Get that tan lounging under the tropical sun, relaxing on the golden sands of Sri Lanka. An island in the Indian Ocean, here, you are assured of that idyllic beach that you have so often dreamt of, with summer weather at a warm 27?C! It is where your breakfast may have the freshest catch from the sea, where you can watch golden sunsets, surf effortlessly on the morning waves, go diving among coral reefs or spend some quiet time at a privy beach. A beautiful coastal tourist destination in Sri Lanka is perfect for your next vacation. Especially in the west and south coasts!

Negombo

Located just 35 km north of the capital city Colombo, and just 6km from the international airport, you can find tourist beaches, fishing villages and coconut estates in this city well-known for its seafood. Things to see include Catholic churches, the lovely lagoon and romantic sunsets and outrigger canoes, when you visit Negombo.

Bentota, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa

Bentota (64 km) abound with five star hotels it is a honeymoon destination and a relaxing beach resort area where you can go on boat trips and enjoy varied water sports! Going further down you will encounter Ambalangoda famed for its Mask Dancing and Mask Making. Along the road is Hikkaduwa, 99 km from Colombo, a town renowned for surfing and diving opportunities as well as a great night life.

Galle to Hambanthota

An ancient sea port town with an old world charm, Galle is a natural harbour and famous for its Dutch Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with impressive walls, museums, churches and pretty boutique hotels that attracts many a tourist. The best southern beach is found in the town of Unawatuna (124 km from Colombo), a diving heaven where food is scrumptious and with small hotels and guesthouses as well as that all important great stretch of beach!

You can also visit the beach at Mirrissa – famous for whale watching trips, Weligama to sit by the beautiful bat and watch stilt fishermen (an sight the house built by a French Count on the little islet off the coast), the Dutch Star Fort at Matara and the underground Werahera temple, Dondra at the south most tip of the island, reefy Dickwella for swim in the sea, Polhena for sunbathing and the four mile wide bay at Tangalle for snorkeling and visiting Kalametiya bird sanctuary. While Hambantota, a fast developing township with modern buildings and new harbour, is a located in the dry and arid region close by to Kataragama and Yala National Park.