Sri Lanka is unique in many ways. With a relatively small size, this island can offer the traveler all kinds of recreation: jungle, tea plantations, national parks, beaches, Buddhist temples, mountains, club nightlife in the capital or beach parties. At the same time, you will be pleasantly surprised by low prices and goodwill of people, as well as atypical Asian cleanliness (compared to India, Nepal or Bangladesh).
Another amazing feature is that you can relax on the island all year round, just moving from one side to another and not worrying about the weather conditions.
Bentota (Bentota)
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka
Distance to the capital – 83 km
The difference between Bentota and other resorts is the relative proximity to the capital and the international airport (only 2 hours by bus), as well as a large number of 4 and 5 star hotels.
Bentota is perfect for families with children, as the beaches here are sandy, wide, with excellent fine sand and the entry into the ocean is very long and even.
Lovers of a relaxing holiday and couples in love prefer to come here. As well as lovers of outdoor activities on the water – there are many water sports centers and equipment rentals.
Type of holiday: family, romantic, active.
What to do:
– you can try many water sports, such as water skiing or canoeing;
– visit the aquatic center for the protection of marine life and get the opportunity to release a turtle into the ocean;
– relax in Ayurvedic and spa centers.
Best time to visit: December to March, September to October.
Mirissa
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka
Distance to the capital – 155 km
Mirissa is one of those resorts in Sri Lanka that is perfect for a beach holiday.
Along the coast there are several beaches, some more wild, on the other, on the contrary, civilized life boils and rages.
In addition, there are several interesting villages and towns nearby, where there are Buddhist temples and huge Buddha statues.
Type of rest: active, cognitive.
What to do:
– the western side of the central beach is intended for water sports, especially surfing;
– in December, you can go on an excursion to watch whales and dolphins, as well as see the process of laying eggs by turtles;
– you can rent a boat and go fishing with the locals in the coral reef area;
– also do not be lazy to visit the city of Goll, which is located 35 km from Mirissa, where you should definitely see the Dutch fort and the lighthouse.
Best time to visit: December to March, August to October.
Hikkaduwa
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka
Distance to the capital – 120 km
Hikkaduwa is a great choice for lovers of outdoor activities and entertainment on the water and on the beach.
Clubs, bars, surf spots, restaurants – in the season this is a great beach with turquoise water and the most beautiful underwater world, and not in the season when a fairly strong wind blows, this is a real paradise for surfers.
Hikkaduwa is one big party. A lot of foreign tourists from all over the world come here to surf, dive or have fun at one of the many beach parties.
Type of recreation: club, youth, active.
What to do:
– in Hikkaduwa there is one of the largest turtle centers where you can observe the life of these cute marine inhabitants;
– visit the tsunami museum dedicated to the events of 2004;
– in February, do not miss the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of Bob Marley, who is very revered by the public of Hikkaduwa;
– visit one of the local colonial-style restaurants, inconspicuous at first glance, where you can feel like a true British.
Best time to visit: November to April, January to March.
Tangalle
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka
Distance to the capital – 218 km
Lush tropical vegetation, palm trees hanging over the water, beautiful weather and a warm ocean all year round – all this makes a holiday here unforgettable. Hotels along the coast offer tourists a full range of services; there is also an infrastructure in the form of shops and restaurants.
At the same time, Tangol is a place of solitude where people come to take a break from the hustle and bustle, active nightlife of other resorts on the island, carelessly soak up under palm trees and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Holiday type: family, romantic.
What to do:
– visit the local market, where you can get lost in a variety of fruits and vegetables, cheap seafood (shark steak at $8 per kg) and delicious fresh juices (you can try in a cafe run by a local policeman);
– it is worth taking time for a one-day tour of the Tangol Lagoon – wild places where you can see many birds, large monitor lizards and visit real mangrove forests;
– near the beaches of Tangol there is a place called Blow Hall – a natural hole in the rock, where at high tide a wave rushes with great force, gushing through a rocky aperture for several tens of meters.
Best time to visit: December to March, August to October.
Arugam Bay
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka
Distance to the capital – 342 km
Arugam Bay is synonymous with one of the best surf spots in the world. You can rent all the basic equipment or enroll in one of the local surf schools.
Type of recreation: active, extreme.
What to do:
Surfing, surfing and more surfing. Giant waves and hundreds of surfers – from beginners to real pros;
– in the off-season in Arugam Bay you can see an amazing sight – millions of migratory birds fly to the coast;
– plan a trip to the Yala National Park, which is famous for its population of elephants and leopards – a really worthy alternative to an African safari;
– visit the Hulannuga caves, located on the top of the hill, in which there is a statue of a reclining Buddha.
Best time to visit: March to October.
Trincomalee
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka
Distance to the capital – 270 km
From July to November, Trincomalee is the best place in Sri Lanka to relax with a child, as there is a very large area of shallow water. The most popular Trincomalee beaches are Nilaveli and Uppuveli. having arrived for a month as a beginner, many return home as real gurus.
Type of recreation: family, cognitive, active.
What to do:
– Kanniya hot springs, which are located 5 miles from Anuradhapura Road;
– visit several Hindu temples, among which the largest and most interesting is the Koneswaran temple complex;
– the turquoise bays of the beaches of Trincomalee promise a variety of water sports such as diving and surfing;
– Another Dutch fort – Fredrick fort, an opportunity to touch the history of the military presence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the island.
Best time to visit: July to November.