Pristine beaches

Most Beautiful Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is very famous for its beaches. The entire island is surrounded by blue crystal clear ocean. As a matter of fact, a lot of hotels are based near the beaches. Some beaches even have a historical significance. The beautiful, breath-taking and panoramic views of the western, southern, eastern and northern coastlines are yet another proof of choosing this island as your ultimate holiday destination. Sun-bathing and sea-bathing all year round due to the fact that the country is a tropical one. The beaches around the northern coastline are fringed with palm trees whereas the rest of the coastlines are bordered with coconut trees and thereby providing a best chance to learn how to produce toddy.

One of the most essential Sri Lankan experiences is to spend some time lazing on an idyllic, tranquil beach. But where are the best beaches in Srilanka? Here is a brief overview of the country’s coastal regions followed by our pick of the top five.

The information in this article is inspired by” Pearl Holidays” your essential guide for visiting Sri Lanka.

 

West Coast: The winter sun favorite

Srilanka’s west coast shows the island at its most developed, most Westernized, and most tourist-oriented. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, backed by hundreds of hotels and guesthouses, from Negombo in the north to Hikkaduwa in the south.

Despite increasing development in other parts of the island, the large hotels in Negombo, Kalutara, Beruwala and Bentota – all within easy reach of the capital, Colombo – continue to serve as the hub of the island’s substantial package-tourist industry. 

These resorts offer two-week trips to primarily European visitors, particularly during winter in the northern hemisphere. But if you want something more off-beat and exclusive, try Pearl holidays pristine beach tours.

Serene beach with palm trees and traditional fishing boats in Sri Lanka

 

South Coast: Gorgeous beaches and wildlife parks

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. 

In addition, this coastline is home to a selection of some of the island’s most alluring places to stay, from luxurious beach hotels to atmospheric colonial-era villas. And active travelers can find a never-ending range of things to do and see here. 

However, despite gradual ongoing development around the coast, much of the region’s charm lies in its quintessentially rural atmosphere. Countless sleepy villages nestle in the shade of toppling palm trees, and the pace of life is unashamedly slow-moving.

For proximity to more action, look for resorts near Galle, a colonial town on the southern coast. Or for a unique perspective on the region take a look at Pearl holidays south coast tours. 

 

A pristine beach in Sri Lanka with palm trees, gentle waves, and a fishing boat in the distance.

 

East Coast: Still a little off the tourist trail

Srilanka’s east coast 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. The region now looks to the future with renewed confidence and its major towns, Trincomalee and Batticaloa, bustle with life and commercial activity. 

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.

Pristine beach, perfect for a relaxing tropical getaway.
Pristine beach on Hikkaduwa Coast, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa Beach

The majority of beach parties in Sri Lanka are held here. Known for its great resorts lining the coast and sandy beaches situated 98 kilometers south of Colombo. Scuba diving is much in demand in Hikkaduwa because of its legendary coral gardens.

Tranquil Negombo Beach with Palm Trees and Sun Lounger

Negombo Beach

The famous fishin town located 35 km north of Colombo, very popular among locals for buying fresh sea food. Delicacies such as squid and lobsters are made in nearby hotels and restaurants , you can literally taste the ocean. It is one of the beaches with a long history where during the Dutch colonization churches and forts were built, most of these structures are still seen today.

Scuba diving in Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka

Unawatuna Beach

Is ranked as the 12th best best in the whole world. About 5 km south of Galle is the golden beach. It is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka since it is protected by a reef. Surfing, snorkeling & diving are some of the water sports you can do for recreation here.

Skilled surfer riding a wave at Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay Beach

116 km from Colombo is another fishing village known as Arugam Bay. Identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and the 4th best beach in South-East Asia and is also among the 10 best surfing beaches in the world. The Bird Santuary is also at close proximity to it so bird-watches / surf fanatics can spend a great time at the beach. Buddhist and hindu temples are also located closeby.

Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka - Gleeam Pearl Tours

Bentota Beach

The best beach for a romantic honeymoon or holiday. The most ideal place for water sports. Its located about 62 km sounth of Colombo.

Gleeam Pearl Tours beach party at Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach

The more popular place for beach parties since it is located pretty close to the commercial capital, Colombo. The beach is noted for its idyllic beauty and history. Beach sports such as , beach volleyball, windsurfing, beach rugby are very famous among the locals even. DJ nights take place frequently at MT Lavinia. proximity to the capital.

Discover Kalutara Beach: Aerial View of Beautiful Sandy Coastline and Turquoise Waters

Kalutara Beach

Situated 42 km south of Colombo. Kalutara is famous for it beach as well as for the Kalutara bodiya which is considered a sacred place for buddhist pilgrims. The best thing about the Kalutara beach is that the river is also at close proximities to it so sports like water rafting can be done.

Discover the beauty of Tangalle Beach in Sri Lanka with this stunning sunset view.

Tangalle Beach

Tangalle is located in down south district of Hamabanthota few km away from Mathara. It is known for its pearly sand and fishing harbour, the endless beach reflects serenity of the country that is Sri Lanka. Its one of the beaches which are famous for its coral reefs like Hikkaduwa.

Nilaveli Beach, Sri Lanka - Turquoise waters and palm trees

Nilaveli Beach

Located in east of the country 120 km from Colombo and 14 km from Trincomalee. The natural habour and beach is one of finest in world. Nelaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.

Dolphins leaping from ocean water

Alankuda Beach (Kalpitiya)

The best beach for whale and dolphin watching along with snorkeling amongst beautiful corals. Canoeing, sailing, wind surfing also take place along this beach. It’s a 3 hour drive from Colombo itself which is very convenient for tourists who stay in Colombo for the vacation. However Alankuda itself offers cottages and hotels along the beach for those who want to spend a romantic fun-filled day/night at this beautiful getaway. The Beach is paradise itself.

Pristine beaches

Most Beautiful Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is very famous for its beaches. The entire island is surrounded by blue crystal clear ocean. As a matter of fact, a lot of hotels are based near the beaches. Some beaches even have a historical significance. The beautiful, breath-taking and panoramic views of the western, southern, eastern and northern coastlines are yet another proof of choosing this island as your ultimate holiday destination. Sun-bathing and sea-bathing all year round due to the fact that the country is a tropical one. The beaches around the northern coastline are fringed with palm trees whereas the rest of the coastlines are bordered with coconut trees and thereby providing a best chance to learn how to produce toddy.

One of the most essential Sri Lankan experiences is to spend some time lazing on an idyllic, tranquil beach. But where are the best beaches in Srilanka? Here is a brief overview of the country’s coastal regions followed by our pick of the top five.

The information in this article is inspired by” Pearl Holidays” your essential guide for visiting Sri Lanka.

 

West Coast: The winter sun favorite

Srilanka’s west coast shows the island at its most developed, most Westernized, and most tourist-oriented. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, backed by hundreds of hotels and guesthouses, from Negombo in the north to Hikkaduwa in the south.

Despite increasing development in other parts of the island, the large hotels in Negombo, Kalutara, Beruwala and Bentota – all within easy reach of the capital, Colombo – continue to serve as the hub of the island’s substantial package-tourist industry. 

These resorts offer two-week trips to primarily European visitors, particularly during winter in the northern hemisphere. But if you want something more off-beat and exclusive, try Pearl holidays pristine beach tours.

Serene beach with palm trees and traditional fishing boats in Sri Lanka

 

South Coast: Gorgeous beaches and wildlife parks

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. 

In addition, this coastline is home to a selection of some of the island’s most alluring places to stay, from luxurious beach hotels to atmospheric colonial-era villas. And active travelers can find a never-ending range of things to do and see here. 

However, despite gradual ongoing development around the coast, much of the region’s charm lies in its quintessentially rural atmosphere. Countless sleepy villages nestle in the shade of toppling palm trees, and the pace of life is unashamedly slow-moving.

For proximity to more action, look for resorts near Galle, a colonial town on the southern coast. Or for a unique perspective on the region take a look at Pearl holidays south coast tours. 

 

A pristine beach in Sri Lanka with palm trees, gentle waves, and a fishing boat in the distance.

 

East Coast: Still a little off the tourist trail

Srilanka’s east coast 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. The region now looks to the future with renewed confidence and its major towns, Trincomalee and Batticaloa, bustle with life and commercial activity. 

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.

Pristine beach, perfect for a relaxing tropical getaway.
Pristine beach on Hikkaduwa Coast, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa Beach

The majority of beach parties in Sri Lanka are held here. Known for its great resorts lining the coast and sandy beaches situated 98 kilometers south of Colombo. Scuba diving is much in demand in Hikkaduwa because of its legendary coral gardens.

Tranquil Negombo Beach with Palm Trees and Sun Lounger

Negombo Beach

The famous fishin town located 35 km north of Colombo, very popular among locals for buying fresh sea food. Delicacies such as squid and lobsters are made in nearby hotels and restaurants , you can literally taste the ocean. It is one of the beaches with a long history where during the Dutch colonization churches and forts were built, most of these structures are still seen today.

Scuba diving in Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka

Unawatuna Beach

Is ranked as the 12th best best in the whole world. About 5 km south of Galle is the golden beach. It is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka since it is protected by a reef. Surfing, snorkeling & diving are some of the water sports you can do for recreation here.

Skilled surfer riding a wave at Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay Beach

116 km from Colombo is another fishing village known as Arugam Bay. Identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and the 4th best beach in South-East Asia and is also among the 10 best surfing beaches in the world. The Bird Santuary is also at close proximity to it so bird-watches / surf fanatics can spend a great time at the beach. Buddhist and hindu temples are also located closeby.

Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka - Gleeam Pearl Tours

Bentota Beach

The best beach for a romantic honeymoon or holiday. The most ideal place for water sports. Its located about 62 km sounth of Colombo.

Gleeam Pearl Tours beach party at Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach

The more popular place for beach parties since it is located pretty close to the commercial capital, Colombo. The beach is noted for its idyllic beauty and history. Beach sports such as , beach volleyball, windsurfing, beach rugby are very famous among the locals even. DJ nights take place frequently at MT Lavinia. proximity to the capital.

Discover Kalutara Beach: Aerial View of Beautiful Sandy Coastline and Turquoise Waters

Kalutara Beach

Situated 42 km south of Colombo. Kalutara is famous for it beach as well as for the Kalutara bodiya which is considered a sacred place for buddhist pilgrims. The best thing about the Kalutara beach is that the river is also at close proximities to it so sports like water rafting can be done.

Discover the beauty of Tangalle Beach in Sri Lanka with this stunning sunset view.

Tangalle Beach

Tangalle is located in down south district of Hamabanthota few km away from Mathara. It is known for its pearly sand and fishing harbour, the endless beach reflects serenity of the country that is Sri Lanka. Its one of the beaches which are famous for its coral reefs like Hikkaduwa.

Nilaveli Beach, Sri Lanka - Turquoise waters and palm trees

Nilaveli Beach

Located in east of the country 120 km from Colombo and 14 km from Trincomalee. The natural habour and beach is one of finest in world. Nelaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.

Dolphins leaping from ocean water

Alankuda Beach (Kalpitiya)

The best beach for whale and dolphin watching along with snorkeling amongst beautiful corals. Canoeing, sailing, wind surfing also take place along this beach. It’s a 3 hour drive from Colombo itself which is very convenient for tourists who stay in Colombo for the vacation. However Alankuda itself offers cottages and hotels along the beach for those who want to spend a romantic fun-filled day/night at this beautiful getaway. The Beach is paradise itself.