The quietest beach in Sri Lanka. The best beaches in Sri Lanka for winter holidays
Let's talk about the three best places for swimming in Sri Lanka. Let's give brief reference and show where the beaches are on the map of the island.
Unawatuna
The beach is located near the small fishing village of Unawatuna, not far from provincial town Halle. You won't find exquisite ones here. resort entertainment and fashionable hotel complexes: Most tourists stay in small guesthouses. However, this part of the coast perfect place for those who are tired of crowds of people along coastline.
Pure golden sand and transparent azure water- so in a few words you can describe Unawatuna. On the whole island there is no more safe place for swimming: a double coral reef serves as a reliable barrier against large waves.
The right one is suitable for those who just want to relax in peace and quiet. Here more Sandy shore and a gentle entry into the water. Cafes and restaurants located along the coast rent umbrellas and sunbeds. On the beach you can enjoy lush exotic vegetation, and palm trees grow right on the shore.
Mirissa
Beach in the south of Sri Lanka, 25 kilometers from Matara - the nearest big city. It is famous for its picturesqueness, but it cannot be called wild. Nearby there are several villages where you can rent a private house or stay in a hotel. Sunbeds are installed on the shore; you can hide from the heat in small cafes and restaurants. For lovers of active nightlife there are discos.
You rarely meet a person who has the words "sea", " sand beach”, “palm trees” will not evoke an association with the perfect vacation. Places where all this is, are often called paradises.
Sri Lanka boasts an abundance of such places, but the Indian Ocean is far from welcoming tourists everywhere. Its huge waves can spoil all the fun. Therefore, let's try to find out which beaches of Sri Lanka can boast of a calm ocean and the absence of waves.
So that a family vacation does not turn into a constant concern for children, I want to see a beach with a gentle slope, without strong waves, with soft sand. The following places are well suited for such requirements:
1. Wadduwa. One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. It has a well-developed infrastructure, clean sand, excellent service in hotels. For children there are many entertainments, swimming pools. Most hotels have a package holiday policy and are distinguished by excellent service.
2. Unawatuna. Located in a small calm bay, protected from the ocean. Here big waves are very rare. The western part is shallow and very suitable for families with children. The proximity of the reef makes it possible to enjoy snorkeling. Nearby there is a good selection of cafes, restaurants, and in the evening they open on the very shore.
3. Beruwala. Located on the west coast, next to the ancient city. Now the infrastructure of a young resort is rapidly developing here. The beach stretches for 130 km. The swimming season is year-round, there are almost no waves. The coast is not crowded, suitable for a relaxing family leisure.
secluded vacation
Tired of the bustle of the city and crowds, we can advise the following beaches of Sri Lanka. They cannot boast of such a calm ocean as the first trinity, but they have their own undeniable advantages.
1. Madilla. The extensive sandy coast is well suited for a relaxed a relaxing holiday admiring the ocean. There are few hotels and cafes here, but everything can be found on the nearby beach, Tangalle. There is also an opportunity to watch turtles that have chosen the coast for laying eggs.
2. Tangalle. Despite the fact that this long and wide beach has a sufficient number of hotels, it attracts with its solitude and incredible beautiful views. The perfect combination of comfort and untouched nature. The disadvantages include frequent waves and a deep entry into the water.
3. Dikwella. An ideal quiet place for "care in itself". Poorly developed infrastructure, high waves, slightly rocky shore. At the same time, amazingly beautiful landscapes that inspire creative people.
For outdoor activities
There are many corners on the island for those who do not like a “lying” relaxing holiday, but prefer to spend time on their favorite or new hobbies. After all, young and energetic do not care about high waves and other whims of the ocean.
1. Bentota. Sandy beach for respectable rest with excellent infrastructure, diving schools, spa centers, many excursions, river safari. Enjoys success with newlyweds for.
2. Hikkaduwa. The most popular beach among young people in Sri Lanka, favorite place surfers. There are many types of entertainment for young people, discos, bars, parties on the beach, surf schools, tour desks, etc. The presence of a coral reef also attracts amateurs here. There are also deserted quiet areas where you can enjoy the singing of birds and nature.
3. Vijaya beach. Narrow beach with strong waves. Good place for young people. There are surf schools. The infrastructure is designed for the middle price segment.
4. Arugam Bey. Paradise for surfers. Has everything you need for, like Hikkaduwa but more attractive prices. Nearby is national park Yala where various excursions are organized.
Of course, such a division is indicative, because each of the listed and many other beaches in Sri Lanka have other advantages, and sometimes disadvantages. But there is no doubt that Sri Lanka fits into the concept of a place for an ideal vacation.
This article describes all the largest and famous beaches Sri Lanka.
From the experience of visiting them personally, it turned out that they are all completely different. So read on and choose what suits you.
In fact, there are more beaches in Sri Lanka, almost every village here wants to be a resort.
It is to the south and west of Sri Lanka that belongs most of tourist glory of the island. The most famous and largest tourist areas are located here.
There was no war here, and the season is from November to April, when it is winter in Europe, and everyone wants the sun.
Negombo
closest to international airport Bandaranaike beach. Leaving the airport, you can be here in a maximum of half an hour, since it is no more than 10 km. way.
This beach is very convenient to stop for short rest immediately after arrival, before traveling around the country. Or before departure.
Usually international airports gravitate towards capitals. But, firstly, Colombo is much further away, normal hotels are more expensive there, and it’s more pleasant to get straight to the beach. So Negombo has long had a reputation as a transit town.
Local tuk-tukers also know about it. "Airport, tumorow?" It's hard to avoid this question here. Everyone dreams of taking you to the airport, even if you just arrived from it.
You can also relax here for two weeks, but as a rule, people do not go exactly to Negombo for this, but to beaches 10-15 km away. From him. Still, Negombo, although very developed, is not the most beautiful and cozy beach on the island.
Mount Lavinia
Closest to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, the beach. But in fact it is already part of the capital, since Mount Lavinia is officially part of Greater Colombo, being its nearest large suburb.
Residents of the capital like to come to Mount Lavinia for the weekend, delegations and participants of various government conferences are also brought here.
But this does not mean at all that this is a very good place to relax. Just close to the city and there are great hotels. So everything is justified.
But whether to fly here across half the world to rest is a big question, because there are many disadvantages in proximity to the capital - for example, a littered city beach, crowds of locals on weekends and security problems.
Wadduwa
It is located approximately 40 km. from Colombo. Really touristy Wadduwa is a few large package hotels on the coast.
Each of the hotels lives almost its own isolated life - its own beach, its own pool, its own restaurant.
Hotels are scattered along the coast and are not connected to any single tourist area. There is almost no infrastructure for independent travelers- shops, small restaurants - in general, everything that could connect and mix tourists from large hotels.
The coast is not always clean, because hotels clean only their territory. Somehow it’s good and beautiful, but only if you sit in one place.
For me, Wadduwa is a resort specifically for those who like to relax in the format of a large hotel and almost entirely on its territory.
Bentota
Bentota is officially a national resort in Sri Lanka. The most developed, the most equipped, the most luxurious, if you like, beach of the island.
Some of the hotels here are on the ocean, and some are on the Bentota River, which flows into the ocean.
It's very beautiful coast, relaxing environment and the best selection of hotels on the island. You can come here with a ticket, and on your own.
Bentota has very few opportunities for budget holiday. Hotels (under comparable conditions) here will be more expensive than, for example, in neighboring Hikkaduwa, airport transfers and excursions too.
And yet there is only one such beach on the island, respectable and non-budgetary. And he has no competitors yet.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a cheerful and democratic neighbor of Bentota. One of the biggest resort areas Sri Lanka.
There are a huge number of budget guesthouses and large hotels, beach night parties and tanned youth from all over the world, chill-out bars on the beach and music.
Details about Hikkaduwa - a new 30-page guide from around practical information ().
Unawatuna
One of the few places in Sri Lanka where anyone, even a child, can swim. Here, a small lagoon off the coast is separated by a strip of coral reef, there are no waves in the season and there are places where it is rather shallow.
A detailed, new (November 2015) guide with information about the latest changes on this beach can be viewed
Tangalle
Beautiful clean beach. Beautiful, clean and rich Sri Lankan nature.
For me, this is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, not as built up as Hikkaduwa, but not as empty as some of the beaches on the East Bank, which still have more to come.
There are quite a lot of guesthouses on the shore, there are small hotels. Some of the guesthouses are located along the ocean, some are oriented towards the lagoon.
In the lagoon, of course, you can not swim here. This is Sri Lanka and there may be crocodiles in such places. There are a lot of monkeys, so it is better to close the windows in the rooms when leaving. But all this is such a pleasant exotic. Also from this beach it is close to go on a safari to Yala Park.
The main part of the guesthouses stands along open coast where the waves are strong and deep. But there are pleasant exceptions on this coast too, we found wild boars (this is how bungalows are called here), which stand in a separate small bay where even children can swim.
More about Tangalle beach and our secret places can be read.
Dikvela
There is very little tourist infrastructure in Dikwella itself - only one big hotel and pieces of 5 small guesthouses. There is a shop and several local cafes.
But the coast is very beautiful. In general, the south of Sri Lanka is more picturesque than the west and even the southwest. The shore here is indented with small bays, a little rocky, with huge stones on the shore, on which the waves break.
Within a radius of 7-15 km. there are several other good hotels from Dikwella. In principle, you can have a good rest there if you are ready for isolation on the territory of the hotel.
Although, in my opinion, the most critical thing in such a remoteness is that you become completely dependent on the hotel restaurant, both in terms of the chef's talent and in terms of prices.
Beaches on the East Coast of Sri Lanka
Arugambey
Arugambey is a semicircular bay and about three dozen small guesthouses on the shore. Another iconic surfer beach in Sri Lanka.
The place is touristic, pleasant, developed. The mood is closest to Hikkaduwa. But a little cheaper and quieter, the density of guesthouses is a little less and there is no such crazy road with speeding buses as Galle Road in Hikkaduwa.
In general, excellent for an independent budget holiday in Sri Lanka. For true romantics, here you can relax in small bamboo and wooden bungalows. Everything is very quiet and rustic.
Arugambey stands next to national parks, including near Yala. There are still many wild animals here.
Without any safari, we saw wild elephants crossing the road when we traveled from Arugambey by bus.
Kaladi
A place with gorgeous beaches the width of a football field. Caladi is still waiting for its tourist hour.
So far, there are only a few guesthouses and a beautiful, but wild beach, which is mostly run by local boys.
Kaladi is an opportunity to see Sri Lanka as it once was, quiet, rural, unpopular.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is often written about as a vacation spot. But tourist beaches there is no. Trincomalee - port, pretty big town with about 100 thousand inhabitants.
In fact, when they write about a vacation spot, they mean the outskirts of Trincomalee - Uppuveli and Nilaveli beaches. It's just that in the name of many hotels and guesthouses on these beaches there is the word Trincomalee.
There is not much to do in Trincomalee itself - it is a port city, famous for its especially large, deep and safe bay.
And because Trinco has strategic importance for the island - here are located the naval and air force base Sri Lanka.
Theoretically, you can come here from the beaches on an excursion, but there is nothing particularly interesting here, no matter what guidebooks write about this.
Uppuveli
Uppuveli is the nearest beach to the city of Trincomalee, it is only 6 km away. From him.
There is a wonderful long coast, fantastic sunrises and very friendly people who have experienced a lot - both the tsunami and the war. Here they know well what it is - to retreat to the civilian population after the army as a human shield.
In fact, it was Uppuweli who changed our minds about Sri Lanka, in better side. There are still few tourists here. And unlike the south and west of Sri Lanka, here the locals are sincerely happy for everyone and are always ready to help.
Even a short conversation with the locals still changes the attitude to life. Despite this, you relax in Uppuveli relaxed. You can wander along the beach, meet the sunrise, walk around the local village, swing in a hammock on the terrace of some cheap guesthouse.
There is also where to relax and in comfort - we have looked after an excellent Italian restaurant and a cozy small hotel, owned by an Italian couple.
Nilaveli
Nilaveli Beach is 15 km away. from Trincomalee. Not here more than a dozen hotels and some of the cheapest guesthouses.
An unforgettable experience and a flurry of emotions will give a visit to Sri Lanka, a country rich in clean and calm beaches with white sand, coconut palms. This country is fully capable of satisfying all the needs of even the most demanding tourist: there are all conditions for an ideal beach holiday.
There are ancient cities in Sri Lanka, rich in the most amazing temples and other objects cultural heritage. Nature will not leave indifferent both children and adults - waterfalls, mountains covered with green forests, endless tea plantations. But today we will talk about the beaches of Sri Lanka, of which there are an amazing number. If some resorts such as Unawatuna are on everyone's lips, then many will read the names of others for the first time.
The best beaches in Sri Lanka
All resorts of the island can be divided into two categories:
- Popular with tourists, where it is always fun and crowded. They are located in the west and east of Sri Lanka.
- secluded quiet places in the east of the country, where there are not so many tourists, but the underwater world fascinates with bizarre forms.
What are the beaches of Sri Lanka are very popular with tourists from all over the world?
Most Popular Resorts
This beach is located 38 km from the capital of Colombo and is the closest in relation to the international airport (only 15 km). It is very popular among tourists due to its convenient location. Among the advantages of the resort we name the following:
Due to these features, Negombo is the most popular place for a nice but short stay. Therefore, those tourists who have compiled an extensive program for themselves, including visits to ancient cities and excursions, must allocate 2-3 days to get acquainted with resort vacation Sri Lanka.
Unawatuna beach
It's good and popular resort located 160 km from the airport. It's beautiful beautiful place, where there are a lot of vacationers, while Unawatuna large sizes is not different. The resort is located in a small lagoon and is surrounded by coral reef that protects it from the ocean. Therefore, the waters here are calm, but there are no waves - they break on the reef. That is why Unawatuna is a very popular resort.
Unawatuna is the perfect place for family vacation, because it West Side pretty petty. The abundance of hotels of various price ranges, family guesthouses, restaurants, souvenir shops - these are the additional advantages of this place. Those who have visited this resort recommend that you definitely try the local fish - on Unawatuna it is fresh and amazingly tasty. Nearby are the cultural attractions of Sri Lanka:
Wadduwa beach
This resort, popular with tourists, is located 40 km from the capital. Its advantages include an extensive network of hotels of various price ranges. Here everyone will meet the highest level of service and comfortable rooms. There is nothing better for a beach holiday.
Bentota
It is the most developed resort in Sri Lanka, where there is an abundance of restaurants, hotels, spas, and there is an opportunity to go diving. The resort is located 100 km from the airport and away from the highway with heavy traffic, so cleanliness and comfort reign here. The beach is long and wide, with fine white sand, the ocean is calm here, there are few vacationers, so this place will be ideal for a romantic trip for a couple in love. Amazing nature here it is preserved in almost all its original glory.
The Bentota resort is also suitable for families with kids: there are many hotels equipped with their own pools, and there are almost no waves on the ocean.
Comfortable island resorts
The island has not only large resorts such as Unawatuna, but also less famous, but no less comfortable beaches for leisure business people.
The beaches of Sri Lanka, which are described in this material, are not only beautiful, but also convenient for tourists. So, the advantages of Weligam include:
Mount Lavinia beach
It is a city beach located in the suburbs of the capital of the island of Sri Lanka, Colombo. This resort is one of the most ancient, but for the most part they gather on the beach locals there are few tourists here.
You should not choose this beach for relaxation purposefully, because the sand here is yellow, in the off-season weather leaves much to be desired, and storms bring an abundance of garbage to land. However, the resort is located close to the city, so it often becomes a real salvation for those who come to Sri Lanka on business.
Beaches for youth recreation
This is an ideal place for youth recreation. The features of the resort are:
Interestingly, the Hikkaduwa resort combines two beaches: one is for surfing, there are big waves; the second is for swimming, the ocean is calm here.
In Sri Lanka (the photo of the beaches clearly illustrates this), it is often observed reflux, therefore, even with the calmest ocean, care must be taken.
Arugam Bay beach
This real paradise for surfers. There are a lot of hotels and cafes here. You can live in a bungalow or a bamboo hut on the shore, saving at the same time. The main part of the inhabitants of the resort are surfers.
This is a genuine pearl of the island of Sri Lanka, the photos of which are fascinating. Features of the resort are very attractive for vacationers:
However, the resort has several disadvantages:
- Strong waves.
- Poorly developed infrastructure, so often vacationers have to pay a larger amount for accommodation and meals than in other resorts.
Sri Lanka beaches for a relaxing holiday
Maravila
This outdoor resort 36 km from the airport, calm and uncrowded, with white fine sand. Ideal place for romantic getaway together or honeymoon trip. Not far from the resort there are several 2-3 * hotels, but in general the infrastructure is poorly developed.
Beach
Its length is almost 1.5 km. It is distinguished by picturesque beauty and a good hotel zone. Not far from the beach there are cafes and bars, but there are so few of them that lovers of noise and incendiary discos I will be disappointed. But fans of a relaxing holiday will be very comfortable here.
Important! The cleanest is Northern part resort, and in the immediate vicinity of the Bentota Ganga river, garbage can be washed ashore.
This open beach 80 km from the airport, sparsely populated and calm, it is always clean and light sand. The infrastructure is poorly developed, but there are several comfortable 3-4 * hotels, so the place is considered an excellent option for a relaxing package holiday.
An open white sand beach with a length of just under 3 km. It is very clean here, the entrance to the ocean is gentle, resting a little, so Induruva will be an excellent option for a relaxing family vacation.
The tourist infrastructure is very weak, but there are still several 3-4 * hotels in the resort.
This is a very calm beach, where there are practically no waves and very few tourists, so relaxing here with the whole family is a real pleasure. The length of 3.5 km, clean light sand, a smooth transition to the depth - these are the features of the beach.
Sri Lanka, best resorts which we reviewed above is an ideal place for any holiday. You can make yourself real romantic trip by visiting deserted beach, or you can go to the beach with a group of friends and go surfing. There are also calm beaches for families with the youngest travelers. In the photo you can see what it is Amazing places visits that are sure to be remembered for a long time.
The beaches of Sri Lanka stretch along the entire coast, as if encircling the island. Usually the beaches of Sri Lanka are usually divided into three large region— Western, Southern and Eastern beaches. On Western beaches they usually go for hotel comfort, to the South - for white sand and a pleasant atmosphere, and to the East - for an authentic experience in search of non-tourist places.
Morning in Kalpitiya lagoon. Photo credit: Roshan Hatharasinghe, Flickr
Choosing a hotel and hotel in Sri Lanka, Always check the location on the map - in Sri Lanka there are a lot of housing options located "between" large and more or less large beaches, such hotels and villas often have access to private beaches, but at the same time cut off from the infrastructure big beaches– restaurants, bars, local spas, etc.
If you want to live on a budget, look at the options for guest houses in villages and cities or beach hotels and villas away from popular beaches.
Western beaches of Sri Lanka
Western beaches are most often associated with the southwestern part of the coast, which stretches from Vaduva to. The beaches here are huge, with golden sand. This part of the coast is the most developed on the island, the infrastructure includes a huge amount different hotels, villas and guest houses, although you can also find tiny pretty villages with wild beaches. Northern part west coast, on the contrary, is underdeveloped and authentic.
The most popular beaches in the regions are and Hikkaduwa.
The beaches of Kalpitiya
The Kalpitiya Peninsula is the northernmost part of the west coast. It is an elongated 40-kilometer strip of land, separated from the main coast by a large lagoon. This the best place in Sri Lanka for dolphin (and sometimes whale) watching and kite surfing. On the beaches of the peninsula, you can find absolutely charming eco-resorts and pretty guest houses. In addition, the coast is slowly beginning to be built up with beach hotels and resorts.
Eco-lodges and guest houses in Kalpitiya
How to get there: on local bus from Negombo (about 3 hours), by taxi from / to the airport (136 km) and Anuradhapura (115 km).
Kalpitiya Lagoon. Photo credit: Indi Samarajiva, Flickr
Negombo beach
Negombo Beach is a popular starting point for travel in Sri Lanka, as it is located near the airport. Here you can lie on the beach for a couple of days before your trip, watch the local fishermen and eat delicious seafood. The choice of accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses in the urban part of Negombo to pretty beach hotels that stretch along the coast. When planning a stop in Negombo, keep in mind that swimming in the ocean in the Negombo area is unlikely to work, as there are constantly huge waves and strong currents.
Hotels and guest houses: Negombo
How to get there: by plane from anywhere in the world (CMB), from the airport by taxi ($10-15), by tuk-tuk ($7-8), hotel transfer or bus (daytime only); by bus to Colombo (30 min), Kandy (3-4 hours), Sigiriya (4 hours), Anuradhapura (4-5 hours)
Fishermen in Negombo / Beaches of Sri Lanka/ Photo credit: Jason Jones, Flick
Velawait and Mount Lavinia beaches (Colombo)
The two city beaches of Colombo are a beach alternative to Negombo as a starting point for traveling around the island. Considering the city beaches of Colombo as a beach stop is not worth it, but as an alternative housing in Colombo - a very good option.
City beach in Colombo. Photo credit: Nuno Reis, Flickr
Wadduwa beach
Wadduwa is the first large beach on the way from Colombo along the southwest coast, located next to a small fishing village. The wide and long sandy beach with golden sand and abundant palm trees and a very calm atmosphere are ideal for a romantic vacation, and the proximity to Colombo makes Wadduwa quite an attractive beach for the first / last stop on the island.
A nice feature of housing in Wadduwa is that almost all hotels, both stylish and expensive and nice and budget, stretch along the beach. From the available infrastructure - a couple of local restaurants and small shops.
Hotels and guest houses: Wadduwa
Wadduwa beach. Photo credit: Patsy Jennings, Flickr
The beaches of Kalutara
The beaches of Kalutara stretch on both sides of the city, a little further from Kalutara itself. The format of rest here is calm, the hotels are very good, although tourism infrastructure, largely limited to the hotel.
Beach Hotels and City Inns: Kalutara
How to get there: by train from Colombo, Galle and cities of the west coast, by bus or taxi from cities of the south coast, by taxi from / to the airport
Wedding scenery on Kalutara beach. Photo credit: Prebudda Jayasinhe, Flickr
Moragala Beach (Beruwela)
Moragalla Beach is located just south of the village of Beruwala next to the village of Hattimula. Traditionally for the west coast of Sri Lanka, the main part of guest houses and small hotels are located in villages, along the beaches there are beach hotels and villas. The beach itself is small by Sri Lankan standards - about 1.5 kilometers, the Bentota River comes out to the southern part of the beach, it is better to look at housing in the northern part of the beach - here, firstly, it is cleaner, and secondly, there are more cafe-restaurants. To the north of the beach stretch coves and hotels located on the cliffs of the rocks.
Hotels, inns, guesthouses: Moragalla beach, Beruwala, Hattimula
How to get there: by train from Colombo, Galle and the cities of the west coast to the station Beruwella (to the village) or Hettimula (to the resort area of Beruwala), by bus or taxi from the cities of the south coast, by taxi from / to the airport.
Moragalla beach. Photo credit: Ken Farge LRPS, Flickr
Bentota beach
- the largest and most popular resort of the South-West coast of Sri Lanka. This resort region got its name from the town of Bentota, located on the northern bank of the Bentota Ganga River, which flows into the ocean. Bentota is famous for two things - good villa hotels and turtle hatcheries.
most famous and most developed beach region - Bentota beach, located next to the village of the same name. Along the beach there are several large beach hotels. The bulk of relatively inexpensive villas and budget guest houses, as well as local cafe-restaurants stretch along Pitaramba Road, next to the beach.
Bentota Beach /Sri Lanka Beaches/ Photo credit: Fernand Repond, Flick
Induruwa beach
Induruwa is a town located about 7 km from Bentota, a super-great place for those who want a beach with inexpensive accommodation and turtles. The beach is quite large and clean, along the beach there are good restaurants with local seafood.
Induruwa beach. Photo credit: Galuge, Flickr
Kosgoda beach
Kosgoda is a small fishing village 10 km from Bentota, turtle farms along the coast, very good value for money hotels and villas. Of the main disadvantages - the infrastructure is limited to the hotel, there are practically no restaurants or shops on the beach of Kosgoda.
Kids hurry to the sea, Kosgoda beach. Photo credit: Michael, Flick
Ahungalla
- very nice small town halfway from Bentota to Hikkaduwa, about 15 km from Bentota. An excellent beach, turtles, inexpensive housing, and the presence of very good restaurants and cafes along the beach.
Ahungalla. Photo credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Flick
Hikkaduwa
- most south beach west coast, bordering the south. In the 70s, it was the hippies' favorite beach, today it is a more democratic version of the popular and stylish Bentota. Having lost his charming hippie charm, and with it his fans atmospheric places, Hikkaduwa has relied on young backpackers, surfers and divers.
Today in Hikkaduwa you can find a lot of good inexpensive housing, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. By the way, the famous summer parties of Hikkaduwa are considered the best on the coast of Sri Lanka.
Free atmosphere of Hikkaduwa beach. Photo credit: Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism, Flick
Southern beaches of Sri Lanka
The southern beaches of Sri Lanka stretch south from Hikkaduwa all the way to the southern national parks of Badulla and Yala. The undoubted favorites of the region are the beaches of Unawatuna and Tangalle - large beaches with a lot of different housing and beach infrastructure. Between the big beaches and towns along the coast, there are many tiny beaches with large stand-alone beach hotels or tiny villages offering guesthouses and homestays.
The beaches of Galle
The beaches of Galle are quite a large part of the coast that stretches from Hikkaduwa to Galle with small beaches, large hotels, small beach villas and bungalows. The beach infrastructure here is limited to the hotel one, almost every hotel along the coast, regardless of class and price, has its own bar, restaurant, as well as its own piece of the beach with beach umbrellas and sunbeds. The entertainment of Hakkaduwa is just a short trip by tuk-tuk or local train.
Fishermen on the beach in Galle. Photo credit: Rebel Photo Man, Flick
Unawatuna beach
Unawatuna is the most popular beach south coast. Large, with white sand, beautiful views and great choice accommodation from comfortable hotels to budget bungalows, good restaurants and great surf spots.
Unawatuna beach. Photo credit: Milivoje Krvavac, Flick
Lazy atmosphere of Koggala beach. Photo credit: Olaf (califaxe), Flick
Ahangama and Midingama
Ahangama and Midingama are two bordering villages, a coastal area that is considered the best for surfing in the region. The entire infrastructure here is focused on surfers - a lot of good cheap housing, democratic restaurants and bars, surf camps and clubs.
Ahangama is the perfect place for surfers. Photo credit: Chathurai, Flick
Weligama
- a fishing village located next to a large bay of the same name. The beach is long, sandy, built up mixed with hotels and guest houses. Super place for those who want to get on the board - there are small waves, many surf schools, a good beach and cheap seafood.
Weligama, the right place to learn how to surf without fear of ridicule. Photo credit: IBI Productions, Flick
Mirissa beach
- a white sand beach, coconut palms, cozy bungalows hidden in a coconut grove, restaurants on the beach and gorgeous sunsets. You can come to Mirissa beach for a couple of days and stay for a couple of weeks. In the northern part of the beach there is a good spot for surfing. It is also convenient to go whale watching from Mirissa.
Sunset on Mirissa. Photo credit: Su Byair, Flick
Polhena beach
Polhena Beach is not even a beach, but rather a beach area with small beaches along the coast. There is a pretty good selection of inexpensive beach hotels and villas. Close to Matara and fishing village, can be crowded on weekends. beach holiday with local color.
Polhena at the weekend. Photo credit: Alain Bachellier, Flick
Talalla
Talalla Beach is located in a small picturesque bay just behind Matara towards Yala. From the infrastructure - several hotels, beach bungalows, a couple of restaurants, a surf camp. Idyllic, peaceful place.
View of Talalla beach. Photo credit: Dave & Hanka Midgley, Flick
Dikwella
is a little secret south coast. The beach, located in a picturesque bay far from everything) The format of housing here is mainly villas at a fairly reasonable price. Nearby is a fishing village with a good market and shops. There are a couple of good restaurants on the beach. Further along the coast are small bays and beaches. Super - an option for a relaxing family vacation.
Dikwella is the little secret of the South Coast. Photo credit: katoomba36, Flick
Tangalla
Tangalle is one of the largest beaches of the coast, located at its eastern borders. Farther east, beyond Tangalla, the already wild part of the coast begins, belonging to nature reserves and national parks. There are quite a lot of historical and natural attractions in the vicinity of Tangalle, including the Mulkirigala rock monastery and Rekawa beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs.
