Stunning Beaches In Sri Lanka That Will Make Every Indian Say 'WOW'

One of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka for its laid-back vibe, Mirissa Beach is located 4km southeast of Weligama. Dotted with beach-side bars and restaurants, Mirissa Beach is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka's south coast. Besides the glorious view of the beach, Mirissa Beach is also one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka to go whale-watching.

Things to do: Go for a swim; Indulge in water-sports such as surfing; Spot dolphins and whales; Go fishing; Spend some time lounging around the beach.

With the irresistible magnetism of sun, sea and sand, Unawatuna Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka. The beach was formerly renowned worldwide for its beauty, but post the tsunami disaster in 2004, the restructuring of Unawatuna was carried out in a haphazard manner. Its popularity for after-dark action however, remains undiminished.

Things to do: Diving and snorkelling; Visit Ancient Galle Fort; Seek blessings at the Temple Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya; Relax at the Thaproban Beach House and eat some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Where: Galle Road, Narigama, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Where: Peellagoda, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is amongst the well known beaches in Sri Lanka for its surfing points that pull in surfers from around the globe. The surf-perfect coastline has everything from easy waves to serious breaks. If you're fond of surfing, Arugam Bay is one of the most perfect beaches in Sri Lanka for you to harbour your love for surfing.

Things to do: Surfing; Rent a bike and drive down Panama & Kumana National Park; Take a dip in the ocean, play some beach volleyball, or just get a tan.

Where: Mawatha Watta, Bandaaramulla, Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Scuba, sailing, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, water-skiing, wind surfing, or canoeing; stop counting because Bentota Beach is equipped with activities for all kinds of sea goers looking to have a great time. From luxury to budget, you will find all kinds of accommodation at Bentota Beach.

Things to do: Enjoy a scenic cycle tour; Indulge in water-sports; If you're with kids, the Turtle Hatchery at the beach would be a lovely place to go

Where: Ulla Junction, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Where: Bentota, Sri Lanka

For years Nilaveli has been considered one of the top beaches in Sri Lanka. It has an unmatched feeling of paradise-island remoteness, coupled with plenty of palm trees swaying over the golden sand. Along with turquoise sea water, the main highlight of Nilaveli is the nearby Pigeon Island, which offers fine underwater landscape with its reef and coral gardens.

Things to do: Surfing; Boat ride to the nearby Pigeon islands; Snorkelling; Diving; Whale watching.

Where: Nilaveli, Sri Lanka

Known for its nightlife, Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the most sought-after beaches in Sri Lanka. With its fantastic snorkelling and surfing activities, seafood curries, Buddhist temples and exotic massages, Hikkaduwa Beach is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka to chill or indulge in some 'me time'!

Things to do: Snorkelling and surfing; Enjoy the sight of turtles near the coral reefs; Get an Ayurvedic massage; Have a good meal at Top Secret Cafe.

Suggested Stay:

Where: Batheegama, Dikwella South, Sri Lanka

Noted for its long sandy beach, Dikwella is a small coastal village in Matara district of Sri Lanka. The sandy beach, which is largely protected by headlands, reefs and sand-bars, is considered to be one of safest beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming. Towering tress and a pristine beach makes Dickwella a place hard to ignore.

Things to do: Visit Weherahena Temple; Visit Hummanaya, a natural blowhole where sea water rushes through a submerged cavern and is pushed upwards; Experience the extraordinary sight of stilt fishing, in which fishermen perch on poles entrenched in the seabed, and patiently await their catch.