Top-Rated Beaches in Sri Lanka

Rapidly gaining international popularity as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world, the island nation of Sri Lanka offers a range of landscapes, from rainforests to endless miles of powdery, white-sand beach. The natural beauty is accented by a cultural history dating back thousands of years. Getting to Sri Lanka is also easier than ever, with direct flights from many European, Asian, and Arabian airline hubs.

Advance planning is a must, as the country has two monsoon seasons, affecting different areas of the island at different times. Resorts and beaches in the west and southwest should be avoided from May through September, and locations in the east and north have their monsoon season from October through February. Find your new favorite island getaway with our list of the top beaches in Sri Lanka.

1. Nilaveli

Nilaveli Beach is a broad, sandy beach, lined with palm trees and dotted with fishermen's boats. Located on the northeast part of Sri Lanka, it's a 30-minute drive from the city of Trincomalee. This tiny island has calm beaches with gentle surf due to its own small reef. Although the beach at Nilaveli is large, it is popular with both locals and tourists. There are lifeguards on duty and many little restaurants along the beach, most specializing in seafood.

The Trincomalee area is also good for sightseeing, as it's a center of Tamil culture. Tamil is the name of the language spoken in Sri Lanka and the ethnic group to which the majority of its residents belong.

If the isolation of Nilaveli isn't enough, you can take a boat to Pigeon Island National Park, about a half-mile off the coast. This idyllic island is best known for its snorkeling and scuba diving, and there is a good diving school near the beach, as well as a tour operator that provides guided tours of the island.

The Anilana Nilaveli sits right on Nilaveli Beach, steps from the spot where boats depart for Pigeon Island. This lovely hotel offers luxury accommodations and services at affordable prices. Guest rooms are spacious and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, and hotel amenities include an on-site spa, two large pools, and a restaurant.

2. Kalkudah

This mile-long beach on Pasikuda Bay is perfect for swimming and wading. The surf is gentle, protected by a reef, unlike many beaches in Sri Lanka with rough surf. The water is also shallow, allowing you to walk out into the ocean for hundreds of yards. The sand is bright white and soft, with fine grains, and the beach is lined with coconut trees. This area is just starting to be discovered for luxury resort development, so there is plenty of untouched beach to explore.

For those who want a secluded getaway right on the water's edge, Karpaha Sands is an excellent option that is both affordable and packed with amenities. It's lLocated on an uncrowded stretch of Kalkudah.

3. Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is dramatically beautiful, with bright white sand and deep blue water gradually becoming green the closer you get to the shore. With that beauty comes some of the best surf breaks in Sri Lanka, and the beach is known as an international surf destination. This reputation brings many visitors but also means the area has a good tourist infrastructure and is easy to access. The curving beach feels a bit like a Hawaiian beach - the area near the water slopes down, and there's a dry, sandy section, then rougher areas with shrubs and a tree line.

Right on Arugam Bay, The Spice Trail is a cool, little luxury resort with individual villa accommodations. Each has its own small outdoor garden area, perfect for relaxing on a lounge chair. Attractions nearby include ancient temples and Kumana National Park, known for the many species of birds that live in or migrate through the area.