Unveiling the Paradise: Exploring the Spectacular Beaches of Sri Lanka
Nestled like gems along the coastline of the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka are some of the most captivating beaches in the world. With their golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm trees, these beaches offer a haven for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.
Each beach in Sri Lanka has its own unique charm and allure waiting to be explored. Join me on a journey as I delve deeper into the enchanting world of Sri Lanka’s beaches!
You might also like: 2-week itinerary in Sri Lanka
For your information, all these pictures were taken in January 2024.
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How to travel around Sri Lanka?
There are a few options to travel from place to place in Sri Lanka. The cheapest way would be with the bus, but the fastest way would be with a private driver. It’s totally to your own to figure out what you’re most comfortable with.
1 | By bus
Buses are a common mode of transportation in Sri Lanka and it’s a easy way to travel both short and long distances. The bus network is also very extensive, where major cities and towns are well connected.
Sometimes, the information online can be a bit confusion, so it’s best to ask the locals for some help. But to take the bus, you need to know which number/line you need. Then, you need to stop this bus as it passes you by. Once on the bus, someone will come by to collect the money. Make sure you have enough cash with you!
2 | By taxi driver / PickMe
The easiest way to travel from place to place would be by a private driver, which can be stopped at the side of the road or by the app PickMe App. Just know that this will be a lot more expensive (think 10 times or even more).
3 | By tuk-tuk
The last way to travel around Sri Lanka would be by tuk-tuk. This small, three wheeler vehicle is perfect to travel from place to place. The only disadvantage would be the space and the top speed. You can do this with a private driver, which you can stop at the side of the road, or by renting your own tuk-tuk.
Best time to visit the south of Sri Lanka
There is a south-west monsoon between May till August and September till November. This monsoon hits the south and west coast the most between this period. During these months, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable, with intermittent rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. So, if your main goal is to visit the beaches in Sri Lanka, it’s best to avoid these months. Also, the peak season is between December and April.
Best beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for its stunning beaches, which stretch along the coastline and offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Here are some key beach destinations in Sri Lanka:
1 | Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach is one of the more popular ones in the south of Sri Lanka. This beach has palm trees, golden sand and a dozen of beach bars and restaurants, perfect for a relaxin day at the beach! Even though it’s the most popular, it’s still not as busy as you’d think as it’s an open-wide beach.
2 | Dalawella Beach & Mihiripenna Beach
This was the first beach I visited on my 2 week trip around Sri Lanka and it probably was my favourite as well! Dalawella beach, or better known as Wijaya Beach, is the perfect beach for relaxation as it has white sand with huge palm trees in the back.
There is also a special rock formation, calling the frog rock, which is perfect for taking pictures! Another bonus of this beach is that it’s perfect to spot giant see turtles!
3 | Mirissa Beach
Mirissa beach is located right next to the famous Coconut Tree Hill. This is why it attracts a lot of tourists. It’s perfect for a relaxing day as it has lots of restaurants and bars, but you can also surf and snorkel. In the middle of the beach is Parrot Rock, which is a perfect place for pictures!
4 | Dickwella Beach
This was one of the last beaches we visited before going on our safari trip to Tissamaharama, so we fully enjoyed a full day here and the neighbouring beaches. Dickwella beach is a perfect beach to rewind on your trip as it has a lot of beach bars, restaurants and beach beds. You can also eat some delicious food on the beach.
You might also like: Ultimate guide for a safari in Sri Lanka (coming soon)
5 | Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is a beach known for its wave and not for sunbathing. This feels like the perfect beach to learn to surf as the waves weren’t too bad, but it still looked pretty fun! There were also a lot of beach bars to relax after your surfing day!
6 | Nilwella Beach
The last beach on the list is Nilwella beach, which is a split beach where the ocean meets on both sides. I really love these kind of beaches as it’s really stunning to look at! But the beach is quite out of the way and there isn’t a lot of accomodations, so it’s best to be prepared.
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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