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Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Sri Lanka is a land of endless wonders and spellbinding beauty. Each corner of the country offers immense culture, as well as amazing beaches. Weave through the leafy rainforests of Ella, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and explore incredible national parks across the country. Much more than a beach-lover's utopia: Sri Lanka’s misty mountains, charming villages and ancient kingdoms await.
Beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s beaches are adorned with exotic wildlife and heavenly landscapes. Picture dazzling white beaches flanked by lush jungle and azure waters. Follow the crowd and revel in the party atmosphere of a bohemian beach bar. For the ultimate zen mood, sway on a hammock sipping fresh water straight out of a coconut. Looking for adventure? Glide through the ocean on an adrenaline-pumping jet ski or explore beneath the waves and marvel at the iridescent coral reefs. There are countless wonders to discover along Sri Lanka’s spectacular coastlines.
Best beaches in Sri Lanka
Mirissa Beach, South Coast
Mirissa Beach attracts crowds from every corner of life, from surfers to sunbathers, and it’s easy to see why! Dense groves of coconut palms hug golden sands, which seep into lapis-blue waves. Restaurants and bars are dotted along the coastline, offering amazing happy hours deals. You’ll also find the famous Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill here.
Unawatuna Beach, South Coast
Nature lovers will be in awe of the jungle-cloaked Unawatuna Beach, found along the south coast. Crystalline waters reveal sublime coral reefs and tropical fish - creating a kaleidoscope of colour. This picturesque beach is overlooked by a Peace Pagoda on a nearby hill, giving it an air of ethereality.
Kabalana Beach, South Coast
This little piece of paradise is lapped with warm azure waters and soaring palm trees. Across these soft golden sands, you’ll come across cafes, sunbeds and surf shacks. This beach has a very chilled vibe, making it a popular spot for surfing and yoga.
Sri Lanka geography
Sri Lanka history
Wildlife in Sri Lanka
Activities in Sri Lanka
Watersports
Diving in Sri Lanka
With 1600km of coastline, Sri Lanka is a dream dive destination. These tropical waters are an aquatic wonderland, home to an amazing range of marine life. From tiny clownfish to gigantic blue whales, Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity is beyond impressive! You can even explore the eerie waters of ancient shipwrecks. The most popular diving spots on the west coast are found in Negombo, Colombo, Hikkaduwa and Kalpitiya. On the east coast, check out Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
Surfing in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a destination for surfers of every skill level. Weligama Beach is perfect for beginner surfers, with a laid-back vibe, small waves and a sand-bottomed shore. There are also plenty of places to rent boards and hire instructors across the shoreline.
Arugam Bay is the surfing capital of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the best places to ride waves worldwide! This spot is popular amongst advanced surfers, but novices will also find calmer point breaks along the shoreline. Visit in September to take part in an international surfing competition!
Hiriketiya Beach is a fantastic spot for beginners and professionals alike. This horseshoe bay welcomes waves rolling in across 10 months of the year. You’ll find a smaller swell throughout peak season and the best waves from August to December.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Sri Lanka
Beginners, free riders and wake style kiters flock to Kalpitiya Lagoon in the northwest region. This huge lagoon has shallow, flat water and experiences strong wind during peak season. You'll find plenty of kitesurfing schools across the lagoon if you want to take lessons. Less than 10 miles from here, you’ll find Kappalady Lagoon, which is perfect for novices due to its flat, waist-deep water. Along the southwest coast, Bentota has calm, azure waters, making it a kite surfer's paradise. Further south, the beaches of Tangalle, Hikkaduwa and Midigama are fantastic windsurfing spots.
Sailing in Sri Lanka
It may be hard to part from blissful palm-fringed beaches, but exploring Sri Lanka’s glorious cerulean waters is absolutely worth it. Most charters come stocked with snorkel and paddleboard equipment, so there’s plenty of opportunity to cool off and explore beneath the waves. Experience beach barbecues, secluded islands, dolphin-watching, sunset cruises and so much more.
Fishing in Sri Lanka
If you’re a fan of deep-sea fishing, Bentota’s surrounding waters could be perfect for you. This part of the Indian Ocean is rich with tuna, snappers, barracuda, wahoo, jack fish and even sharks! Alternatively, try lagoon fishing during the low season, you’ll have a chance to catch snappers, mangrove jacks, mullet and catfish.
Canoeing & kayaking in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is intertwined with vast rivers, reservoirs and canals, experience everything from white water rafting to peaceful slow flow kayaking. Kalu Ganga (Black River) runs from the centre of the country, through the west and eventually unites with the Indian Ocean at Kalutara. Canoeing through Kalu Ganga allows you to soak in scenic beauty and glorious landscapes. On your journey, you could also visit Saman Devale, a sacred Buddhist shrine. We also recommend a kayak tour through Negombo’s mangrove lagoon; breezing through this mesmerizing ecosystem is something you’ll never forget.
Land activities
Golf in Sri Lanka
There are only a handful of golf courses in Sri Lanka, but each one is surrounded by stunning terrain, which Sri Lanka is famous for. A fan favourite is the Victoria Golf & Country Resort in Kandy. Overlooking a glorious reservoir, this course seamlessly blends into the lush horizon, creating an incredible golfing experience. Avid golfers will appreciate the course’s challenging turf and pronounced undulations.
Cycling & mountain biking in Sri Lanka
From rainforest routes to seaside towns, Sri Lanka is an incredible destination to explore on a bike. Ella is laced with lush scenery, tea plantations and rural villages, making it an amazing place to cycle through. Take a guided tour through Wilpattu National Park, one of the country’s largest and oldest parks. These roads are quite flat, and there are plenty of opportunities to spot wild elephants here. Pedal through the mystical roads of Polonnaruwa, an ancient city steeped in history. Following this route, you could catch a glimpse of the Sigiriya rock fortress which dates back to the 5th century.
Walking & hiking in Sri Lanka
Hiking through Sri Lanka is an experience like no other – imagine magnificent ruins, rustic roads, sensational viewpoints and sacred sites. It’s easy to find the perfect route for a gentle daytime hike, as well as more challenging treks via a guided tour. Adam’s Peak (also known as Sri Pada and Samanalakande) is a sacred site for many different faiths. The views from the top of the summit are totally awe-inspiring!
Ella is a wonderful location for morning strolls and invigorating hikes. Drenched in greenery, Ella offers hikers an enchanting backdrop of waterfalls, eucalyptus forests and tea estates. A hike through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve will have you feeling completely at one with nature. This lowland rainforest is home to a kaleidoscope of wildlife and flora.
