Unawatuna Beach
📍 Location: Southern Province, near Galle
📅 Best Time: December to April
Unawatuna is one of the most popular and accessible beaches in Sri Lanka, offering a crescent-shaped bay with calm, swimmable waters and golden sands. The vibrant town atmosphere is filled with beach cafés and laid-back nightlife.
✅ Things to Do:
- Snorkeling at Jungle Beach
- Hiking to the Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Sampling seafood at beach restaurants
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Ideal for beginner swimmers. Avoid weekends for fewer crowds.
Mirissa Beach
📍 Location: Matara District, Southern Province
📅 Best Time: November to March
Mirissa is a crescent-shaped bay famous for whale watching and palm tree photography. It’s quieter than Unawatuna and known for its natural beauty and cozy vibe.
✅ Things to Do:
- Whale watching tours (Blue & Sperm whales)
- Climb Parrot Rock for sunset views
- Surfing lessons for beginners
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Book whale tours early morning. Great for romantic getaways.
Arugam Bay
📍 Location: Ampara District, Eastern Province
📅 Best Time: May to September
Arugam Bay is a world-class surfing destination with consistent right-hand breaks. It’s a hotspot for backpackers and surfers alike, with a chilled atmosphere and low-budget hostels.
✅ Things to Do:
- Surf at Main Point and Whiskey Point
- Yoga sessions and beachfront cafes
- Visit Kumana National Park
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Best for surfing in the dry season. Not ideal for swimming due to currents.
Nilaveli Beach
📍 Location: Near Trincomalee, Eastern Province
📅 Best Time: May to October
Nilaveli is a tranquil, uncrowded beach with powdery white sand and calm turquoise water. It’s ideal for snorkeling and boat rides to Pigeon Island.
✅ Things to Do:
- Snorkeling and diving at Pigeon Island
- Boat rides and kayaking
- Relaxing beach picnics
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Ideal for families and nature lovers. Bring cash — few ATMs around.
Hikkaduwa Beach
📍 Location: Galle District, Southern Province
📅 Best Time: November to March
Hikkaduwa is a vibrant beach town known for coral reefs, turtles, and nightlife. It’s one of the best places for snorkeling and offers plenty of dining and lodging options.
✅ Things to Do:
- Snorkeling with sea turtles
- Visit the Coral Sanctuary
- Enjoy beachside bars and shops
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Wear water shoes — some areas have sharp coral. Great for groups.
Bentota Beach
📍 Location: Galle District, Western Province
📅 Best Time: October to April
Bentota is known for its wide sandy beaches, water sports, and luxury resorts. It’s perfect for honeymooners and travelers seeking comfort and adventure.
✅ Things to Do:
- Jet skiing and banana boat rides
- River safaris along the Bentota River
- Visit Brief Garden and Geoffrey Bawa gardens
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Great for couples and families. Beachfront hotels fill up fast — book early.
Tangalle Beach
📍 Location: Hambantota District, Southern Province
📅 Best Time: November to April
Tangalle offers a peaceful, less commercial experience with long stretches of golden sand. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
✅ Things to Do:
- Relax under palm trees with minimal crowds
- Explore rock temples like Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara
- Turtle watching at Rekawa Beach
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Not all areas are safe for swimming — check signs or ask locals.
Uppuveli Beach
📍 Location: Near Trincomalee, Eastern Province
📅 Best Time: May to October
Uppuveli is a quiet beach north of Trincomalee with calm water and a relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for solo travelers and those seeking serenity.
✅ Things to Do:
- Snorkeling and diving tours
- Visit Fort Frederick and Koneswaram Temple
- Watch the sunrise from the beach
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Great for a digital detox. Fewer crowds than Nilaveli.
Weligama Beach
📍 Location: Matara District, Southern Province
📅 Best Time: November to April
Weligama is a long sandy bay famous for its surfing schools and fish markets. It’s a budget-friendly beach with a mix of local and tourist culture.
✅ Things to Do:
- Learn to surf with local instructors
- Walk to Taprobane Island during low tide
- Explore seafood markets and try local crab curry
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Great for first-time surfers. Watch out for jellyfish after rain.
Kalpitiya Beach
📍 Location: Puttalam District, North-Western Province
📅 Best Time: May to September
Kalpitiya is ideal for kite surfing, dolphin watching, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. It’s still developing as a tourist destination, making it peaceful and eco-friendly.
✅ Things to Do:
- Kite surfing in the Kalpitiya lagoon
- Boat tours to see dolphins and whales
- Explore mangroves and Wilpattu National Park nearby
🏨 Recommended Places to Stay:
- Thaproban Beach House
- Calamander Unawatuna Beach Resort
- Villa Thawthisa
💡 Tip:
Windy and wild — perfect for adventure seekers. Limited nightlife.