Sri Lanka has almost thirteen hundred kilometers of picture postcard-style wide sandy beaches – where in one place the beach forms a sheltered little cove, a sandy beach headland, or a little bay, of all shapes sizes, and colors. The more popular beaches in the southwest of Sri Lanka, though a little crowded, boast of two of the best snorkeling beaches, while other beaches in the deep South and east are waiting for you to revel in their remoteness, serenity, and unspoilt beauty, and are ideal for a refreshing day in the sun.
In Sri Lanka, beaches are ideal places for families and friends to meet, and usually head to the beach on holidays, and weekends, if only to gaze out at the sea. The natural noise of crashing waves, where you can walk leisurely along the beach at sunset, enjoy a game of cricket on the beach, laze in the sun or cast a rod and fish for night’s dinner. Whether it’s a lazy snorkel in crystal clear water or dive on a nearby reef, swim with a pod of friendly spinner dolphins in Kalpitiya, watch blue whales, or dive onto a coral reef teaming with tropical fish marveling at the explosion of colors hidden beneath the sea, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a gentle but massive blue whale off the coast of Mirissa or cavort with friendly dolphins off Dondra head, Sri Lanka has it all.
Fishing is the widespread occupation of most folk living along the coastal belt of Sri Lanka thus many fishing villages abound, also they use many different ways to catch fish. Most note worthy of mentioning is “stilt fishing” technique found in the southern coastal areas. The deep south and eastern coastal areas are still under developed as far as tourism is concerned, but has the best sceneries’ and also the best places to enjoy an authentic village lifestyle, in Sri Lanka. Once the sun dips over the horizon a whole new nocturnal world opens up for the visitor with the rhythmic moan of the Loris, the long continuous note of the cicada bringing a primeval ambiance to life.
The ideal time to walk along the beach to watch fishermen either returning with the daily catch, or leaving on their daily work, or watch turtles beaching to lay eggs, four types of turtles frequent Sri Lankan waters, the turtles are protected by law in Sri Lanka and possessing items made from turtle carapace carries penalties, but you could support various turtle conservation projects or simply watch turtle in their natural habitat, or even get involved in releasing young ones to see and watch their mad scramble towards the breaking waves.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant coastal culture of Sri Lanka, where fishing villages abound and diverse fishing techniques, including stilt fishing, are practiced. Explore the untapped beauty of the deep south and eastern coastal areas, offering breathtaking scenery and an authentic village lifestyle. As the sun sets, a mesmerizing nocturnal world awakens, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Loris and the cicada. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, observing fishermen returning with their catch or embarking on their daily work. Witness the incredible phenomenon of turtles beaching to lay eggs, with four turtle species frequenting these waters. Remember, turtles are protected by law, but you can support turtle conservation projects or simply enjoy watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. For an unforgettable experience, release young turtles and witness their thrilling scramble toward the crashing waves.
Indulge in the tranquility of Sri Lanka’s coastal villages, where time slows down and the rhythm of life follows the ebb and flow of the tides. Immerse yourself in the rich maritime heritage, savoring delicious seafood delicacies and engaging with friendly locals. Discover the harmony between humans and the sea, and create unforgettable memories amidst the idyllic beach settings.
