Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and offers an impressive variety of beaches. From lively surf towns and sheltered swimming bays to quiet stretches of sand and palm-fringed tropical escapes, there is a beach for almost every type of traveler.
One of the most important things to understand before planning a beach holiday in Sri Lanka is the country's two monsoon systems. The southwest coast is generally favored during the northern hemisphere winter, while the east coast becomes the better choice during the southwest monsoon period. Sri Lanka Tourism describes this as one reason the island can offer beach holidays throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Which beach should you choose?
Choose Mirissa for whale watching and sunsets, Unawatuna for swimming and snorkelling, Arugam Bay for surfing,Nilaveli for a quieter east-coast escape, Bentota for resorts and water sports, and Weligama for beginner surfing.
