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Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka's Beaches

Visit Sri Lanka's Beaches

Introduction

The island of Sri Lanka has more than 800 miles of coastline, along which stretch some of Asia's most beautiful beaches. Golden sands, gin-clear seas, a cooling breeze and the reaching shade of a tall palm tree come as standard. And, as an island nation, the beaches are a hive of activity and industry, with fishermen perching on stilts or setting out in small boats each morning and dragging their nets ashore each night.

These wonderful beaches are central to both Sri Lanka holidays and local life, and each one reflects the diversity of this Indian Ocean paradise. In the south, pumping swells attract surfers from across the globe and in Yala National Park, five species of sea turtle frequent the shores. In the east, the beaches around Trincomalee stare serenely at the Bay of Bengal and the close corals beneath. And on the western coast, the beaches of Negombo and Mount Lavinia are a stone's throw from Colombo and the central highlands, providing a quick breather to any tailor made travel plans.

 

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Top itineraries in Sri Lanka's Beaches

Local fishermen at Unawatuna, near Galle

Sri Lanka’s West Coast Highlights

10-day tailor-made holiday from £3,390 pp incl. flights

In the company of your own driver-guide, you’ll explore the Dutch-colonial gems and stunning Indian Ocean beaches of Sri Lanka’s southwest corner, taking in Colombo, Galle and Bentota.

View of a deserted beach on Sri Lanka's East Coast

Sri Lanka's Ancient Kingdoms & East Coast Beaches

13-day tailor-made holiday from £3,910 pp incl. flights

Visiting Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach villas and palatial country manors.

Elephants in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Wildlife and Whales

9-day tailor-made holiday from £3,175 pp incl. flights

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's natural world as you explore the Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park, and go whale and dolphin watching off the palm-fringed south coast.

Sigiriya Rock Paintings

Treasures of Northern Sri Lanka & East Coast

11-day tailor-made holiday from £3,990 pp incl. flights

Explore Sri Lanka’s temple-filled plains and verdant national parks, home to elephants and rare leopards, before relaxing on Passikudah’s dazzling white sands. Along the way you’ll stay at some of the country’s finest hotels.

Top places to stay in Sri Lanka's Beaches

Gardens & Pool, The Wallawwa, Colombo

The Wallawwa Hotel, Negombo

Historic hotel

Wallawwa Hotel near Negombo is located in a beautiful colonial manor house, in three acres of manicured gardens

Beach View, Jungle Beach Resort, Trincomalee

Jungle Beach Resort, Trincomalee

Contemporary resort

The Jungle Beach Resort is located on a beautiful Trincomalee beach, with rustic yet contemporary accommodation

Reef Villa and Spa, Wadduwa

Traditional resort

Set in three acres of tropical gardens with palm-fringed pavilions and lily ponds, the resort is also located right on the golden sands of a tranquil beach, with views across the shimmering Indian Ocean.

Deluxe Suite with Pool, Saman Villas, Bentota

Saman Villas, Bentota

Contemporary resort

Saman Villas is beautifully located near golden sandy beaches and has a relaxing spa

Where to go in Sri Lanka's Beaches

Sunset, Beach, Passikudah/Passekudah

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a port city on Sri Lanka's northeastern coastline. Once described by Nelson as the finest natural harbour in the world, the port has had a fascinating and at times conflicted history - and there is still a notable military presence thanks to Trincomalee's major naval base.

Bentota, Sri Lanka

Bentota

Bentota beach resort on the west coast of Sri Lanka is home to some of the country's best hotels. On the border between the Western and Southern Provinces, Bentota's beach is one of the west coast's best, rivaling those at Wadduwa and Negombo to the north.

Beach, Reef Villa and Spa

Wadduwa

Wadduwa is situated just south of Colombo, about as far away as the city and beach resort of Negombo to the north. A sleepy palm fringed beach, white sands and clear warm waters greet travellers and a number of quality B&Bs and luxury hotels on the beach make this a great stop on a luxury tailor ma…

Lion's mouth Buddhist temple, Negombo

Negombo

Negombo is situated just north of Colombo and is one of the region's most popular beach resorts. As such, Negombo is a handy place to start or finish a Sri Lanka holiday, thanks to the proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport.

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When to go to Sri Lanka's Beaches

Negombo
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Meet our Sri Lanka's Beaches experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0613

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0613 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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