The teardrop in Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation blessed with an abundance of natural attractions. From vast forests with dense tree cover to scenic beaches with crystal clear waters and white sand, Sri Lanka has got something to offer to everyone.

The beautiful scenes of the Indian Ocean drive thousands here every year to relax on the long beaches or indulge in fun activities and adventure sports there. Of the many beaches that this country has, some stand out due to their extraordinary beauty and activities. These beaches are listed below to make your tour planning to Sri Lanka easier.

Sand, Surf, and Sea: Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

1. Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach Unawatuna Beach / CC by 4.0 / Kondephy

Unawatuna Beach is a scenic beach located in a town of the same name in Galle district. The beach is one of the cleanest in the country, and you will love to sit on the sun beds and soak in the tropical sun while staring into the infinite Indian Ocean. You could also choose to go for snorkelling or dive to the many coral reefs and shipwrecks here like the Rumassala Coral Reef. Fancy some good food and relaxing massages? This beach has got that as well! It is also a well-known place to spot some whale sharks.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach / CC by 2.0 / Moving Montevideo

 

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Unawatuna is in the winter months of December to March when there is less rain and the climate is cool as well.
Where to Stay
You can stay at Calamander Unawatuna Beach and if you’re looking for an adults-only retreat, Nature Villa Unawatuna is the one for you.
Getting There
You can catch a train from Colombo to Galle and from there, you can take a tuk-tuk or a bus to reach Unawatuna.

2. Bentota Beach

Bentota BeachBentota Beach / CC by 3.0 / Loranchet

Bentota is a beautiful coastal town in the Galle district and is known for Ayurvedic treatments, toddy production and its lovely beach. You’ll absolutely love the peaceful environment of this beach that has many luxurious hotels and spas lined up along its length. It is popular for water-sports activities, and that makes it a perfect place for you to get the adrenaline rushing through your veins while cruising on a jet-ski or banana boat ride.

Bentota BeachPeople Playing at Bentota Beach  / CC by 2.0 / Hafiz Issadeen

 

Best Time to Visit
The cool months of October to April are the best to visit Bentota.
Where to Stay
A relaxed holiday awaits you at Vivanta by Taj and Centara Ceysands Resort and Spa.
Getting There
You can catch a bus from Colombo or Galle to reach Bentota Beach.

3. Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach / CC by 2.0/ claire rowland

Mirissa Beach is indeed the definition of a tropical paradise. Located in the Matara District on the southern tip of the island, this is perhaps the best beach for you to watch stunning sunrises and sunsets. It will give you the vibes of a deserted island as all the hotels are set back from the beach. You could also go for some dolphin and whale watching in the ocean – an activity that Mirissa is famous for.

Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach / CC by 3.0 / Jacek Lesniowski

 

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is between December and March when you can even see whales.
Where to Stay
You can relax at Ballena Regency by Camlo or unwind at Number One Mirissa.
Getting There
Take a train to Weligama from Colombo and from here you can catch a bus to reach Mirissa Beach in half an hour.

4. Weligama Beach

Weligama BeachWeligama Beach / CC by 3.0 / Honeplus

Located in the Matara district of Sri Lanka, Weligama is a quiet fishing town in the southern part of the country. The tranquil beach here is a hit among tourists, and while most merely drive through the area, you could take some surfing lessons here or photograph Sri Lanka’s famous stick fishermen. The island will also give you scenic views of the Taprobane House that is located on a tiny island nearby.

Taprobane HouseTaprobane House / CC by 2.0 / calflier001

 

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is between December and March when the climate is cool and dry.
Where to Stay
You can get beautiful ocean views from Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa or relax at Cape Weligama.
Getting There
You can catch a train from Colombo to reach Weligama.

5. Induruwa Beach

Induruwa BeachInduruwa Beach / CC by 2.0 / Hasitha Tudugalle

Induruwa is a beautiful village located at a comfortable distance from the capital, Colombo. The peaceful Induruwa Beach is usually less crowded and will give you quiet time with the soulful sound of waves hitting the shores. You can lie down on the golden sand here and witness marvellous sunsets or head off to the Induruwa Beach Resort and relax.

 

Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit is during the winter months of December to March.
Where to Stay
Cocoon Resort and Villas is the perfect place to rejuvenate while Thejan Beach Cabanas allow you to enjoy sound of waves all day long!
Getting There
You can catch a bus to Bentota Beach from Colombo and then reach Induruwa by tuk-tuk.

6. Negombo Beach

Negombo BeachNegombo Beach / CC by 2.0 / Yellow.Cat

One of the best beaches in Sri Lanka is the Negombo Beach due to its proximity to the airport. This major city has many attractions like Guruge Park and the Negombo Lagoon, but the beach is what will make your day here. The beach is relatively crowded, but the beautiful view of the ocean makes up for the crowd. You could go for whale sightseeing in boats from here or sunbathe on the many sun beds across the beach.

Negombo BeachNegombo Beach – CC by 2.0 / Amila Tennakoon

 

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit are the months of December to April when the climate is cool and dry.
Where to Stay
Heritance Negombo is the place to go to for luxurious stay while Jetwing Blue offers a tranquil stay.
Getting There
You can catch a bus from Colombo to Negombo.

7.Uppuveli

Uppuveli BeachUppuveli Beach – CC by 3.0 / Honeplus

Located in the scenic coastal town of Trincomalee, Uppuveli Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches of Sri Lanka. Also called the Allesgarden Beach, this beach is relatively undeveloped, and this is what will make you love this place. If it is a quiet beach getaway that you’re looking for, then there’s no place better than this. You could also do some surfing and boating on the crystal clear waters here or go for quiet nature walks around. You could also head to the Uppuveli Beach House and relax in the peaceful surroundings there.

 

Best Time to Visit
You can visit the beach in the months of December to March to make the most of your trip.
Where to Stay
You can reside at Trinco Blue by Cinnamon for a peaceful stay.
Getting There
You could catch a bus or train from Colombo to Trincomalee and then reach Uppuveli Beach by a tuk-tuk.

 

Sri Lanka has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, and each beach is unique and is worth exploring. If you’re looking to have a peaceful tropical beach holiday, there’s no place better than Sri Lanka for it.