Sri Lanka has around thirteen hundred kilometers of beautiful picture postcard style white sandy beaches.
There are many beach forms making semi private sheltered little coves, a sandy beach headland or a little bay, of all shapes sizes and colours.
Popular beaches can be found “Down South” Sri Lanka, some are a little crowded in the season, many are quiet and peacful.
Some beaches are famous for providing the best snorkeling safaris, while other beaches in the deep South and east are waiting for you to revel in their remoteness, serenity and unspoilt beauty, and are ideal for a refreshing day in the sun.
Sri Lanka beaches are ideal places for families and friends to meet and usually head to the beach on holidays, weekends, if only to gaze out at the sea.
The natural music of crashing waves brings peace and solitude, great for sharing with that special person in your life.
You can walk leisurely along the beach at sunset, enjoy a game of cricket on the beach, laze in the sun or cast a rod and fish for night’s dinner.
Whether it’s a lazy snorkel in crystal clear water or dive on a nearby reef, swim with a pod of friendly spinner dolphins in Kalpitiya, watch blue whales or dive onto a coral reef teaming with tropical fish marvelling at the explosion of colours hidden beneath the sea, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with gentle but massive blue whale off the coast of Mirissa or cavort with friendly dolphins off Dondra head, Sri Lanka has it all.
Fishing is the widespread occupation of many folk living along the coastal belt of Sri Lanka thus many fishing villages are abound.
There are many different ways to catch fish. the most picturesque and famous being “stilt fishing” technique found in the southern coastal areas. Discover the true “Malu Banna” chat with them and take the photos, they will also appreciate a small contribution to their family upkeep!
The deep south and eastern coastal areas are still natural although many are being developed as far as tourism is concerned. This is where you can enjoy an authentic village lifestyle and see for yourself how is the real Sri Lanka.
Once the sun dips over the horizon a whole new nocturnal world opens up for the visitor with the rhythmic moan of the Loris, the long continuous note of the cicada bringing a primeval ambience to life.
Ideal time to walk along the beach to watch fisherman either returning with the days catch, or leaving on their daily work, or watch turtles beaching to lay eggs.
Four types of turtles frequent Sri Lankan waters, the turtles are protected by law in Sri Lanka and possessing items made from turtle carapace carries penalties, but you could support various turtle conservation projects or simply watch turtle in their natural habitat, or even get involved in releasing young ones to see and watch their mad scramble towards the breaking waves.
Surf beaches are found in many places and their popularity depends on the season. Down south in the winter and East Coast in the summer.