Among the things that come to mind when one thinks of the strikingly beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka is lots of pure fun, water sports, fishing tours and pretty stretches of long beaches with their completely white washed lighthouses overlooking rocky clusters and the vast Indian Ocean.

 The 1, 600-kilometer long coastline of Sri Lanka is adorned with beautiful palm shaded beaches and exotic coral reefs.

 Sri Lanka makes sure that you have the time of your life during your travel to the unusually attractive beaches in different parts of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka offers online beach travel packages and details about the tourist destinations so that you can enjoy your tours to the Sri Lankan beaches thoroughly.

 Visit the fascinating Marine National Park at the Hikkaduwa beach in Galle, Sri Lanka and find time to indulge yourself with countless water sport activities.

 The tropical vegetation and the profusion of palm trees on the beaches in Sri Lanka offer delightfully beautiful prospects for the beauty connoisseurs. Enjoy yourself at the bathing bay at the Beruwela beach, relax and rejuvenate on the Bentota beach and go visiting to the picturesque beaches like the Hikkaduwa known for its fantastic coral reefs, the Negombo and the Tangale beaches.

The western and southern coast beaches begins from Negombo, 13kms north of Colombo and curves south along the coastline for 273kms up to Hambantota. This is definitely the better developed of the two circuits and accounts for most of the hotels and the resorts. South of Colombo it is called the ‘Cold Coast’ and the resorts stretch from Mt. Lavinia (a suburb of Colombo) along Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Calle, Unawatuna, Koggala, We- ligama, Dickewalla, Tangalle and finally Hambantota. The southern beaches are sandier than the western ones and do not shelve steeply into the sea.

While the eastern and northern coast beaches stretches north in a gentle arc from Arugam Bay till Kuchchaveli approximately 275kms up on the eastern coastline. Fine beaches, typically wide stretches of sand and what seems like miles of clear, shallow water, pretty bays and coves, deep natural harbours, still lagoons and underwater coral gardens. The best ones are those of Nilaveli, Kuchchaveli, Marble Bay, Sweat Bay and Dead Man’s Cove, with its magnificent harbour, north of Trincomalee. The southern section includes the peaceful beaches of Passekudah, Kalkudah and Arugam Bay.

Access western and southern coast beaches by road start from Negombo Route A3, till Colombo. Then to A2, better known as Galle Road up to Galle, 117kms south of Colombo hugs the coast line all the way till Hambantota before veering away towards Wellawaya further inland. The railway runs all the way down from Negombo to Matara, just short of Dondra Head, the southern most tip of Sri Lanka. From here Hambantota is 78 kms by road. By air, there are airports at Katunayake, which is the airport servicing Colombo and the only other international airport in Sri Lanka, Moratuwa and Koggala.

The eastern and northern coast beaches can be reach by road thru A4 cutting across the country from Colombo via the gem city of Ratnapura, passing the Central Highlands on the way before hitting the eastern coast at Pottuvil, 320kms from the capital. There it turns north to service the coastline Up to Batticaloa at a distance of 110kms. The 137kms stretch of coastline from Batticaloa to Trincornalee is serviced by the A15 and the last beach at Kuchchavelli some 35kms further up can be gained by a secondary road. Trincomalee is the only gateway by rail on the eastern coast. It is connected to all the major. Airports are at Batticaloa and Trincomalee.

West Coast Beaches :

The West Coast stretches northwards from Mt. Lavinia a southern suburb of Colombo. Mt. Lavinia and Negombo are the best developed beach resorts in this region.

Mt. Lavinia : Eleven kilometers south from Colombo along the road to Galle is the beach resort of Mt. Lavinia. The sea is safe for bathing and is a popular bathing spot with clean sandy beaches. The name Lavinia reminds of a secret love affair between a British Governor and a local damsel who used to meet at the holiday house of the Governor which stood on the spot where now the Mt. Lavinia Hotel is located.

Kaluthara

Two and half hours drive from the airport, this small yet busy town is well known for its iconic Gangatilaka Vihara, one of the few Buddhist monuments that permits entry and a true highlight worth visiting. Markets and small shops make up this seaside down and it’s fascinating to watch the locals trade - from coconut fibre products to fresh fish and vegetables. Kalutara's golden beach is fringed by magnificent palms and is excellent for swimming. Stay at Mermaid, an attractive beachfront hotel offering excellent value for money.

 South Coast Beaches : 

The southern coastal belt is the most popular and comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves north east and the sea becomes calm with blue skies. It is an ideal place to spend the Winter vacation. The main beach resorts are at Beruwala, Bentota and Hikkaduwa having several beach hotels with their exclusive beachfronts. Another interesting stretch of beach in the south is Unawatuna

Beruwala : An hour's drive from Colombo along the south coast will take the visitor to Beruwala that marks the beginning of the South Coast Beach Resort. Beruwala is considered to be the first Muslim settlement in the Island established by the Arab traders as far back as the 8th century. There is a famous Muslim mosque at the beachhead close to which is a light house one of several erected along the Sri Lankan.

Hikkaduwa : 99 km. from Colombo, this is the place for underwater delights where there is a marine sanctuary abundant with rare corals and tropical fish. The underwater world of colourful corals and beautiful shoals of fish can be explored either by snorkeling or taking a ride in a glass bottom boat.

 Unawatuna : Four kilometers south of Galle is Unawatuna (120 km. from Colombo), a beautiful stretch of beach in the south safe for bathing. The road leading south from Colombo passes through the Southern Beach Resorts winding its way through stretches of coconut land. Along the drive, you could spot a man high up in the air crossing from tree to tree on two ropes tied tightly to the trees like a tight rope walker in a circus. He is a 'toddy tapper' getting about his daily chores tapping the sap off the tender inflorescence of the coconut trees which is used to distill Sri Lankan Arrack and other alcoholic beverages.

Unawatuna, near Galle is a beautiful wide curving golden beach. The beach has been acclaimed amongst 12 best beaches in the world. There is a reef protecting the beach, which makes it safe for bathing. Rumasssala, a rocky outcrop projecting into the sea at Unawatuna is connected to the legend of Ramayana. It is believed to be a piece of mountain that was fallen when Lord Hanuman brought the mountain to Sri Lanka in search of a medicinal herb to treat Laxamana-Rama's brother wounded in battle. The serene surroundings and the Dutch architecture add to the charm of the place

 Mirissa

 Situated on the Matara road 4 km southeast of Weligama, Mirissa marks for one of the country's most beautiful beach. Its headland separates its small fishing harbor from its beautiful curve of sandy beach with calm, clear waters. Mirissa is the alternative for quieter place to Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa.

East Coast Beaches :

From April to October, the East Coast comes to life. It is one of the best stretches of beach in Sri Lanka. The Eastern beaches stretch for over 300 kilometers along which tourist resorts have developed in Nilaveli, 16 km. From Trincomalee and Kalkudah, 32 km. north of Batticaloa.

Trincomalee : Horatio Nelson, the British admiral of the 18th century had on arriving at the Trincomalee harbour described it as the finest harbour in the world. It is a beautiful natural harbour worthy of that description and had been in use from the days of the early Sinhala kings. The old Portuguese/Dutch Fort reminiscent of the colonial rule of the Island has the year 1676 inscribed above its entrance by the Dutch. It was subsequently named Ford Frederick by the British. 257 km. from Colombo, Trincomalee is the ideal refuge for the beach addict, with its fine natural harbour and offers some of the best sea bathing in the country.

Horatio Nelson, the British admiral of the 18th century had described Trincomalee as the finest harbor in the world. The hot wells and the Pigeon Islands are the important places of tourist interest in the vicinity. There is an old Portuguese/Dutch fort reminiscent of the Colonial era.

Nilaveli : This is a prime beach resort in the East Coast. It is ideally suited for sun bathing, sea bathing and diving. A few meters off shore is a small rocky island good for snorkeling.

4 km. from Trincomalee, Nilaveli was the venue for the 1985 International Funboard Championships.The beach has ample water sports facilities including fishing and sea angling. Whale watching in the sanctuary is a speciality. Pigeon Island, a ten-minute boat ride from the Nilaveli beach, is an ideal place to skin/scuba dive, or to just have a sun bath. A few metres from the coast is a small rocky island good for snorkeling.

Kalkudah & Passekudah : These are very fine beaches in the East Coast. Kalkudah Bay is a 2 km. long wide stretch of beach well protected from the monsoon by the off shore reef. Passekudah Bay is another wide beach 4 km. long just south of Kalkudah. The combined area of Passekudah and Kalkudah is an ideal stretch for bathing, windsurfing and water skiingnd beautiful shoals of fish can be explored either by snorkeling or taking a ride in a glass bottom boat.

Sri Lanka is the ultimate call for all the wanderlust travelers in search of some relaxation combined with some exciting action. Whether you want to try out some amazing sport activity like snorkeling, wind surfing or skiing or just bask in the sun along the beaches of Sri Lanka , this place offers everything for everyone. The delightful sights of the rising and falling waves surprises the visitors with the natural beauty that it exhibits. Kalkudah beach on the east coast, is one among the many stunning beaches of Sri Lanka .

Kalkudah Bay is a 2 km long wide stretch of beach, located 32 km north of Batticaloa. Kalkudah & Passekudah are two very fine beaches in the East Coast of Sri Lanka. One of the best stretches of beach in Sri Lanka is the East Coast which runs to more than 300 kilometers . It is well protected from the monsoon by an off shore reef. Passekudah Bay is another wide beach 4 km. long just south of Kalkudah .The combined beaches of Kalkudah and Passekudah are ideal for bathing as the sea is clear, calm and reef-protected. It is a favorite among the nature lovers and for those looking for some exciting water sport activity. The Kalkudah beach provides a perfect setting for sun bathing , windsurfing , and skiing. The beach also houses a varied number of tropical fishes and exotic coral reefs. The combined area of Kalkudah and Passekudah was declared as the National Holiday resort in 1973.

Kalkudah is one of the finest beaches in the east coast on the way to Batticaloa .It is also emerging as a popular tourist centre with many modern hotel facilities. May to September is considered as the best time to visit east coast, as it is dry during this period and the surfers can go for sun bathing , wind surfing without much difficulty. The beach adorned with coconut palms is truly one of the finest stretch in the east coast of Sri Lanka, thus no wonder it also emerges as a popular tourist destination.

Batticaloa: Like most other coastal townships, Batticaloa was under Portuguese and Dutch rule. A Dutch Fort stands close to the Batticaloa lagoon. The most famous attraction of Batticaloa is its 'Singing Fish'. On full moon nights a faint but distinct musical sound rises from the lagoon waters. This is attributed to a noise emanated by a kind of fish found in the lagoon.

Jaffna

Situated in the northern most tip of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is both a sea port as well as an important city. The rich ancient culture of Jaffna is very interesting and the remnants of the buildings of the Hindu period or of the colonial period speaks of the living history of Jaffina.

 Among the notable Jaffina attractions mention may be made of the old Dutch forts, the tidal well, the Keerimalai Baths, Chundikulam Sanctuary and the Hindu temples. Apart from the ancient monumental structures, Jaffna also some spectacular beaches. These beaches draw the maximum number of tourists and they too love top busk in sunlight in the wonderful sandy beaches of Jaffna. However, of all the beaches in the city,Casuarina Beach is at Karainagar and there are good beaches as well at Santhakulam and Thondaimannar. The Tourism Board of Sri Lanka are of great help in planning tours to Jaffna.

Negombo Beach

 A characteristic fishing town 37km. north of Colombo, it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, skip jack, herring and mullet, pomfret and amber - jack while lobster and prawns are caught in the lagoon.