1. Sri Lanka’s Best Beaches
By Sean J Collins
Lying off the Southern coast of India in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s 2,800km of
coastline offer the visitor some of the best beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Sometimes
referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” and yet often passed over in favor of more fashionable
locations in Thailand and the Maldives, it could be argued that Sri Lanka is one of the most
underrated tourist destinations in Asia. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka its tourist industry continues to
suffer from an image problem, a legacy of the long-running and bloody civil war, ending with the
defeat of the Tamil Tigers in May 2009. Tourism in Sri Lanka and the East and South Coasts in
particular, were also badly affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004 and the country
has not yet fully recovered from what was one of the worst natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s history.
However, blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and endowed with a 3,000 year old cultural
heritage, tourism in Sri Lanka undoubtedly has a promising future.
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The highest concentration of beach resorts in Sri Lanka is in the West and South-West of the island
which is also the most densely populated and developed area of Sri Lanka. Compared with the less
developed and more sparsely populated South and East Coasts, the beaches here generally attract
larger crowds, although even here it is still possible to find your own small piece of paradise and
have it to yourself. Climate is an important factor in determining this geographical distribution in the
popularity of beaches. The climate of Sri Lanka is heavily influenced by the annual monsoons
sometimes making weather and water conditions unsuitable for the enjoyment of beach related
activities. The months from mid-May to October and December to March coincide with the South-
West and North-East Monsoons respectively and are associated with sustained periods of wind and
rain affecting windward parts of the island. Generally speaking, beaches to the West and South of
Sri Lanka are less exposed to the prevailing weather and the fact that the high-season occurs during
the North-East monsoon has obvious consequences in terms of which beaches are favored by
tourists.
Starting on the West Coast just North of Colombo and following the coast in a counter-clockwise
direction from there, the following are five of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
Negombo:
Conveniently located a short distance from Colombo and just 7km from Bandaranaike International
Airport is Negombo beach, situated adjacent to the city of the same name. While not likely to win any
prizes on the basis of its aesthetic appeal alone, this broad stretch of golden sand and surroundings
have plenty to offer in terms of accommodation, restaurants, and other facilities and all budgets are
catered for, from backpackers to the jet-set. Negombo is one of the largest commercial centers in Sri

2. Lanka and the beach is also popular among its residents making it a good place to experience some
of the local flavor and colorful lifestyles of the locals. After watching a beautiful sunset over the
Indian Ocean and dining on a selection of the local fleet’s catch at one the many seafood
restaurants, Negombo’s vibrant nightlife has plenty to keep the visitor occupied. In fact, the beach is
just one of many attractions in Negombo and the city is worth exploring to see its colonial era
architecture, network of canals and fish market.
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Bentota:
Lying 54km North of Sri Lanka’s Southern-most city of Galle, is Bentota-another well established
beach resort featuring a wide range of accommodations and activities. Watersports enthusiasts, in
particular, will find plenty to do in Bentota and it is almost surrounded by water; ocean, lagoon and
river. Some of the water-sports on offer here include snorkeling, diving, sailing, wind surfing, water-
skiing, and deep-sea fishing. While one of the premier beach resorts in Sri Lanka, with almost 3km
of palm-fringed beach, overcrowding is not a problem. Bentota Beach’s romantic setting and many
luxury and boutique hotels also make it a popular honeymoon destination.
Following the coastline in a Southerly direction to Galle and beyond, the road then turns East and
onto the South Coast, considered by many to be the location of many of Sri Lanka’s best beaches.
To be sure, there are some undeniably and breathtakingly beautiful beaches along this stretch of
coast, and the beaches here have the added advantage of being less commercialized compared to
those on the West Coast.
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Unawatuna:
Often top of the “best beaches” lists is Unawatuna one of the better known beach resorts on the
Island. In a country of beautiful beaches, Unawatana stands out with its perfect crescent of white
sand beach and invitingly clear water. Just 5 km from Galle, Unawatuna is easily accessible and yet
its small size and location off the main coastal highway allow it to retain a relaxed atmosphere. For
the most part, Unawatuna’s tourist facilities cater to younger travelers on a budget and there are
numerous bungalows and guesthouses providing accommodation as well as a number of beachside
bars. There are also some excellent dive sites in the vicinity where divers have the opportunity to
see some of the many species of tropical fish and turtles. On land too, the bio-diversity of the area
and in particular, the variety of bird-life, has begun to be exploited for the purposes of eco-tourism.
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Weligama:
A traditional fishing village, Weligama’s location next to a sheltered bay makes it an ideal place for a
family vacation. The calm and protected waters of the bay mean swimming and snorkeling can be

3. enjoyed throughout the year. One curious feature of Weligama is Tabrobane Island, a rocky islet
situated within wading distance from shore. This privately owned and real life “fantasy island” has an
interesting history and was once home to an exiled French count whose villa has been converted
into an exclusive hotel. A number of other nearby attractions further enhance Waligama’a status as
one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. These include the stilt fishermen, which have become an icon of
the Sri Lankan tourist industry as well as a favorite photo opportunity for visitors. A rewarding
experience can also be had from a tour of the hinterland from which some of the essence of the Sri
Lankan way of life can be captured in the scenery consisting of coconut and rubber plantations, rice
fields and Buddhist temples. For the more adventurous, whale and dolphin watching tours are also
available.
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Seenimadora:
Last but definitely not least on this short-list of the best beaches of Sri Lanka is Seenimodera,
meaning “sugar bay”, perhaps named for the sugar-like sand or the sweetness of the view. For the
best description of Seenimodera Beach just close your eyes and think of the most beautiful tropical
beach you can imagine, with waves gently lapping the shore and a warm breeze blowing through the
palm trees… In many ways Seenimodera is thus an archetype of the paradisiacal beach of the
Western imagination. Located a short distance from the town of Tangalle on the South West Coast,
Seenimodera has so far been spared the excesses of mass tourism and is a good choice for couples
seeking an unhurried and relaxed vacation experience in what is an exquisitely romantic location.
The choice of accommodation here includes private villas such as Kadju House and a small number
of boutique hotels.
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