Apairofeyes

One of the main things I was really looking forward to on this trip was its beaches as I have heard so many sang praises about it and I love the sea. Though there are many beaches all around the island, the West & South-west’s looked sweeter to me than those in the East & Northern region. My trip, however, clashed with the West and South-west’s monsoon season and because of that, I looked it up online and found a traveller’s experience travelling during this period, and it sounded like shit. But the photos on internet looked damn gorgeous, making it hard to resist skipping the south beaches. So, I made the decision to decide only upon arrival and see how the weather is since the weather forecast can be inaccurate at times and, I’m so glad to have gone with my decision because, I was met with only beautiful weather throughout.

I wasn’t really expecting anything when I finally went though, so the clean sandy beaches came as a lovely surprise. Soft sandy beach, bright blue sky, crystal clear waters with plenty of waves and whitewash. A typical day would be surf sesh or day trip in the early morning, read books on a sun lounger, sleep, surf again, swim in the sea and watch the sunset, then a cocktail by the beach to end the day. Sometimes I would walk out to the sea after surfing, just to go under the waves or let the whitewash hit my back, and I could do this for half an hour or so. It was just such a comfortable nice feeling.

Below are photos of the beaches/towns I visited (and yes, all are recommended)

Hikkaduwa

Unawatuna

Mirissa

The beach town where I spent most time at chilling, practicing Spanish, enjoying 300 rupee cocktails and meeting friendly travellers and hostel owner.

Nearby Weligama beach is also good for beginner surf and cheaper too. But if you are looking to hangout with other travellers, have a wider selection of bars etc., Mirissa would be a better choice. Here is where I met a couple who introduced me to another beach, which is sort of hidden and less crowded. Hell was it the best choice I have made by deciding to travel there though it is not the easiest bay to get to. Probably because it was monsoon season, there was just a few travellers who came specially to surf and the rest are local kids. At times, I was the only one out in the sea. The bay has a cafe as well which sells delicious wood-fired pizza, though a little expensive for Sri Lanka. So charming that I couldn’t help but to skip North, spending my last days in Sri Lanka here.

Pinned with a lovely pink heart icon on my Google map.

Stretch of beaches were slowly thinning as the tide gets higher. I was lucky enough not to get affected by it even though the monsoon season has started. During this period, even touristic beaches like Unawatuna was peaceful. But whether it is monsoon season or not, I would recommend you to travel along the coast and visit less-known bays. You never know what you might find and fall in love with a place not many are aware of, having it all to yourself.

Arugam Bay was the only beach in the East I have visited. The streets, bars and almost everywhere was really quiet even though it should be the peak season now. There is nothing for me to praise, everything was alright sans surfing points which are quite a distance away from town. Didn’t have the best impression as well for a nasty hostel owner. One night. And I was out.