Picture this: You take a walk on golden shores. Your feet sink into the warm sands, and as you walk towards the waves, your toes kiss the island’s waters.
You’re touched by the island’s balmy breeze, while witnessing the majestic palm trees sway happily almost n tune to songs of the sea.
It’s an amazing picture, isn’t it? Best yet, its real. There aren’t many places in the world which boast beautiful beaches but the Indian Ocean is renowned for its majestic islands and favoured, sun-kissed beaches.
Sri Lanka is one particular island. One of the most pivotal Sri Lankan experiences is to spend some time lazing on an idyllic, tranquil beach. But where are the best beaches in Sri Lanka? Here is a brief overview of the country’s coastal regions followed by our pick of the top four.
First let’s look at the West Coast. Sri Lanka’s west coast shows the island at its most developed and most tourist-oriented. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, backed by hundreds of hotels and guesthouses.
Meanwhile, the south coast is one of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding areas to visit. Representing the island in microcosm, the region offers gorgeous beaches, colonial towns, and superb wildlife parks, as well as a host of Buddhist shrines and temples.
Finally, the East cost of Sri Lanka is unquestionably beautiful but was off the tourist trail for many years due to the long-raging civil war, compounded by the damage wrought by the 2004 tsunami.
However, in the years following the end of the civil war in 2009, there has been slow and steady reconstruction. Ongoing development is also starting to unlock the huge potential of the superb coastline – albeit at the inevitable cost of changing its formerly remote and magically unspoiled character.
Which Beaches are the best?
Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is famous for its waves. Some say it’s fast becoming the surfer’s paradise of Sri Lanka! It’s easy to see why the horseshoe bay is so popular, backed by dense palm tree forest, and close to trendy eateries where you can get a delicious brunch. Surfers are drawn to this spot from all over the world, bringing with them a surfy, bohemian vibe that can be seen throughout Hiriketiya.
Trincomalee Beach
Trincomalee Beach is entirely different from other Sri Lanka beaches. Because of its location, off the beaten track on the east coast, you’ll find this beaches almost empty. Plus, the scenery is breathtaking.
Tangalle Beach
Hidden on the south-eastern coast, Tangalle is one of those Sri Lanka beaches made for paradise seekers. It’s a bit harder to reach as it’s dislocated from the usual Sri Lanka route but so worth a visit! This means that few tourists visit Tangalle, creating a more tranquil experience.
Mirissa Beach
The fine sands of Mirissa Beach are backed by palm trees, while its clear waters and lively waves make it ideal for both swimming and surfing. But development here has mainly been driven by Mirissa’s emergence as the whale-watching capital of Sri Lanka.
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