Beach exploration in Sri Lanka is a fun filled learning experience for all ages. Kalutara, is the third largest town in Sri Lanka’s western seaboard and located on the road from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo to the southern Sri Lankan capital of Galle. The great river Kalu Ganga flows to the sea from here. Things to do in Kalutara are many and beach exploration is a top activity among them. One of the best ways to enjoy Kalutara would be to base yourself at the up market AVANI Kalutara Resort scenically located where the river and the sea meet. The Resort is stylishly decorated in earthy tones and has high end amenities like gourmet local and international cuisine, fine dining, superb service and all modern conveniences including free wifi and satellite tv.
Sri Lanka is blessed with approximately 1600 km of beaches. The best time to visit the western and southern coasts are from December to March and the east coast from April/May to September.
The western and southern coastal beaches begin from Negombo, 37 km from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo and stretches for about 273 miles to Hambantota, a much developed town in the deep south of Sri Lanka.
Negombo is famous for its lagoon and lellama or the market where the fishermen market their fish. Its golden beaches, plentiful sea food and aqua activities make it a tourist haven. Accommodation is plenty and ranges from star class to budget accommodation. About 70 to 80 km northwards from Negombo lies Kalpitiya with the beautiful Dutch Bay and fast developing Alankudah beach catering from high end to budget visitors. Water sports and whale and dolphin watching take pride of place in activities in this area. Near Kalpitiya is the famous St. Anne’s Church in Talawila, a beautiful Church built on the beach itself.
An action packed stretch of beach starts from Colombo’s southern suburb of Mt. Lavinia to Hambantota. On this stretch are historic Kalutara and Galle, Hikkaduwa with its famed coral reefs, Kosgoda well known for turtle conservation, Weligama with its beautiful bay and the world famous Taprobane Island, the one time home of Count de Mauny and Mirissa a whale and dolphin watching centre. This stretch is home to boutique and star class hotels as well as middle range and budget class accommodation.
Water sports, visiting historic, religious and cultural sites, whale and dolphin watching are many of the attractions of a Sri Lankan beach exploration holiday on the western and southern coasts.
The beaches along the eastern coast stretch from Arugam Bay to Kuchchaveli. Arugam Bay is the surfer’s ultimate point with a break point that is regarded as the best surfer’s point. The historic Muhudu Maligawa is located here. Some of the best beaches along this coast Nilaveli, Kucchaveli and Marble Bay. The beaches on the southern section of the eastern coast are beautiful with gentle seas. The major ones Passikudah, Kalkudah and Arugam Bay.
The Casuarina Beach with a shallow and gentle sea is one of the best beaches in the northern peninsula and is about 15 km away from Jaffna.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.