Colombo is the largest and the most developed city of Sri Lanka, but besides beautiful buildings and amazing architecture, you can also find one of the most beautiful Colombo Sri Lanka beaches from the area.

Sri Lanka beaches Colombo stands out with their soft golden sand, light blue waters and palm trees lined up on the beach.

All these elements make for these places one of the most scenic areas in Sri Lanka.

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You can choose to lay on the beach the whole day or practice some water sports like diving, surfing, snorkelling and even parasailing.

There are magnificent beaches spread all over the island, in the south coast, east coast and west coast.

The beaches in Sri Lanka from the eastern coast are less developed and popular as the area suffered huge damages during the Civil War and the 2004 tsunami.

But the beaches from the western and southern coast are extremely popular and beautiful, truly oasis for people searching for a relaxing beach holiday or for a good surfing holiday.

I am sure that everyone heard about Arugam Bay, Mirissa beach or Unawatuna, but Sri Lanka has many other secluded beaches waiting to be discovered.

Let’s discover together which are the most beautiful beaches located in the Colombo area and what you can do in each of these places, besides perfecting your tan.

Colombo Sri Lanka beaches

Bentota

One of the most beautiful and popular beaches near Colombo is definitely Bentota beach, located in the town with the beach town with the same name, just 80 kilometres from Sri Lanka’s capital.

The golden sandy beach lined up with palms fringed over the beach and the crystal clear waters makes from this piece of heaven the perfect destination for families.

 

 

No matter if you want to lay in the sun or practise some watersports the tranquil and family-friendly atmosphere makes this a great holiday destination.

Here you might be witness to some of the most incredible sunsets from the whole island so prepare your camera for taking some stunning shots.

The currents are moderate so the place is great for swimming and trying water skiing or boogie boarding.

What to do in Bentota

• Book a safari in Madu Ganga River
• Pay a visit to Kosgoda Turtle Conservation area
• Visit Kande Viharaya a temple from the 1700s
• Explore the Galle Dutch Fort
• Go diving on South Reef or near Canoe Rock

Accommodation

One of the most stylish villas from Sri Lanka beaches Colombo, Taru Villas The Muse Bentota is located just a few minutes from the beach.

This is one of the first boutique hotels on the southern coast, a benchmark for luxury stays and a great place to experience Sri Lankan hospitality.

Kalpitiya

Located in the northern part of the island, in the Indian Ocean, 170 kilometres from Colombo, Kalpitiya is a group of 14 islands famous for its waterfronts and attractions.

 

 

One of the most beautiful Colombo Sri Lanka beaches, Kalpitiya is surrounded by a long beach that attracts many tourists interested in watersports and wildlife, as this is a great spot to see dolphins in their natural habitat.

 

Stay safe while you travel

What to do in Kalpitiya

• Go kitesurfing
• Go dolphin and whale watching
• Tour the Dutch fort from the area which dates from mid 17th century
• Visit Puttalam Temple built on top of a rock
• Take a bicycle and tour the island
• photograph the fishing boats from the small harbour

Accommodation

Friendly staff, tasty food and beautiful views from the room make The Araliya Retreat Kalpitiya the perfect place to spend your holiday in this part of the island.

The rooms are large and clean with private bathrooms and good quality toiletries and the view of the lagoon from the room is breathtaking. Breakfast is served on the terrace and it is quite varied and tasty.

Panadura

Located just 27 kilometres from Sri Lanka’s capital, one of the most amazing Sri Lanka beaches Colombo has, Panadura is a large town full of people bustling around, a great place to observe local life in Sri Lanka.

 

 

The long stretch of golden sand and the calm waters are perfect for swimming and the sun shines each day from sunrise to dawn.

This might not be the perfect place for water sport but for sure it is one of the best Colombo Sri Lanka beaches for spending some quality time with your family and your beloved ones.

What to do in Panadura

• Visit Richmond Castle located near Kalutara
• Take a shopping tour at Odel, the best shopping place in Sri Lanka
• Book a boat tour on Bolgoda Lake
• Pay a visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple, Kalutara Bodhiya
• Visit Luhunugala Estate, the country home of the most prolific architect from Sri Lanka
• Step back in time and explore Pahiyangala Caves, the oldest human settlement in Asia

Accommodation

A place that offers to its guests the privacy and calm atmosphere needed for a relaxing holiday, Serendiva Beach Panadura is definitely one of the best choices from the area.

The hotel has its own private beach and outdoor swimming pool as well as a restaurant and a barbecue in the garden.

Some of the rooms have a wonderful view of the sea and all of them are spacious and have private bathrooms.

Negombo

Definitely, the most popular place to start your tour across Sri Lanka and one of the most beautiful Sri Lanka beaches Colombo has, Negombo should be included in your travel plans.

National parks with an abundance of wildlife, ancient ruins and beautiful temples are just some of the hidden treasures of this magnificent country.

 

 

It is the best place to experience the traditional Sri Lankan beach vibe with its golden sands, crystal clear waters, palm trees and a magnificent tropical climate.

One of the most popular Colombo Sri Lanka beaches, Negombo is not very crowded and you will meet a lot of locals not only tourists as it is a great place for flying handmade kites, one of the locals favourite activities.

What to do in Negombo

• Take a canal boat tour to remind you about the dutch canals from Amsterdam
• Pay a visit to the largest temple Angurukaramulla which is home to a giant Buddha image
• Pray at one of the most beautiful Christian church from Negombo, St Mary’s Church
• Visit the dutch fort from the town dating from 1678
• Visit the traditional part of the town: the fishing village

Accommodation

If you are looking for a great experience in Negombo, then Heritance Negombo is the right choice as it is located right on the beach and has one of the best services from the area.

The rooms are luxurious and clean, offering amazing views of the ocean, while on-site people can dine at one of the many restaurants and bars.

Jungle beach

One of Sri Lanka’s hidden treasures, Jungle beach is one of the most beautiful Sri Lanka beaches Colombo has in the nearby area.

It is located between Unawatuna and Galle, right near the jungle and it is pretty inaccessible for those that are not familiar with the place.

 

 

You can reach the beach on foot as there is a picturesque path hidden in the jungle or by boat.

On the beach, you can find sunbeds and umbrellas and there is even a small bar that sells refreshments and cocktails.

What to do around Jungle beach

• Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda from Unawatuna
• Book a cooking class to learn the secrets of the Sri Lankan cuisine
• Take a diving tour
• Rent a bike and explore the nearby areas
• Try an ayurvedic massage at a traditional spa

Accommodation

As it is a remote beach you won’t find accommodation in the area, but Nilaveli Beach Resort Junglebeach is the closest resort from this beach.

It is located on Nilaveli Beach, on the eastern shores of Sri Lanka and welcomes their guests with a private beach area and cosy rooms built on rustic wooden huts.

At the on-site restaurant, guests can try the local and international dishes and packed lunches can be arranged upon request.

Conclusion

These are definitely the best Colombo Sri Lanka beaches which await their guests with golden sands and turquoise waters.

 

 

Some of them might seem to be a little bit far from the capital, but definitely worth the drive to these amazing places.

Pick the one that suits you most and book your trip to Sri Lanka to experience what this amazing island has to offer!