Beaches and undersea
Sri Lanka is blessed with a 1,330km coastline comprised of beaches- arrow-straight or curved within rocky bays – characterized by silvery-white sand and seaward-leaning, shade-giving coconut palms. On the west Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Bentota and Hikkaduwa, on the south coast Unawatuna voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world by the Discovery Channel, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle, on the north –west coast Nilaveli, Pasikudha, Kalkudah and Arugam Bay, listed as one of the top 10 surf spots in the world, are a dozen of the island’s finest beach destinations. A bonus is that climate-wise Sri Lanka is a convenient year-round destination as it experiences two monsoons that occur in opposite halves of the island at different times.
The tranquil, sapphire-blue waters [non-monsoon period] of the Indian Ocean have a perfect average temperature of 270 C. Diving and snorkelling are popular as coral reefs encircle the island. Many spectacular fish species can be encountered – groups, barracuda, manta rays, stingrays, sharks – and five species of turtle. As the island was an ancient trade centre there are many shipwrecks to explore, including two historically- important modern examples, the first oil tanker, the Shell- owned SS Conch ,sunk in 1903, and the first purpose – built aircraft carrier, HMS Hermes, sunk by Japanese planes in 1942 as it sailed for Trincomalee, the fifth largest harbour in the world.
Arugambay Surfing Beach
Arugambay, known locally as “Arugam Kudah”, is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s southeast coast, and a historic settlement of the ancient Batticaloa Territory. Hailed as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, many events are held each year under the patronage of Sri Lanka Tourism Authority to promote this beach, the ones to watch are regional championships held each year in May – June. Arugambay is located on southeast corner of the island in close proximity to Kumana, which is one of the best places for birdwatchers, and Lahugala another destination to observe elephants in Sri Lanka.
Further inland rising out of the line of trees in the distance one spots the lonely rock, standing above the rest called Kudumbigala. A stone inscription located here states that the monastery was built and gifted by Nandimithra, one of the ten generals (referred as giants) of King Duttugemunu in the pre-Christian era, Panama is an economical beach vacationer’s paradise for those with a constricted budget.
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa is a small heaven located in the South Coast of Sri Lanka, only about 200km away from the Equator. The small town is ever-famous for its natural beaches which are mostly untouched by any man-
made modernization, which makes it well-loved and very sought after when it comes to holidays and vacations, even-honeymoons.
Mirissa’s sandy beaches gives life to your fantasies of a tropical heaven, the secluded crescent shaped beach is like a reclusive hidden Island that is a hideaway for many. The town’s sunsets and sunrises are said to be one of the finest ever, the peace that surrounds people spending time in the hotels set aback from the actual beach is quiet unmeasured. The gentle waves of the ocean crashing and building into a crescendo, coconuts falling and birds chirping. Mirissa is a tourist heaven and must not be missed!
The sandy beach with its golden sand and undeniably warming atmosphere with chilled breezes, the perfect combination of hot and cold is a travel location that’s the envy of many countries. The beach offers the peace you can’t find elsewhere, the hotels provide the customers with everything that they require; even with many people occupying the beach, the noise and rush is minimum.
Surfing at Mirissa
Mirissa’s Bay Surf point is famous for smooth surfing; you can surf with no inhibitions and enjoy a carefree ride through the ocean, experiencing it on a level that would be unforgettable for the many years to come.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Sri Lanka’s Navy Passenger Craft called ‘Princess of Lanka’ was launched in 2011 and since then has been a vessel for people who want to enjoy a profound activity such as Whale Watching. A person has a firsthand experiences watching the humongous creatures wriggle about and float underwater, the scene is truly enrapturing. The dolphins are extremely friendly as well, giving people a show of a lifetime. Their packages are reasonable and would suit an average person nicely. The Whale Watching activity is famous among avid tourists.
Nilaveli Beach Sri Lanka
Nilaveli (Open-land of the moon-shine) is located north-west of the Island and is a stretch of beach which is situated approximately 16 kilometers North of Trincomalee. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka renowned for its soft white sand and breath-taking bays. Nilaveli is famous for recreational water sports such as scuba diving. Passing a thriving lagoon on either side and lush coconut palm groves and hordes of cattle, note that the people in the area are predominantly Hindu and consider the cows sacred. Arriving at the hamlet of “Errakkandy”, a sharp right turn will take you down a gravel road to Nilaveli beach, almost a kilometer of in length, white sandy beach with gentle surf. Across the beach about two kilometers into the ocean you will see the famous pigeon island, named due to rock pigeons roosting on it by the hundreds and crystal clear water around it to snorkel on to the clear depths of a reef. Further up North you will see a cluster of reddish rocks which are referred to as the red rock beach.
The beach is ideal to visit during April and October. The Sun is at its most intense during this period so that you can work out on your tan. Watersports are also a huge feature in this beach, surfing and windsurfing are the major excursions undertaken here. This is a must in everyone’s itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka.
Water Sports
Water sports such as wind surfing and diving are very famous among tourists and even locals. Sun bathing is also a really great option if you want to work out on your tan. Snorkeling is also done along the small rocky islands just a bit further away from the coast.
Pasikudha beach
Pasikudha, meaning “green-algae-bay” is situated in Eastern seaboard of Sri Lanka between Kalkudha and the Indian Ocean, approximately 35 kilometers from Batticaloa Town. The turquoise blue waters of the bay attracts local and foreign tourist to this wide sandy place under the hot tropical sun to surf, swim or just frolic in the water. Many other activities are available from kite surfing, boogie boarding to surfing and sailing across in a canoe.
Long out of reach due to the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, is now re-emerging as a tourist hot spot in the East of Sri Lanka. Coconut palms and palmyrah tree adorn the shores of this area, due to the semi-arid state, Sun screen and a large brimmed hat is recommended along with lots of liquid, to keep the heat under control.
