Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement

Several studies have proven that the serene environment and unique conditions present near a beach can have a positive impact on your mental and physical wellbeing. Although there are multiple factors that contribute to the ocean’s rejuvenating effect, a lot of it has to do with the relaxation and natural multi-sensory therapy that a warm, sandy beach can provide. Of course, not all beaches are the same, and if you’re trying to get the most “bang for your buck” on your next vacation, the following seven Sri Lankan beaches are certainly worth consideration:

1. Pasikuda

Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement
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Pasikuda Beach is known for having one of the longest shallow coastlines in the world, with people walking many yards away from the shore without being submerged past waist level. This small resort town is situated about 22 miles northwest of the city of Batticaloa, which is where the nearest airport is located. The current here is weak and in many areas the water is only a few inches thick, so it’s a perfect place to take a stroll out into the ocean and surround yourself with pristine blue waters and coconut palms. The area is also home to one of Sri Lanka’s best luxury resorts, UGA Bay – culinary enthusiasts will find this place a must-visit as it’s hard to compete with the UGA dining experience.

2. Mirissa

Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement
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By Kondephy (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 ]

Located about 2.5 miles Southeast of the city of Weligama, Mirissa beach is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh coconut and ocean breeze on a hammock. The shore is lined with humble guest houses and cafe stands that pop up when the tide is low and then pack up and leave during high tide. This small town is also a bustling fishing port and is known as one of Sri Lanka’s most popular dolphin and whale watching destinations.

3. Unawatuna

Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement
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By jthediver (Own work (Own Photo)) [GFDL]

This stretch of beach has been a popular tourist designation since ancient times, apparently having been mentioned in the Hindu epic of Valmiki’s Ramayana as a mystical and enchanting place that divine beings frequented. Furthermore, this is one of the most biodiverse places in Sri Lanka and is home to several coral reefs, an abundance of unique bird species, and even a few shipwrecks. In terms of scuba diving and bird watching, this beach is probably the best in Sri Lanka.

4. Bentota

Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement
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By Vincent van Zeijst (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0]

This majestic beach and coastal town 40 miles south of Colombo is home to a magnificent estuary that makes it a top destination for watersports. The area is known for having many practitioners of an ancient healing practice called Ayurveda, as well as for its production of toddy – an alcoholic drink made from coconut nectar. There’s a local airport and several 5-star resorts in the area as well, so you should have no trouble finding convenient accommodations.

5. Nilaveli

Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement
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By Adam Jones [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Located about 10 minutes Northwest of Trincomalee, this picturesque beach is one of the most paradise-like destinations on the island, with majestic coconut palms stretching out over golden sand. Nearby is Pigeon Island National Park, where you’ll find some of Sri Lanka’s best coral reefs as well as a huge colony of rock pigeons from which the island’s name is derived. This beach has been known as a place of relaxation and beauty since the 10th century, having been mentioned in the Tamil Nilaveli inscriptions.

6. Weligama

Top 7 Sri Lankan Beaches for Wellbeing Enhancement
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By PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ (Own work) [GFDL]

Surrounded by a shallow coral reef and known for not having any sharks, Weligama is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular surfing and snorkeling destinations. There’s also an ancient statue of an unknown king, a lace weaving factory that you can tour, Taprobane island (a famous private island with one villa on it), and plenty of stilt fishing boats to overlook.

7. Induruwa

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This golden sand beach plays host to some of the island’s most beautiful sunsets and is known for its many Ayurveda wellness programs. There’s also a nearby waterfall (Bopath Ella Falls) and several local markets that make visiting Induruwa convenient and enjoyable. Be sure to check out the Batatotalena cave as well as the nearby town of Batugedara to find a number of shops that sell artisan jewelry and gemstones.

In closing, if the purpose of your vacation is to have some relaxation and focus on your wellbeing, try not to get too caught up in seeing all the tourist attractions in the area. Sometimes cramming your schedule with things to do can completely negate the calming effect that these beaches are supposed to produce. Instead, give yourself the space and time to soak up the scenery and stroll along the sand without overburdening yourself with the pressure to see and do it all.

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