Sri Lanka - where is the best place to relax, overview of attractions and interesting facts. Description of the resorts of mysterious Sri Lanka Sri Lanka in April which resort to choose

Hello, dear readers – seekers of knowledge and truth!

Sri Lanka is an unusual country for Europeans that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It can surprise you with picturesque beaches, high hills with unforgettable views, as well as a warm climate, unique monuments, and centuries-old culture.

Sri Lanka - where is this country located and what is it like? You will learn about its geography, climate, nature, people, culture, religion. If you have been thinking about a trip to Sri Lanka, then in this article you will find brief information about the flight, the main attractions and values of the country.

What country is it

Sri Lanka is a country in southern Asia, located on the island of the same name. It dates back to the 5th century BC, when the first kingdoms appeared here. Since ancient times, local residents have established trade with China, Rome, and Arab countries.

In the 16th century, the island was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland. Their interference in the life of the islanders continued until the middle of the last century. Until 1972, Sri Lanka was called Ceylon.

Now its official name is the “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka” and is headed by a president. Today, numerous tourists flock here, making the former Ceylon a unique resort.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Such a tourist flow is not surprising, because here are connected:

tea plantations;
rice fields;
ancient traditions that date back 2.5 thousand years;
Buddhist temples;
rich flora and fauna;
precious and semi-precious stones;
herb plantations;
mountain slopes;
idyllic beaches;
warm sea;
historical monuments, of which eight are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

One fourth of the world's tea plantations are Ceylon.

Geography

The island is quite easy to find on the world map - it is located approximately one hundred kilometers south of India, in the southeast of the southern edge of Hindustan, separated from it by the western Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Strait, and the eastern Bay of Bengal.

The shape of the island resembles a teardrop or a pearl, for which it is called “sapphire”.

In the Palk Strait area there is an isthmus that formerly connected Sri Lanka with Hindustan. However, in the 15th century, several earthquakes occurred, causing the sandbank to submerge. Now this place is called "Adam's Bridge".

Geography of Sri Lanka in numbers:

length – 450 kilometers;
the widest point is 230 kilometers;
coastline length – 1.3 thousand kilometers;
area – 66 thousand square kilometers.

The island ends in the north with Cape Pedro, in the south with Cape Dondra, and in the west with Cape Dutch Bay. Moreover, one percent of the state consists of small islands near the “sapphire”.

The main water arteries are:

Kalu;
Mahaweli Ganga;
Aruvi-Aru;
Kelani.

Kalu River

From Sanskrit “shri” is translated as “holy”, “lanka” - “earth”.

The current republic consists of nine provinces and twenty-five districts. Since 1982, the capital has become a city with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte - now the parliament and the supreme court are located here.

However, the former capital center, the largest city of the state - Colombo, founded in ancient times, is considered a more popular city. The president's residence is also located here.

Climate

The weather pleases residents and visitors all year round - the average temperature is about 27 degrees. In the high season - from October to March, when the cold is raging in Russia, the air here warms up to 32 degrees, and sometimes even higher.

A little cooler in mountainous areas. For example, in winter at the coldest point of the island the temperature can drop to 12 degrees Celsius, but even here there is never snow.

Due to the monsoon climate, rain often occurs: on the west coast - in May-October, on the east - in December-May. However, they do not interfere with enjoying your vacation, because they are short-lived and occur mainly at night.

Relief and landscape

The landscape and relief areas of Ceylon can be divided into three groups:

Mountains and hills

They are mainly located in the central part, where most of the tea plantations are concentrated. Mountains can reach 2-2.5 thousand meters.

The highest mountain, Pidurutalagala, exceeds 2520 meters.

Rainforests
Coast with lowlands and beautiful beach areas.

Nature

They amaze with their diversity. A large number of species of different representatives of the animal and plant world live here:

birds - almost 500 (many Siberian and European migratory birds fly here);
butterflies – 240;
animals – 86;
fish – 50;
reptiles – 70;
snakes - more than 80 (and only five of them are dangerous to humans);
plants – 3 thousand.

The symbol of Sri Lanka is perhaps the elephant. They are found everywhere here. However, their population is declining compared to previous times. So, for example, 2 centuries ago there were about thirty thousand of them, while now there are only six thousand.

People

Today, approximately 20.5 million people live on the island, with a gradual population decline. On average, males live to 73 years, females - to 77.

There are several nationalities in the country:

Sinhalese - 75%;
Tamils - every tenth, live mainly in the north and east;
Moors, Arabs - a little more than 9%;
burghers, they are also descendants of the colonialists - less than 1%;
Veddas, whose ancestors were ancient natives - about a thousand people.

In this regard, Sinhala and Tamil are considered the official languages. You can often hear English spoken, with the help of which representatives of different ethnic groups communicate.

Sri Lanka is a developing country and most of the people are employed in agriculture. The main activity is the cultivation of tea plantations, mining of precious stones, rubber, collection of coconuts, spices, fishing, and textile industry.

The residents themselves simply call their homeland Lanka.

In recent decades, the tourism sector has been developing rapidly on the island. People come here not just on vacation, but increasingly for the winter from northern countries. Some foreigners even seek to settle here for permanent residence.

Contrary to popular belief that former Ceylon is a poor country, the literacy rate here is over 90%.

Culture and religion

The cultural component of the Sri Lankans - and this is what the inhabitants of Sri Lanka are called - is inextricably linked with religion. More than 70 percent of the locals are Buddhists, another 12 percent are Hindus, 9 are Muslims, 7 are Christians.

Many holidays and memorable places are associated specifically with religious beliefs, primarily, of course, with Buddhist philosophy, which appeared on the island back in the 3rd century BC.

Theravada monks in Sri Lanka

Many places of worship go back to Buddhism, for example, the famous Sri Lankan Buddha statue. There are also many Buddhist holidays. Here are some of them:

Poya - every full moon is celebrated, and even if it falls on a weekday, it becomes a day off, which should be devoted to meditative practices;
Navam Perahera – celebrated in February as the first Buddhist gathering of the year; accompanied by dancing, music, ceremonial processions, the main thing takes place in the Colombian Gangaramai;
Esala Perahera is a holiday dedicated to the first sermon of the Teacher in Sri Lanka, celebrated for two weeks; The central event is the removal of the Buddha tooth, the main relic of the island. It is kept in the Kandy Temple, the most important Sri Lankan Buddhist center.

In the 1980s, the symbol of the island became the star flower, the sacred flower of the Buddhists.

We're flying to Sri Lanka

The answer to the question of how long it takes to fly from Russia to Sri Lanka depends on the flight. Direct flights are operated only from Moscow, and not every day; travel time is 8-10 hours. Charters from other cities are possible as part of tour packages.

You can often fly to Sri Lankan shores with a transfer, for example, in Indian Delhi, Qatari Doha, Chinese Beijing or Hong Kong, Korean Seoul, as well as in Dubai, Istanbul or Abu Dhabi. The time difference with Moscow is two and a half hours.

When traveling to Lanka for up to 30 days, Russian citizens can fill out an application electronically on the embassy website and receive a visa upon arrival. This visa costs $35.

Tourists of all sizes can feel comfortable in Sri Lanka: there are both expensive hotels and budget hotels and houses - it all depends on the resort and the tourist’s wallet.

The main resort towns include:

Unawatuna;
Hikaduwa;
Mirissa;
Beruwela;
Kalutara;
Negombo;
Bentota;
Kosgoda;
Colombo;
Kalutara
Halle;
Hambantota;
Induruwa;
Tangale.

Hambantota Resort, Sri Lanka

Souvenirs

Lanka is famous for many values, but there are things that you should definitely bring from your trip:

famous Ceylon tea;
spices – pepper, vanilla sticks, cardamom;
jewelry - topazes, opals, emerald, sapphire products;
plant oil;
cotton products
attributes of culture and religion - masks, figurines, etc.

Conclusion

To summarize, I would like to say once again that Sri Lanka is a miracle island, a country of rice fields, tea plantations, picturesque hills, kind people and beaches that are more like Eden. It is located south of India, separated from the mainland by a strait. It is warm here all year round, and the locals, mostly Buddhists, get along well with tourists.

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The island of Sri Lanka consistently attracts many tourists every year. This is not surprising: beautiful nature, rich history and culture, excellent beaches, wonderful climate... We will talk about all these features of the island in the article. We invite you to discover such an amazing place as the island of Sri Lanka.

Briefly about Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a very ancient country, which is also known as Ceylon. Boundless and vast are the pride of this island. The local population adheres to traditions, but at the same time, there is freedom of religion in Sri Lanka. Many sacred temples (mainly Buddhist) and relics attract pilgrims from all over the world to this country. The mysterious southern Sri Lanka attracts different categories of tourists. They come here to see a world full of exotic things, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The local golden sand beaches are amazing.

In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and coves, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more... Relaxation on the ocean coast, familiarization with Buddhist shrines, national natural parks, the secrets of tea cultivation and production, communication with cheerful and open people Sri Lankans - all this guarantees you an unforgettable experience visiting this island.

Where is Sri Lanka on the map?

This one is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Seven objects located on this island are included in the list of UNESCO-protected historical values (130 in total). Sri Lanka is an ancient state with deep traditions and a rich history. This is the center of Buddhism, where important monuments of this teaching are located. However, it is not only the historical heritage that shapes the exoticism of the country. Sri Lanka on the map is located only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches of the tropical islands. Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and sky, the yellow tones of the beaches and the green of the vegetation.

Flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka

Currently there is only one direct flight Moscow - Sri Lanka (Colombo). However, it operates only in winter and does not have a strict schedule. The Moscow-Sri Lanka charter flight is operated by Aeroflot. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6700 km. Therefore, travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.

Sri Lanka: time and climate

Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in what the time difference is here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer, and 2.5 in the winter. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon. It is complicated by the terrain, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. The average annual temperature in the flat areas of the island of Sri Lanka is about 29-31° C. The season has virtually no effect on the temperature. In the mountainous part it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round, the sea water temperature remains above 25 °C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, just like in July.

As for humidity, it is high here and almost always exceeds 75%. The amount of precipitation is from 1000 (eastern and northern regions) to 5000 mm per year (southwest coast). The rainy season lasts from May to September, causing the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, may shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, the island of Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it’s cold in our country and you really want summer, tours here are very popular.

Island population

The population of this island is about 18 million people. Of these, more than 500 thousand people live in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The ethnic composition of the population is rich. This is a multinational country. Its population consists of Tamils, Sinhalese, Burghers (descendants of the Dutch and Portuguese) and Moors.

Language and religion

Singali is the official language of Sri Lanka. Tamil and English are also considered state languages. As we already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. Besides it, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not have strict requirements for clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, or in shorts. Additionally, you must remove your shoes upon entry. About 70% of the population are Buddhists, 15% are Tamils (Hindus), 8% are Christians, and 7% are Muslims. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but Buddhism is given a dominant position here.

Attractions

The island of Sri Lanka offers many attractions to suit every taste. Tours here will be of interest to various categories of tourists. "Sri Lanka Resort Triangle" is the most popular excursion program on the island. It includes an introduction to three cities - Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Let's talk about each of them.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the first capital of the Sinhalese state. This city is unique; it was built back in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime he saw 113 kings. The exact date of the founding of Anuradhapura is unknown. According to the astrological tradition of the Indo-Aryans, he was named after Anuradha, a star located in the constellation Scorpio. King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC e. established this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basavak Kulam reservoir was built to supply water to the population. The city in its heyday occupied an area of about 52 square meters. km, and its population reached several tens of thousands. In the 1st century AD e. aqueducts, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.

For 1.4 thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a true masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. And in our time, Anuradhapura is the capital of Buddhism. In order to visit it, many tourists come to the island of Sri Lanka every year. The city is located on the Aruvi River. Tourism is developed here, agricultural products are processed, as well as a number of things (wood carving, etc.).

Polonnaruwa

The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. The Hindu and Royal Palace ruins remain to this day. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into granite rock.

Kandy

Kandy is the center of Buddhism and the religious capital of the island. An artificial lake has been created in the center of this city. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is located on its banks (pictured below).

The city is rich in historical monuments. These include the courtyard and palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also an archaeological museum, near which there is a botanical garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments there are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the island's capital, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a jewelry museum. This location is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Piradeniya

Piradeniya (Royal Botanical Garden) is located 4 km from Kandy. This is one of the largest gardens in Asia. There is a large collection of tropical plants and trees here. The island's gardeners have divided a large hilly area into park areas. These zones contain different types of tropical flora. Another interesting feature of the garden is the more than one hundred species of ornamental orchids growing here.

Dambula

Another local attraction is Dambula. This is a temple built in the 1st century BC. e., called the Sleeping Buddha. It is the largest cave temple in South Asia. Dambula consists of five caves. Not only the temple itself, but also its painting is the largest in South Asia. Dambula has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Moreover, many of them are more than two thousand years old.

Mount Sigiriya

We also recommend visiting the Lion Rock (Mount Sigiriya). This picturesque mountain is located in the center of the island of Sri Lanka and is one of its main attractions. Lion Rock is protected by UNESCO. On this mountain, at an altitude of about 180 meters, a picturesque city was built. It is surrounded by gardens with swimming pools, fountains and unusual staircases, the steps of which are carved between the jaws, throat and paws of a huge lion. One of the attractions of this place is the gallery of frescoes, which depict a procession of half-naked palace ladies or princesses who seem to be floating in the air. These frescoes are covered with a special composition of egg white mixed with honey from wild bees. And to this day their bright colors have not faded. Today, unfortunately, only 17 of the 500 frescoes have survived.

Adam's Peak

Another interesting mountain is Adam's Peak. Since ancient times it has been a place of pilgrimage for believers. They climb this mountain in order to touch the sacred footprint located at the top with their lips. Muslims believe that this is where Adam, the first man, first set foot on earth.

Colombo

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. There are many temples, cathedrals and mosques located here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhala art and architecture. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the building tell us about the many lives of Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other attractions in Colombo include the Temple of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucia, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), as well as the Hindu temples of Old and New Kathiresan and Ganesan.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka offers tourists many interesting places. The weather, however, may not allow you to explore all the sights of this country. On hot days, many people prefer the beach to exploring the island. However, weather-related inconveniences can be avoided if your choice is Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka). The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. Nuwara Eliya resort is located at an altitude of about 1900 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Pidurutalagala. This mountain is the highest peak in Sri Lanka. Here you will enjoy a favorable mild climate (temperature averages 15-20 degrees), as well as mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys and meadows. All this makes this place a popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, a land of blessed climate, is also known as “little England”, as it is called on the island of Sri Lanka. Tours here have been in constant demand for many years.

Elephant nursery and Bo tree

The government-owned elephant nursery is located in the town of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that were harmed by poachers or left without parents. Today it is home to more than 60 elephants.

Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. It is already more than two thousand years old. We also recommend visiting the endless tea plantations. This is the pride of Sri Lanka, thanks to which the island has gained worldwide fame. Sri Lankan spices, gems, exotic fruits, and batik are also very popular.

Transport

Please note that in this country, traffic is on the left. Most of the roads are in mountainous areas. Neither pedestrians nor drivers follow traffic rules. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver on the island of Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost per 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. Your hotel reception can provide you with information about transport in Sri Lanka. Car rental prices start at $20 per day.

National cuisine

The cuisine here, even close to the European version we are used to, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is a buffet. Those who don't like spicy food should consult the waiter about what to get. Mineral water, like other drinks, is not included in the price of dinner or lunch in Sri Lanka. This island is especially favorable for vegetarians.

Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Also popular here are seafood dishes (try lobster and sea shrimp), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry.

It is not recommended to abuse local strong drinks. The main one is arak. This is coconut moonshine, which even the local population does not drink a lot, but for variety you can try a little.

On the island you will find inexpensive and excellent tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.

Tips

Typically, bar, restaurant and hotel bills already include a tip of 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to tip porters, drivers and guides. As a rule, they are expected from Russian tourists, but not from Germans.

One of the best places to relax is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.

Review of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka: map, description, season, pros and cons. Find out where the best beach holidays are on the island!

Sri Lanka has many wonderful resorts with good beaches and well-developed infrastructure. In this review you will learn about the most popular resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka. We will tell you about a beach holiday in Sri Lanka: what is good about each resort, how to spend time on vacation and when is the best time to go on vacation.

Map of resorts and beaches of Sri Lanka

List of the best resorts in Sri Lanka

Negombo is located closer than other resorts to Colombo airport - the distance to it is about 30 km. This is very convenient for tourists who have had a long flight. The place is more famous for its fishing conditions than for beach holidays: the coastal waters abound with a large number of fish, their migration period occurs during the high tourist season. The large seafood market is one of Negombo's most famous attractions. Negombo has reefs, which makes the place popular among divers.

Beach holidays in Negombo are mediocre: the water is muddy, some areas of the shore are occupied by fishermen, where they lay out gear and dry fish. There are few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as water activities, the only exceptions being expensive hotels.

Nevertheless, Negombo is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka thanks to the convenient beaches that stretch along Lewis Place. In addition, there is an optimal choice of accommodation and many photogenic fishermen and beautiful scenery.

Negombo can be visited all year round, however it is very wet in May and October - November.

(Photo © ronsaunders47 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Hikkaduwa is located 100 km from Colombo and is the leader in attendance. Divers, surfers, snorkelers, young people and family people come here. Water activities and a modest nightlife have made Hikkaduwa the busiest and best resort in Sri Lanka.

Here are the longest beaches in Sri Lanka and many hotels of different categories. The beaches are ideal for surfing - there is almost always a strong wave. Early in the morning, huge turtles appear near the shore; they are so accustomed to people that they take treats directly from people’s hands.

In the center of Hikkaduwa there is a coral park where you can ride a glass-bottom boat, go snorkeling, or book a boat trip. There are several Buddhist temples in Hikkaduwa, the most famous and popular among them is located on a small island. Entrance to the temples is free, excluding travel fees. Excursions to the mines where precious stones are mined and can be purchased are popular among vacationers.

A great time to holiday in Hikkaduwa is from November to April.

Wadduwa is located 35 km from Colombo. At 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 equipped especially 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 Gangatilaka Vihara and the fishermen's town of Hambantota, take a boat trip along the canals and capture the local beauty.

The best time for an active and beach holiday at this resort is from October to March.

The village of Bentota is located south of Colombo - 65 km (2 hours drive), between the mouth of the river of the same name and the ocean. It is considered an elite and best resort in Sri Lanka, a favorite beach holiday destination for romantics and those seeking solitude.

Here are the largest number of comfortable hotels, uncrowded clean beaches and lush jungle nature, famous mangrove forests grow in this area. The resort offers a lot of entertainment for its guests - sea and river fishing, an exciting safari on the river with crocodiles, excursions to a turtle farm, yacht trips and much more. There is a center for diving enthusiasts.

The best time for a beach holiday in Bentota is from October to April.

The small resort village of Unawatuna is located 120 km from Colombo. Once a fishing village, this rapidly developing resort is only slightly inferior in popularity to Hikkaduwa and Bentota.

This place is especially loved by tourists who vacation on their own - the resort has many guesthouses at an affordable price. The main advantage of Unawatuna is the calm water in the ocean. The central beach is located in a bay, and coral reefs protect from strong waves, so families with children are happy to relax here.

The entire tourism infrastructure has been created. Vacationers can go diving or snorkeling; lovers of excursions can visit the neighboring resort of Galle. But this is not a place for solitude: the beaches of Unawatuna can be quite crowded.

The optimal time for vacation is from December to April. It is too rainy in May and October–November.

Due to their distance from the airport, the resorts on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka are less popular than on the southwestern coast. Nevertheless, Trincomalee is considered one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka and the most beautiful place on the island: there is a deep-water bay discovered by Admiral Nelson. Trincomalee itself is unique in terms of architecture - there are Muslim buildings, Buddhist and Hindu temples. You can get there by night train from Colombo (9 hours travel time) or by bus (7 hours).

According to some vacationers, Trincomalee beaches are the best in all of Sri Lanka. The holiday is quiet, there is little entertainment here, the infrastructure is still under development, most hotels are inexpensive, bars and restaurants are of the same level.

The natural beauty of this place is amazing - tall palm trees and lemurs roaming free. Not far from the coast is a coral island, which is favored by divers and snorkelers; there are hot springs a few kilometers away.

It is best to plan your trip from March to August, as November-December is too rainy.

List of the best beaches in Sri Lanka

All the island's beaches are sandy, many of them are surrounded by coconut palms and other tropical plants. The best beaches in Sri Lanka are located on the southwest coast and are not too far from each other.

Bentota Beach

The most famous beach on the island, and according to numerous reviews from enthusiastic tourists, it is also one of the best for a beach holiday. This is where newlyweds prefer to spend their honeymoon. A wide coastal strip, palm trees, complete privacy - these are the main advantages of this place.

A wonderful place and almost complete absence of infrastructure. Since the beach is quite far from Colombo (5 hours by bus), it is visited by single tourists or those who have taken an independent trip around the island.

Unawatuna Beach is located in the village of the same name. The coastal strip is not as wide as in Bentota, but the calm water off the coast makes it extremely attractive. The sand is very fine and clean, part of the territory is occupied by cafes and hotels, the rest is available for swimming and water activities. There is shallow water intended for swimming with children.

Hikkaduwa Beach

The longest beach line in Sri Lanka. Orange sand and turquoise water, along the line there are numerous cafes and guesthouses. Strong waves have made this place a favorite spot for surfers, but there are relatively calm areas - near the Chaaya Tranz hotel. There are no sunbeds there, there is enough shade from palm trees, many people come there to swim with their children. Thanks to all this, Hikkaduwa Beach is considered one of the best places for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka.

The Tangalle beach complex has long been persistently included in the lists of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. This is an ideal place for a secluded holiday: you can walk a mile and not see another person. Any accommodation can be found. You can get to the place by bus from Colombo (6 hours).

It's hard to predict where and who will like it more. Sri Lanka is still an amazing island, where every place deserves special attention and admiration, so it is quite difficult to compile a list of the best resorts and beaches in Sri Lanka that claims to be objective. However, we hope that our review will help you decide on a place to stay and you will have a great time.

Since Sri Lanka is a fairly large island with many beaches and resorts, you should not ignore the issue of choosing a vacation spot on this island. It is important to remember that different areas of Sri Lanka can experience very different weather at the same time. So if you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then you should not forget about the climate. Even if you find a resort in Sri Lanka that suits you completely, take the time to look at what the climate is like in this resort in the month in which you plan to travel.
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka are located in the west and south of the island, but there are also several good resorts located in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Since the west and south of the island were not as badly damaged by the civil war and the 2004 tsunami, tourism development here was much faster than in the east and north of Sri Lanka. It is therefore not surprising that most of the popular resorts are located in the south and west of the island, despite the fact that the north and east of Sri Lanka have great tourism potential.
If you are thinking about where to go in Sri Lanka, then our article about resorts in Sri Lanka may be very useful for you. In this article we will present short descriptions of popular resorts in Sri Lanka, but you can always get more detailed information on a specific resort on our website. After reading all the information, you will be able to understand which resort in Sri Lanka is best to choose for a holiday at this or that time of the year.

Map of Sri Lanka with resorts

To begin with, it would be nice to find out about the location of all the resorts on the map of Sri Lanka. This page provides a general map of Sri Lanka resorts and a map of the southern coast of the island with resorts. Perhaps some of the resorts described in this article are not marked on the maps, but the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka are still marked.

Beruwala Resort

This resort is great for couples, although all tourists can find good accommodation in Beruwala. When it is winter in Russia, the weather around the Beruwela resort in Sri Lanka is warm and relatively dry. This is the peak tourist season here. From May the weather begins to change as the southwest monsoon arrives here, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Beruwela resort owes its great popularity among tourists to its beach. This is a magnificent sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, and with countless palm trees and colorful birdlife. Another advantage of Beruwela is a wide selection of housing to suit every taste and budget. There are both simple guest houses and luxurious villas for rent. But especially popular here are the large hotel complexes, which offer not only all-inclusive meals, but also numerous sports and entertainment events.
It is worth noting that the Beruwala resort in Sri Lanka focused on wellness holidays. Several hotels in this resort specialize in Ayurveda. Therefore, if you want to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Indian healing, Beruwala is definitely the right place for those who want to combine a beautiful beach holiday with Ayurveda.
Beruwela Resort is located approximately 56 km south of the capital Colombo and 90 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Typically, a taxi ride from the airport to this resort takes about two hours.
Beruwela Beach, 1.2 kilometers long, pleases with its light, fine sand. If you also remember the crystal clear ocean and countless coconut palms that provide shade on the beach, it is not difficult to understand why Beruwela is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Families with children will appreciate the shallow waters around this beach, which offer good conditions for swimming and swimming. Thanks to the reef, Beruwela is also a good place for snorkeling and diving.
At the southern end of the beach, the Bentota River flows into the Indian Ocean. The diverse flora and fauna of the river and its valley invites you to explore in detail. Boat trips of three hours or more pass through beautiful mangrove forests to Little Adam Peak.

Bentota Resort

Over the past 40 years, Bentota has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a first-class resort. Large hotels with spacious swimming pools, specialized restaurants and luxurious wellness centers are no longer able to accommodate everyone who wants to relax in these resort complexes that fit perfectly into the beautiful landscape. Like many other resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota has several all-inclusive hotels. Guests from all over the world appreciate hotels operating under this concept not only for the numerous included services, but also for the fact that they do not need to think about spending during their vacation and do not need to constantly count money.
In addition to large hotel complexes, Bentota also has guest houses for tourists with a smaller wallet. As a rule, such guest houses are located a few steps from the beach.
The undisputed advantage of the Bentota resort is its magnificent sandy beach. This is a four-kilometer long beach with light and very fine sand, which is bordered by a strip of palm trees. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the good conditions for surfing, sailing, diving or snorkeling at this beach. But those who simply want to swim in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean will also find a suitable place for themselves. At the northern end of the beach, the ocean is usually quite calm, making it ideal for swimming. Higher waves can be seen in the southern part of the beach.
Bentota is located right at the mouth of the river of the same name, approximately 62 km south of the capital of Sri Lanka. The international airport is located approximately 100 kilometers from Bentota. It can be reached in about an hour and a half drive.
The Bentota Ganges, which flows into the Indian Ocean near the resort, is home to countless birds and other diverse flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. We recommend taking a mangrove boat tour along this river to Little Adam Peak.
An interesting place of peace and serenity is located 10 kilometers from the resort of Bentota. This is a garden designed by Bevis Bava in 1920 with beautiful tropical plants that can be seen in a paradise with small ponds and winding paths.
If you want to get an insight into the life of the locals, then you should visit the weekly market in the nearby village of Aluthgama. While walking around the market, you can see a lot of interesting things, including unique products that are sold only in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa Resort

If you are interested in the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka among Russian tourists, then you simply have no right to ignore the Hikkaduwa resort.
Initially, on the site of the Hikkaduwa resort there was a small fishing village, but later a secret place for “selected” tourists appeared there. Today Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts in Sri Lanka. Despite the many hotels, this place has retained its charm.
The beach resort of Hikkaduwa in the far southwest of Sri Lanka is a popular destination, especially for active tourists. During the day, most tourists here engage in water sports, and in the evening they spend time in bars. The resort of Hikkaduwa is especially popular among young people. Divers and surfers appreciate Hikkaduwa's good nightlife, which is mainly concentrated in the southern part of the resort.
Recently, in addition to small hotels and guest houses, Hikkaduwa has also gained large resort hotels that offer all the necessary amenities so that guests do not have to go outside the hotel premises.
The sandy beach of Hikkaduwa is covered with beautiful light sand and countless coconut palms. Surfers can expect good waves at this beach. Both beginners and professionals will be satisfied with the surfing conditions here. In general, Hikkaduwa is considered the best place for surfing in Sri Lanka, where there are many surf schools, board rental stations, and shops offering everything you need for surfing.
The coral reef in the Hikkaduwa area is one of the most famous diving spots in Sri Lanka. Moreover, it is located near the coast. Many of the corals are unfortunately dead, but the variety of colorful fish will satisfy even seasoned divers.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is approximately 115 kilometers from Hikkaduwa, and the international airport near Negombo is 147 kilometers away. Therefore, a taxi ride from the airport to Hikkaduwa will last from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Galle, the most important city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is approximately 25 minutes' drive from Hikkaduwa.
For nature lovers, we recommend taking a boat trip to the lagoon near Dodanduwa, which is just five kilometers south of Hikkaduwa. You can also go to the lake of the same name, where there is a beautiful temple on an island in the middle of the water. To the north of the city is a moonstone mine. During a tour of this place, you can get an idea of how popular jewelry is created.

Kalutara resort

Tourists who are only interested in the best resorts in Sri Lanka, for some reason, often overlook the Kalutara resort, which, together with Wadduwa, Beruwela and Bentota, forms the most important resort region on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. This is due to the long beautiful beaches, excellent water sports facilities and excellent hotel industry. These premises are also complemented by the magnificent surroundings, which boast of its lush nature and countless coconut palms. The Kalutara area is also famous for its mangosteen fruit, which is considered the best on the island.
Along the beautiful Kalutara beach there are many hotels that offer a high level of comfort and service. The spacious resorts blend harmoniously into the tropical environment and are fully catered for international guests. Spacious swimming pools, good restaurants, as well as exclusive wellness centers where Ayurvedic treatments are often carried out, are available in many of these hotels. As in other resort areas of Sri Lanka, hoteliers in Kalutara are increasingly using the all-inclusive concept, which is especially popular among guests from Russia and Europe.
Kalutara's lively town center has small markets and shops offering a wide range of souvenirs. The selection ranges from textiles or small art pieces to the palm frond or coconut fiber bedding that Kalutara is famous for.
The quiet, kilometer-long Kalutara beach is one of the most popular in the country. Particularly pleasant is the northern area of the beach, where the sandy beach remains almost untouched. Kalutara Beach offers ideal conditions for walking, swimming, surfing and snorkeling.
The Kalutara resort is located at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River, approximately 45 kilometers from the capital and 80 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport. To travel from the airport to Kalutara you will need from 1.5 to 2 hours.
The main attraction of Kalutara is the Gangatilaka Vihara temple complex. At the center of the temple is the impressive Dagobah, whose white dome can be seen from afar. Although the temple has no historical significance, it is still a popular pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. The reason for this is the 2000 year old Boddhi tree under which Buddha was enlightened. For visitors, the fact that Dagobah is the only one accessible in Sri Lanka is a special reason to visit the temple. Also a popular excursion destination is the Kalu Ganga River, where boat trips are available. The flora and fauna along the lush banks of the river, as well as the opportunity to watch local fishermen as they work, make this excursion very popular among tourists.

Marawila Resort

If you are thinking about which resort in Sri Lanka to choose, then it is important to understand how you want to spend your time. If you're into outdoor activities and water sports, then the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, just north of Negombo, is probably the place for you. However, you can find a peaceful place here away from the crowds of tourists.
Only a few hotels in the Marawila area have been carefully integrated into nature to preserve the originality of the surroundings. Hotel buildings have no more than three floors and offer a high level of comfort. Luxury hotels with spacious swimming pools, international restaurants and a variety of sports and entertainment activities often offer an all-inclusive concept for their guests. But there are also comfortable middle-class hotels and simple guest houses in the Marawila resort area.
The three-kilometer Marawila beach is washed on one side by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and on the other hand it is bordered by a strip of countless coconut palms, which provide the shade necessary for sunny days. Families with children and those tourists who cannot swim will appreciate the shallow waters of this beach. Like all beaches in Sri Lanka, Marawila Beach is also open to the public. Water sports enthusiasts and anyone who wants to become one can find good conditions for diving and surfing at this beach. Reef diving tours, where there are many colorful fish and coral reefs, are recommended for all diving enthusiasts.
Marawila Resort is located in the Gampaha region, north of the famous tourist resort of Negombo. About 30 kilometers - this is the distance you need to cover to travel from Colombo airport to Marawila. Typically the journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Although Marawila does not have a dream beach, this resort is a famous place in Sri Lanka because the village is the center of batik in Sri Lanka. The exclusive Budhi company operates here, which has branches in the capital, as well as numerous small family businesses. Although the art of batik originated on the island of Java, the people of Marawila have been practicing this craft for many years. Art lovers should visit one of the companies, where they can watch the colorful fabrics being made and learn about the complex production process. If you want, you can buy some of the fabrics which will cost much less than in souvenir shops, especially in other parts of Sri Lanka.

Negombo Resort

Once a small fishing village, Negombo has grown into the fifth largest city in Sri Lanka with a population of under 150,000 inhabitants. Today the city, although one of the most important fishing ports on the west coast, is a renowned holiday destination. Already in the 1970s, tourism began to develop in this region of Sri Lanka.
A beautiful beach, good water sports facilities, as well as historical buildings and various cultural influences have made Negombo a popular holiday destination. Along the long sandy beach of Negombo there are large and small hotels of different levels of comfort and in different price categories. Particularly popular among travelers are large hotels that offer comprehensive services and a high level of service. Almost every major hotel has its own wellness center, offering massages, treatments and Ayurvedic treatments.
There is some pattern in Negombo related to the level of hotels when moving from north to south. Hotels in the north tend to be more luxurious, but also more expensive, than in the south of the city. Behind the beach is the main Negombo road, where there are numerous restaurants, cafes or souvenir shops. It is also worth adding that Negombo has a pretty vibrant nightlife.
Negombo beach is well suited for families with children, as the entrance to the water is gentle. The eight-kilometer beach has tall palm trees that provide shade, but such palm trees are not everywhere here. Not far from the shore there is an interesting coral reef with colorful marine life. Additionally, in the waters near Negombo there is the Kudapaduwa shipwreck.
Negombo has an excellent location: the capital of Sri Lanka is only 40 kilometers south, and Colombo International Airport is only six kilometers south of Negombo. Due to its proximity to the airport, Negombo is ideal not only for a long beach holiday, but also for a stopover at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.
The Portuguese, Dutch and British played important roles in Negombo's history. Evidence of the city's interesting past are numerous buildings and churches, as well as the colonial old town. The most impressive feature here is the Cinnamon Canal, a 100-kilometer canal leading from Colombo to Puttalam. It was created in order to facilitate the transportation of the popular spice.

Wadduwa Resort

The fishing village located near the Kalutara resort is well known for its fantastic beach and charming surroundings. Lovers of a relaxing holiday and water sports will appreciate the beautiful sand and clear ocean in this place.
Wadduwa is a popular destination for foreign tourists, but it is also a popular holiday destination for locals. So it's no surprise that it gets crowded on weekends. But on other days of the week the atmosphere in the resort is quite calm.
Wadduwa has accommodation to suit every taste. Many hotels here operate on a tried-and-true all-inclusive concept, which includes meals as well as numerous sports and entertainment activities. The large resort hotels on Wadduwa Beach have been cleverly integrated into the lush landscape. Therefore, they are characterized by low, usually only two-story buildings.
Wadduwa has several shops selling traditional wood carvings and other souvenirs, as well as several restaurants and bars. Also worth visiting is the original village of Wadduwa, home to local fishermen and rice farmers.
If you choose Wadduwa as your Sri Lanka holiday destination, you will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The golden yellow sandy beach of Wadduwa is one of the most beautiful places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by fine sand, countless shady palm trees and a sparkling ocean. Moderate waves offer good conditions for windsurfers. However, the beach is relatively safe for swimmers most of the year.

Koggala Resort

To the east of Galle you will find beautiful beaches that have not yet been embraced by mass tourism. One of these beaches is Koggala, which belongs to the resort of the same name. Although the resort offers good tourist infrastructure, the three-kilometer-long beach does not feel overcrowded. Koggala Beach is wide and covered with fine sand, as well as countless coconut trees and bizarre rock formations.
Koggala Resort is especially popular with couples who appreciate a peaceful and tranquil environment. At Koggala Beach, walks along the ocean provide much-needed rest and relaxation. Families with children also sometimes choose this place to relax because the gentle entrance to the ocean is ideal for children.
There are several hotels and guest houses in Koggala that offer simple and comfortable accommodation. The all-inclusive concept is not as common here as in the popular resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka.
The main town on the south coast, Galle, is just 15 kilometers from Koggala, and the charming town of Matara is just 30 kilometers east of this resort. True, the distance to Colombo International Airport is quite impressive, because it is 175 kilometers. Therefore, it will take you about three hours to get from Colombo airport to Koggala.
The Koggala resort is famous for its fishermen who catch fish while sitting on a pole. In many other fishing villages in Sri Lanka, this traditional fishing technique is already history. However, in Koggala, during the morning and afternoon hours, visitors can see fishermen sitting on poles.
The large lake Koggala is located a few kilometers from the resort of the same name. Although it is actually a natural lake, the water is salty due to the fact that ocean water does flow into it. Boat tours are offered on this lake, during which you can admire the mangroves and tropical plants growing along the shores, as well as the variety of animals and birds that live in the area. There are several islands in the lake, such as the island with a Buddhist monk temple or the cinnamon island, where cinnamon is grown and processed by one family.
Another interesting place is the Koggala Folk Museum, which is located in a beautiful garden. The museum is located in the birthplace of the most important Sinhalese writer of the 20th century, Martin Wickramasingh. Numerous exhibits provide insight into the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka, as well as the work of the famous author.

Tangalle Resort

Located away from the main tourist centers of the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka, the small fishing village of Tangalle has not yet been touched by mass tourism. Although there are several guest houses and small hotels on the coast, their number is still small. Small but sophisticated boutique hotels on Tangalle Beach offer a good level of comfort.
The Tangalle resort attracts with its calm atmosphere: here tourists enjoy relaxing on the picturesque beach during the day and spend quiet time in restaurants and cafes in the evening. Tangalle is also a stopover for some travelers on trips to the famous Bundala and Yala National Parks, which are located to the east of the city.
The two-kilometer Tangalle beach is covered in golden-yellow sand and is good for swimming. Not far from this beach you will find other picturesque coves and deserted beaches such as Rekawa Beach, located ten kilometers from Tangalle.
Tangalle resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 37 kilometers west of Matara and 80 kilometers from Galle. To the east is only the larger town of Hambantota, which is located about 50 kilometers from Tangalle, in close proximity to the Bundala National Park. The famous Yala National Park, also east of Tangalle, can be reached in about two hours. A taxi ride from the international airport, which passes through the interior of Sri Lanka, usually lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours.
An interesting place near Tangalle is the Howling Hole, which is a hole in the rock with a diameter of about one meter and a depth of 20 meters. It “shoots” strong fountains of water every 10-15 minutes. During the southwest monsoon, from May to September, the height of such a fountain can reach 15 meters.

Trincomalee Resort

Now it's time to present the best holiday resorts in Sri Lanka on the east coast. The most popular of them are Trincomalee and Batticaloa. We will talk about them below.
Beautiful beaches and a photogenic harbor are found in the coastal town of Trincomalee, on the northeastern peninsula of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is the capital of the eastern province, often called "Trinco". Particularly noteworthy here are the beaches in the north of the city, the natural harbor surrounded by hills, the ferry port and the idyllic suburbs.
Trincomalee is of interest mainly to beach lovers and nature lovers, as well as people who simply want to experience the vibrant life of a typical Sri Lankan city. However, if you are looking for interesting sights, you will be disappointed with this harbor city as there is not much to admire here. The main attraction of the city is the so-called Fort Frederick with the Hindu sanctuary of Koneswaram, which is located on Swami Rock, at an altitude of about 130 meters above sea level. Here, next to the main Shiva temple, there is a small Ganesha temple.
Fort Frederick is certainly worth a visit, but today it is mainly used as a barracks by the Sri Lankan military and as such only a small part of it is open to the public.
There are several small islands off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Trincomalee region, one of which is Pigeon Island. This island has a very beautiful coral reef that attracts snorkelers and divers. The island can be reached in just 10 minutes by boat from Trincomalee.

Batticaloa Resort

On the shores of the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of Sri Lanka lies the little-visited and small town of Batticaloa. It has retained much of its original charm. Being half located on an island in a lagoon, the city was only slightly damaged by the tsunami. The 54-kilometer saltwater lagoon has truly scenic views that are recommended to be explored on a boat trip.
The resort area of Batticaloa is mainly known for its "singing fish" phenomenon, the existence of which has not yet been proven. However, it is mentioned even in the Encyclopedia Britannica. To experience this phenomenon, you need to plunge an oar into the water on a moonlit and calm night and keep your ear on the other end of the oar. In this case, you can hear various subtle sounds. This natural phenomenon has not yet been scientifically proven, but it is still the main attraction of the area.
More tangible attractions are Batticaloa's many Hindu temples, as well as the magnificent 17th-century Dutch fort. It is located right on the shore of the lagoon. Many remains of the walls are well preserved.
Another interesting place in Batticaloa is the Lady Manning Bridge, which connects the land to the island. The steel bridge dates back to the British colonial period and is one of the longest bridges in Sri Lanka.
Off the coast of Batticaloa, the Japanese air force sank the British aircraft carrier Hermes in 1942. The sunken aircraft carrier is located at a depth of 55 meters and is one of the most interesting diving sites in Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in beaches in the Batticaloa area, then the best of them, in our opinion, is Kalladi Beach. It is not very crowded and is therefore recommended for those looking for a quiet place to relax.