Resorts of Sri Lanka: where to go. Which hotel to choose for a holiday in Sri Lanka

Party Colombo and Hikkaduwa perfect for young people. Have fun all night long in discos and clubs, relax actively, enjoy national cuisine every time in a new cafe or restaurant - these opportunities are available in Colombo and Hikkaduwa.

The transfer from Colombo Airport to Hikkaduwa will take more than three hours.

The beaches of Colombo are not for everyone, the proximity of the international port makes a beach holiday here conditionally possible. If you are planning to relax by the sea after a night out, head further south, closer to the Mount Lavinia area. The beaches of Hikkaduwa are great for passive relaxation, but you won’t always be able to swim calmly – big waves are not uncommon here.

Features of the resorts: Colombo is the largest city on the island, a metropolis by local standards. It is unlikely that you will want to spend your entire vacation here, but there will be entertainment for a couple of days. Hikkaduwa is one of the most “Russian” resorts; here you can find a cafe with a menu in Russian and Russian-speaking guides.

Tourist season: Colombo is considered a year-round resort, but the most favorable months for visiting are July, August and the period from December to March. It is more comfortable to vacation in Hikkaduwa from November to April.

UNWATUNA, BENTOTA, BERUWELA

Are you choosing a resort for a holiday with children? Consider hotels located in Unawatuna, Bentota or around Beruwela. Beautiful beaches, clear water, calm sea - what else is needed for a relaxing family vacation.

The transfer from Colombo Airport to Unawatuna can take more than three hours, to Bentota, located only 70 km, just over an hour, to Beruwela you will have to drive approximately two hours.

The beaches of Unawatuna are among the top ten best beaches in the world according to the Discovery Channel. The resort is conveniently located in a bay, so neither wind nor waves will interfere with your relaxation. The beaches are sandy, but in some places entering the sea is complicated by corals and small but sharp pebbles. Bentota, also surrounded by curves of the coastline, is famous for its calm sea and good beaches by local standards. Beruwela has beaches with a sloping sandy bottom, but, unfortunately, waves are not uncommon - choose quiet bays and creeks for children to swim.

Features of the resorts: Unawatuna is one of the most tourist-oriented resorts in Sri Lanka; its close location to Galle provides the opportunity to go see UNESCO sites. In Bentota, the city beaches are very crowded; if you plan to relax in silence, choose hotels in the Induruvu or Kosgoda areas. South of Beruwela is the mouth of the river, which during the rainy season is quite full and carries muddy water into the sea.

Tourist season: Unawatuna - from December to April, Bentota and Beruwela - from October to April.

NEGOMBO, KALUTARA, KOGALLA

Negombo, Kalutaru and Kogallu We recommend it to conquerors of the water element; here is a real paradise for surfing, windsurfing, diving, yachting and water skiing - and you don’t have to be a professional, you can get training on the spot. In a word, these resorts are for those who are not used to relaxing on vacation.

The transfer from the airport to Negombo and Kalutara will take an hour and a half on average; it will take much longer to get to Kogalla - this resort is located 130 km from Colombo.

The beaches of Negombo are hardly worth choosing for beach holiday, but this resort is perfect for diving; near the shores of Negombo there are three coral reefs at once; diving is possible for different levels preparation. The beaches of Kalutara are wonderful, which is why there are several luxury hotels here. The beaches in Kogalla are also quite good; A 5-kilometer sandy coastline allows you to enjoy your holiday in privacy. But it is worth considering that swimming here is problematic due to large waves and treacherous currents.

Features of the resorts: Negombo has the most low prices on the island. Kalutara is famous for hosting spectacular national holiday Navam, when the largest elephant takes out the holy relics for the worship of believers. In Kogalla you will find privacy, but at the same time practically complete absence infrastructure.

Tourist season: Negombo - from December to March, Kalutara - from October to March, Kogalla - from November to May.

GALLE, TRINCOMALE

For connoisseurs of ancient architecture, history buffs, anyone who has no idea good rest without a rich excursion program, if you don’t stop, you should definitely visit Galle and Trincomalee.

Transfer from the airport: Galle is located 116 kilometers from Colombo, expect at least an hour and a half journey to the hotel; the most persistent will choose Trincomalee for their vacation; after a long flight, a 5-6 hour transfer is almost a feat.

Beaches: you are unlikely to enjoy a beach holiday in Galle, but the excellent beaches of Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa are very close - 5 and 10 kilometers from Galle, Koggala is located 12 kilometers. Trincomalee is one of the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka with a drier climate compared to other resorts on the island, pristine nature and wide sandy beaches.

Features of the resorts: Galle is a large port city, conventionally divided into two parts, Old and New Galle. All historical sites are located in the old town. The coastline near Trincomalee consists of small coves, and the sea here is almost always calm.

Tourist season: Galle - from December to April, Trincomalee - from May to October.

What to visit in Sri Lanka:
There are 7 UNESCO sites in Sri Lanka.
– the main attraction of the island, the ancient city of Sigiriya, built on a high rock;
– for a long time lost in the jungle, the first city ancient state, Polonnaruwa;
- the first capital of a state previously located in Sri Lanka, holy city Anuradhapura;
– the last capital of royal Sri Lanka, the sacred city of Kandy;
.- the golden temple of Dambulla, located in natural caves, built in the 1st century BC;
– the ancient city of Halle and its fortress;
– the temple of the tooth of Buddha in the city of Kandy with the greatest shrine, one of the four teeth of Buddha, hidden from prying eyes in seven caskets;
– the unique forests of the highlands of central Sri Lanka, which have been cut down for 200 years, were included in the heritage list relatively recently, in 2010.

Average bill in cafes and restaurants: in Sri Lanka it is quite possible to have lunch for $2-3, but if you choose more or less decent cafes, on average you will spend $6-8 per person.

Shopping: the most promising shopping in Sri Lanka is predicted by shopping centers in Colombo: the six-story House of Fashion, Majestic City with exciting children's attractions and Liberty Plaza with many outlets. For the best Ceylon tea, head to the Mlesna tea boutique.

All prices are per person for double occupancy. Tours at these prices usually sell out within 15-30 minutes; if you see a different price, it means the tour has already been purchased.
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The island of Sri Lanka is a state where each of the cities has a rich history and many attractions. Sri Lanka resorts description is a riot of tropical vegetation, the sparkle of huge waterfalls, the grandeur of ancient monuments, the proximity of peace and quiet of magnificent beaches with a lot of entertainment.

Popular resorts of Sri Lanka description

Bentota– located in the southwest of the island, in a place where the river and sea merge. The resort offers vacationers water skiing, windsurfing, spearfishing and swimming, sailing, tennis and golf. There are many hotels, cafes and shops, a huge shopping mall, theater under open air. With its beauty and romantic atmosphere, the resort is especially attractive to newlyweds and romantically minded couples in love.

Koggala- one of the world's best resorts, washed by transparent blue ocean waters. It is hidden in tropical palm trees and includes three estates. Not far from Koggala lies the town of Polonnaruwa, which houses ancient ruins, a palace with majestic statues and the Watadage Temple. And in the north of the city a sculptural ensemble of three huge Buddha statues was built.

Kalutara– recreation area in the southwest of the island with big amount sports clubs, The resort attracts lovers aquatic species sports and surfing.

Negombo– resort-village of fishermen. The color and beauty of the resort is given by the Hamilton Canal, a small Dutch fort, a beautiful church, Buddhist temple. The southern side of Negombo is a popular destination for seafood and fish lovers. In the local bay, fishermen catch a huge amount of crabs, shrimp, and lobsters, and right on the beach there are taverns where all these seafood products are prepared right in the open air.

Hikkaduwa- a resort that attracts tourists with the highest service, rich infrastructure, there is a large selection of housing, many inexpensive hotels, good restaurants and beaches. There are diving clubs located here, and at the bottom of the bay there is an old sunken ship, which you can climb onto with scuba diving under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Unfortunately, warm currents damaged the magnificent coral gardens, leading to their disappearance.

Sri Lanka is a place for a quiet holiday, solitude and interesting travel, viewing historical relics.

Where to find cheap tours?

It is better to look for profitable tours through a service that compares prices from more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest offers. We do this ourselves and are extremely happy :)

In this article we will help you choose the best resort for you and tell you about the most best hotels on the coast.

Bentota

A famous resort on the southwest coast of the island. This is one of the most romantic places in Sri Lanka, where newlyweds and couples in love prefer to come. Famous for its palm wine, as well as excellent opportunities for water sports and diving. World class hotels offer highest level service, and uncrowded, many-kilometer beaches provide privacy and comfort. A relaxing beach holiday can be alternated with an active one. Bentota is perfect for beginner divers, as the water here is clear, there are almost no currents, and the most beautiful coral reefs begin at a depth of 4-5 meters.

Bentota Beach Hotel 4*
Club Bentota 4*
The Surf 4*+
Vivanta By Taj Bentota 5*

Beruwela

An ancient Sri Lankan city. One of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka is located here. The Beruwela resort is quite young and rapidly developing. Over the past few years, new hotels, shops have been built here, and the tourist area has been improved. Beruwela lies at the very beginning of a 130-kilometer beach that stretches along the entire southwestern tip of the island. You can swim on the beaches of Beruwela all year round. The purest sand, palm trees, azure water, bright sun - Beruwela has everything you need for a beach holiday and a wonderful tan.

The Palms 4*
Cinnamon Bey 5*

Negombo

Negombo is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, located on east coast islands, on the shore of the lagoon of the same name. It is famous not only for its picturesque nature and beaches, but also rich history and culture. Nearest resort from international airport Colombo (only 7 km). This is an ideal resort for those who do not want to waste time on long journeys. A huge amount of fish is caught daily in the local bay, which can be bought at the Lellama fish market, the second largest in the country. This is a paradise for fish and seafood lovers. Negombo is also called the “little Rome” of Sri Lanka due to the abundance of Catholic churches and cathedrals.

Paradise Beach Hotel 3*
Jetwing Blue 4*+
Camelot Beach 3*

Kalutara

Today it's modern resort town with extensive opportunities for water sports and beach holidays. Here you can go water skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, spearfishing, and take a fascinating excursion along the Kalu Ganga River, covered with mangroves. The main attraction of Kalutara is a huge Buddhist stupa, so colossal in size that you can see it even before entering the city.

Royal Palms 5*
Tangerine Beach 4*
The Sands 4*

Wadduwa

A small quiet town, famous for its plantations of coconut palms, rubber and cinnamon, the production of palm wine and vinegar, and products made from coconut fiber. Tours to Wadduwa are popular among beach lovers due to the beautiful sandy beach. Its width in some places reaches 60 m! Hotels are located on the beach far from each other, providing silence and privacy to their guests. One of the best places for quiet rest and relaxation away from the bustle of the city.

The Blue Water 5*
Villa Ocean View 3*

Unawatuna

Known for its beautiful semicircular beach, which the Discovery Channel included in the top ten in the world in 2004. The blue lagoon with clear water is protected by a double coral reef. Swimming here is pleasant and safe, since the depth of the lagoon is only 6 meters, and the water warms up well throughout the year. Divers will find bizarre reefs, many species of fish and sea turtles, and shipwrecks in Unawatuna. Holidays in Unawatuna attract eco-tourists, for whom there are many walking paths in the tropical jungle.

Calamander Unawatuna Beach 4*
Coco Bay 4*
Neptune Bay Hotel 3*+

Dickwella

The city is famous for its bustling market, which opens every Saturday near the beach. The main attraction of Dikwella is the largest statue of a seated Buddha in Sri Lanka, 50 meters high. In Dikwella beautiful beach and a bow-shaped lagoon protected by reefs and shoals.

Dickwella Resort 4*

Tangalle

Ancient city on south coast Sri Lanka has retained the charm of an 18th century Dutch colony. A Dutch fort has been preserved in the city center. However, Tangalle is best known for its beaches. Due to the distance from Colombo (195 km), there are few tourists here, and for several kilometers on the coast you may not see a single person. Perfect for a secluded getaway.

Eva Lanka Hotel 4*
Ranna 212 4*

Induruwa

A small fishing village near Colombo, stretching along a stream. Induruwa has wide, deserted beaches, ideal for sea and sunbathing. It has its own market, shops and hotels to suit different tastes and budgets.

Induruwa Beach 3*

Hikkaduwa

"Mecca" of divers and amateurs active rest, a popular resort with developed infrastructure and a beautiful wide beach. The diving season here lasts from November to April, diving depths range from 4 to 40 m, and there are several interesting wrecks. There are equipment rentals and courses for beginners. Those who are apprehensive about scuba diving can go snorkeling or book a glass-bottom boat ride. The corals in Hikkaduwa are considered some of the most beautiful in all of Asia.

Hikkaduwa is a paradise not only for diving, but also for surfing. Surfers from all over the world come here, especially during the dry season, from November to March. The height of the waves reaches 3.5 meters.

Today the resort is a continuous chain of hotels, hostels, bars, restaurants and shops, stretching for 4 km. There are always a lot of young people here from all over the world.

If you ask an inexperienced person: “What do you associate Sri Lanka with?”, the answer will probably be only bewildered silence. If we add that the island was previously called Ceylon, then local tea will be named.

But not everyone knows that this tropical island - real paradise with a wonderful tropical climate, golden beaches, clear ocean water and exotic nature.

Resorts of Sri Lanka on the map

Since it is an island, almost all resorts are located here on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Cities in the center of the country are interesting primarily for their cultural and historical heritage.

Where are the most popular ones?

Most popular among tourists resort places located on the west coast islands in close proximity to the two main cities of Sri Lanka: the official capital with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the actual capital Colombo. The reason for this is its proximity to Bandaranaike International Airport, which receives international flights.

The main resorts in this direction, and throughout Sri Lanka, are Hikkaduwa and Bentona.

In addition, of interest:

Negombo;
Beruwella;
Ambalangoda.

South of the island

The southern part of the island is continuous tourist area, in which numerous resorts are located. As in the metropolitan region on the west coast, the holiday season here lasts from to, and in the summer the rainy season begins, during which the ocean is very stormy.

The tourism infrastructure in this area is less developed than in the west. At the same time, the southern coast of Sri Lanka - the best place For budget holiday and surf lovers. The main resorts in the south are:

Tangalle;
Dickwella;
Weligama;
Khabaraduwa;
Mirissa.

Read also in what souvenirs you can bring from Sri Lanka as a gift.

East Coast

The East Coast cannot boast of such a large number and variety of resorts. But it has one big advantage. Despite the modest size of the island, the southwestern and northeastern coasts are located in different climatic zones. And if in the south and west high season lasts from October to May, then in the northeast it’s the other way around. From May to October comes dry season, most suitable for swimming and beach holidays. There are two important resort towns here:

Trincomalee;
Batticaloa.

Best resorts

It is difficult to say unequivocally which resort in Sri Lanka is the best. But it’s quite possible to try to visit several of them in one trip, especially since the short distances allow this. An independent tourist can move around both using roads and trains - railways laid through all resorts in the southwestern direction.

You can fly to the northeast using local airlines, especially since ticket prices are not bad at all.

Description of cities

Based on a combination of factors, the following cities can be distinguished among the numerous resorts in Sri Lanka:

Hikkaduwa is located 100 kilometers south of Colombo. The most popular resort in Sri Lanka offers hotels for every taste and budget, clean beaches and interesting leisure activities. The tourism infrastructure is quite developed. The city beach is famous for the sea turtles that come to it, which you can feed from your hands. The local coral reef and sunken ships are of great interest to divers;
Bentota- the second most popular resort on the island. Located 65 kilometers from Colombo. It has a reputation as the most romantic resort in Sri Lanka - the city is often visited by newlyweds during their honeymoon;
Unawatuna attracts with low prices and proximity to big city Galle, which can be visited for inspection. Unawatuna is the best place for swimming in Sri Lanka;
Mirissa- a very quiet place with empty bounty style beaches. This is a small, purely tourist town with practically no local residents. The tourism infrastructure is rather poorly developed. One of the resort's attractions is a boat trip to blue whales;
Tangalle- another calm resort without crowds of tourists. The ocean here is quite stormy, but the beaches are very beautiful and deserted. You can walk along them for several kilometers and not meet a single vacationer;
Trincomalee on the northeast coast attracts with a drier climate, calm ocean, quiet beaches and an interesting symbiosis of cultures.

Trincomalee combines Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions, which have left their mark on the local architecture.

Which to choose?

All resorts in Sri Lanka offer approximately similar natural conditions . All beaches in the country are sandy, and the ocean is approximately the same along the entire coast. True, the farther from the capital, the cleaner the water. So the choice of resort depends on other factors.

If you are going on holiday to Sri Lanka in summer- then welcome to Trincomalee or Batticaloa. in winter the southwest direction is preferable. Those looking for a quiet, secluded holiday will find Tangalle, where there are not many tourists. Divers will prefer Hikkaduwa, which is considered the unofficial diving capital of the island, while Weligama or Mirissa are best for surfing.

Youth resorts

Sri Lanka is hard to name "party" place. Most of tourists come here for the peace and tranquility generously provided by local resorts. For lovers of nightlife, the following cities will be of interest:

Hikkaduwa, perhaps the most youthful resort in Sri Lanka. In addition to numerous active entertainment like diving and surfing, there is also nightlife in the form of discos, which is so unusual for Sri Lanka;
Unawatuna- a small town on the south coast, popular among young people due to its low prices. Night life, unlike most Sri Lankan resorts, is also present here;
Arugam Bay or Pottuvil- excellent resorts for surf lovers.

Where to go with children?

Resorts in Sri Lanka are quiet, peaceful places and absolutely safe in terms of crime. You just need to take into account that for children, swimming in the open ocean is more dangerous than in the sea.

For children, pools at local hotels are preferable, although there are several places in Sri Lanka with calm waters.

Jungle Beach And city beach in Unawatuna are located on the edge of the bay and due to this there are no strong waves in the ocean here.

IN Batticola on the east coast the ocean is calmer and the beaches are in coves.
If you don’t plan to bathe your children, then almost any resort will do.

When visiting Sri Lanka there are some secrets and little tricks. There is nothing difficult in their implementation, so it is recommended to perform them.

In summer we go to the northeast, in winter we go to the southwest. Well, or vice versa, if you want save money on your vacation.
Visit cultural attractions. Sri Lanka is not only about golden beaches and the ocean, but also ancient country with rich culture. An excursion to the former capital of Ceylon Kandy, a walk through the old city of Colombo or a trip to Sigiriya to the palace of King Kasyapa will pleasantly diversify your holiday.
Thoroughly wash any fruit And drink only purchased water. Sri Lanka is a tropical country with hot temperatures; any infection can ruin your holiday for a long time.

Very often, lovers fly to Sri Lanka to hold a mysterious wedding ceremony on the ocean shore. Read how much a wedding abroad costs.

Try local cuisine, which will especially appeal to vegetarians and sweet tooths. It is advisable to taste culinary delights in establishments aimed at local residents. But be careful - the food can be very spicy!
As in any other developing countries, the tourist must master the art of bargaining, which is especially useful when visiting markets and private shops. Often there are simply no price tags on goods in such places.
Should be careful while relaxing under coconut trees. Dropping a nut weighing 2-3 kilograms is quite common reason accidents.
Every month on the full moon, Poya day is celebrated, during which Sale of alcohol is prohibited V public places Oh.
Take it with you toilet paper, its presence will help you out when visiting public places and excursions. Sri Lanka is a country of Indian culture in which the use of this accessory is not common.

Watch a video about the resorts of Sri Lanka:

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Sri Lanka is an island in Indian Ocean, located south of the Hindustan Peninsula. The total area is 65,610 sq. km, the length from north to south is 445 km, and from west to east 225 km. The Central Mountain Range is located in the center of the island.

The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher.

The highest point of the island, Mount Pidurutalagala, has a height of 2524 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m).

Typically, on weekdays stores are open from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. The addresses of stores recommended by the Ministry of Tourism of Sri Lanka can be found in many guides to the island.

In addition to tea, which, by the way, is allowed to be exported as a souvenir in quantities of more than three kilograms, items made of silver and copper are considered traditional souvenirs. These products are manufactured in the Kandy region. The Kandy region also produces beautiful pottery. They are painted mainly in red tones, decorated with various patterns. In the south of the island, various demon masks are made.

The most ancient folk crafts include wood carving and the production of various fabrics. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich selection of precious and semi-precious stones, silk.

Tipping is not required. However, a hotel receptionist or a restaurant waiter will be happy with a few extra rupees.

It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing and a hat. Be sure to stock up on sunscreen and lotion sunburn. There are no strict clothing requirements in the country, but you should not visit temples in shorts, in clothes with open backs and shoulders, and you must take off your shoes when entering the temple.

Climate

Equatorial, with monsoon seasons.

Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the summer rainy season. The rest of the months are quite dry. Only in the northeast of the island does it rain in the fall, when the northeast monsoon passes over Ceylon.

The air temperature on the island practically does not change and is 26-28 C all year round. In the mountains of the central part of the island it is cooler, and at the coldest point, the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya, located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level, it is approximately 15 C.

There is high air humidity in Sri Lanka, and you can feel it when you get off the plane, when you get the feeling that you are being hit with a warm, “bath” stream of air.

Language

The official languages are Tamil, Sinhala and English. The total population is 15 million people. By ethnic composition the country is multinational, the population consists of Sinhalese, Tamils, burghers (descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch) and Moors (descendants of Arab traders).

Currency

From Monday to Friday, banks are usually open from 9.00 to 13.00-15.00. During holidays, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, they are closed. The exchange of money is allowed only in banks and organizations that have received permission to do so. The list of these organizations includes most hotels.

Transport

Driving is on the left.