Top 8 Beaches in Sri Lanka That Offer Gorgeous Sandy Shores (2024)
Lying in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known for its biodiversity and is the perfect place to satisfy the beach baby inside you. Being a cluster of islands, Sri Lanka is home to pristine beaches that will make you go wow. The powdery white sand beaches here attract thousands of visitors from different corners of the globe. Adorned with rainforests and tropical landscapes, Sri Lanka unravels the rejuvenating opportunity for you to enjoy water sports and simply soak in the sun with a refreshing cocktail. Here are some of the most popular beaches that you must visit during your stay here.
Top 8 Beaches in Sri Lanka That Offer Gorgeous Sandy Shores
1. Unawatuna:
Located 144 km away from Colombo, Unawatuna tops the list of best beaches in Sri Lanka. Known for its tranquil blue waters, this beach destination is also popular for whale shark spotting. Visited by thousands of non-surfing travelers from different corners of the globe, this beach is enjoyed best by walking. You won’t find surfers here because of the underwater hazards including reef, rocks, and urchins. But you can definitely go for scuba diving or snorkeling here. You’ll be amazed to see the turtle nesting at this beach. Besides getting a tan at the beach, you should also visit the sanctuary spa here to rejuvenate your senses with an Ayurveda message. During your visit here, don’t forget to visit the Temple Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya.
Location: Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: August to September
2. Bentota:
Lying 101 km away from Colombo, Bentota is another popular beach destination in Sri Lanka. Being relatively less crowded, Bentota is ideal for those willing to reinvigorate themselves at spa centres with a view of the beach. Letting you spend a few days away from the urban noise, this beach destination is popular for being home to the Aquatic Life Protection Centre where you can release a turtle into the sea. Unless you are into adventurous activities such as skiing and canoeing, you should go on a river safari or a bicycle tour here. Adorning itself with a wide strip of clean sand, Bentota ensures a laid back beachside vacation.
Location: Bentota, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: August to October
3. Mirissa:
Want to swim your heart out? Located 170 km away from Colombo, Mirissa attracts budget travelers and surfers from different parts of the globe. Visited by newbies and experienced surfers, this beach is the best place if you want to witness entertainment on the waves. The beach bars here offer a wide variety of seafood options that will simply leave you wanting for more. You can also go on a whale-watching excursion here. Besides being home to a number of Ayurvedic massage centres, this beach is popular for hosting fishing tours as well. The sight of migratory birds here will leave you amazed.
Location: Mirissa, Matara District, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: August to October
4. Dickwella:
Situated 205 km away from Colombo, Dickwella is one of the quaint beaches that will leave you amazed with its charm. Being popular among newly wedded couples, this beach is known for offering a tranquil environment. During your visit here, you should definitely visit the nearby Hiriketiya Beach where you can go snorkeling. In addition, you can also learn the art of lacemaking at the Dickwella Lace Center. Also, you’ll enjoy the seafood pasta and vegetarian curries here.
Location: Dickwella, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: February to April and August to October
5. Weligama:
Being one of the most instagramable beaches in Sri Lanka, Weligama lies 164 km away from Colombo. Being extremely popular among novice surfers, this serene beach attracts photographers from different corners of the globe who come here to capture the famous stick fishermen of Sri Lanka. You should definitely try catch-of-the-day seafood here at the boutique hotels which do throughout Weligama. During your visit here, you shouldn’t miss the Taprobane Island which was built by Count de Maunay after being exiled from France. This dream house has been owned by many authors, composers, and performers since then. Protected by a shallow coral reef, this beach is ideal for surfing. Also, don’t miss the Weligama lace weaving factory.
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Location: Weligama, Matara District, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: October to March
6. Galle:
Unraveling the best opportunity for you to witness exemplary colonial architecture, Galle is known for being one of the most widely visited beaches in Sri Lanka. Whether you want to indulge in history or simply want to enjoy the tropical weather, there is no better alternative to Galle. Welcoming you with the aroma of spices, this city is also home to a picturesque environment that will leave you amazed. During your visit here, don’t miss going on a deep sea fishing tour. Some of the other places that you must visit during your stay here include Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum, Japanese Peace Pagoda, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
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Location: Galle, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: September to March
7. Induruwa:
Located 106 km from Sri Lanks, Induruwa is known for offering scenic beauty in a village setting. Adorning itself with golden sand, this beach is the best place for those who want to enjoy a sunbath or simply want to stroll along the beach. The beach market here is popular for offering valuable souvenirs. Apart from being home to excellent wellness program centers, this beach unravels the best opportunity for you to explore the magnificent Bopath Ella Fall. Other places that you must visit during your visit to Induruwa include Batatolena Cave and Maadu river.
Location: Induruwa, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: January to August
8. Hikkaduwa:
Want to experience untouched natural beauty? Hikkaduwa located 134 km away from Colombo is undoubtedly the best place to be. Presenting you the best opportunity to refresh your mind and body, this destination is home to some of the best hotels and nightclubs as well. While the local market here is popular for offering silver jewelry and gemstones, the Coral Sanctuary here is the best place to learn more about the turtles and the coral life. Also, you should definitely take a glass bottomed boat tour here to experience the beauty of aquatic life. If you are here during Hikkaduwa Beach Festival, don’t forget to experience that too.
Location: Hikkadua, Galle District, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Whether you want to know more about the coral rich sea or simply want to walk along the beach, the beaches in Sri Lanka ensure that you spend your dream vacation just the way you planned. There can’t be a better vacation than Sri Lanka where you can simply hold a glass of mojito and rejuvenate your senses. Keep this list handy to create an unforgettable memory.
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