Most beach resorts are situated in the southwestern part of the island, between Marawila and Hambantota, the most popular ones are Mount Lavinia (Colombo) for distinguished holidays, Beruwela/Bentota for beach fun activities, Hikkaduwa for glass bottom boats to coral reefs, Unawatuna for backacker beach parties and Weligama/Mirissa for whale watching. Most Indian guests love Bentota, but it is the most expensive beach. High season in this south-western area is the dry season from December to April.
The longest sandy beach in the Tamil dominated dry zone in the north and east of the island is Nilaveli close to Trincomalee. It offers nice excursion opportunities. The Jaffna peninsula has more protected and quite picturesque beaches at the Jaffna lagoon (southern soat of the peninsula), but without nearby accommodation facilities. Arugam Bay near Pottuvil in the south-east is very popular with surfers from all over the world. The surfing season in Arugam Bay is from April till October. Arugam Bay is a good starting point for half- or full-day safaris, too. |
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