Sri Lanka is an island nation located in South Asia that is slowly emerging as a popular beach destination for travelers around the world. The Sri Lankan coastline offers some of the most exquisite white-sand beaches, which are surrounded by pristine blue waters. The beauty is further enhanced by the rich cultural history of the nation, which dates back thousands of years. If you are planning to have a relaxing and luxurious vacation in the sun-kissed, tranquil beaches of Sri Lanka, then here are the top 5 picks for you. Let’s dive in.
1. Negombo, West CoastBest time to visit: November to April
Located near the airport, the Negombo beach offers a village-type atmosphere with many little shops and restaurants dotting the shoreline. The lively vibe of the beach is further enhanced by the musicians and bands, and you can listen to them while relaxing under a beach chair. Travellers can also enjoy a range of water sports here. However, the beach is not suitable for swimming as it has strong currents.
2. Arugam Bay, Southeast CoastBest time to visit: March to October
Located near the airport, the Negombo beach offers a village-type atmosphere with many little shops and restaurants dotting the shoreline. The lively vibe of the beach is further enhanced by the musicians and bands, and you can listen to them while relaxing under a beach chair. Travellers can also enjoy a range of water sports here. However, the beach is not suitable for swimming as it has strong currents.
3. Tangalle Beach, South CoastBest time to visit: November to March
The most striking feature of the Tangalle Beach is the light sand which makes a sharp contrast against the deep blue waters. The beach is also lined with a dense grove of trees which enhance the colours of this beach. There are some great seafront luxury resorts and hotels located here, popular among which is the Anantara Peace Haven and Shangri La’s Hambantota Gold Resort and Spa. The Tangalle beach is the best choice for you if you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation.
4. Hikkaduwa, Southeast CoastBest time to visit: November to March
Another Sri Lankan beach that is a great destination for surfers is the Hikkaduwa beach, which is located around 95 km from the capital city of Columbo. The palm trees and dense green foliage is set against the white sand and the bright aqua waters. Just behind the beach, the visitors would find one of the major marine national parks of the country. You can try fresh seafood and sip on cocktails or experience snorkelling as the shallow and clear waters are perfect for exploring underwater life.
5. Kalkudah, East CoastBest time to visit: May to September
Kalkudah is located on Pasikuda Bay and is the perfect destination if you want to enjoy gentle surfing, wading and swimming. The water on the beach is quite shallow, which allows you to walk out into the ocean for quite a distance. There is also a beachside barbecue restaurant where you can sit back and sample the fresh seafood.
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There is no dearth of beautiful golden beaches in Sri Lanka. When planning your next beach holiday around the world, you can select from any of these five picks. All these beaches offer a range of activities to travellers, from snorkelling to swimming to water sports. If you are looking for a relaxing stay then there are many options of luxury seaside resorts on these beaches too. It’s time to plan your next getaway in the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka…
Jay Kajaria is Founder of Bespoke India Holidays. Bespoke India Holidays is an award-winning company that specialises in creating luxury trips to India and the subcontinent.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Jay Kajaria is the Director of Erudite Travel Consultants LLP – the company that owns Bespoke India Holidays. The company specializes in offering high quality bespoke tours, offbeat experiences to guests traveling to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Dubai and Southeast Asia region. The company has received National Tourism Award and has been nominated as a leading Luxury tour operator in Asia by World Travel Awards for year 2020, 2021 and 2022. Erudite Travel Consultants LLP is a responsible travel company focusing on community tourism, animal friendly tours, reducing carbon footprint and engaging in CSR initiatives.
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4 Comments
Sri Lanka has been on my travel list for decades. I’ve got to admit that it even goes back to Duran Duran filming a video there in the 1980s.
I’ve always been put off by trying to work out the monsoon seasons and as I was a teacher I only had limited holidays.
Now that I’m retired and am free to travel whenever I like, Sri Lanka’s very near the top of my wish list. I finally hope to get there.
I had a chat with a “travel professional” last night. He said he’s never been so busy. After 2 years of restrictions people are desperate to get away. At the top end of the market his customers have saved a lot. For 2 years people have gone without meals out, weekends away and no dream holidays. Places like these dream Sri Lankan beaches are going to be busy, busy, busy.
we first visited Sri Lanka in 1998 and fell in love with the people, the culture, the country and the food. we’ve returned many time since including most recently during August 2022. Negombo, Tangalle and Hikkaduwa all have their unique charm for sure, but it’s the deserted and secluded East coast beaches that we truly love. we can’t wait for our next Sri Lankan adventure…
2. Arugam Bay, Southeast Coast
Best time to visit: March to October
Located near the airport, the Negombo beach offers a village-type atmosphere with many little shops and restaurants dotting the shoreline. The lively vibe of the beach is further enhanced by the musicians and bands, and you can listen to them while relaxing under a beach chair. Travellers can also enjoy a range of water sports here. However, the beach is not suitable for swimming as it has strong currents.
2. Arugam Bay, Southeast Coast
Best time to visit: March to October
Located near the airport, the Negombo beach offers a village-type atmosphere with many little shops and restaurants dotting the shoreline. The lively vibe of the beach is further enhanced by the musicians and bands, and you can listen to them while relaxing under a beach chair. Travellers can also enjoy a range of water sports here. However, the beach is not suitable for swimming as it has strong currents.
3. Tangalle Beach, South Coast
Best time to visit: November to March
The most striking feature of the Tangalle Beach is the light sand which makes a sharp contrast against the deep blue waters. The beach is also lined with a dense grove of trees which enhance the colours of this beach. There are some great seafront luxury resorts and hotels located here, popular among which is the Anantara Peace Haven and Shangri La’s Hambantota Gold Resort and Spa. The Tangalle beach is the best choice for you if you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation.
4. Hikkaduwa, Southeast Coast
Best time to visit: November to March
Another Sri Lankan beach that is a great destination for surfers is the Hikkaduwa beach, which is located around 95 km from the capital city of Columbo. The palm trees and dense green foliage is set against the white sand and the bright aqua waters. Just behind the beach, the visitors would find one of the major marine national parks of the country. You can try fresh seafood and sip on cocktails or experience snorkelling as the shallow and clear waters are perfect for exploring underwater life.
5. Kalkudah, East Coast
Best time to visit: May to September
Kalkudah is located on Pasikuda Bay and is the perfect destination if you want to enjoy gentle surfing, wading and swimming. The water on the beach is quite shallow, which allows you to walk out into the ocean for quite a distance. There is also a beachside barbecue restaurant where you can sit back and sample the fresh seafood.
Sri Lanka has been on my travel list for decades. I’ve got to admit that it even goes back to Duran Duran filming a video there in the 1980s.
I’ve always been put off by trying to work out the monsoon seasons and as I was a teacher I only had limited holidays.
Now that I’m retired and am free to travel whenever I like, Sri Lanka’s very near the top of my wish list. I finally hope to get there.
I had a chat with a “travel professional” last night. He said he’s never been so busy. After 2 years of restrictions people are desperate to get away. At the top end of the market his customers have saved a lot. For 2 years people have gone without meals out, weekends away and no dream holidays. Places like these dream Sri Lankan beaches are going to be busy, busy, busy.
What’s got me about Sri Lanka is that there’s always gonna be a monsoon somewhere. Maybe you need 2 trips to do the island? Right ?
we first visited Sri Lanka in 1998 and fell in love with the people, the culture, the country and the food. we’ve returned many time since including most recently during August 2022. Negombo, Tangalle and Hikkaduwa all have their unique charm for sure, but it’s the deserted and secluded East coast beaches that we truly love. we can’t wait for our next Sri Lankan adventure…