West Coast Beaches
From November till the end of March you can surf in the West coast. The monsoon hits Sri Lanka’s southwest side between May till July, hence the best season to surf Sri Lanka’s west coast is between January and April when it’s the so-called “Beach season”. Rainfall is at its highest between June and September, although August is often an exception with much lower rainfall. While in Europe and North America it is freezing cold in Sri Lanka we’ll be having the warm equatorial sun, enjoying outside temperatures of up to 30°C and water temperatures close to 28°C.
Kalpitiya Beach
Kalpitiya is located 130 km north of the Bandaranayke International Airport in Katunayake, while it is an exquisite coastal region located in the Western coastal belt, north of Colombo. Kalpitiya is a peninsula set in between the deep lagoon of Puttalam to the east and the magnificent Indian Ocean to the west. It is an unrivaled marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and vast sand dune beaches.
The Kalpitiya peninsula is 48 km long and 6-8 km wide while it is studded with fine sandy beaches which make you yearn for a beach holiday. Boat rides up to the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colorful evening sunsets.
Kalpitiya, that affords the opportunity to view large pods of Dolphins, often numbers running to hundreds, is becoming a celebrated location in Sri Lanka of the lovers of Spinner Dolphins. Kalpitiya, for its presence of Sperm Whales and an occasional Blue Whale alone, is a world-class attraction of marine life. Whales are regularly seen around the Kalpitiya Peninsula.
Interestingly it was only from around February 2010 that Kalpitiya was finally considered as a destination to catch sight of the majestic whale. Boat trips are regularly taken from the Kalpitiya Peninsula to an off-shore site away from the reef to catch sight of Sperm whales, who is also the largest toothed whale in the world. The Sperm Whale, in the hunt of Giant Squid, dives several hundred meters into the ocean. Kalpitiya Peninsula with its continental shelf provides an ideal habitat to the Sperm Whale. The season to view the Sperm Whale at Kalpitiya Peninsula is between December and mid-April. The sight of the magnificent Blue whale too could be possible occasionally.
The beaches of Kalpitiya have been luring kite surfers from all corners of the world, it’s beautiful, rolling sandy stretches adding character to the excellent winds year-round. The scintillating summer season is the best and opens a window for enthusiasts from May to October. Strong South-West winds buffet the sea daily, with an average of 20-25 knots, reaching a peak of 30. The winter season is from December to mid- March when the North-West monsoon provides about 15 to 20 knots, about 4 to 6 days a week.
The kitesurfing spots in Kalpitiya can cater to beginners as well as to advanced kiters. There are two main surfing sites suitable for those who want flat water, freestyle, freeride and need instruction: the Kalpitiya lagoon and the Kappaladi lagoon. The lagoons are shallow and will be perfect for your introduction to the sport, as well as for freestyle sessions with its ultra-flat water even with strong winds. On the other side of the Kalpitiya peninsula is the Indian Ocean which offers an exhilarating 500m long wave that unrolls during the south-west monsoon period, perfect for unforgettable wave riding sessions.
Bar Reef, the largest coral reef (307 square km) in Sri Lanka, which can be reached by an hour’s boat trip from Kalpitiya, serves as the ideal sea for keen scuba divers and snorkelers. The beautiful reef, exceedingly rich in bio-diversity, is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering sightings of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional sea turtle. The season for the beaches at Kalpitiya where you can enjoy the most memorable beach holiday is from October to May.
From Kandy: 169 kilometers Approximately 3 Hours & 45 Minutes Drive.
From Colombo: 172 Kilometers Approximately 4 Hours Drive
Negombo Beach
Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The major beach resort on the West Coast is Negombo. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo.
Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka, and no wonder the town is a gourmet food lover’s paradise with seafood available in plenty.
From Kandy: 104 kilometers Approximately 3 Hours Drive.
From Colombo: 39 Kilometers Approximately 55 Minutes Drive
Mount Lavinia Beach
Mount Lavinia is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka located within the administrative boundaries of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia municipal limits. Mount Lavinia Beach is Sri Lanka’s main sea-bathing spot. Here, depending on the season, the waves can be swimmable and it’s host to some amazing sunsets. Note, however, that this is not a bay like Unawatuna. The water is swimmable only at certain times of the year and can be very rough, with the undertow. If no one else is swimming, don’t swim.
From Kandy: 134 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours Drive.
From Colombo: 14 Kilometers Approximately 35 Minutes Drive
Wadduwa Beach
If a big part of your Sri Lankan holiday revolves around the local beach life, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Wadduwa’s strip of golden sandy beaches is well worth writing home about. In fact, the shores here are said to be one of the most beautiful in the region, envied for its long sandy curve and gin-clear seas. It’s also home to thousands of palm trees, which always provide a welcome shade – and of course, picturesque sight for a memorable beach holiday in the tropical island of Sri Lanka. It’s not all about sunbathing here, though.
The surrounding waters of Wadduwa is ideal for water sports like Windsurfing, and on terra firma, you’ve got games like beach volleyball going on. And as Wadduwa is still a working fishing village, nothing beats a stroll down to the boats as the fishermen bring in the day’s catches. If you want a spell away from the sand, you’ll find enough distractions to keep you occupied here.
From Kandy: 148 kilometers Approximately 3 Hours & 50 Drive.
From Colombo: 60 Kilometers Approximately 1 Hour & 40 Minutes Drive
Beruwala Beach
Beruwala‘s broad and attractive beach called the “Golden Mile” is a pristine beach of golden sand, well sheltered by the palm groves that spread along the coastal stretch. The wide beach that basks in the glorious tropical sun from the direction of the ocean is well shaded with the lush greenery of the landside.
Beruwala has excellent water sports facilities such as water scooter rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, etc. While the bay beach is safe for swimming in any month throughout the year, it also affords the opportunity for Deep-sea Fishing and Wreck & Coral Reef Diving.
A walk around the Beruwala fishing port in the early morning affords the sight of fishermen offload the morning’s catch from brightly colored outrigger canoes and fishing boats that have returned from night fishing in the deep sea and now lined up. The lively fish market trade fresh seafood from one end to the other. And among the catch of fish are prawns and lobsters too. Beruwala fishing port is a traditional fish market: If you are visiting the place, then you should be able to bare the fishy smell. Along the jetty are piles of dry fish as well which will stink even more.
The well maintained, functional International lighthouse of Beruwala is located off the beach of Beruwala at the picturesque Barberyn Island enrobed in lush greenery. The island is accessible by a ten-minute boat ride. A climb to the lighthouse that stands on a cliff 20 feet above the sea level affords stunning Ariel views of the Beruwala beach and the surroundings.
From Kandy: 170 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 20 Drive
From Colombo: 73 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours Drive
Induruwa Beach
Beautiful and low-key with un-crowded beaches, offering a scenic village life and a comfortable distance to Colombo and some of the major tourist hot-spots along Sri Lanka’s Western and South Western Coasts, makes Induruwa a prime destination not only for those looking to relax their mind and body but also for travelers looking for adventure. Induruwa is also an excellent starting point for excursions and day trips.
Induruwa is a small fishing village along the South Western coast of Sri Lanka. The sandy beaches are ideal for long walks, sunbathing and swimming. There is a stream that is flourished with a number of water bodies which are located in and around the area making Induruwa a town rich in fern and flora.
From Kandy: 182.5 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 20 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 86 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours Drive
Bentota Beach
Bentota is famed as the prime beach resort of the south-western and southern coastal belts of Sri Lanka. South of the city of Colombo, the city of Kalutara with its fine beach is the gateway to south-western and southern bay beaches. Bentota Bridge and Bentota Bay Beach just over the bridge are the most popular twin beaches along the coast. The coast towards the further South too is replete with lovely topical beaches making it ideal for a perfect beach holiday with the sun and sand.
Bentota provides the perfect location for extended holidays by the beach. Furthermore, for the lovers of water sports, Bentota, in addition to its pristine palm-fringed beaches, brings in more pleasures nowhere else to be found.
Calm seas during the season from November to April make Bentota Beach ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe. Bentota enriched with safe swimming conditions in the season combined with fun water sports and exciting excursions that set up an ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka, is an attraction for families.
The waters are usually delightfully warm; a range of scuba diving and snorkeling stores are found in the vicinity, while the majority is operated by industry certified professionals holding the PADI certification providing equipment, assistance, and guidance to diving enthusiasts. Bentota is a true dream destination for the die-hard divers.
Bentota‘s principal dive site is Canoe Rock, where you will find sandy areas as well as sections with coral formations. Divers have the option of diving from a boat or straight from the shore, with the former being more popular and perhaps more exciting. A night dive is a good option for the enthusiast who craves adventure. However, the majority of diving operators take supplies of pure oxygen with them to counter the risk of decompression.
Take a short boat trip offshore to dive over the coral reefs, grab a snorkel and mask to paddle your way through tropical fish, or take advantage of the lively breezes on the west coast from December to March to windsurf. If speed is one of those cravings of yours, then Bentota offers jet ski and water-ski opportunities on the lagoon.
From Kandy: 177 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 10 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 80 Kilometers Approximately 1 Hour & 45 Minutes Drive
South Beaches
The main surfing season for the south is from November to May – that’s when the waves are utter perfection. The beaches in the southwestern corner, close to Galle, with the best weather expected between late November and April. Further, the weather can also be influenced by the north-eastern monsoon, with its higher rainfall from October to January, and dryer weather from May to September. As with much of Sri Lanka, September & October can also see heavier rain, although by November blue skies are expected once again, with good weather expected through till May. The average annual temperature is 26.6 °C.
Hikkaduwa
The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town, 14 km away from Galle was the first (the 1960s) of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are a major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi-colored corals, and is home to countless numbers of vibrantly colored fish. Off the beach, there is a collection of small islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here. There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment.
The beaches are lovely and wide and swimming is safe here, though the currents are stronger when it comes to the south of Hikkaduwa. The impressive coral reef runs just offshore and is still populated by exotic fish and sea turtles. Glass bottomed boats are available for visitors wanting to admire the wonders of the deep while keeping their feet dry! After a short distance southwards from the center of the reef, it diminishes and starts a wider sandy bottomed beach with good waves ideal for board surfing and body surfing.
You can always rent the necessary equipment needed for snorkeling and surfing from a number of places Hikkaduwa is an established tourist destination and the surfing there is quite well known.
From Kandy: 212 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive.
From Colombo: 116 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours & 15 Minutes Drive
Galle Beach
Galle is one of the most visited beaches in Sri Lanka. With a wonderful history; Galle amazes you by the architectural beauty, the tropical weather, the aroma of spices such as the cinnamon and cloves and more. The picturesque environment of Galle often pulls many foreign artists, poets, and writers. Best time to visit September to March. Activities are deep sea fishing tours and whale watching tours.
From Kandy: 222 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 45 Minutes Drive.
From Colombo: 125.5 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna beach is located south of Galle Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a beautiful wide curving beach. The beach has been acclaimed amongst one of the 12 best beaches in the world. There is a reef protecting the beach, which makes it safe for bathing.
At Unawatuna, with a bit of luck, the tourists may witness turtles laying eggs along the shore. Diving also affords the opportunity to enjoy the sight of these magnificent sea turtles swimming around in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Protected by a double reef over the bay creates a natural pool that makes the bay safe for swimmers.
From the midway of the stretch, the swimmers are able to reach the Rock island. The Galapiteala Reef and Napoleon Reef, offering multi-level dives bring in opportunities to enjoy exceptional marine life: Napoleon Wrasse, Bat Fish, Golden Moray Eels and numerous other colorful species of fish can be found here.
Besides swimming, the Unawatuna beach is also famous for snorkeling and surfing. The wrecks of sunken ships make the Unawatuna beach popular among scuba divers too. A boat ride of 20 to 30 minutes takes the diving enthusiasts to locations of wreck dives.
The wreck of “Rangoon”- the British steamer sunken 100 years ago, can be found lying upright with its masts intact. This is a popular diving site in Unawatuna. Within the same area is the “Tango” which also attracts many divers. The other location, a wreck of a cargo ship called “Lord Nelson” is about ten years old. Diving schools at Unawatuna are available offering services to diving enthusiasts: they assist, equip and guide tourists to engage in diving activities
in Unawatuna.
Rumasssala, a rocky outcrop projecting into the sea at Unawatuna is connected to the legend of Ramayana. It is believed to be a piece of mountain that was fallen when Lord Hanuman brought the mountain to Sri Lanka in search of a medicinal herb to treat Laxamana-Rama’s brother who was wounded in battle. The serene surroundings and the Dutch architecture add to the charm of Unawatuna.
From Kandy: 222 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 40 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 125 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
Koggala Beach
The Koggala beach is located about 12 km south of Galle Southern Province, Sri Lanka while it also belongs to one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Stilt-Fishermen are a familiar sight here.
From Kandy: 229 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours Drive
From Colombo: 139 Kilometers Approximately 4 Hours Drive
Habaraduwa Beach
A stunning 3 km (kilometers) long wide beach is at Habaraduwa, located on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. Along this part of the coast, stilt fishermen are a common sight. Watch carefully as fishermen seated precariously on a narrow stretch of wood; their backs bent in a graceful arc, peer into the depths of the ocean and gently lower their fishing rods.
Habaraduwa Beach is home to the famed Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery – a nonprofit organization established with the aim of conserving turtles. Admired by nature lovers, the organization combats the extinction of rare sea turtle varieties by hatching the turtles in incubators and releasing them to the ocean. If you are lucky, you can experience the joy of releasing these baby turtles back into the ocean, leaving with the knowledge that you played a part in helping a species survive.
From Kandy: 229 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours Drive
From Colombo: 133 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours & 20 Minutes Drive
Weligama Beach
Weligama beach is located south of Matara Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Weligama which literally means ‘sandy village’ is a picturesque bay located along the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. There is also an offshore islet where a French Count built his dream house. Weligama is where you will see the famous stilt fishermen while the area is also well known for beer all lace making which had been introduced by the Portuguese.
Can notice a curious little island with turquoise blue water around it called Taprobane on map, the other curiosity that you will notice is a fisherman on stilts with fishing rods in hand seated motionless on the cross arm waiting like a rather curious bird, a method which is unique to this area. A sleepy town with a pristine beach and strong surf is ideal for windsurfing and sail for the expert and novice alike. The best season to surf at Weligama Beach is from the end of September until the end of May. Even in the off-season, you would be able to surf on an island spot. The most famous beginner surf spot is Weligama’s two-kilometer-long beach break. Weligama has perhaps the best beginner wave you can find in Sri Lanka. Due to the length of the sandy bay, it can accommodate many surfers and does not get crowded easily. In Weligama Main Point you can find some great head-high glassy waves, too. Join a deep-sea fishing trip or join up on an outrigger canoe for a ride across the bay or on a sailboat to experience the best of Weligama bay.
From Kandy: 241 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours Drive
From Colombo: 144.5 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours & 45 Minutes Drive
Mirissa Beach
The mirissa beach is located south of Matara Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Mirissa is known as one of the country’s most beautiful beaches in the southern coastal area of Sri Lanka. Its headland separates its small fishing harbor from its beautiful curve of sandy beaches with calm and clear waters. Mirissa’s beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination. It is also a fishing port and one of the island’s main whale and dolphin watching locations.
From Kandy: 246 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours Drive
From Colombo: 149 Kilometers Approximately 2 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
Talalla Beach
Talalla beach is located south of Matara Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Talalla is one such hidden gem of Sri Lanka. Though this place is beautiful in its own way, many tourists and visitors seem to miss out on this little hidden gem.
One of the best things about Talalla bay beach is the sheltered cove in the shape of a crescent, lined by palm trees and is about two kilometers long. The Talalla Beach constantly receives the South West and the Westerly winds and you can do nothing and relax in this place while having the whole place almost to yourself.
Swimming at Talalla Beach is safe at all times of the day and you can dip in the blue waters whenever you feel like taking a dip. Though there are not many opportunities for surfing at Talalla Beach, you can still find some decent surfing spots in and around the region. Everything being said, Talalla Beach is a great destination for a family holiday or a weekend getaway from the city life.
From Kandy: 262 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 15 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 165 Kilometers Approximately 3 Hours & 10 Minutes Drive
Dikwella
Dikwella beach is located south of Matara Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Dickwella is noted for its long sandy beach which is protected by headlands, reefs, and sand-bars, making it safer for swimming.
The headlands have reefs along their rocks, close to the beach. At both the Pehambiya end and the western end, swimmers can snorkel out from the beach to watch colorful reef fish amongst the rocks.
Local inshore fishermen, especially at the sheltered Pehambiya end, mostly use colorful small Oru outrigger canoes which are easier to maneuver over the seasonal shifting sand-bars.
From Kandy: 271 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 174 Kilometers Approximately 3 Hours & 15 Minutes Drive
Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya beach (also called Hiri) is a great small bay to chill out or surf. The water is beautifully clear. Waves at Hiriketiya Beach are getting famous so more and more surfers find Hiri as a place to hang out for a while.
From Kandy: 272.2 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 175.6 Kilometers Approximately 3 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
Tangalle Beach
Tangalle beach is located south of Hambantota Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Tangalle’s series of bays are a modern attraction, while there are private beaches and coves along the coast. Tangalle is picturesque palm trees lazily droop over the soft white sands while turquoise water gently laps against the shore. Tiny crescent bays and undiscovered gems dot the cost west of Tangalla, and to the east are the vast largely deserted beaches favored by nesting sea turtles.
Exhibiting fine beaches which are good for swimming and more than reasonable for diving, Tangalle is a popular beach destination on the south coast. It is believed that the name is derived from ran-gala or golden rock, from a legend that tells of a time when a holy man once partook of a meal there, and the rock was turned to gold whilst further research also reveals that it means the “projecting rock”, because long ago the town was protected from the ocean by a long rocky slab that projected into the sea across the mouth of the bay.
The specialty of Tangalle is that its waves are hardly affected by onshore wind due to the point being situated in between rocks and a hill. Tangalle also has a beach break ideal for beginners and boggy boarding and works best close to full moon days. Tropical Sun Light in Tangalle will make you feel warm & your Skin Color will change into sexy tan color.
From Kandy: 288 kilometers Approximately 6 Hours Drive
From Colombo: 190 Kilometers Approximately 3 Hours & 40 Minutes Drive
East Coast Beaches
East coast comes into its own while the rest of the island is experiencing monsoonal rains. The east coast directly receives the north-east monsoon that occurs at the end of the year, so it rains a lot from October to December; the monsoon lingers, though weakened, until January and sometimes February, in fact, the rains during some years can be abundant even in February. In contrast, this coast is sheltered from the south-west monsoon that blows from May to September, so in this period, the sun shines and it is also very hot. Therefore, even though the total rainfall amount is not low, the landscape is semi-arid. On average, around 1,600 mm of rainfall per year. It is hot all year round, even though the maximum temperature in the rainy season drops below 30 °C, but the humidity increases. On the other hand, the summer period, as well as being quite dry, is also particularly hot, since the prevailing wind blows from the interior. One of the most appealing ways to discover the east coast of Sri Lanka is by catamaran.
Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli is the other major beach area of the Trincomalee area. However, the beach is very popular and it is becoming one of the major tourist areas of Sri Lanka. The diving and snorkeling in this area are excellent with nearby Pigeon Island a major draw. Due to the monsoon season, the best months to dive are between April and October.
It is a stretch of beach which is situated approximately 16 kilometers North of Trincomalee, passing a thriving lagoon on either side and lush coconut palm groves and hordes of cattle, note that the people in the area are predominantly Hindu and consider the cows sacred. Arriving at the hamlet of “Errakkandy”, a sharp right turn will take you down a gravel road to Nilaweli beach, almost a kilometer of in length, white sandy beach with gentle surf. Across the beach about two kilometers into the ocean you will see the famous pigeon island, named due to rock pigeons roosting on it by the hundreds and crystal clear water around it to snorkel on to the clear depths of a reef. Further up north, you will see a cluster of reddish rocks which are referred to as the red rock beach. Nilaveli is famous for recreational water sports such as scuba diving.
Water sports such as windsurfing and diving are very famous among tourists and even locals. Sunbathing is also a really great option if you want to work out on your tan. Snorkeling is also done along the small rocky islands just abet further away from the coast.
From Kandy: 193 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 40 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 279 Kilometers Approximately 6 Hours Drive
Trincomalee Beach
Trincomalee is one of the finest natural deep-water harbors in the world which is considered as the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee has everything on offer whether it be a beach stay, diving to a shipwreck, snorkeling in crystal clear water, whale watching across the bay, kite surfing all this in the city built on a headland, which naturally protects the massive harbor behind it. You can observe the friendly Spinner Dolphins in their hundreds as they play, dance and show off their acrobatic skills. The best time to see them would be from May to September. If you arrive between March and May, you will be able to catch a glimpse of Blue Whales and Sperm Whales that are considered to be some of the largest creatures on earth.
From Kandy: 182 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 20 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 268 Kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 50 Minutes Drive
Uppuveli Beach
Uppuveli 6km from Trincomalee, is an engaging little coastal community consisting of a fine beach of golden sand, a few hundred locals, a dozen or so places to stay and a seemingly unlimited supply of fresh seafood. The swimming is generally good.
From Kandy: 182 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 20 Minutes Drive.
From Colombo: 268 Kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 50 Minutes Drive
Marble Beach
Marble Beach, also known as Marble Bay Beach, is another fine beach in Sri Lanka. The beach is situated at the Marble Bay that comes within the Trincomalee’s natural harbor area. When the day is bright and the sea is calm, you can see the surface shining like marble and that’s how the name is derived.
The atmosphere is very still at Marble Beach. It could best be described as serenity at its utmost. The stretch of sand, running alongside the light blue ocean, seems to go on endlessly. To many, the allure of Marble Beach lies in its untouched, pristine beauty. A dip in the sea or a stroll on the beach here will soothe your senses.
For the greater part of the year, barring the waters at Marble Beach remain distinctively calm and as clear as glass. The sight of the light blue, placid sea would please anyone’s eyes while the absolute purity of the environment is the specialty of Marble Beach.
The calm waters that recede in a shallow gradient towards the deep allow an adventurer to wade into the waters for a reasonable distance while submerging only a part of the body. With the distant view of Rock Island breaking the horizon and adding color to the scene, swimming in the water and lying on the sand all through the day can make time fly by in a very pleasant manner.
In addition to the resplendent beach, the sea here is home to large schools of colored fish. You can get an advantage of the calm waters fish to swim close to the shore. Snorkeling is a popular activity at Marble Beach due to the charismatic sight of color fish swimming in great droves, forming a dazzling underwater rainbow. A rudimentary assembly, which is present at a far corner of the beach’s waters offers the more adventurous and expeditious visitor a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
From Kandy: 179 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 265 Kilometers Approximately 6 Hours Drive
Batticaloa Beach
Batticaloa beach is located in the Batticaloa district of the Eastern Province. Batticaloa has coral-rich seas along the east coast. Diving and snorkeling are possible in the nearby seas.
Late March to end of October is a good season for these activities along the eastern coast. The coastal area of the Batticaloa district is dominated by estuarine lagoons, namely the Valaichchenai Lagoon and Vakari (Panichchankerni) Lagoon. The Batticaloa Lagoon, which is the largest lagoon, features extensive mangrove swamps and some seagrass beds that attract a wide variety of water birds.
From Kandy: 203 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 20 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 320 Kilometers Approximately 7 Hours & 10 Minutes Drive
Kallady Beach
Kallady Beach is a popular attraction among the diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Batticaloa lagoon is famous for its `Singing Fish’. On full moon nights, during the period of April to September, a faint but distinct musical sound resembling a plucked guitar rises from the lagoon waters in the area along the Kallady Bridge, a couple of kilometers off the town center of Batticaloa. The mysterious music is attributed to a noise emanated from some form of a marine life found in the lagoon. The best way to listen to the music is to dip the end of an oar into the water and hold the other end to your ear.
From Kandy: 204 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours & 25 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 326 Kilometers Approximately 7 Hours & 20 Minutes Drive
Pasikuda Beach
Pasikuda, meaning “green-algae-bay” is situated in Eastern seaboard of Sri Lanka between Kalkuda and the Indian Ocean, approximately 35 kilometers from Batticaloa Town. The turquoise blue waters of the bay attract local and foreign tourists to this wide sandy place under the hot tropical sun to surf, swim or just frolic in the water. Many other activities are available from kite surfing, boogie boarding to surfing and sailing across in a canoe.
The beach is famous for its shallow seafront framed by natural coral reefs, which enables you to walk for miles into the warm welcoming waters that come up only to the knee level. This tops the list of things to do in Pasikuda Sri Lanka.
The beaches of Passikudah are largely untouched compared with other beaches around the island, making it the ideal spot to soak some rays and discover the vibrant marine life beneath the azure waves.
Indulge in some popular water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling, and feast your eyes on an uncharted world of wonders lingering in the crystalline waters of Pasikudah Bay. Come nose-to-nose with species of multi-hued fish and intriguing crustaceans peppering the sun-dappled depths of the Indian Ocean. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the extreme water sports guaranteed to get the heart pumping via a thrilling round of windsurfing, waterskiing, and kiteboarding.
From Kandy: 205 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 50 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 298 Kilometers Approximately 6 Hours & 40 Minutes Drive
Kalkudah Beach
Untouched by modernity, Kalkudah is a pristine beach on the East coast of Sri Lanka – a spectacular destination that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement; an ideal choice for a tropical getaway.
Slip into a hammock as you take in the sheer beauty of cobalt blue waters lapping against the white sands. Let the rhythm of the cool breeze envelop you, as you sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink. A vision of tropical paradise; this secluded beach affords captivating sunsets for delightful evening strolls. Adorned with coconut palms, Kalkudah is the ideal stretch for swimming, as the water here is only knee-high for an extent of more than one kilometer.
Emerging as an international hotspot, this paradisiacal beach is located close to the town of Batticaloa. Explore Kalkudah Bay Beach, a must-visit, when you reach the headland to the south. Lounge under the palms and bask under the sun in this 2km long wide stretch of beach, protected by the offshore reef.
From Kandy: 205 kilometers Approximately 4 Hours & 50 Minutes Drive
From Colombo: 298 Kilometers Approximately 6 Hours & 40 Minutes Drive
Arugam Bay Beach
Arugam bay surf beach is located 2 ½ km south of the small town of Pottuvil in the Ampara District which belongs to the Dry Zone along the South-East coast of Sri Lanka. The Arugam Bay Beach is a wide sweeping sandy beach in front of the village of Arugam Bay and is an attraction for surfing and swimming. Arugam Bay‘s first international surfing competition was held by the ISA (International Surfing Association) in the summer of 2004. The long and consistent right-hand point break at the southern end of the Arugam Bay beach makes it one of the finest surf spots in Sri Lanka as well as Asia.
Arugam Bay Beach consists of a coral reef that is home to an abundance of tropical fish and is a delightful snorkeling paradise. Surfing: Arugam Bay is renowned for its fantastic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. Although you can surf here all year round, the most favored season is from April to October with the average height of waves being 1.5 to 2.5 meters. Main surf spots are Pottuvil point, Main Break, and Crocodile Rock.
You can enjoy diving and snorkeling around Arugam Bay. If you are a serious scuba diver, you can charter a boat and head for the Basses Reefs, which is a “must-see” dive site in Sri Lanka.
The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in April and ends in October. During the season the wind is predominantly offshore. Average water temperature: 28 degrees and Average air temperature: 32 degrees. Arugam Point, a long right-hand break close to Arugam Bay, which has (on a good day) 2m waves and a 400m ride.
Two kilometers inland from Arugam Bay is the scenic Pottuvil Lagoon. The Pottuvil Lagoon tour with a local fisherman is always a memorable journey at Arugam Bay: paddling out into the lagoon through the scenic mangrove swamps that are vibrant with birdlife, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and elephants.
The season for off-shore Dolphin viewing at the Arugam Bay Beach is the period from May to September that falls within the high season of Arugam Bay: April to October. A two-hour boat trip into the sea affords the view of Dolphins.
From Kandy: 214 kilometers Approximately 5 Hours Drive
From Colombo: 399 Kilometers Approximately 8 Hours Drive