With a 1300km coastline Sri Lanka has a stock full of beaches ready to accommodate any purpose. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches with some privacy or a beach to throw a night bash Sri Lanka’s got it all. One might be surprised to find untouched coves with the privacy of palms growing in the background, rocky formations designed by nature Sri Lankan beaches are exquisite in every form.

Boasting some of the best coastlines for surfing, scuba diving and offering some of the best views of gorgeous colorful reefs and aquatic life Sri Lankan beaches are jam-packed with adventure. Starting with the west coast beaches, easily reachable by the airport or the commercial capital it only takes a few hours to get to some of the most stunning beaches you will ever find. Negombo is just six miles from the international airport and is the just the beginning of the cultural hotpot of adventure. The second largest fish market is situated here and it’s a fusion of different cultures with tales begging to be unraveled. The west coast beaches are ideal for one night stays as it’s closer to the capital and within reach of the airport. To the south a string of beach towns and cities stretch all the way up to Galle. The closest beach to the capital is Wadduwa. You’ll find a stretch of golden sands and panoramic views here although not an ideal beach for swimming Wadduwa has some of the best resorts and restaurants with a view of the blue seas and some of the best of Sri Lankan cuisine. Next in line is the town of Bentota, one of the most beaches in Sri Lanka along with the Bentota Ganga that offers some of the best water sports activities and much more. You’ll also find “Paradise Island” which is a narrow strip of land that separates the ocean from a mangrove tree lined lagoon. Here, you can take a boat and cruise through the mangrove forests or take part in something much more exciting such as jet skiing etc. Moving along to the south coast beaches experience some of the more stunning beaches in between Galle in the east and Yala in the west. Dotted with beaches consisting hidden coves and turquoise waters. You’ll find a handful of resorts offering the best of Sri Lanka while you traipse along the golden beaches oblivious to anything but pleasure. Beaches such as Mirissa offers whale watching where guides take you through a cruise and help you spot these majestic beasts thrashing across the blues. Unawatuna offers some of the best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving which takes you through stunning coral reefs and exotic marine life. The most famous hotspots and backpacker haunts thrive along the south. The next stop is the east coast. Where much to everyone’s surprise has an off-the-beaten-track vibe. While the south has been romanticized and get much more attention the east coast lays quiet yearning to be explored. Some of the best beaches here includeNilaweli in Trincomalee offers some of the clearest and bluest waters the Indian Ocean can offer. While modest fishing villages such as Pasikudah is under development and offers welcoming arms to explore some untouched beaches that has stunning white sand and shallow reef protected waters that is ideal for a d calming dip or recreational swimming.