Honeymoon Guide: Which of the famous beaches in Sri Lanka is the most beautiful?

Bentota, Hekaduwa, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Negombo... This string of seaside cities is dotted like pearls on the southern coastline of Lanka. Many friends suffered from the choice syndrome and asked me: Which beach is the best? Where is the best place to vacation/take the elderly? Which one is good for whale watching/diving? Everyone has different preferences. Generally speaking, I personally think that the further south you go, away from Colombo, the better the seawater quality is. Let me analyze the differences between the following beaches.

In addition, in terms of season, April to October is a good time to go to the East Coast, while October to April is the peak season for the Southwest Coast. This string of coastal cities has frequent train or bus connections, making travel very convenient. So you can also stay for a few days each.

1. Bantota:

Bantota is a southern seaside tourist resort that was developed very early. The Bentota River flows into the Indian Ocean from here, and there are many hotels on both sides of the river and on the seaside. Because it is close to Colombo, many Colombo people come here with their wives and children to practice on weekends. Regular tour groups prefer to arrange this stop.

Advantages: Rich in activities, Bentota can be used for surfing, fishing, rafting, motorboating, sailing, sea fishing and other activities. Additionally, rafting along the Bentota River and spotting wildlife is a highlight. This is a place for water sports enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts who don't like to sit still.

Disadvantages: The quality of the sea water here is not very complimentary. In addition, because it was developed early, there are many star-rated hotels in this place, but most of them have old facilities, boring and mediocre designs, and do not have that fresh and refreshing holiday feeling. It is also not recommended that you take the "sea train" from Colombo to and from here. Bentota is home to many white-collar workers working in Colombo. During morning and evening rush hours, this section of the train is very crowded. The scenery is dull.

Transportation: Bentota is a city with very convenient transportation. There are several trains from Colombo to and from the south of Sri Lanka every day, as well as countless long-distance buses passing through here. There are many choices.

2. Hikkaduwa:

Located 99 kilometers south of Colombo. The biggest attraction here is the "Underwater Coral Park", where you can sit on a glass boat and admire corals and fish. During the peak tourist season from November to April of the following year, a large number of surfers and diving enthusiasts come here for vacation. During the off-season from June to October every year, the entire town also becomes depressed. Many hotels are closed, inns are being renovated, and the beach becomes narrower.

Advantages: One of the earliest beaches to be developed, there are many people during the peak season. The facilities are very comprehensive, including diving schools, surf shops and high, middle and low-end inns and hotels. It’s good to meet people from various countries here and get a diving certificate.

Disadvantages: How should I put it, this place, the so-called underwater coral park, has many dead corals. Inn merchants are rushing to open stores, and vicious competition has seriously damaged the ecology. There are countless sacks piled on the beach. Sea water quality is average.

Transportation: From Colombo, there are several trains and countless long-distance buses passing here every day. However, the town's train station and bus station are located in the north of the town, and you can take a TukTuk bus to the seaside area where tourists gather. It takes 20 minutes to walk. If you arrive at Hekadua by coach, you can inform the conductor in advance and ask them to drop you off at the beachfront area.

3. Unawatuna

It is very close to the ancient city of Gol, and it only takes 20 minutes by tutu. Foreigners especially like this place. This place was flooded during the tsunami, and foreign friends set up a volunteer organization to help with its recovery. Most hotels can also arrange boat trips to watch whales and turtles, and there is a turtle breeding center near Unawatuna.

Advantages: This is my favorite beach. It has a crescent-shaped bay, so it is calm and the water is clear and shallow. The beach is fine and the facilities are mature without being too noisy. In addition to the ancient city of Gol, there are several low-intensity hiking routes around it. The overall playability is very rich.

Disadvantages: Some beaches in Unawatuna have a steep slope and are not suitable for tourists with poor water skills.

Transportation: It takes about 20 minutes by Tuk Tuk from the ancient city of Gaoer.

4. Mirrisa:

Mirrisa focuses on primitiveness and tranquility. In fact, it is a very small village that can be visited in more than ten minutes. This is the perfect place to be in a daze, take a walk on the beach with your lovers, or read and chat. At the same time, Sri Lanka is one of the best whale watching places in the world. It is said that the success rate of whale watching here from December to April of the following year is 98%. In addition to blue whales, there are also sperm whales, whale sharks, etc.

Disadvantages: Since many travel posts praised this beach, it has become crowded with Chinese tourists. In addition, hotels are rising one after another near this small village. It is not known how long the tranquil original state can be maintained.

Transportation mode: If you take a bus at Gower Bus Station and go south to Mirissa. As long as the train departs from Galle and goes to Matara, you can reach Mirissa.

5. Negombo:

Negombo is a seaside fishing village near Colombo. Its biggest advantage is that it is close to the airport, so it has become the first place many tourists visit. One or last stop. Another advantage is that many hotel groups have built many new hotels here with a light and elegant style and a focus on naturalism. Great value for money.

Disadvantages: However, due to its proximity to the city, the sea water here is very dirty. I think what is worth visiting here is not the beach, but the mini Catholic town and the beautiful lagoon nearby.