Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is breathtakingly beautiful, with bright white sand and deep blue water that gradually turns green as you get closer to the shore. With that beauty come some of Sri Lanka's best surf breaks, and the beach is well-known as an international surf destination. This reputation attracts a lot of visitors, but it also means that the area has a good tourist infrastructure and is easy to get to. The curving beach has the feel of a Hawaiian beach, with a dry, sandy section near the water and rougher areas with shrubs and a tree line.

If you're not a surfer, there are plenty of other attractions, including beachfront guesthouses, oceanside restaurants, and a laid-back, "swing another day in-a-hammock vibe that's a far cry from the brash west-coast beach resorts. Arugam Bay is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside. During the low season (November to April), things become extremely quiet and many places close entirely, but it can also be a peaceful time to visit, with fewer tourists and lush landscapes.

The Spice Trail is a cool, little luxury resort with individual villa accommodations right on Arugam Bay. Each has its own small outdoor garden area, which is ideal for relaxing in a lounge chair. Nearby attractions include ancient temples and Kumana National Park, which is known for the numerous bird species that live in or migrate through the area.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.0/5
Location: the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast,
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Spice Trail