Many people think that Sri Lanka is all about history, culture, and traditions. While that is true, there are other amazing things that the country has to offer – one of them being the amazing beaches. If you are someone who loves beaches, be rest assured that Sri Lanka is not going to disappoint you one bit! You can choose to either relax at the beaches or indulge in water sports, depending on how you are feeling. If you are someone who has never travelled to Sri Lanka, you should give it a shot and keep these things in mind.
Even though Sri Lanka is a relatively smaller country, there are a lot of beaches to explore. The reason for the huge number of beaches is that it is an island country, and most of these beaches are located around the borders. If you wish to swim here, you can literally swim in the Indian Ocean! How cool is that?
There are a few famous ones in the country, but most others are hidden treasures only known by the locals. I do not want you to miss out on these, so I have curated a list of the 15 best beaches in Sri Lanka that you must visit on your solo trip.
1. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa is one of the more popular beaches that aren’t overcrowded. It is the most famous beach among surfers. So, if you are someone who enjoys surfing, you are in the right place. It is also ideal for swimming too. You can spot some whales and dolphins in the ocean. Moreover, you can see some turtles laying eggs around the end of the calendar year!
You can choose to either laze around and relax on the beach or indulge in water sports and activities like swimming, surfing, and snorkelling. Besides, you can also opt to stay in guesthouses near Mirissa if you want to stay near a beach and save some money.
2. Bentota Beach
Bentota is one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by tall palm trees, covered with white sand, and flaunts a bright blue sea colour. Additionally, it is famous for its ayurvedic centres and spa parlours. You can choose to relax and rejuvenate yourself from all the stresses of life here at Bentota.
You can also visit the Kasgoda Turtle Hatchery, take part in water sports like water skiing and canoeing, take a bicycle tour of the city, or just relax and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the beach. It is located around 90kms from the capital city of Colombo, so reaching here can take a couple of hours, but it is not difficult!
3. Hikkaduwa Beach
Hikkaduwa is hands down the most popular beach among tourists in the country. During my solo trip to Sri Lanka, this was the first beach that I visited, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. It has some of the most expensive accommodations in the country, so it is not a great idea to stay in the properties around the beach if you’re on a tight budget. However, if you are a party person, this place is heaven for you! You can meet a bunch of people, including solo travellers like yourself.
You should not miss the serene sunset here, which is just so breathtaking. Besides, you can choose to shop from the shopping markets that are around the beach. Later on, you can feast on some tasty local delicacies and party for as long as you want to.
4. Negombo Beach
Negombo Beach is like a village in itself. It is quite close to the airport and reaching here is very easy as it is well connected to all parts of the country. You will find many water sports here but beware, as the sea is not the best for swimming! You can also watch a variety of birds and animals here, including dolphins, whales, and elephants.
It is very famous for its restaurants too. On the one hand, it is not the most beautiful beach in the country. On the other hand, it offers some of the best seafood in the country you will ever come across. You can buy some beautiful handicrafts, which can be a memory of your Sri Lankan trip.
5. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is considered the best beach by many people, which is the reason for the crowds here. Along with the crowds, you will find tall palm trees, a narrow stretch of golden sand, calm blue waters, and a bunch of bars and restaurants. If you are visiting Sri Lanka, you simply cannot miss Unawatuna Beach.
Besides, there are guesthouses, Ayurveda massage centres, spa parlours, water sports, animals ranging from whales to sharks to turtles, a cute temple (Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya temple), and restaurants that serve authentic Sri Lanka cuisines. Keep in mind that it is 125km from Colombo, so it is best to reach here by cab if you don’t want to spend over three hours sitting on public transport.
6. Arugam Bay Beach
Arugam, nicknamed the ‘international surf destination,’ boasts bright white sand and deep blue waters. It attracts many tourists and is jam-packed in the peak season from March to October. Not only should you visit here if you enjoy surfing, but also if you enjoy photography and delicious seafood.
If you do not enjoy surfing, it’s better if you visit during the offseason. The crowd isn’t as much as in the peak season, and you can also see some migratory birds during this time, from November to February. To sum up, you should definitely visit Arugam Bay and explore one of the best beaches that Sri Lanka has to offer!
7. Weligama Beach
Weligama is one of the most beautiful beaches and is the go-to beach amongst the local families on the weekend. It is not as popular among tourists, so there aren’t a lot of people here on most days. It is also the hotspot for stilt fishing, a tradition where fishermen sit on sticks away from the seashore. You can capture this scene as it is truly unique to Sri Lanka.
You should visit Weligama Beach as a getaway from all the stress to experience serenity and tranquillity. This is also the perfect place for novice surfers as it isn’t crowded at all. And if you got some extra time, you should check out the gem and jewellery factories too.
8. Tangalle Beach
Tangalle Beach is like a hidden gem in the country. It is not an unknown beach but very quiet for some reason. However, I assume it is because of the distance between the
It is the perfect place for Instagram posts due to the white sand and deep blue waters. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the sunset and click pictures. This beach is also famous for fishing, so a lot of restaurants here serve mouth-watering and delightful seafood
9. Induruwa Beach
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Induruwa is perfect for long walks along the shore. You will not be disturbed by people as it is known for its peacefulness. Besides, it is also famous for its sunset, which looks beautiful with the calm waters of the sea. Once you are done exploring a bit of the country in the morning, you should come here and relax instead of going back to your hotel.
Do note that there aren’t a lot of water sports here, but you can visit the local markets and take home a few souvenirs. If you wish to further relax and rejuvenate yourself, you can check out the Ayurvedic programs here.
10. Koggala Beach
Koggala is a serene beach and not known to many tourists. But the best part is that you can relax at Koggala Beach along with some turtles and the cool sea breeze. You can even visit the turtle hatchery, learn about the turtle eggs and how they are discouraged from being sold in the open market.
If you do not enjoy water sports, sitting by the beach and enjoying the big waves is your best option! To sum up, you should come here for turtles, big waves and some Instagrammable photos.
11. Polhena Beach
Polhena is the perfect beach for water sports and aquatic animal lovers. I would say that you can take a pass on Polhena if you are not into water sports and animals. However, if you are into them, you can enjoy a whole host of water sports, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. It is perfect for snorkelling and swimming. If you are new to these, you can also sign up for a class!
Moreover, you can spot dolphins and whales in the ocean and turtles around. On the riverside, you can see some crocodiles and a wide variety of birds as well. It is also known for its stunning view of the sunset and greenery around the beach.
12. Kalpitiya Beach
Kalpitiya is more of a dolphin’s place than a beach. Spotting dolphins is nothing out of the ordinary here. You can choose to take a dolphin tour wherein you will be on a boat in the sea and watch them up close or just sit near the shore and spot a few. If you are someone who has never seen a dolphin in your life, there is no place better than Kalpitiya for you.
I visited Kalpitiya Beach and took the dolphin tour, and I must say, it was totally worth it! It was an experience like none other, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You should try to visit between November and March for the best experience.
13. Talalla South Beach
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Talalla South Beach is quite famous amongst travellers as there is a lot to do here. It is shaped like an arc, so walking here is highly recommended. The beach is covered with palm trees, golden sand, and light blue waters. The view of the ocean from the shore is splendid and worthy of a couple of photos, at least. You can choose to relax, surf, or even swim here.
When it comes to water sports, surfing, swimming, kite surfing, kiteboarding, and boat rides are the top picks. If you aren’t into that, you can relax at the beach and get a tan. You can even feast on the delectable dishes at the various restaurants here.
14. Matara Beach
Matara is one of the most beautiful towns in the country, which includes the beach. You should definitely visit the place during your solo trip to Sri Lanka. Not only is the beach beautiful, but the famous Dutch Fort around is a major tourist attraction that you should check out. The beach is full of greenery, and the views are splendid.
Besides, the food and drinks at Matara Beach are very famous too. What’s special about them, you ask? Not only the taste but also the price. They are reasonably priced and cheaper than you think. I would highly recommend that you visit Matara Beach and you can also choose to stay around Matara too as it’s quite cheap.
15. Wijaya Beach
Wijaya Beach is one of the best white sand beaches in the country, but not the most famous one. You can relax wherever you want as you won’t encounter crowds here. There are a couple of spas around where you can rejuvenate yourself. And don’t forget to use the beach swing here!
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Additionally, it is great for photography, and the photos are Instagram-worthy. If you are hungry, you can visit one of the many restaurants around the corner, which offer a whole host of cuisines. My top favourites are Ni Hao Dumplings and Lime Fresh Restaurant.
Which ones are you going to explore?
Those were some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka that you must check out on your solo trip to the country. Click here to know about all the things you can do in Sri Lanka. Do note that Sri Lanka is not a big party place, let alone the beaches. However, you might find a pub or two near the more famous beaches, but none otherwise. But don’t worry, as there is a lot more to do in Sri Lanka than just partying!
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