The tropical island of Sri Lanka has captivated and charmed visitors throughout the ages. In days of old, sailors approaching the shores from the azure waters of the Indian Ocean would gaze upon the miles and miles of golden, sandy beaches, fringed by coconut palms and be so enchanted by the view that they came to know the country as ‘The Resplendent Isle.’
Sri Lanka’s beaches are, without doubt, some of the finest in the world. The warm seas, that average a year round 27c, bathe reefs that are home to vividly colored tropical fish, which dart in and out of the blooms of coral.
Ancient Dutch shipwrecks that festoon the waters around the shore offer the ideal exploring opportunity for snorkelers and scuba divers. Large, sheltered lagoons, where rivers meet the sea, harbor a diverse array of aquatic and birdlife and provide a superb environment in which to indulge in water sports. With two different weather systems across the island, it is possible to locate that idyllic stretch of coastline for the perfect beach vacation all year round.
From November to March, it’s gloriously sunny and calm on the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka. The beaches here include ones at Mt. Lavinia, which is virtually a suburb of the bustling and lively capital city of Colombo. North of the capital, there are beaches located conveniently near the International Airport, such as Negombo, Waikkal and Marawila, many with tranquil lagoons.
This region includes an historic town that features the remains of an ancient fort, along with some traditional Catholic churches and Dutch-built canals. Local fisherman can be seen riding their outrigger canoes, as they set off to make their catches for the markets.
Resorts to the south of the capital can be found at Wadduwa and Beruwala, with the beaches, restaurants and bars at Beruwala separated from the prime beach at Bentota by the wide Bentota River. Further south from Bentota, the largest number of resorts can be found at Hikkaduwa, which is about 100km from Colombo and has spectacular coral reefs that attract divers and snorkelers.
The waves here are around 2 meters high and of sufficient interest to attract international surfers during the season, whilst several turtle hatcheries also enable visitors to observe conservation in action. There are a few resorts close to the historic Galle Fort, which is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and further south still is the glorious beach at Unawatuna, voted as being one of the world’s top 10.
From April to October, during the southwest monsoon, tranquil waters and regular blue skies can be enjoyed on Sri Lanka’s east coast, which are noted for their particularly soft white sand, blissful lagoons and bewitching bays. The finest beaches north of Trincomalee that has a fine natural harbor, include Nilaveli, Marble Bay, Deadman’s Cove and Pigeon Islands. To the south, the premier east coast spots include Kalkudah, Pasekudah and Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay is a 20km long strip of glorious beach that has achieved almost legendary status amongst the surfing fraternity, with sufficiently high waves to attract international contests. When conditions are ideal, it is possible to catch a break that will carry an experienced board rider 800 meters. At the far north of the island, the Jaffna Peninsula may attract the more intrepid beach lover, as in addition to its fine beaches at Casuarina and Manalku, it also has several nearby islands, inhabited only by wildlife and birds.
Whatever time of year you choose to holiday in Sri Lanka, you will be sure to find a beach that suits your requirements. You can indulge in a spot of sun worshipping in a secluded bay, with nothing but the sound of the sea lapping against the shore to disturb you, or you can find a busier resort and indulge in the more adventurous activities that will please the most demanding of thrill seekers.
You can try water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving, run by professionally qualified operators, or you can wind surf, parasail, and water ski, go canoeing and kayaking and hire out jet skis. Away from the resorts, there are a host of other activities to occupy you in this tropical island paradise. Colombo offers all the attractions you would expect from a busy capital city, with star-rated hotels, shopping malls and a vast array of restaurants and clubs that cater for all tastes. Sri Lanka has one of the richest bio-diversities of any country in the world and dramatically different terrains that range from coastal mangroves to dripping tropical rainforests, from arid dry zones to the spring like temperatures of its hill country.
There are no less than 13 national parks where you can come face to face with an elephant and admire the savage grace of a leopard from afar. The central highlands area feature tea estates, many established since the colonial days, where you can discover the origins of your morning cup. If you enjoy a round of golf, the island has three stunning courses and if you haven’t had your fill of action with the sports on offer at the beach, you can get involved with the inland high adrenalin thrills of white water rafting, mountain biking, hot air balloon rides and paragliding. You can also hike through the hill-country, or cycle through the ancient ruins of a country whose history and heritage stretches back thousands of years.
