you can carry home for loved ones. A section of the beach is protected by rocks, keeping out strong waves, which creates a swimming pool-like area, which is great for snorkelling.
Hikkaduwa Beach
Address: Hikkaduwa 80240, Sri Lanka
Website: Hikkaduwa Beach
10. Koggala Beach
Koggala is a beautiful beach in the South Coast of Sri Lanka and is one of the longest beaches of Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by jungles. A few of the main attractions of this beach are Lake Koggala, the turtle hatchery, Buddhist hermitages and Martin Wickramasinghe Museum. Enjoy fresh sea food at the numerous restaurants lined along the beach. Buy yourself a nice cocktail and soak up the sun.
Koggala Beach
Address: Koggala 82104, Sri Lanka
Website: Koggala Beach
Choose your favourite among the best
All of these are stunning beaches, but you can make your choice based on the features mentioned above of each. Some are more crowded than the others while some are more secluded. So, if you are looking to travel alone, you could go for the less-developed and quieter beaches, and if you are travelling with family, then you should perhaps go for the beaches that are more lively.
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