The Coast
Sri Lanka has approximately 1600km (1000 miles) of beautiful palm-shaded beaches as well as warm, pure seas and colourful coral reefs.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka's southern beaches is from November to April. Mount Lavinia, 12km (7 miles) from Colombo, is a good beach resort close to Colombo and the domestic airport. Overlooking the area is what was The Governors House, built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, and now is the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. Beruwela, 56km (35 miles) from Colombo, has good bathing in the bay all year round. Bentota, 64km (40 miles) from Colombo, is a pleasant self-contained resort destination, between the sea and the river. The Bentota resort is an interesting diving spot where multi-hued fish can be observed among myriad reef-dwellers. Hikkaduwa, 98km (61 miles) from Colombo, is a beautiful coral reef and beach. Regarded as a haven for surfers, watersports enthusiasts and snorkellers, this is a beautiful and colourful marine area, rife for exploration. Galle, 116km (72 miles) from Colombo, is famous for its old Dutch fort, and is also a centre for lace-making, ebony-carving and gem-polishing. Tangale, 195km (122 miles) from Colombo, is a beautiful bay and there is safe swimming all year round. Negombo, 37km (32 miles) from Colombo, near Katunayake International Airport, is Sri Lanka’s oldest and best-known fishing village. It stands on a strand separating the sea from a lagoon. The seafood here, particularly the shellfish, is a speciality. The safe sea and wide sandy expanse always entices a multitude of sun-seeking visitors. At Unawatuna in Galle is a beach area acclaimed as being among the top 15 beaches in the world, with safe waters within a picturesque setting. For those searching for geological quirks, Kundawella is the scene of a large blowhole that operates as a natural spout, gushing water into the air and over the rocks of the beach.
Visitors are advised to check with the Tourist Board regarding the situation in these areas prior to departure. The best time to visit is from April to September. Trincomalee, 257km (160 miles) from Colombo, is the ideal refuge for the beach addict. It boasts one of the finest natural harbours in the world and excellent beaches. All watersports, including fishing, are available here. There are many tempting underwater shipwrecks to explore for the intrepid diver. Batticaloa, 312km (195 miles) from Colombo, is famous for its ‘singing fish’ and the old Dutch fort. Kalkudah, 32km (20 miles) from Batticaloa, is ideal for bathing as the sea is clear, calm and reef-protected. Passekudah, close to Kaludah, has a fine bay, clear waters and safe swimming. Nilaveli, 18km (11 miles) from Trincomalee, is very much a resort centre - all beach and watersports. Whale watching is also one of its special attractions. Arugam Bay, 314km (196 miles) from Colombo, 3km (2 miles) from Potuvil, has a beautiful bay and good surfing.
Jaffna is 396km (240 miles) from Colombo, at the country’s northern tip, and is both city and seaport. It was once noted for its Hindu temples, Dutch forts, the Keerimalai Baths, the tidal well and the Chundikulam Sanctuary. Jaffna has many scenic beaches, the best known of which is Casuarina Beach. Check with the Tourist Board, Embassy or High Commission whether the area is off-limits to foreign visitors.
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