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It's no secret that more than half of the beaches in Sri Lanka are considered among the best in the world. And there are explanations for this. First of all, they are clean. Secondly, they are completely covered with sand, which is a pleasure to step on with bare feet. And thirdly, all beaches are the creation of nature itself, not man. Therefore, they are unique and there are no such beaches anywhere else. But such wonderful beaches also have their downside, and this downside is the waves, and sometimes very large ones. Therefore, tourists who are going here on vacation will first find out where the beaches without waves are in Sri Lanka. We have collected information that will help you choose the best beach in Sri Lanka for families with children at any time of the year. You can relax here in January, February, March and any other month of the year. And so, let's watch.
Beach – Unawatuna
Back in 2004, the famous Discovery TV channel called this beach the best in the world. Years have passed, but the beach is still good and welcomes tourists. There are no big waves here, it is almost always smooth.
The beach itself has a semicircular shape, which decorates it and makes it special. This small lagoon is known for its shallow depth. The greatest depth is no more than 6 meters, and even then you still have to swim to it. Therefore, tourists with children prefer to come here.
The beach is sandy, there are no stones or shells on it. It is completely safe for absolutely everyone. Elephants are not allowed here and you don’t have to be afraid that when you open your eyes you will see a herd of elephants in front of you.
Diving enthusiasts gather on the beach. They dive underwater and admire the underwater world. Fish, corals. Plants and sunken ships. It's rare to see something like this in one place.
Find out about prices in Sri Lanka. To be ready for anything. You will understand from the article. Why are fruits and vegetables expensive here, but laptops are the cheapest in the world?
Nilaveli is the best beach according to travel agencies.
If a travel agency tells you that Nilaveli Beach is the best on the entire coast of Sri Lanka, then believe them. It is so indeed. Ask any tourist who has been to the country, and he will say that this is the best place to relax.
The beach has white sand, and the sea water is the cleanest in the area. Many fish swim here, who, just like people, want to enjoy the cleanliness and beauty of the place. There are a lot of tourists on the beach. Although it is located at a distance from the resort of Colombo. But tourists rush here from early morning to take a seat and enjoy their vacation.
Fans of scuba diving also do not bypass the beach. They have their favorite place here. Where they gather and dive underwater together to once again enjoy the beautiful views of the underwater life of the ocean.
Negombo is a beach with cheap seafood.
This beach not only has no waves, but is also known for its cheap seafood.
It is from here that boats and fishing ships depart to catch squid, fish, oysters and other ocean inhabitants. So local cafes and restaurants always have fresh and inexpensive seafood food.
Negombo is also famous for its centuries-old buildings. It was on this beach that fortresses and churches were built when the country was part of the Dutch colony.
The beach is very popular with tourists and locals. It's fun here, sports games are held on the sands, and children are always under the supervision of lifeguards.
Mirissa is a beach for romantics.
There are very few hotels on the coast where this beach is located. There are only ten of them, so there are very few tourists in this place.
Newlyweds and people in love come here. Sitting by the ocean and enjoying a beautiful sunset is a favorite pastime of all couples. The beach itself is small, but there are many cozy places where you can retire and listen to the sound of the ocean, the cries of birds and say goodbye to the passing day.
Everyone will like this beach, because everything here is so natural and unique. Beach coastline made of sand of different colors. And the entrance to the water is shallow, so you can enter the ocean 10-15 meters and still be standing in the water.
These are the four beaches we offer you to choose from. Remember, these are beaches without big waves. In fact, there are more than a thousand beaches in Sri Lanka.
According to reviews from travelers and vacationers, the beaches of Sri Lanka are among the top ten for tourism in winter. White sandy beaches, bright, hot sun, relaxation under the shade of palm branches, clear azure water, incredible exotic landscapes. Lovers of exotic, recreation and tourism will find many beaches, active recreation, and extraordinary beauty of nature. This is truly a piece of paradise that everyone should discover.
Bentota
Fans of active tourism, diving, surfing and other water sports will find an ideal holiday destination on Benkota Beach. In addition, newlyweds from all over the world tend to come here to spend an unforgettable honeymoon in a memorable romantic atmosphere. People of means often come to this resort to make their holiday unforgettable.
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Vaduwa is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Sandy beaches, palm trees, blue azure water, palm trees giving a pleasant cool shade. Comfortable hotels, sports for every taste: tennis, golf, football. Diving has become a popular entertainment for tourists. When diving, you can see the rich and colorful world of exotic fish and marine plants that have equipped their homes in sunken ships.
In addition to diving, other water sports are available: surfing, sailing. Or you can go on a relaxing, romantic boat ride along the canals to admire the beauty of the local fauna. Fans of cultural and educational tourism will enjoy local attractions - the Buddhist temple Gangatilaka Vihara in Kalutara or the fishermen's town of Hambantotu.
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Beruwella is the most prestigious and premium beach resort. Here you will find only five-star hotels, expensive restaurants and high-quality service. Truly heavenly pictures open up on the local beaches, which stretch for as much as 100 km.
White sand, clear azure water, which, due to pleasant climatic conditions, is always warm and, thanks to the favorable topography, always calm, without high waves or storms. The beaches are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay: umbrellas, sun loungers, tables where you can always find juicy, ripe fruits that refresh and quench your thirst during a beach holiday.
Many hotels have spas and various health centers. Rich families from Russia, India and the Netherlands like to stay in Beruwella. Why India and the Netherlands? Yes, because Ceylon was once a Dutch colony. And Russians simply love a pleasant holiday with soul.
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Negombo is a place where you can always catch a wave, the sea is rough most of the time, it is a desirable corner for kite surfers. On the long picturesque coastline there are comfortable hotels for every taste, where vacationers are offered a variety of services and entertainment both on land and on water.
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Arugam Bay is a huge sandy beach and one of the most popular surfing resorts. However, for beginners and inexperienced swimmers, it is an ideal place to study and train.
For other vacationers, this is a reason to try something new, as well as visit an amazing corner of nature, where you can see extraordinary flora and fauna, namely exotic jungles with secluded corners and numerous lakes, or you can watch wild elephants from Crocodile Rock. This place is famous for its pleasant climate and low rainfall, so the weather cannot spoil your holiday. .
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Hikkaduwa is a joy for surfers, a thrill for tourists, as this place is characterized by high waves. However, the beach can be divided into zones where there are big waves, and where you can calmly swim and enjoy swinging on the waves.
Or you can find fishing boats and try your luck at fishing by catching fish for dinner with your own hands. Soft golden sand, clear azure water and an unforgettable vacation experience await you.
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Dikwella is the perfect destination for a romantic, secluded, unforgettable honeymoon trip for newlyweds. Idyll, beauty and harmony await lovers. The picturesque, paradise beach stretches for 3 km. Golden and soft sand, coolness from the shade of palm branches, the pleasure of swimming in pleasant, clear blue water on the western part of the beach.
For lovers of adrenaline, risk and thrills, the central part is suitable, where you can catch your big wave. The eastern part of the beach is rocky, but nevertheless distinguished by the beauty of wild and untamed nature. Picturesque bays will awaken your imagination and provide aesthetic pleasure with their views.
There are no huge hotels in the village of the same name, but this is not a minus, since there are guesthouses and a small cozy hotel complex that welcomes tourists. You will be provided with great gastronomic pleasure by local cafes where delicious and healthy seafood dishes are prepared.
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Tangale is a famous resort, but it is not widespread among tourists, so the beaches are not strewn with vacationers; you can always find space and privacy. In addition, this will allow you to enjoy heavenly sea views, exotic vegetation, the sounds of waves, birds, and wind.
This resort is not suitable for active people who want to swim in the ocean, but this place is very attractive for surfers because there are always waves, perhaps the largest on the entire southern coast.
If you love peace, beautiful views, relaxation, solitude with nature or surfing, then this resort is perfect for you. There is no tourist town at this resort, but there are small hotels. There are not many restaurants and cafes, but they can satisfy the needs of vacationers and give them pleasure with delicious food and good service.
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Mirissa is one of the three best beaches in Sri Lanka. White sand, blue, azure water, snow-white sand, lush green palm trees along the entire coast, creating a pleasant cool shade during a hot day; it is also very pleasant to take walks along the coast under these palm trees, admiring nature and views of the ocean.
During the walk you can walk to two bays where there are no strong waves and there is very picturesque nature and the sea. This entire area is bordered on two sides by hills consisting entirely of iron ore. Immediately behind them is a village, or rather, it is cut into these hills and has a red color because of the iron.
Mirissa is very beautiful, there is snow-white sand, palm trees hang over the ocean, greenery along the entire coast. The beach begins and ends with hills, as if limiting the territory. The resort has hotels; in the bay with a calm sea, prices are higher than in other parts.
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Unawatuna is one of the top ten best beaches in the world according to the Discovery Channel. completes the ranking of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. According to the Discovery Channel, this beach is among the top ten in the world. However, there are no large tourist complexes or expensive hotels in this place.
Most vacationers come here for at least a month. This is a great place to relax with family and children. Soft sandy beaches, safe for swimming, without strong currents, sharp deep holes, entry into the water is smooth. During the holiday season there are a lot of tourists, however, the infrastructure is not particularly developed.
Everything you need for a beach holiday is there. But the place still leaves a feeling of a “wild beach”. When tourists began to explore this “wild place”, but it can still be explored and explored, discovering more and more new beauties and amenities of this place.
Sri Lanka is a great place for a varied holiday. Here you can surf the waves and catch the wind on a kite; snorkel among coral reefs and scuba dive to see the beauty of the underwater world; enjoy fresh seafood and sweet tropical fruits; get acquainted with local history and culture, visit ancient architectural monuments, temples, cities and wander through the endless green hills, among the Ceylon tea plantations, and, of course, sunbathe and relax on the endless beaches. The sand on many of them is fine and pleasant to the touch, coconut palms hang over the sea, and the water is clean and clear.
The best beaches are located mainly on the southwest coast and a little on the east. But nevertheless, there are more than fifteen large beaches on the island alone, not to mention the wild and unpopular sandy areas. Among the variety of beaches, there are 6 main ones that are most attractive to tourists.
Bentota
One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka and many, not unreasonably, consider it the best on the entire island for a relaxing holiday. Bentota's popularity can be partly explained by the fact that of all the major beaches, it is located closest to the international airport (100 kilometers away). The beach is quite wide, long and, despite its popularity, not too crowded.
The resort is often chosen by newlyweds for a relaxing holiday and honeymoon. There is a good selection of first-class hotels, restaurants, massage parlors; in general, the tourist infrastructure is well developed.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa Beach is located 30 kilometers south of Bentota, but the atmosphere on it is completely different - it is a youth resort with all the appropriate attributes: many bars, beach parties, a fairly large selection of budget accommodation.
The resort has gained popularity among young people thanks to its big waves - this is one of the best places for surfing on the island. Hikkaduwa stretches for 7 kilometers and actually consists of two beaches. The first, the eponymous Hikkaduwa, is located in a lagoon (therefore there are almost no waves around it), calm, quite wide and not very long. The second is Narigama, longer, but narrow, with decent depth near the shore and large waves, which makes it unsuitable for swimming, but it is excellent for surfing.
In the sea off the coast you can see sea turtles and a small coral reef. Vacationers in the vicinity of Hikkaduwa will always have something to do: surf in the morning, sunbathe, swim and snorkel in the afternoon, have fun in bars and parties in the evening and periodically go somewhere to neighboring resorts or go on excursions.
Unawatuna
A small but very popular beach among tourists. During the season it can get quite crowded here. Cozy, with a well-developed infrastructure, it is located in a small lagoon, protected from the open ocean by a coral reef on which the waves break. Therefore, the sea near the coast is often clean and calm, which is why Unawatuna is very popular among families with children.
The sea near the coast is quite shallow, so it warms up well during the day; the water temperature does not drop below 27 degrees throughout the year.
There is a good selection of small hotels and guesthouses near the beach, but there are no large or chain hotels that work with large travel agencies, so Unawatuna is popular among independent travelers. In the evening, the beach turns into a large open-air restaurant - nearby restaurants set up tables on the sand, light torches around them and offer fresh seafood for dinner.
When choosing Unawatuna for your holiday, be prepared for the fact that there are quite a lot of fragments of corals and stones in the water, so going into the water is not very pleasant. For a comfortable stay, take coral slippers with you. Locals also like to come here (especially on weekends), who show increased attention to white tourists.
Mirissa
This is another beautiful beach that is very popular among tourists. The beach in Mirissa is very picturesque with pretty palm trees on the shore and pleasant fine sand without large stones. The water in the sea is clean and transparent without algae and debris. The sea near the shore is very shallow.
The infrastructure is not very well developed, but if you make an order at one of the beach restaurants, you can use their sun loungers and umbrellas at no additional cost.
Tangalle
Tangalle Beach is long, wide, incredibly picturesque and almost deserted. This is the most distant resort area from the capital on the southern coast, so either a few backpacker travelers or tourists craving solitude come here. In the western part of the beach, where the village of Tangalle is located, there are inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants, and further beyond the village you can walk along the beach for many kilometers, occasionally encountering quite good quality hotels along the way.
The water here is clear, the beach is clean, you can snorkel near the shore, but there are almost always big waves in the sea, so only those who are good swimmers decide to swim far from the shore.
Trincomalee
There are not very many beaches on the northeast coast; they are even wilder and more deserted than on the southwest. Only nature lovers and those who are willing to spend 9 hours on a train or pay a tidy sum for a comfortable taxi ride come here. Nevertheless, those who still get to the beaches of Trincomalee call these places the most beautiful part of the island.
Holidays in the city of Trincomalee are calm, there is practically no entertainment, the infrastructure was significantly damaged by the tsunami in 2004 and is being restored very slowly. Many hotels have remained empty and abandoned ever since. Not far from the coast there is a small, uninhabited Pigeon Island with snow-white coral sand and clear water. The island is surrounded by a large coral reef, which attracts lovers of snorkeling and diving - here under the water you can see bright tropical fish, sea turtles and, they say, even reef sharks.
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Kalutara, located 40 km south of Colombo, on the Kalu Ganga (“Black River”), was once an important center for the spice trade. Today it is a modern resort town with extensive opportunities for water sports and beach recreation. Here you can go water skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, spearfishing, and take a fascinating excursion along the Kalu Ganga River, covered with mangroves.
The main attraction of Kalutara is the huge Buddhist stupa (round temple) Kalutara Vihara, built in 1960 on the southern bank of the river near the bridge. This is the only hollow stupa in the world. Inside you can see 72 paintings from the life of Buddha, several statues and a huge panoramic window overlooking the river and the city. During the winter festival of Navam Perahera, a grand procession takes place here with the participation of a large temple elephant, dancers, torchbearers and monks.
“Mecca” for divers and club life lovers, a popular resort with developed infrastructure and a beautiful wide beach. The diving season here lasts from November to April, diving depths range from 4 to 40 m, and there are several interesting wrecks. There are equipment rentals and courses for beginners. Those who are apprehensive about scuba diving can go snorkeling or book a glass-bottom boat ride. The corals in Hikkaduwa are considered some of the most beautiful in all of Asia.
Hikkaduwa is a paradise not only for diving, but also for surfing. Surfers from all over the world come here, especially during the dry season, from November to March. The height of the waves reaches 3.5 meters.
The bustling nightlife also attracts tourists. It was from Hikkaduwa that the discovery of Sri Lanka began by tourists from Europe and America in the 60s of the last century. Today the resort is a continuous chain of hotels, hostels, bars, restaurants and shops, stretching for 4 km. There are always a lot of young people here from all over the world.
A small resort village on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, located 38 kilometers from Colombo. The spacious, wide beach with fine sand will delight lovers of serenity and family holidays. The sea is calmest from November to March.
Among the interesting monuments that you can visit while relaxing in Vaskaduwa is the 19th century Buddhist temple of Rajaguru Sri Subhuti Maha Vihara.
The most romantic resort in Sri Lanka is located on the southwestern coast of the island, in the Galle region, on the banks of the Bentota Ganga River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. Bentota owes its name to the legend of the demon Bem, who once ruled the banks of the river. It has its own small airport, a turtle reserve, and the ruins of a 12th-century Buddhist temple complex - Galapata Vihara. Bentota is famous for its palm wine, as well as excellent water sports and diving opportunities. Bentota Beach, on a long sandy spit at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga River, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bentota is a favorite place for newlyweds. World-class hotels offer the highest level of service, and uncrowded, many-kilometer beaches offer privacy and comfort. A relaxing beach holiday can be alternated with an active one. From here you can reach the ancient fortress of Galle (approximately 48 km). You can also go for a walk along the Bentota Ganga River among tropical flora and fauna, explore the ruins of the Galapata Vihara temples with preserved frescoes and statues, watch turtles in the reserve, go surfing, fishing, and ride a yacht. Bentota is perfect for beginner divers, as the water here is clear, there are almost no currents, and the most beautiful coral reefs begin at a depth of 4-5 meters.
The resort is 15 km from Negombo and about 70 km from Colombo. For a relaxing budget holiday. The largest hotel in the resort, Club Palm Bay 4*, is located on the shore of a picturesque lake, separated from the ocean by a wide sand spit and overgrown with lush tropical vegetation.
An ancient Sri Lankan city, founded by Arab traders back in the 8th century. Here is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka - Kechimalai. The Beruwela resort is quite young and rapidly developing. Over the past few years, new hotels, shops have been built here, and the tourist area has been improved. Beruwela lies at the very beginning of a 130-kilometer beach that stretches along the entire southwestern tip of the island. From here it is 54 km to Galle, 56 km to the capital of the island Colombo, and only 7 km to the nearest resort of Bentota. You can swim on the beaches of Beruwela all year round. The purest sand, palm trees, azure water, bright sun - Beruwela has everything you need for a beach holiday and a wonderful tan.
A small fishing village near Colombo, stretching along a stream. Induruwa has wide, deserted beaches, ideal for sea and sunbathing. It has its own market, shops and hotels to suit different tastes and budgets. Freshwater lagoons and the Maadu River attract eco-tourists and bird watchers.
A fishing village on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, near Lake Madu Ganga, about 20 km from Bentota and 30 km from Galle. There are several Buddhist temples in Ahungalla and the nearby village of Balapitya. The largest and most comfortable hotel in Ahungalla is Heritance Ahungalla 5*. It was designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.
A small quiet town 35 km south of Colombo, famous for its plantations of coconut palms, rubber and cinnamon, the production of palm wine and vinegar, and products made from coconut fiber. Tours to Wadduwa are popular among beach lovers due to its beautiful sandy beach. Its width in some places reaches 60 m! Hotels are located on the beach far from each other, providing silence and privacy to their guests. One of the best places for quiet rest and relaxation away from the bustle of the city.
Wadduwa got its name from the name of the local doctors - “Veda”, who used to live in this area. Now the doctors have been replaced by experienced specialists from spas and health centers who offer Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation classes, and healing courses. One of the most famous hotels in Wadduwa is Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort 5*, focused on wellness holidays.
One of the closest resorts to Colombo, where you can escape from the bustle of the city, without being too far from the capital. The city merged with neighboring Dehiwala and is now called Dehiwala Mount Lavinia.
This was once the residence of the British Governor of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, who ruled the island from 1805 to 1811. His villa was called Mount Lavinia House, after his secret lover, the local dancer Lovina. In 1877, it opened the Mount Lavinia Hotel, one of the oldest and most luxuriously furnished hotels in Sri Lanka. Some scenes of the famous film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (about the Vietnam War) were filmed here.
Dehiwala is home to the National Zoological Garden of Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. This is one of the largest zoos in Asia; it contains about 3 thousand animals of 350 species (according to 2005 data). One and a half million people visit it every year. An aquarium, bird enclosures, a butterfly garden, a reptile house, open spaces where you can walk next to animals without any bars, shows of elephants, monkeys and fur seals - this is an incomplete list of what you can see at the zoo.
Not far from the resort is the largest freshwater lake in Sri Lanka - Bolgoda. Its surface area is 347 sq. km, and its depth reaches 15 m. During the British Raj, it was a popular resort and bird hunting spot for British officers. The mangrove-covered lake is home to 45 species of fish, 40 species of reptiles, 30 species of mammals and many species of birds. Part of it has been turned into a nature reserve and is protected by the Global Nature Fund. On the lake you can go fishing, boating, windsurfing. It is home to the Colombo Sailing Club.
Local guides say that Unawatuna is even mentioned in the great Indian epic “Ramayana”. Now Unawatuna is famous for its beautiful semicircular beach, which the Discovery Channel included in the top ten in the world in 2004. The blue lagoon with clear water is protected by a double coral reef. Swimming here is pleasant and safe, since the depth of the lagoon is only 6 meters, and the water warms up well throughout the year. In Unawatuna, divers will find intricate reefs, many species of fish and sea turtles, and shipwrecks such as the British steamship Rangoon, which sank 100 years ago. Holidays in Unawatuna attract eco-tourists, for whom there are many walking paths in the tropical jungle and the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve, located 45 minutes' drive away. You can also visit the ancient stone temple of Yatagala Rajamaha Vihara, built 2,300 years ago, and the famous ancient Galle Fort, which is located just 5 km from Unawatuna.
Weligama (translated from Sinhalese as “Sand Village”) is located 144 km from Colombo, 30 km from Galle, in the Matara region in the south of the island, on the shore of a beautiful bay. There are many boutique hotels offering exquisite service. Weligama's most exclusive hotel is located on Taprobane Island, 200 meters from the shore. The island once belonged to the French Count de Mony-Talvan, who built a luxurious villa on it. Since then, many famous people have stayed on the island - aristocrats, politicians, writers, artists. Singer Kylie Minogue dedicated the song “Taprobane (Extraordinary Day)” to this island.
In the western part of the city there is a three-meter statue of the Leper King. According to legend, it depicts an ancient ruler who was cured of leprosy by coconut milk. Another interesting detail of the Weligama landscape is the fishermen who use fishing rods to catch fish from high piles driven into the bottom of the bay. Weligama also has the ancient Buddhist temple of Aggrabodhi Vihara and a snake nursery.
Vaikal (Vaikkala, Vaikkal) is a small village almost within the city of Negombo, a 20-30 minute drive from Colombo International Airport. Several hotels with large grounds and a wide beach are located north of the mouth of the Maha Oya River, which flows into the Indian Ocean.
The fishing town is located on the shores of a picturesque lagoon, 53 km north of the airport. In the old days, Chilaw was famous for its pearl fishing. European colonists left a noticeable mark on the history of the city. The main attraction is the ancient Hindu temple of Munneswaram, which hosts colorful festivals every year.
Negombo is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island, on the shores of the lagoon of the same name. It is known not only for its picturesque nature and beaches, but also for its rich history and culture.
For many centuries, dating back to the era of Portuguese and Dutch colonization, Negombo has been a trading port and center of the fishing industry. And in our times it is a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. A huge amount of fish is caught daily in the local bay, which can be bought at the Lellama fish market, the second largest in the country. Lobster, shrimp, and seafood are cooked over an open fire and served in restaurants on the seashore. In addition, Negombo is famous for the production of cinnamon, which is considered one of the best in the world, as well as ceramics and copper products.
Negombo is 40 km from the capital of Sri Lanka and just 7 km from Colombo International Airport. This is an ideal resort for those who do not want to waste time on long journeys. The long picturesque sandy beach begins north of the city center. There are many modern comfortable hotels, as well as water sports and diving centers. Divers will be interested in the wreck of a ship that sank more than 50 years ago and was turned into an artificial reef. Wildlife lovers can take a boat trip to the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, which is home to almost 200 species of animals and plants.
Negombo is called the "little Rome" of Sri Lanka due to the abundance of Catholic churches and cathedrals, the most notable of which is St. Mary's Cathedral. There are also mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples here. Among the attractions you can also see the ruins of a Dutch fort built in 1672, city canals that are still in use today, and fishing villages.
The city of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has absorbed many cultures and religions. Here, ancient colonial-style mansions, ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, Catholic cathedrals coexist with skyscrapers, large shopping centers and modern five-star hotels with restaurants, bars, fitness centers, swimming pools, nightclubs and conference rooms. Colombo is the modern capital of the island; the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are included in the “cultural triangle” along with the city of Kandy. The Cultural Triangle is a collection of historical and cultural attractions in the center of the island.
A small village 10 km south of Bentota, about three hours' drive from Colombo. Nearby is another resort - Ahungalla, where there are several Buddhist temples.
A large port city located on the southwestern tip of the island of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. The capital of the Southern Province, the fourth largest city in the country, one of the main centers of tourism. The main attraction of Galle is the 17th-century granite Dutch fort, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is one of the largest colonial fortresses in Asia built by Europeans. The fort lies on a peninsula and is surrounded by water on three sides. At its south-eastern end there is an old lighthouse from which there is a magnificent view.
Other attractions of Galle: the Catholic Cathedral of St. Mary (XIX century), the National Maritime Museum, the collection of which includes exhibits dating back 800 years, the largest Shiva temple on the island, the ancient Amangalla 5 * hotel, built in 1863.
For wildlife lovers, Halle also has a lot to offer. There is a turtle farm and the Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Excursions through the jungle, jeep safaris and horseback riding will not leave anyone indifferent. For those who are tired of the sights, Galle has excellent opportunities for a beach holiday. Sri Lanka's most famous beaches Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa are just 5 and 10 km from Galle.
A town in the Matara region, 180 km from Colombo, famous for its bustling market, which opens every Saturday near the beach. The main attraction of Dikwella is the largest statue of a seated Buddha in Sri Lanka, 50 meters high. Summer Buddhist festivals (Perahera) - Vesak, Poson and Esala - are held here on a large scale.
Dikwella has a beautiful beach and bow-shaped lagoon protected by reefs and shoals. The Dickwella Resort 4* hotel with a large green area is located at the westernmost tip of the lagoon.
The ancient city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka retains the charm of an 18th-century Dutch colony. In the center of the city there is a Dutch fort, which is now used as a prison. However, Tangalle is best known for its beaches: Medaketiya, Medilla, Goyambokka and Pallikaduva. Due to the distance from Colombo (195 km), there are few tourists here, and for several kilometers on the coast you may not see a single person. Perfect for a secluded getaway for VIPs.
Kalpitiya is a small resort in the north-west of Sri Lanka in the Puttalam district, 170 kilometers from Colombo. Long beaches with fine sand will delight lovers of a relaxing and sporty holiday. Due to the excellent wind that blows here from May to October, this is one of the most favorite places for kitesurfers. In both lagoons of the Kalpitiya and Kapaladi resort there are kite rental stations and schools with instructors. Kalpitiya also has a windsurfing station.
Kalpitiya is also popular among diving and snorkeling enthusiasts; Bar Reef, one of the most interesting reefs in Sri Lanka, is an hour's boat ride from the resort. Diving and snorkeling excursions run from November to mid-April.
Nature lovers can visit the large Vilpatu National Park and watch dolphins or whales.
The new resort of Passikuda is located 300 km from the airport on the east coast of the island. A wide beach, stretching for several kilometers, borders a picturesque bay. The ocean is rich in various species of tropical fish. The colorful coral reefs are included in a renowned marine reserve. Passikuda is a resort with the atmosphere of a quiet fishing village, suitable for lovers of a quiet, secluded holiday.
Ahangama is a small resort village in the south of Sri Lanka. Family tourists will appreciate the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere of the resort, the sandy beach, and surf lovers will enjoy the excellent conditions for sports. There are board rentals, the opportunity to take lessons, and yoga classes.
Not far from Ahangama are the picturesque bays of Weligama and Mirissa, a 20-minute drive from the city of Galle and the bustling resort of Unawatuna, which is famous for discos and night bars.
Balapitiya is a small resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, 80 kilometers from Colombo. The resort is located in a place where the Maduganga River overflows into the ocean. Lovers of a relaxing holiday will appreciate the picturesque nature of the resort, quiet evenings and its sandy beaches.
From Balapitiya you can go to the turtle farm, take a boat ride through the expanses of the Maduganga delta with numerous islands, or go for a walk to the neighboring resort of Hikkaduwa.
Trincomalee (or simply Trinco) is a large city and port in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, known since the time of the ancient historian Ptolemy. It is separated from Colombo by more than 250 km. The city lies on a peninsula in the Gulf of Koddiyar with intricately indented shores. Its large natural harbour, the fifth largest in the world, has made it a center of maritime trade since ancient times. The ancient name of the city is Gokanna (Gokarna).
Merchants from China and Southeast Asia and even the great traveler Marco Polo visited here at the end of the 13th century. The port has been in the hands of the Dutch, Portuguese, French and British. At Trincomalee in 1782, during the American Revolutionary War, a naval battle took place between the French and English squadrons. During World War II, the Japanese bombed British military installations in Trincomalee. Trinco is now home to the Sri Lankan navy and air force.
Trincomalee's rich history attracts tourists from all over the world. There is something to see here for the most discerning traveler! The Hoods Tower Maritime Museum, the 17th-century Dutch fort Frederick, the famous Koneswaram Temple (Temple of a Thousand Columns), built in the 3rd century in honor of Shiva, the ancient Buddhist monastery Velgam Vihara and much more. Whale watching boat trips have become very popular in Trinco lately. In Cannia (8 km from Trinco), there are several hot springs.
During a tour in Trincomalee, excursions can be combined with relaxation. There are many shallow bays where the water does not reach the neck of an adult even a hundred meters from the shore. The beaches are covered with the purest white sand. The most famous of them are Uppuveli (6 km from the city) and Nilaveli (16 km). Rocky Pigeon Island, where wild pigeons nest, is famous for its coral reef and abundance of fish species. You can rent a boat from any hotel or marina to sail to the island and go diving and snorkeling.
The famous Sri Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe, who wrote in Sinhala, was born in Koggala. The unique nature of Koggala: a coast with golden sand beaches and coral reefs, a large freshwater lake with many islands, evergreen tropical forests - inspired him to write novels and stories translated into several languages of the world. The name of the writer is given to the Folk Art Museum (Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum), which has collected an extensive collection of cultural and everyday objects from different regions of the island.
In Koggala there is a rental of boats, catamarans, and bicycles. Transfers to the water sports center in Unawatuna and boat trips to watch dolphins and whales can be organized from the hotels. It is possible to visit Buddhist temples on the islands of Lake Koggala, but prior permission is required.
Koggala is located at a distance of 135 km from Colombo. It has its own small airport.
A resort on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 150 kilometers from Colombo. This cozy, calm resort has a beautiful golden beach with a convenient gentle entrance to the sea. Occasionally there are rocky areas of the coast. Hotels are built along the coast and on the hill.
This is one of the best places for surf lovers, who come to Mirissa from November to May for the annual parties. For party lovers, the resort also offers a variety of places to enjoy a great getaway.
30 kilometers from Mirissa is the city of Galle, which will be interesting to visit for lovers of historical excursions.
