In addition to its incredible history and culture, there are many stunning beaches in Sri Lanka. This island country, off the southeast coast of India, is a perfect destination for quiet walks on gorgeous sandy beaches, enchanting sunsets, and dazzling settings. You will find the right beach in Sri Lanka whether you want to chill in the sun, read a book, see turtles and dolphins, or surf. So, when putting together your Sri Lanka itinerary, make sure to include a stop along Sri Lanka’s spectacular coastline.
Best Times to Go . . .
Annual monsoons drive the seasons in Sri Lanka. Monsoon conditions usually exhibit strong winds and frequent periods of rain. The east coast experiences monsoons from November to May. The west coast experiences similar conditions from June to September. There are pros and cons with each season, so it will depend on what you are looking for.
We visited the beaches in Sri Lanka during March and enjoyed beaches on both coasts. Perhaps we were lucky because we experienced little to no rain along the east coast during our visit. That also meant that we were practically the only ones on the east coast beaches since we were there during monsoon season.
Our Favorite Beaches in Sri Lanka . . .
TRINCOMALEE
Uppuveli Beach
This was one of the quietest beaches in Sri Lanka during the low season. Uppuveli is located on the northeast coast, just north of Trincomalee, also referred to as Trinco. Even though there are public access points, most of the beach access is through properties built along the beach. It is a very long sandy beach, peppered with fishermen’s boats and villages, and some restaurants. It was quiet and almost deserted during our visit. Other than local fishermen tending to their nets, there was just a hand-full of visitors.
Walking along the beach was a real treat. Its northern part ends at a very picturesque water inlet with tons of fishing boats. This is a good place to find a boat to take you snorkeling in Pigeon Island. Or you can make plans to go whale and dolphin watching in the early morning. Keep in mind that the best season for this activity is August/September.
The water in the inlet was waist-high and allowed us to walk across to Salli Beach. While there are mostly rock formations in its shore, this is a serene area with stunning views. Another point of interest is the Salli Muthumariamann Kovil. This picturesque Hindu temple is built right on the edge of the ocean. The temple is also accessible by car or tuk-tuk.
Our walk towards the south was fascinating as well. First, we came across fishermen who were pulling their nets out of the ocean with the catch of the day. Others were simply getting nets ready for their next sea venture. There was a myriad of colorful fishing boats along the water. And much to our surprise, we stumbled upon a Hindu temple (Bala Murugan Kovil) and a Christian church (Pallathoddam Annai Velankanni Church) built right on the beach. These structures reflect the predominantly Tamil local village and its small Christian minority.
If you want to go scuba diving, check out Sri Lanka Diving Tours. This is a family business run by Sashaa Fernando and his wife. The dive shop is located right on the beach and they launch their dive boats from there.
Lodging and Food in Uppuveli
Rather than staying in Trincomalee, which is busier and more urban, we recommend the area along Uppuveli Beach, which is much prettier and less congested. It’s a convenient location and easy to visit the city and Nilaveli Beach by car, scooter or tuk-tuk. The best place to stay in this area is the upscale Trinco Blu by Cinnamon. They have a beautiful beachfront property located on the north end of the beach. Many of their rooms have ocean views. A second good option is the Anantamaa Hotel which also has direct beach access.
Many of the restaurants recommended by blogs and guidebooks have closed due to Covid and a lack of tourists over the past two years. Also, since we were there off season, many of the restaurants had not yet opened. So, in our search for a good dinner place and given our limited options, we found the Wood Cape Seafood Restaurant. We enjoyed our dinner there and decided to return for dinner the following night. They prepared a tasty Rice & Curry , and a really delicious Deviled Prawns.
Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli is another popular beach just seven miles north of Uppuveli Beach. This is a stunning long white sandy beach lined with palm trees. There are also plenty of fishermen’s boats dotting its shore. It’s a great place to rest and relax.
You access the beach through a road that takes you right to the beach. There is parking in the area and several stands selling snacks, beverages and souvenirs. Most of the people here were Sri Lankans who gathered near the beach entrance. So, if you are craving for tranquility, just walk in either direction to find a favorite quiet spot.
It was surprising and startling to find cows hanging out on the beach. While it’s common to find them on the streets, this was the first time we saw them by the seaside. I guess that even the cows in Sri Lanka deserve a day at the beach.
Non-Beach Sites Worth Your Time
While spending time at the beaches, make sure you visit some of the highlights in Trincomalee:
Koneswaram Kovil: This Hindu temple complex is located on a sacred site, on top of the Swami Rock, surrounded by incredible views of Back Bay and the Indian Ocean. The complex includes the temple itself, shrines to several deities, and a statue of Lord Shiva. The statue was reconstructed in 2018. Built in the traditional Dravidian architecture, this site attracts pilgrims from across Asia.
The site is located within Fort Frederick, that the British once used. Currently, it is an army base. Follow the path up the hill, lined with shops, snack bars and vendors selling flowers and other offerings. Be on the lookout for spotted deers, which are quite numerous in Trinco. Peacocks strut around along the way too. Make sure you have your shoulders and legs covered during your visit. You must remove your shoes prior to entering the sacred site.
The main entrance to the temple is in the rear; follow the path to the right of the main statue. Its architecture is beautifully sculpted and colorfully painted. Across from the main entrance there is a fence completely covered by little cradles and ribbons, that devotees leave as wishes for children.
To the right of the fence with the cradles, you will find a path carved around the rock formation above the ocean. Here you will see small shrines carved onto the rock face. Also, there is a metal platform, cantilevered over the water, with the statue of the devoted King Ravana in the worship position. The entire temple complex is very memorable.
Gokanna Rajamaha Viharaya: This Buddhist temple area consists of a stupa and a very tall standing Buddha statue. The site is located within Fort Frederick as well, so it’s worth a stop on your way back from the Koneswaran Kovil. This is also a great vantage point facing Back Bay and the Trincomalee Town Beach. The monks charge a small entrance fee. Don’t forget to remove your shoes before climbing the steps to the site.
Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Kali Amman. The structure dates to the Chola kings in the 11th century, CE. It was built in the Dravidian style of architecture like ones found in South India. This is another pilgrimage site located in the center of Trincomalee. The vibrant colors and intricate sculptures, both inside and out, will leave you spellbound.
Maritime and Naval History Museum: This neo-classical building was once the residence of the Dutch Naval Commissioner in the 17th century, CE. Through ancient relics and artefacts, the museum explains the importance of the port of Trincomalee. A museum guide will take you through the exhibits. This is a good way to learn about the area’s trade history and Dutch occupation. At the end of the tour, the guide will take you to the rooftop so that you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay and surrounding areas. The museum was established in 2013.
YALA BEACH
When people mention Yala, usually they are referring to the Yala National Park and its wildlife safaris. What people don’t realize is that most hotel properties in the area, like the Park, are located along this southern shoreline. This is a gorgeous stretch of coastal wilderness. It is the perfect opportunity to combine your wildlife adventure with a peaceful time at the beach.
We stayed at the Jetwing Yala Hotel which had its own private section of Yala Beach. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. While the sea was rough and not ideal for swimming, it was the perfect place to relax on the beach. (The hotel does maintain a lifeguard on duty.) Moreover, the surroundings were stunning and ideal for long walks along the water. This beach was also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Another advantage is that you can enjoy the amenities of the hotel while chilling on a deserted beach. The beach is surrounded by enormous sand dunes making it very private. While on the beach, you can’t see any of the buildings on adjacent properties. This really gives you the feeling of being way off the beaten path, far from civilization. While it’s safe during the day, the hotel staff does not recommend guests stay on the beach past 6PM. That’s when wild animals, such as elephants, start to come out and become more active. We recommend spending at least two nights here.
The area is isolated, so there is no place to go for your meals. This was not a problem because our hotel had several restaurants serving excellent food in lovely settings.
MIRISSA BEACH
Mirissa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. It is a big destination for backpackers, couples and families alike. The town is located about 95 miles from Colombo, in the south coast of Sri Lanka. It’s easily accessible by car, train or Uber if you come from Colombo.
Even though it tends to be crowded with tourists, it does give out a good vibe. The town seemed to be hopping. It had plenty of small hotels, guest houses and restaurants; however, you need to make reservations way ahead of time. The unfortunate thing is that the beach is blocked by all the buildings along the main road, making it impossible to see the beach as you drive or walk through town.
We stayed at the Imagine Villa Hotel, in the Kamburugamuwa section of Mirissa. This was a bit quieter and away from the crowded areas. Even though we weren’t in walking distance to most places, we were only a cheap tuk-tuk ride away. The property was right on the ocean, giving us the choice to go for long walks on the beach or to hang out by the pool.
The best meal we had was at our hotel where the chef was one of the owners. Breakfast was included in the room rate and was excellent. We also liked the Ceylon Curry House, located on Galle Road. Their Curry & Rice meal was very good.
Another Popular Site
Coconut Tree Hill is a very popular site in Mirissa. It became one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sri Lanka. Even though I don’t think of it as a destination, if you are in the area, it’s worth a brief stop here. It is a charming red cliff area jetting out into the ocean, dotted with palm trees. The views from here are indeed beautiful.
WELIGAMA BEACH
This was our favorite beach in Sri Lanka. Located just four miles west of Mirissa, this small beach is easily accessed by car, tuk-tuk or a rented scooter during a day trip. But if you are looking to stay in a more laid-back town, this would be a perfect option. It has great infrastructure, with tons of hotels, guest houses, bars and restaurants. The area is beautiful and, unlike Mirissa, you can see the beach from the main road.
The beach sits along Weligama Bay. As a result, the waves are small, making this the ideal place for surfing lessons. You can choose one of the many surfing schools along the beach. Lance took a lesson from My Surf Camp Surf School. It is a perfect destination for those just starting out or who want to hone their skills. Surfing lessons cost Rs 2,000 ($10) for an hour. Board rentals are also available, starting at Rs 300 ($1.50) per hour.
Even if you are not interested in surfing, this is a great place to chill and take in the amazing surroundings. It’s easy to appreciate its tropical beauty. The water is warm and shallow, allowing you to walk far into the ocean. There are plenty of “free” chaises available if you order food or drinks from the vendors along the beach. And if you take a surf lesson, you can use their chaises for free as well.
This area still feels untouched by mass tourism. It is a beach we will definitely visit again next time we go to Sri Lanka.
Something to Watch For
Stilt fishing has been a traditional way to fish in Sri Lanka. Fishermen sit on wooden “perches” (vertical poles with cross bars) trying to catch small fish with a line tied to a bamboo rod. You will typically see them on the outskirts of Weligama, on the way to Galle. But be aware that usually they want to get paid in order to be photographed. I was lucky enough to drive by an area where the fishermen were fishing instead of just posing for photos. So, I was able to catch them in the act.
A Great Beach Destination . . .
This article barely touches upon the incredible beaches in Sri Lanka. There is so much more. And, it is easy to understand why the beaches in Sri Lanka have gained so much popularity. They offer so much more than the enchanting strips of powdery white sand. From surfing to snorkeling to scuba diving to going on long walks or whale watching, there is something for everyone at the hundreds of beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. You will be captivated by their natural beauty and will certainly want to return time and time again.
