Beaches
If Sri Lanka looks outlined
in white from space, it’s due
to the beaches that encircle
the island. You can rarely
travel any part of the coast
for long without coming
upon a simply stunning
stretch of sand. More amaz-
ing is that many are almost
empt y.
Thalpe With its smattering of
comfy guesthouses and quiet
sands, this beach is a welcome
respite from over-subscribed
Unawatuna. (p120)
Marakolliya Beach So what if
the swimming isn’t always safe?
The beach itself is simply stun-
ning. (p131)
Rekawa Beach Long and wind-
swept, this beach attracts turtles
and folks who love a lonely,
dramatic landscape. (p130)
Arugam Bay Classic hangout
for surfers and anyone who likes
mellow, easy vibes. (p232)
Uppuveli & Nilaveli Beautiful
beaches in a still-quiet corner
of the East; the location has
kept them quiet and natural.
(p251)
Batticaloa Most of the coasts
around here are totally isolated;
for explorers, adventurers and
dreamers only. (p242)
Diving &
Snorkelling
Sri Lanka’s diving scene
is developing along with
its tourist scene. Excellent
places for diving and snor-
kelling can be found right
around the coast but most
are still seldom visited. The
west coast south of Colombo
has been the centre of div-
ing but other, better areas
like the South and East are
coming on strong.Bar Reef Little-exploited and
near-pristine reefs where
dolphins play in their hundreds.
(p92)
Great Basses Reefs It’s tricky to
access and conditions are fickle
but this might be the finest dive
site in Sri Lanka. (p137)
Pigeon Island National Park A
shallow coral reef, with tons of
fish and sharks, that’s equally
satisfying to snorkel or dive.
(p253)
Batticaloa The HMS Hermes, a
WWII-era wreck, is for Tec divers,
but the rock dives around here
are for everyone. (p242)Walking
Sure it’s a bit hot during the
day and it might rain, but
there are oodles of places
where you can stretch your
legs and appreciate SriLanka’s remarkable natural
beauty, rich culture and
ancient monuments.Colombo The main streets may
be choked but other roads in
the capital are tree-lined and
have a genteel charm. Stroll the
buzzing neighbourhoods from
Cinnamon Gardens to Galle Face
Green. (p56)
Polonnaruwa The ancient
monuments here are in a lush
park-like setting that rewards
walkers ready to explore.
(p206)
Adam’s Peak On Adam’s Peak
you can walk in the footsteps of
the Buddha with hundreds of
pilgrims. (p163)
Knuckles Range Rain soaked
and densely vegetated, the
Knuckles Range is no walk in
the park, but it offers the most
exciting hiking in the country.
(p161)Galle After you’ve explored
the endlessly walkable Fort,
continue on around the bay to
the tropical fantasy of Jungle
Beach. (p104)Buddhist Temples
More than 2000 years of
religious heritage can be
found in the temples, great
and small, that dot this
small island. Time your
visit with a festival for an
extraordinary experience.©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd