Set on the east coast of Sri Lanka, Marble Beach, also known as Marble Bay Beach is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems. A picturesque location, the huge expanse of the turquoise ocean greets you in the Trincomalee area of Sri Lanka, about 16 km away from the main town of Trinco. The gorgeous beach is surrounded by woods and gives a secluded feeling. Marble Beach gets its name from how it appears on a clear, undisturbed and pristine day. The beach is a part of the Sri Lankan Air Force’s site, and a certain part is made available for tourists to sightsee and enjoy. Marble Beach is a fabulous place to visit during your trip to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka.
Location And Access To Marble Beach
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On the east coast of Sri Lanka, Marble Beach is located about 15.5 km from the main town of Trincomalee, which is about half an hour by road. To reach Marble Beach by road, you have to take the Trincomalee highway, and cross Clappenburg and China Bay. It is easiest to reach via a motorbike or a Tuk-tuk. The fare will cost around a considerable figure of 500 to 700 LKR.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Trincomalee to Kinniya to reach Marble Beach. After reaching Kinniya, you can then take a tuk-tuk to the beach. This journey is a bit longer, as it will take about an hour. The journey will however be a cheaper alternative and will cost around 300 to 400 LKR.
To access the beach, you have to pay for parking your vehicle. There is also an entry fee of about 100 LKR. The proceeds usually go towards maintenance of the beach, as well as the benefit of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Make sure that you carry an official ID along with you, as that will be checked prior to your entry. Due to it being a government space, the area is restricted in certain sections, and your entry can be forbidden in those areas.
Must Read: Best Beaches In Sri Lanka
Things To Do At Marble Beach
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Marble Beach is a hidden gem. It is surrounded by lush vegetation of palm trees and an expanse of sprawling green hills. It is well known for its beauty, tranquillity and the splendour of nature. A peaceful place, you can reach here early in the morning. The beach opens up for the public at 8 am. It remains open to the public till 8pm. The beach is usually a bit crowded on the weekends, so it is recommended that for the best experience possible, you plan your visit to the Marble Beach on a weekday.
Marble Beach is known for its coral reefs, where you can go and snorkel. You can also explore the waters by hiring or renting a kayak, a jet ski or a paddle board. While the beach is shallow for quite a distance, you can venture out in the warm waters to a certain distance before the lifeguards start whistling for you to retreat in order to maintain your safety. The white sands are quite inviting for a few hours of sunbathing as well, to build up a nice tan, though it is advised that you wear some sunscreen or sunblock lotion. The place is known for its cleanliness as well.
Where To Stay On Marble Beach
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Marble Beach has the Marble Beach Air Force Resort, which is located right on the beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms with wifi and TV facilities. The hotel offers several options for entertainment as well, such as a gym, spa, a bar etc. The charges fall near 10,000 LKR for a double room, per night.
There are several other motels and mini-resorts in the area as well. A unique hotel is the Marble Beach Cabanas, which gives you the experience of staying in a woodsy and rustic place, with cottage housing. They even have a kitchen, where you can cook your own food. It is a cheaper option than traditional motels, perfect for the budget traveller looking for a great experience. The facility allows camping on the grounds in certain cases, but all the camping equipment is needed to be brought by you, and provided at the location itself.
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
A Few Tips To Keep In Mind While Visiting Marble Beach
If planning on going snorkeling, carry your own gear as it may not be available nearby.
The beach has a strict cleanliness policy and littering is forbidden.
Since the wet monsoon season runs late in the year, the best time to visit the Marble beach is around mid-February, to the end of August, or in some cases, the middle of September.
It is recommended that you wear light clothes to cover yourself to avoid sunburn and take adequate precautions to avoid one by applying sunscreen every few hours.
Try to visit in the first half of the day, as many school groups come in the second half.
Places To Visit Near Marble Beach
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Trincomalee is famous for other beaches in the area as well, like the Nilaveli beach. You can also visit one of the Hindu temples in the area, such as the Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil temple, and the Salli Muthumariyamman temple, which has beautiful paintings on its ceiling. You can go snorkelling on Pigeon Island as well. If you go in the correct season, you can also go whale watching in Trincomalee.
Full of breathtaking views, visiting Marble Beach is a must-have experience on your journey to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Further Read: Esala Perahera
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next trip to Sri Lanka, make sure you plan your trip to Sri Lanka to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to visit marble beach and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marble Beach
How much time will be required to cover Marble Bay Beach?
You can cover the area in about 2-3 hours, but since this is a relaxation spot, it is recommended that you stay for at least 5 hours to best feel rejuvenated.
What to wear in Sri Lanka?
It’s recommended to wear light, airy cotton clothes that will protect you from the Sun. For the beach itself, you can wear any usual beach attire, like flip flops, bathing suits, swimsuits, etc.
What are some tourist attractions in Sri Lanka?
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Little Adam's Peak View Point, Yala National Park and Pidurangala Rock are some of the great places to visit on your amazing trip to Sri Lanka.
What is the Climate in Sri Lanka like?
Sri Lanka has a very hot climate throughout the year, with heavy rains. The best time to visit is in winter. The beach is best visited during the dry season, or you may risk it being shut down, or cordoned off from the visitors.
What is Trincomalee famous for?
The area is famous for its tourist spots like Koneswaram Temple, a Hindu temple; the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Fort Frederick, Gokarna Temple and the Nilaveli Beach, from where you can take a trip to the Pigeon Island National Park as well.
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