11 Best beaches for a 1-day trip in Sri Lanka from Colombo

Table of Contents

• South coast beaches
  • When is the best time to travel to south coast beach?
• West coast beaches
  • When is the best time to travel to the west coast beach?
• Northeast coast beaches
  • When is the best time to travel to the northeast coast beach?
• What are the 12 best beaches for Sri Lanka Day tours?
• What is the best way to travel to the Sri Lanka beaches on a day trip?
• Travelling to the south coast of Sri Lanka from Colombo
• Unawatuna Beach: The All-Rounder
• Jungle Beach
• Dalawella beach
• Weligama Beach: The Surfer’s Paradise
• Mirissa Beach: The Whale Watcher’s Delight
• Hiriketiya Beach
• Bentota Beach: The Water Sports Haven
• Kabalana beach
• Hikkaduwa Beach: The Snorkeler’s Dream
• Negombo Beach: The Foodie’s Paradise
• Mount Lavinia Beach: The City Slicker’s Escape
• Devata Beach
• Dikwella Beach

Sri Lanka is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean that has a coastal belt of 1340 kilometres (833 miles). Its countless topographically varied beaches, coves, and bays attract sun-seekers, fun lovers, and surfers throughout the year. Wildlife plays its part too; beaches are vital nesting grounds for endangered marine turtles, while blue whales are sighted at sea.

Although Sri Lanka is a year-round travel destination, there are two opposing monsoons that have an impact on the weather, ocean currents, and when and where you should go. The southwest coast is best between November and April, and the east from May to September. These are the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Recently, Lonely Planet announced the best beaches in Sri Lanka, namely, Unawatuna beach, Dalawella beach, Weligama beach, Kabalana beach, Mirissa beach, Hiriketiya beach, Bentota beach, Mawella beach, Arugam Bay beach, Kalkudah beach, Nilaveli beach, Casuarina beach, and Kalpitiya beach. Seven of the beaches listed above are located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

South coast beaches

The south coast beaches were unpopular among travellers in the past mainly due to their remoteness from Colombo and underdeveloped tourism infrastructure. However, the recent development in southern Sri Lanka has changed the traveller’s sentiments. The newly opened southern expressway now assures you speedy access to the south coast from Colombo and the airport, even travellers now can’t enter the island through Mattala international airport and Hambantota international harbour in southern Sri Lanka.

With the rapid development on the south coast of Sri Lanka, some of the big players in the hospitality industry, such as Shangri-La and Hilton, have invested in mega-projects along the beach, having understood its potential as a leisure holiday destination. Many other hotel projects are nearing completion, and many more are in the planning stages.

When is the best time to travel to south coast beach?

The best time to travel to south coast beach is from November to April. During this period, due to the absence of monsoon, the sea is very calm and quiet and ideal for swimming.

Below, find the average variation of the seawater temperature in Sri Lanka for the cities of Colombo, Jaffna, Galle, Mirissa and Tangalle.

West coast beaches

Bentota is a top pick for a beach holiday destination for most travellers. This west coast beach has been able to secure its place among the top beaches in Sri Lanka. Bentota is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on the island, which is also known as the golden mile. Apart from its wide, sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Bentota is easy to reach from Colombo. Bentota is a popular destination for one-day trips from Colombo, as it can be reached within a short period of time. Another important reason for its popularity as a day trip location in Sri Lanka is the wide range of activities that it offers to travellers. Surfing, boating, fishing, diving, and snorkelling are some of the popular activities here. So, if you are looking for a beach activity on your Sri Lanka Day trip from Colombo, choose Bentota; you will never be disappointed.

When is the best time to travel to the west coast beach?

The best time to travel to west coast beach is from November to April

Northeast coast beaches

According to lonely planet’s best beaches in Sri Lanka, four beaches are in the northeast of Sri Lanka. These beaches are still isolated, and it attracts a very limited number of travellers. Among the most travellers occurring here are local travellers. A few places such as Nilaveli, Pasikudah, and Kalkudah attract some foreign travellers, however, compared to the number of travellers on the southwest coast is very minimal. Underdeveloped tourism infrastructure is one of the main reasons for a limited number of foreign travellers not choosing this region.

Five to six hours journey from Colombo to the east coast and about 7 hours journey to the northern province from Colombo is another major reason for its unpopularity among travellers and make the northeast of Sri Lanka not a viable option for travellers for short trips, especially Sri Lanka Day trips from Colombo and western province.    

When is the best time to travel to the northeast coast beach?

The best time to travel to the northeast coast beach is from April to November

What are the 12 best beaches for Sri Lanka Day tours?

1. Unawatuna
2. Jungke Beach
3. Dalawella
4. Weligama
5. Mirissa
6. Hiriketiya
7. Bentota
8. Kabalana
9. Hikkaduwa
10. Negombo
11. Devata Beach
12. Dikwella Beach

Above mentioned 10 beaches have been chosen as the best beaches for Sri Lanka Day trips mainly based on customer reviews and recommendations. Ease of travel and duration of the drive from Colombo to each beach holiday destination is also major fact considered in the evaluation. Availability of services such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, transport, and important places for sightseeing tours such as historical places, wildlife parks, and museums we also played an important role while choosing the above ten best beaches in Sri Lanka for day trips.   

What is the best way to travel to the Sri Lanka beaches on a day trip?

Resort to a ground transport mode such as a taxi, which is the best way of travelling to this one beach holiday destination. At the time of finalizing these one-day trip places, we have thoroughly considered the time takes on travelling to these beaches from Colombo. All the above-listed beaches are only a 2-hour drive away from Colombo. However, the calculation is based on private vehicles and the use of highways.    

Travelling to the south coast of Sri Lanka from Colombo

The south coast beaches were not considered suitable places for a one-day trip in Sri Lanka as the travellers had to spend about 5 hours to reach the south coast from Colombo. However, due to the newly opened southern highway, now the south coast beaches are only 2 hours away from Colombo and the most populated cities in the western province.

Despite being more than 120 km distance from Colombo, the south coast beaches are easy to reach from Colombo and the airport. If you are on a short vacation to Sri Lanka and looking for a pristine beach to visit on a day trip from Colombo, most beaches listed above are viable options for you.

Unawatuna Beach: The All-Rounder

Unawatuna’s got it all – calm waters, great restaurants, and a fun nightlife scene. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of everything.

Unawatuna is one of the best beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is tucked 175 km away from Colombo international airport. Galle Fort, the iconic tourist attraction in southern Sri Lanka is just a few kilometres away from Unawatuna beach. Unawatuna is one of the best one-day trip places in Sri Lanka if you start your journey from Colombo, it is just a matter of a 2-hour drive to reach it.

Snow-white, sandy beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, backed by a well-developed tourism infrastructure, make Unawatuna stand out from the crowd. Hundreds of hotels, guest houses, and rest houses make it an appealing beach holiday destination for every budget.

Unawatuna bay is a year-round beach holiday destination and the calm waters of the bay assure a safe bath at any time of the year. Sunbeds line the beach, Jet Skis buzz around the bay and although it gets busy during peak season, it never feels crowded. Unawatuna’s dining scene is sophisticated, and there are regular weekend beach parties.

How to get there: Take the express highway bus from Colombo – you’ll be there in about 2 hours.

Hidden gem: Check out the nearby Jungle Beach for a more secluded experience.

Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach is a hidden jewel a few kilometers from Unawatuna on the south coast of Sri Lanka. The turquoise-clear water and coral reefs of Jungle Beach make it an ideal place for swimming, surfing, diving, and snorkeling. Located a few hundred meters away from Unawatuna’s main beach, the jungle conceals the Jungle Beach. The unpopulated jungle beach is a secret to most travelers. Only the locals and most curious tourists know about it. However, it has been attracting more and more travelers over the last few years, mainly due to Instagram.

Dalawella beach

Just a few kilometers east of Unawatuna, much-photographed Frog Rock presides over Dalawella’s slender champagne sands. A coral reef guards this idyllic south coast beach, sitting on the ocean bed just a few hundred meters from the beach, allowing you to swim or paddle here for much of the year. Sea turtles, an endangered species, frequently visit Dalawella. Despite its holiday-friendly setting, Dalawella still trails behind other popular beaches in terms of popularity. However, if you plan a Sri Lanka day trip to a beach holiday destination, Dalawella is a strong candidate.

Weligama Beach: The Surfer’s Paradise

Calling all surfers! Weligama’s consistent waves make it ideal for both beginners and pros. The crescent-shaped bay is a sight to behold. A two-kilometer-long bay has emerged as one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka for beginners, thanks to a forgiving sandy bottom break. Surf outfits to the west of the bay, most run by young surfers with first-hand knowledge of the local breaks, offer rent boards and lessons. Weligama’s fine sand attracts many short-term vacationers, who particularly make day trips from Colombo to have a refreshing sea bath and leisure by the sea. Weligama is very popular among kids too, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep in every price range.

How to get there: Take the coastal train – it’s about a 3-hour journey.

Surf’s up: Rent a board and take a lesson from one of the many surf schools along the beach.

Mirissa Beach: The Whale Watcher’s Delight

Mirissa is a popular beach holiday destination in southern Sri Lanka; however, most travelers descending here are on a day trip from Colombo or elsewhere in order to spot blue whales. Mirissa has become a hotspot for spotting blue whales over the last few years. It draws many travelers daily to its gentle moon-shaped bay, who are eager to see the biggest creature in the world. Dozens of whale-watching boats depart the Mirissa harbor with hundreds of travelers on half-day cruises, and blue whale sightings are guaranteed.  

Yet Mirissa’s appeal runs much deeper—you can snorkel in the bay east of Parrot Rock or surf its western reef break, take a yoga class, or enjoy a scenic ramble, such as Mirissa’s (not so) Secret Beach. Restaurants are plentiful, and evenings can be lively.

How to get there: It’s a 3-hour express bus ride from Colombo.

Ocean giants: Book a whale watching tour to spot blue whales and dolphins (best from November to April).

Hiriketiya Beach

Flanked by a pair of jungle-tangled headlands, Hiriketiya’s deep bay is one of the most loved destinations for a Sri Lanka Day trip. Discovered by sun-kissed surfers, this dramatic setting, low-key atmosphere, and year-round swimming now hold universal appeal. Hidden beneath coconut palms, the bay houses a chic collection of timber-frame restaurants, coffee shops, guesthouses, and villas, stretching up and over the western hill en route to neighboring Dikwella’s vast sandy bay.

Bentota Beach: The Water Sports Haven

Bentota’s your go-to for adrenaline junkies. Think jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. The beach itself? Pure paradise. By far, Bentota is the most popular beach vacation destination on the island. Bentota boasts a robust tourism infrastructure that includes numerous star-class hotels and various other types of lodging options. Large package-holiday hotels that are basking in fine stretches of sand dominate Sri Lanka’s west coast. The best is Bentota, where the long honey-hued beach ends in a spit of sand separating the Indian Ocean from a big lagoon. A combination of water sports, decent swimming, and lifeguards attract families, though there are no independent restaurants on the beach itself. If you are seeking water-based recreational activities like riding a water scooter while enjoying sun-kissed beaches during your Sri Lanka trip, Bentota is the most suitable beach holiday destination.

How to get there: Catch the coastal train from Colombo – it’s about a 2-hour journey.

Adventure alert: Try your hand at kitesurfing – Bentota’s known for its perfect conditions!

Kabalana beach

Forming part of laid-back Ahangama’s hip surf and yoga scene, Kabalana feels like a quieter, more intimate alternative to Weligama or Unawatuna. You can arrange surf lessons from beachfront restaurants or rent a board to ride local breaks, such as the A-frame known as the Rock, which is reputed to be Sri Lanka’s best deep-reef break. After dark, the focus shifts to the foodie restaurants flanking busy Galle-Matara Road.

Hikkaduwa Beach: The Snorkeler’s Dream

Coral reefs, colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters make Hikkaduwa a snorkeler’s paradise. Plus, the beach town’s got a chill vibe that’s hard to beat. Hikkaduwa Beach, located 130 km south of Colombo on the western coastal belt of Sri Lanka, is a 2 km-long beach characterized by sandy beaches, coconut palms, and a plethora of travelers. Between November and April, when the shallow ocean laps gently onto the beach, Hikkaduwa becomes Sri Lanka’s deep-sea diving and snorkeling hub with a fascinating underwater world. Hikkaduwa is home to turtles’ wide range of reef fish; it’s one of the best sites for snorkeling and diving in the country.

How to get there: It’s a 2.5-hour train ride from Colombo.

Underwater wonder: Keep an eye out for sea turtles – they’re frequent visitors!

Negombo Beach: The Foodie’s Paradise

Head north to Negombo Beach, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and water sports. It’s a bit more touristy, but that means plenty of amenities. Tucked 40 km from Colombo in the northwest of Sri Lanka, Negombo is just 13 km from the international airport. Negombo is among the island’s top beaches, ideal for a brief beach vacation. Negombo, less than an hour’s drive from Colombo, is a popular destination for one-day beach holidays. The best time to visit Negombo is between November and April, when it offers some of the best beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

How to get there: Take a 1-hour bus ride from Colombo’s central bus station.

Don’t miss: The fish market near the beach – it’s a feast for the senses!

Mount Lavinia Beach: The City Slicker’s Escape

Just 12 km south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach is your quick and simple getaway. With its golden sands and clear waters, it’s perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely stroll. The existence of such an unspoiled beach in a populated city like Colombo is surprising. If you’re craving a wide sandy beach that is just 30 minutes away from Colombo, then it is Mount Lavinia Beach that you look for. Although swimming is possible here, it can be treacherous during off-season due to the deep sea shelf. Mount Lavinia is easily accessible from Colombo and the airport, making it one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for a day trip.

How to get there: Hop on a local train from Colombo Fort station – it’s a scenic 20-minute ride.

Pro tip: Stick around for the sunset—it’s absolutely magical!

Devata Beach

Galle is a popular, charming city near the south coast of Sri Lanka. The Dutch administration built the Galle Fort, one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities. The Dutch and British administrations periodically upgraded the Galle fort, which originated in 1505. In addition to the Galle Fort, Galle boasts some of the best beaches for beach holidays.

Many palm-fringed pristine beaches, including Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Devata, surround Galle. Most of these beaches provide some of the best places on the island for surfers and divers. Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary is a popular place for snorkeling. However, Devata Beach, which sits just south of Galle, is not very popular for diving or snorkeling. However, the beach boasts an abundance of coral reefs, a fascinating collection of exotic fish species, and most importantly, travelers can encounter sea turtles just a few meters away from the shore.

Dikwella Beach

Dikwella Beach is another ideal place for a beach holiday on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Dikwella Beach is located 22 kilometers south of Matara. Dikwella Beach is a much quieter and more laid-back beach holiday destination compared to most places on the south coast. Not only are its sandy beaches and torque water popular for beach holidays, but also for surfing and other water sports.

Tucked in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Dikwella is a coastal village approximately 190 km south of Colombo. Given the considerable distance, it is crucial to select an efficient mode of transportation if you are planning a day trip to Dikwella Beach from Colombo. A private car or van with a local driver is your best option, and you should stick to the southern expressway to reach Dikwella within a 2-hour drive. If you use the A2 highway with normal traffic, it could take up to 4 hours to reach Dikwella Beach from Colombo.