10 x Best Beaches in Sri Lanka 2022

Sri Lanka is a shining gem in the Indian Ocean and has everything you could want in a holiday location; Sri Lanka is a treat to visit. Traveling throughout this great island nation offers a unique experience. It is home to an astounding assortment of old archaeological sites, stunning national parks teeming with animals, and many jaw-dropping beaches. Its long coastline offers lovely hidden coves, glorious sandy beaches, tranquil little fishing communities to explore, and delightful offshore coral reefs and whale pods. With such a diverse array of unique sites, it's no surprise that Sri Lanka's tourism business is thriving. Its beautiful beaches are just one of the many attractions it has to offer.

1. Arugam Bay

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If you enjoy surfing, there is no better site in Sri Lanka to visit than Arugam Bay. Large waves pound the gorgeous palm-tree-lined beaches that span the majority of the surrounding coastline. Although Arugam Bay is becoming more popular as a tourist destination, it is still blissfully undeveloped, so there aren't many huge hotels or resorts. This is part of what makes it so enticing; the local charm can still be found in the small cafes, restaurants, and cabanas.

There are numerous activities to select from in addition to relaxing on the lovely beaches. Arugam Bay has it all, whether it's a tour of the gorgeous Pottuvil Lagoon, bathing in the sunset at Elephant Rock, or going on safari and seeing actual elephants at Yala National Park.

2. Unawatuna Beach

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One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka among both locals and visitors, it has so much to offer, including some outstanding dive opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Unawatuna Beach, located just a short distance from the center of Galle, is one of the most excellent beaches in the country, with the dazzling Indian Ocean bordering its gorgeous golden sands. 

The small village alongside the beach has a very relaxed and pleasant attitude. There are numerous bars, restaurants, and motels to suit all budgets. If you go around the right time of year, you might even see sea turtles nesting along the beach. On top of that, if you can tear yourself away from Unawatuna's gorgeous beach, you can always tour Galle's impressive historical sites and cultural treasures.

3. Mirissa Beach

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Mirissa Beach is a sight to behold, softly curving around the bay it is located; the lovely palm trees that cluster along its golden sands further contribute to its gorgeous aspect. Its crystal blue waters are beautiful for swimming, and there is a bit of coral reef offshore, making it an excellent snorkeling location. In addition, superb surfing may be found at one end of the beach.

Despite the fresh vibe hidden away among the tree-line, there are numerous seashore pubs, restaurants, and hotels to select from. While it is a relatively laid-back and relaxed spot, several vibrant bars nearby offer spectacular views of the sun sinking over the ocean.

Mirissa Beach, on Sri Lanka's south coast, provides some beautiful dolphin and whale-watching cruises; viewing them in their natural habitat is an incredible experience. Mirissa Beach is one of Sri Lanka's highlights, with so much to see and do and beautiful surroundings.

4. Hiriketiya Beach

Hiriketiya Beach is located on the outskirts of Dikwella and is sheltered by a charming tiny cove. As a result, it's an excellent area to swim and snorkel because the seas are so calm. The view is stunning, with trees forming a ring around the golden sands. Many hotels and resorts are hidden away along the coastline for guests to select from. However, the area still feels relatively undeveloped compared to some of Sri Lanka's other beaches.

Hiriketiya Beach is ideal for anyone searching for a private break. Its proximity to several other lovely beaches means that you may explore along the coast while utilizing Dikwella as a base.

5. Weligama Beach

Weligama Beach, protected by the same name bay, is one of the most excellent spots on the south coast, with its gleaming golden beaches. A plethora of restaurants and hotels can be found just below the tree line, which protects the beach's pristine appearance. Because many people here rely on fishing for a living, excellent, fresh seafood is abundant.

The bay's waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and there is a small reef to explore. The surf breaks and surges are also popular areas for those learning to surf.

6. Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach, located on a tiny strip of land separating the Bentota River from the Indian Ocean, is the place to go if you want to be pampered while enjoying one of the country's most stunning beaches. Visitors can choose between upmarket hotels and resorts nestled near the river's mouth and several world-class spas and health centers. While many of these offer all-inclusive packages, it is worthwhile to visit some beachside bars and restaurants to try their delectable local fare.

Bentota is also known for its excellent watersports facilities, so you'll find people kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing on the river or in the ocean. One of the most popular activities is to go on a 'river safari' up the Bentota; you'll pass through gorgeous and secluded waterways and may even see crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks.

 7. Yala Beach

While most visitors come to Yala to see elephants in their natural habitat at the magnificent Yala National Park, Yala Beach is wild and alluring. This remote beach appears rocky and untamed, yet the enormous waves that pound the coast make it unsafe for swimming. If, on the other hand, you want to be immersed in pristine nature and lounge on a superb beach with barely a soul in sight, you've come to the right place.

Because of its remote location, there aren't many dining or lodging options; this is part of what draws many visitors here. Most visitors combine their beach vacation with a safari into the beautiful surroundings of the adjacent Yala National Park.

8. Hikkaduwa Beach

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This wonderful beach on Sri Lanka's southwest coast looks unspoiled and unspoiled, with palm palms hanging over its golden sands, and is a popular tourist destination.

Because of its popularity, the beach now has many stores, restaurants, hotels, and a plethora of fantastic beachside bars and a couple of busy clubs. While the town has a laid-back vibe during the day, many people dance the night away with the Indian Ocean right alongside them after seeing a spectacular sunset.

Hikkaduwa Beach is a terrific site if you enjoy scuba diving because a gorgeous coral reef is just offshore; you'll see several sea turtles gliding gracefully around while you explore the abundant marine life.

9. Tangalle Beach

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Tangalle Beach is much quieter and more peaceful than many other beaches along Sri Lanka's southern coast. Its gentle sands and breathtaking landscape are ideal for long walks, with the Indian Ocean gently lapping at the shore.

Tangalle has everything you could desire as a tourist location, with many beautiful restaurants, bars, and hotels strewn throughout. It is growing increasingly popular, with many people opting to scuba dive at the neighboring coral reefs.

Tangalle Beach has a nice look and feel, but it is also adjacent to some places worth seeing, such as the cave temple of Mulkirigala and the stunning scenery of Rekawa Lagoon.

10. Uppuveli Beach

Uppuveli Beach, located on the fringes of Trincomalee in northeastern Sri Lanka, is stunning and excellent for a peaceful vacation surrounded by breathtaking nature. Its magnificent white sands run for more than five kilometers, and there are several hotels and restaurants tucked away among the palm palms. If you want to learn more about Sri Lanka's rich history and exquisite cuisine, you can always go to Trincomalee.

There are numerous excursions available from Uppuveli Beach, including dolphin and whale watching, scuba diving, and snorkeling along its magnificent coastline. Because this lovely area of Sri Lanka is becoming more popular by the year, it is a good idea to visit while it is still tranquil and picturesque.