Beach

Brief History

Galle Face Green is a strip of beach along the Indian ocean in central Colombo stretching to approximately half a Kilometre. During the invasion of the Dutch, this strip was utilised as a strategic line for Cannon fire against the Portuguese. It was originally developed by the Dutch as a strategic line of cannon fire against the invading Portuguese, and stretched over a much larger area than what it is today. In 1859, Governor; Sir Henry George Ward constructed a promenade alongside the seashore to allow women and children to saunter and play within.

Recent Developments

At present, Galle Face Green is currently maintained by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Sri Lanka. The beach is a spectacle to view during sunset along this beautiful coast. At most times, this promenade is crowded by the locals who consider the beach a place to relax. The countless street food joints provide a wide array of food and is famous for the prawn fried Wada, crabs, Pineapple and mango pickled, fish BBQs, bread, fried meat and so much more to enrich your taste buds. 

As for the current developments, the Port city at the end of the strip is an extension of the land to the sea by the Government to host a business city with several luxurious amenities to facilitate foreign Investments and business entities in Sri Lanka. Especially during the windy seasons, this place is a go to location for kite lovers and has also hosted several events as well. On the opposite side of the coast, one would find the luxurious hotels such as Taj Samudra and Shangri-La facing the promenade. Anyone who visits this place will never be disappointed and will be a refreshing way to end a long day.

Things to do

The lovely coast is famous for its sunset and so much to do as well.

  • Foot/body baths ( The sea can be rough at times)
  • Watching the spectacle sunset
  • Listening to the gushing waves over the Cape Bridge
  • The Spicy street food culinary 
  • Kite flying
  • Picnic with family
  • Games such as football or volleyball etc

 

Time to Visit

The place is open to its visitors free of charge 24/7, hence one can visit it at anytime of the year. If you are a morning person and love the fresh morning breeze, going for a jog in by 6am will be the ideal choice with the least crowd. 

If you are winding up for the day and wish to spend some tranquil time listening to the sea, the evenings from 5pm would be ideal to sit at the ledge of the beach with your feet dangling with the wide ocean ahead at the orange sunset horizon.

During festive seasons and holidays, the place can get crowded with the local dwellers around, so if you are not in a mood to see large gatherings, then you should avoid such days if not everyday is a good day.

If you are a kite enthusiast, visiting during July to September  would give you the opportunity to witness a range of different types of kites of various sizes and also “go fly a kite yourself…” to experience the ultimate adventure and time pass.

To know more about places to visit in Colombo, Click Here to check out our post.

How to reach

From the Airport, Galle Face Green is just 36Km away and would take an hour to reach. The location is accessible by private cab, public transport busses or Auto rickshaw. 

Galle face Green- Best Promenade in Sri Lanka Read More »

Hikkaduwa Beach

A place to rest, relax and chill just at the right time.

As much as Sri Lanka is densely populated by greenery, the tear drop shaped island sits in the Indian ocean closer to the equator contributing to the splendid hot and cold weather throughout the year.

The island is surrounded by the lovely gold white and brown coast boasting of the blue, green and clear waters to offer its guests the experience of a lifetime. The picturesque hidden coves, dazzling waters scrapping off the coast, silent fishing village on shore whilst delightful coral reefs dolphins and pod whales awaiting off shore will never stop mesmerising anyone with and eye for natures beauty.

With such a vast range of incredible sights, it’s is no wonder that Sri Lanka’s tourist industry is booming. Its fabulous beaches are just one of the highlights that it has to offer.

When the beach starts calling the Seaholic voice in me is not something to resist

 

Mirissa Beach– Dolphin and Whale watching

Location: South of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Snorkeling #Surfing #Clearwaters #Dolphin&WhaleWatching #tutlehatching

An ecstatically stunning behold; the Mirissa Beach with a gentle curve into the land, located south of the island with an orchestra of Palm trees is just a treat to the eyes. The lovely clear water is ideal for snorkelling and surfing as well moving on to the far West wing of the bay. 

Lo and behold though, it’s the whale watching boat trips that steal the show through from May to November. So, buckle up with your Gopros and life jackets to experience the trill of a life time with the aquatic giants and if you are lucky, you can also be visited by the dolphins who just like to boast of how friendly they are.

Mirissa- Gentle curvy beachYou may also see turtles hatching during seasons (December to March) and can even feed those who loaf the shallow waters during the nesting times.

If you get sick of the salty beach and want to take a break from being in crowded places, you can resort for the River Safari to feel the tranquillity of the flowing water snaking through greenery, which will with surety be an experience worth the money.

With such a vast range of incredible sights, it’s is no wonder that Sri Lanka’s tourist industry is booming. Its fabulous beaches are just one of the highlights that it has to offer.

Unawatuna Beach- Tranquil Blue Waters

Location: South of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Snorkeling #Clearwaters #Gentlebeach #familybeach #Safewaters

Mirissa

Unawatuna is said to be one of the best beaches in the island with a rich diversity of marine life just a short drive from Galle. The beach is unique from the path leading to the beach to the serene waters as well.

The beach though may be boring to the sporty surfers, it is ideal for families and kids with the mildly sloping sands that enter into the beach makes is less risky contributed by the small bay that slows the busy waves from roaring offshore.

On the way to the beach, you will find small shops and vendors with jewellery and other souvenirs that can rejuvenate back those nostalgic memories. That said, you will find no shortage of a place to stay (guest houses, Hotels and rooms) and ample food joints to tingle the spicy sensors of your taste buds for a sea food delight.

The chilled out and welcoming atmosphere in this small village along the beach is what makes it special.

Nilaweli beach/ Pigeon Island- Great beach Sand and Pristine Corals

Location: South of Sri Lanka


Hashtags: #Snorkeling #Clearwaters #Gentlebeach #familybeach #Safewaters

A broad stretch of sandy beach sea sand on the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka is this spectacular beach just half an hour from Trincomalee. This long stretch of land is quite unspoilt with clear waters and white sand ideal for kids and family.

The beach can be on the hotter side of the country island making its nearly impossible to bask during the mid days, although, the sun rise can be a picturesque site from the East waters. That being mentioned, the location is rich with so many other sites and one such place is the pigeon island.

With a rich biodiversity of aquatic life, pristine Coral and marine life is the Pigeon Island about 15 – 30 mins from Nilaweli beach. This island is rich of colourful coral reefs with added flamboyance by the variety of fish. It is a snorkelers delight to be here to be at this paradise sea and not to miss out the harmless blacktip reef sharks.

Pigeon Island

The island can at time get too busy with little room for privacy, hence off days can be ideal for those who prefer a more private experience.

Hikkaduwa beach

Location: South of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Snorkeling #Clearwaters #Coralreef #Surfing #GlassbottomBoatride #Marinelife #Coralsanctuary

Hikkaduwa Beach

About half an hour drive North of Galle towards the South Western coast lies one of the most popular beaches; the
Hikkaduwa Beach, one with a long shore and medium size waves enough to start a beginner surfer on their boards. The untouched and stunning corals come in vivid colours with variety of fish of different gradients that add a special touch to the beach.

The beach is also famed for its plush and cosy hotels that pamper its guests to give them an experience of royalty. Its popularity has brought in numerous shops be it, gems and jewellery, clothes, food, paintings and so many other boutiques for the tourists.

The part of the beach can be hazardous but for the most part, it is safe for a bath. The glass bottom boats are also available for those who just love to watch the corals without getting too wet. As the beautiful coral reef lies just offshore, Hikkaduwa Beach is a great place to visit if you like scuba diving and wont be surprised to see a few sea turtles swimming gracefully about as you explore the rich marine life on the seabed.

Arugam Bay- Surfers paradise

Location: South East of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Clearwater #surfing #InternationalSurfers

Towards the South Eastern Coast of Ampara district lies the Arugam Bay, a beach famous for its waves and paradise to the surfers. The beach was also famous for holding the International Surfing competitions.

The magnificent waters surrounding the moon-shaped arc of soft golden sand is known to be one of the best ‘point brakes’ in the world. Experience and ride through the majestic waves of the ocean as they break in an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. Surfing is best in Arugam bay during the season of April to October each year. 

During this period, the best Surfers across the world comes together to participate in the thrilling international event in one of the finest Surfing hotspots in the world.

The beach is well secured at all times with life guards, the Sri Lankan police and securities. If you are the kind of person who loves to ride waves, never miss out on this exhilarating experience.

 

Bentota Beach

Location: South of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Snorkeling #Clearwaters #Coralreef #Surfing #GlassbottomBoatride #Marinelife #Coralsanctuary

A breath taking stretch of palm fringed beach with a winding river along the gold coast is the Bentota beach about 62 Km south of Colombo. The place boasts of the lovely and calm waters safe for swimming (although red flags may be placed during tough tides). The place is of every convenience with facilities from luxurious to budget hotels, Trains, boutiques and so on.

If you plan to break the monotony of the routine, try resorting to adventure sports found alongside the palm trees. The lagoon in Bentota beach is well-known for its water sports and activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, water cycling kayak and so much more and don’t forget the boat ride along the river as well. 

Calling Beach

Let the Sea Set You FREE!!

Beach Memories

The salt will wash off and the sand will brush off … but the memories last forever…

.

Negombo beach- Tranquility and relaxation

Location: West of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Relax #Basking #Clearwaters #Seabath #Beachparty #Goldenbrownsand

Negombo

Whether, an early morning saunter or a jog on the golden-brown beaches this beach will refresh and rejuvenate the day for you. Along the west coast is Negombo, the city famous for the Dutch and Portuguese historical buildings, churches and many remnants.

Each of these architectural structures have a unique style, giving you a glimpse of its history and the influences of different cultures that were embedded in the culture due to the country being invaded and colonized by many. For the hungry, be it a snack or a main course, the restaurants and cafes around are a treat to your taste buds.

With the city having close relations with the sea, the place is famous for fishing and canoes as well, however that being said, for those who prefer the luxury stay, this place is no short of large 5star hotels too.

Since it’s the closest beach to the airport, it is ideal to start your trip from here and will be a much relaxing experience with this beach that doesn’t like to rush. A sea bath in the clear waters will shatter away the weariness for the rest of the journey. If you are looking for a more colourful spectra, join the locals at what is called Negombo Beach Park to have a great time with them. This is definitely a beach park that is worth visiting during your stay in town.

Negombo might be the best starter to gradually start off for a great journey ahead, but first sit back and relax after a long tiring journey and then you can start the following day after you have explored the trivial treasures this beach and city has to offer. For those who wish to rest at the end of their journey before saying goodbye, again this place will be one that can rekindle the nostalgia.

Galle beach- Time travel to centuries before

Location: South of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Relax #Fortress #Clearwaters #seabath #UNESCOHeritage #adventure

Galle

The Galle beach is a picturesque from the tremendous structural Galle Fort of the fortification that still stands firm with minimal renovations. The Galle port bears a history from the 1400 BC for its popularity in exports of spices and the strategic placement along the silk route.

This town was at the zenith during the Dutch colonial period who built the acclaimed largest standing fortification in Asia making it a UNESCO world heritage site. The buildings within the vicinity of the fort still portrays a vibe of the ancients 3 to 4 centuries old culture which was a place complete with schools, hospitals, Museum, Religious places of worship, lighthouses and so much more. The modern-day era would still adopt to the old structures with many food joints, Hotels, and boutiques that sell a variety of souvenirs and jewellery as well.

The beach is a post card picture perfect scenery for those who love the sun rise and the sun set, although it’s a beach for everyone and for all times as well. The beach along the walls are perfect for a sea bath. The highlight about this beach is not just the beach but the Blowing winds from the top of the fort, the vast land of grass, the massive granite wall, the block woven roads and definitely the loving locals around the place.

 

 

Weligama Beach

Location: South of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Relax #BeginnerSurfer #Clearwaters #seabath #Swimming

The Weligama beach again is a beach loved by surfers specially for the beginners. The beach lies about 166 Km from Colombo now easily accessible by the Highway. Away from the city life is this small village of Weligama (which translates to Sand Village). The lustrous beach if a spectacle to watch the sunrise and the setting.

Located south of Sri Lanka, this modest Weligama often witnesses less foreign tourists which makes this place traffic free. It resonates the charm of and idyllic and calm fishing village. The Bay is surrounded by coconut trees portraying a serene picturesque of the clean blue-green waters.

Your first wave - Picture of SurfDiscovery Sri Lanka Surf School, Weligama - TripadvisorAn early bird rise to have a dip in the sea and perform some beginner surfing, would be an ideal start to catch along the sun rising the horizon. For those who don’t have surf boards or even don’t know to surf, there are beginner classes provided by the locals in the area along with rental boards.

If you are looking for a place to unwind your busy schedule and spend some peaceful and relaxed time in natures beauty, you are on the spot and inevitably you won’t regret this place to leave with fond memories.

Kalpitiya Beach

Location: West of Sri Lanka

Hashtags: #Sunbath #Whalewatching #Dolphinwatching #seabath #snorkling

The beach rather untouched by the tourists and locals is a place for the wanderlusts who wish for a getaway to islands within the island. Kalpitiya is in the North Western Province in the Puttalam District with a collection of 14 islands, famous for its waterfront beauty.

Kalpitiya Beach is one famous for many water sports like kite surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling and canoeing. Its marine life diversity attracts divers and marine life enthusiast for its dolphin & rare Sperm whale watching too that steal the show. The beach is a long sandy spit, which can be easily accessed from the Kalpitiya lagoon on a boat. This beautiful stretch of sand is truly bestowed with scenic beauty with relentless coolness to the enchant one’s eyes. Whether you plan on a nice sunbath on the sandy shores, or dipping in the water for fun, Kalpitiya Beach in Sri Lanka is a must visit destination. 

The best time to visit this beach specially for the activities would be from October to May, probable the dry seasons, although the other times may also be ideal. 

Dos
  • Get your own stuff like towels, surf boards and other gears for a much  personal experience although you get places for hire.
  • Try the different types of food and be mindful if you are allergic to any kind of food.
  • Keep your passports and valuables in a vault or hotel rooms.
  • Enjoy your time in the beach without hindering others, such as loud music, or those fishing.
  • Do use sun shades and sunscreens creams to protect your skin from UV rays.
  • Enjoy and don’t forget to have FUN!!!
Dont's
  • Don’t Keep your valuables on the beach unattended
  • Don’t get in to the sea during high tides
  • Don’t throw litter and garbage on the beach. Use designated bins wherever available. 
  • During thunder and lighting weather conditions, stay indoors and avoid the beach.
  • Don’t leave kids unattended specially if they are in the water.
  • Its best not to have a sea bath during mid day specially during the warm seasons.
  • Don’t get too close to strangers

Please note that all the above beaches and those that are also not mentioned are unique in their own ways and have their own ambiances and attractions, hence the above sequence of the names mentioned are random, so feel free to try out all of them.

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