26 November 2024 | 12 min
26 November 2024 | 12 min
The east coast beaches of the island carry a very peaceful laid-back vibe of remote and unspoiled beach and are less crowded than the west coast, which makes it ideal for relaxation and winding down. It is renowned for its long stretches of clean and clear blue waters of the ocean. Below are a few top must visit beaches in the east coast of Sri Lanka.
These two beautiful beaches, Pasikudah and Kalkudah lie next to each other. It is best for shallow water swimming. Both these beaches are less crowded and offer a quiet landscape, ideal for a long peaceful walk by the seaside and sun basking. It offers breath-taking views, wide golden sand stretches, deep blue waters, palm trees, beautiful coral reefs and for water sports like diving and snorkelling.
Arugam is known as the ‘surfer's paradise’ and the surf town in the east coast of Sri Lanka that offers world class waves for surfing which attracts many tourists and surfers across the world. It has a very chill atmosphere with lined up beach bars, nightlife, yoga sessions, surf schools and beachfront cafes and restaurants. The significant fact about this beach is that both beginners and pros at surfing can find ideal waves to suit their level of expertise for surfing.
Nilaveli and Uppuveli Beaches are quieter and less crowded beaches that offer stunning sunrise views with beautiful soft stretches of golden sand and cerulean waters. Both these beaches are ideal for water sports like swimming and snorkelling.
The west coast of Sri Lanka consists of golden beaches, palm trees and aquamarine waves. It contains a very vibrant lively atmosphere with beach bars, nightlife, seafood grills and breathtaking sunset views. If you are looking for a busier, more vibrant and lively beach scene, this is where you should be!
Negombo beach has the island's most vibrant nightlife and is popular for various aspects like sunsets, local fish markets, great seafood, beachside restaurants, tourism, beach bars and water sports like kite surfing and jet skiing.
The Bentota beach is a famous hotspot for luxury accommodations and water sports like jet skiing, snorkelling, parasailing and river cruises. Bentota beach is not big on nightlife unlike Negombo and is mostly famous for quiet nights with beachside dining. The key crowd here is mainly looking for peace of mind, relaxation and wellness.
Hikkaduwa is a bohemian type lively beach with many nightlife beach parties and water sports like surfing, snorkelling etc. It's best known for snorkelling and partying. It is popular among surfers, party people and backpackers. It is known for the perfect surfing waves ideal for beginners as well as pros.
Sri Lanka experiences two different types of monsoon seasons that mainly affect the tropical climate of the east and west coast of Sri Lanka. It’s best to visit the east coast of Sri Lanka during the dry season of April to September as travellers can enjoy beautiful uninterrupted sunshine without unexpected rainfall. While November to April is the best season to visit the west coast of Sri Lanka as during these months the weather and sea is calmer, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and watching beautiful sunsets.
For surfing lovers, visit Arugam bay, the east coast for world class surfing waves.
For a family friendly experience, head to the Pasikuda beach which has calm waters ideal for little children.
For honeymooners, the west coast offers the best luxury accommodations, ayurvedic spa treatments and romantic sunset cruises.
For nightlife admirers, visit Hikkaduwa and Negombo beaches of the west coast for a very vibrant nightlife full of beaside parties, beach bars and beachfront restaurants.
For wildlife fans, the west coast offers calming nature with whale watching opportunities.