Considered to be one of the most popular destinations in the world, it is easy to see why Sri Lanka always makes it to every traveler’s bucket list. It is a beautiful island with loads of attractions for everyone. Whether you are on a family holiday, a trip with friends to have a good time or traveling solo to explore the island, you can be sure that you will enjoy every minute of your stay here. Colombo, the capital city, is probably the first place you will visit. While you are here, you should definitely hit the most popular Colombo beaches to enjoy the surf and sun. So just make your vacation the most memorable one by planning a visit to any of these serene beaches known for their exquisite beauty.
Top 5 Colombo Beaches To Visit When In Sri Lanka
Planning a stay at Colombo? Take a look at the best beaches in Colombo city that you must explore during your upcoming vacation in Sri Lanka.
- Hikkaduwa Beach: Vibrant Ambiance
- Negombo Beach: Leisurely Hours
- Kalpitiya Beach: Spectacular Sights
- Unawatuna Beach: Stunning Seaside
- Bentota Beach: Adventure And More!
1. Hikkaduwa Beach: Vibrant Ambiance
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Situated 100 kms south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is one amongst the popular beaches in Sri Lanka. It is where one of the countrys most vibrant resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars are lined along the shores. Hikkaduwa Beach Colombo is the perfect place for vacationers who want to experience the citys nightlife and party the night away. You should plan your visit to make it for the annual 3-day beach festival where DJs from all over the world come to perform and entertain partygoers all night long. This is among the best beaches in Colombo.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea-boat rides, surfing, and of course, attending fun beach parties
How to Get There: The Southern Expressway from Colombo
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2. Negombo Beach: Leisurely Hours
This too is one of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka. If you are looking for beautiful Colombo beaches to enjoy a lazy day under the sun, Negombo is the perfect choice. Negombo is a lovely beach town located about an hour away from Colombo. You can enjoy exciting water sports at the beach park, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing and fishing, to name a few. You can take a stroll along the shore and visit souvenir shops, restaurants that serve the freshest seafood and listen to live bands. And it also happens to be one of the best beaches near Colombo airport.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Activities: Water sports, watching breathtaking sunsets, exploring the quaint shops and superb restaurants and bars on its shores
How to Get There: The E03 Expressway from Colombo
Suggested Read: Snorkeling In Colombo: 10 Best Places To Witness The Beautiful Life Beneath Water!
3. Kalpitiya Beach: Spectacular Sights
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If you want a unique experience in the beaches near Colombo, you should make your way to Kalpitiya Beach. This is where you can go on a boat ride early in the morning to get spectacular sights of whales, dolphins and other sea creatures as they flip their tails and play in the crystal clear waters. Kalpitiya is a 160 kms journey from Colombo, but you will find that it is definitely worth the trip once you arrive and experience everything it has to offer. This is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Colombo to visit during your vacation.
Best Time to Visit: February to March for sperm whale and spinner dolphin sightings; November to April for calm seas and enjoying a relaxing day at the beach
Activities: Ocean safaris, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, snorkeling and much more
How to Get There: Catch a train to Puttalam from Colombo and then take a taxi ride to Kalpitiya
Suggested Read: 7 Cottages In Colombo For A Refreshing Holiday Experience
4. Unawatuna Beach: Stunning Seaside
When you are in Colombo, one of the places you simply must visit is the old town and the Fort of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one place where you should stop on your way to Unawatuna Beach Colombo. The beautiful seaside town is the perfect place to buy handicrafts and jewelry to take back home. Unawatuna Beach is a breathtaking beach that takes you away from the citys noise and crowds. One of the things you must do is take a walk on the beach early in the morning to enjoy unforgettable views of the sea and watch cute sea turtles, something that makes it one of the most charming beaches around Colombo.
Best Time to Visit: October to mid-April
Activities: Go to the beach early in the morning to see a spectacular sunrise and for sightings of cute sea turtles
How to Get There: Catch the train to Matara from Colombo and get off in Galle (a trip of almost 3 hours), and then take a tuk-tuk or local bus to Unawatuna. You can also take an air-con minibus from downtown Colombo to Galle (also a journey of roughly 3 hours)
Suggested Read: Top 12 Hostels in Colombo That Will Be Easy On Your Pockets On A Smooth Trip
5. Bentota Beach: Adventure And More!
If you are looking for Colombo beach resorts, you should head to Bentota Beach. Whether you want to enjoy water sports and adventure in the sea or spend a weekend lazing under the sun, this is the perfect destination. Be it luxury or budget, Bentota also offers a wide range of stay options for travelers. The waters of Bentota Beach are perfect for water-skiing, sailing and windsurfing, just to name a few. This is one of the most beautiful Colombo beaches that you should not miss visiting while you are in Sri Lanka.
Best Time to Visit: November through April
Activities: Windsurfing, water skiing, deep sea fishing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving and snorkeling
How to Get There: The Southern Expressway from Colombo
Further Read: Nightlife In Colombo: Top 15 Nightlife Places For All The Party Freaks
One of the best things you must add to your itinerary is to visit the famous and beautiful Colombo beaches. Oozing its own charm, each one of the beach is unique and offers variety of activities to indulge in. Therefore, make sure you do not miss out on exploring these golden beaches in Colombo on your next trip to Sri Lanka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Colombo Beaches
Which is the best month to visit Colombo?
December to March is considered to be the best time to visit Sri Lanka when the weather is ideal for exploring and indulging in the many activities here.
Which is the best area to stay in Colombo?
The Kollupitiya neighborhood is considered to be one of the best areas to stay in Colombo, especially after the recent developments that have transformed this place into an exciting hub for many fine restaurants, lavish hotels, and street markets.
Which are the best beaches in Sri Lanka?
Some of the most beautiful and exciting beaches in Sri Lanka include: 1. Arugam Bay 2. Unawatuna Beach 3. Hikkaduwa Beach 4. Wijaya Beach 5. Negombo Beach 6. Bentota Beach 7. Mirissa Beach 8. Weligama and Midigama
Are there water sports in Colombo?
Yes, there are plenty of water sports in Colombo that you can indulge in. Scuba diving, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, deep sea fishing, and kitesurfing are some of the most popular water sports in Colombo that you can try on its beaches.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Sri Lanka?
The seas around Sri Lanka usually have strong currents and are thus not fit for swimming or surfing. There are very few areas in Sri Lanka where surfing is allowed. Even when you’re at a beach, make sure you do not tread too deep into the water and that is a lifeguard around on duty.
What is the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka?
There are so many beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka that it is almost impossible to single one out. For info on the best beaches here, see the list given above.
Are there sharks in Sri Lanka waters?
Yes, there are four common species of sharks found in Sri Lankan seas, including the Winghead Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Great Hammerhead, and Smooth Hammerhead.
Is it safe to go to beaches in Colombo?
Yes, it is completely safe to go to beaches in Colombo.
Is Colombo safe for female travelers?
Yes, Colombo is safe for female and solo travelers.
Which is the most popular beach for water sports in Colombo?
Bentota and Kalpitiya beaches are quite popular for their water sports activities.
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