Shinagawa Beach

Sri Lanka is an ideal beach holiday destination with beautiful sandy beaches stretching almost continuously around its Indian Ocean shores , and plenty of warm , tropical sun . Palm-fringed beaches of soft golden sand sit against a backdrop of lush vegetation and coconut plantations , occasionally interrupted by rocky promontories , fishing villages and harbours , rivers and mangrove swamps .

The more popular tourist beach destinations are on the west and south-west coast at Negombo and Bentota , although there are lovely beaches and some charming hotels all along the south-west coast . Those who are happy to travel further will discover the ‘ Riviera ’ east of Galle and the more deserted and remote beaches of the deep south coast .

South-west coast The beautiful golden sand of Bentota stretches for miles and is one of the most well-known beaches . Lined by coconut palms interspersed with villas and hotels , it gets more secluded and luxurious the further south you go . There is a water sports centre between the river and the sea . At Wadduwa , long stretches of sand are bordered by coconut groves , small fishing communities , private villas and a few secluded hotels . Induruwa , Ahungalla and Hikkaduwa lie on the sandy coast between Bentota and Galle . Hikkaduwa , positioned by a coral reef , provides scuba diving , snorkelling , waterskiing , windsurfing , sailing and kayaking opportunities - popular with watersports enthusiasts and with busy nightlife . A rocky promontory provides stunning scenery as you approach Galle , where an architectural masterpiece has been created in the form of the Jetwing Lighthouse .

Sunset at Serene Pavilions

Shinagawa Beach , Balpitiya

Sri Lanka is so fascinating that it is worth combining your beach holiday with a nature and wildlife adventure and visits to the cultural sights .

BEACH ACTIVITIES All beaches in Sri Lanka are open to the public , allowing for an impromptu game of beach cricket or volleyball with the locals , or maybe an early morning jog or a late afternoon stroll . Life on the seashore means fresh seafood dinners and leisurely walks along the beach , passing by fishermen as they prepare to launch their brightly painted fishing boats into the Indian Ocean . Bentota and Hikkaduwa are the main centres for water sports and there are numerous places to surf . Five species of sea turtles nest on the beaches , whilst whales and dolphins roam the seas .

Best time for beaches The best time to visit the west and south coasts is between December and April for calms seas and sunshine . At other times of year , the monsoons bring longer outbursts of rain and rougher seas that make the beaches narrower . However , at these times , the hotels are not so busy and the hotel staff are evermore eager to please . The Deep South has slightly different weather patterns , with calmer seas between August and February , and on the east coast the calmest conditions are from May to July . The sea currents around Sri Lanka can be strong so it is advisable to swim in the hotel pools . Always check with the hotel staff before contemplating entering the sea .

BEACHES REGION BY REGION THROUGHOUT SRI LANKA West coast Negombo has a wide golden sand beach , only 20 minutes from the airport . It is a lively tourist resort and a fishing town with fish markets . Being on the west coast , it benefits from some spectacular sunsets .

South coast There is nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica . On the ‘ Galle Riviera ’, east of historic Galle , the golden beaches are often narrower and the shallow waters dotted with wooden stilts where the fishermen patiently stalk their catch . A few miles away from Galle is Unuwatuna , said to be one of the top beaches in the world . Thalpe beach is a fashionable stretch of golden sand , fringed by coconut palms and lined with exclusive villas and small boutique hotels . In season , sea turtles return to the beaches here to lay their eggs . At Koggala , the vistas spread wide across the ocean . The beach is narrow and dotted with stilt fishermen .

The expansive Weligama Bay has stretches of soft sandy beaches for walking , and some sheltered shallow waters for swimming . It is popular for surfing with rolling waves and a fine sand bottom whilst shipwrecks offer diving opportunities offshore . Mirissa is the main embarkation point for whale and dolphin watching boat trips ( December to April ).

In the deep south , around Tangalle , lie deserted beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see . Remote , unspoilt , secluded bays and sheltered coves border lush forests and plantations – this is truly stunning scenery . Swimming and snorkelling are enjoyed in sheltered waters between August and February . Nature lovers will treasure the wild beauty of the beaches that border Bundala and Yala National Parks further east .

North-east coast Nilaveli beach is acclaimed as the finest stretch of coastline on the eastern shores , boasting white sands and crystal-clear waters . Pigeon Island National Park is renowned as one of Sri Lanka ’ s best marine reserves . Further south , unspoilt Passikudah Beach is protected from the ocean in its own tranquil bay .

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