All the salt of Sri Lanka: waves, sea, ocean

Sri Lanka is a delightful South Asian island, seemingly lost in the Indian Ocean, but if you look closely at the map, it becomes clear that its shores are washed not only by obstinate ocean waves. In the northeast, the Bay of Bengal roars, in the west with its most popular resorts – the Laccadive Sea. There are no clear boundaries between the water areas, and there are no cardinal differences either: the ocean is sometimes calmer than the water bodies with a less formidable image that are part of its basin. It all depends on the season, because in Sri Lanka it’s like in life: if it’s raining somewhere, then the sun is shining with might and main nearby.

Indian Ocean Coast

The Indian Ocean, washing Sri Lanka in the southwest, is famous for its inconstancy: in the midst of absolute calm, waves can suddenly run up, so bathers should always be on the alert (especially since lifeguards on local beaches are rare). Another danger is strong undercurrents: once in their whirlwind, it is better to row not to the shore, but along it – you will get out faster. When choosing a place and time for swimming, you can focus on the indigenous Sri Lankans, who have long studied the nature of the elements and swim where it is safe. The most unfavorable period for relaxing in the southwest is from late spring to mid-autumn, but closer to the New Year, the waves and winds subside.

Sri Lanka season: when is the best time to go?The most famous resort in this part of the island is Hikkaduwa, beloved by divers and surfers. In water warmed up to +28 °C, you can admire large turtles, sunken ships and corals of all colors of the rainbow growing right off the coast: the main thing is not to get hurt on their tip.

Tangalle is a whole string of beaches: crowded and secluded, classic sandy and covered with colorful shells, safe for swimming, like Medaketiya, and beautiful, but melting cobblestones and corals at the bottom, like Medilla. The western coast of Weligama is quiet and windless, while surfers like the eastern coast – the waves are just right there. Unawatuna is included in the ratings of the best beaches on the planet, but people rarely swim in Galle: the water in the port is not too clean.

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  Map of Sri Lanka: resorts and beaches

Coast of the Laccadive Sea

The Laccadive Sea stretches between the Hindustan Peninsula, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Laccadive Islands. The bottom near the shore is lined with soft sand, at a depth – with limestone silt, the water warms up to +26 … +28 ° С, coral reefs flaunt everywhere. They also produce high-quality pearls, shellfish, lobsters, crabs and valuable fish varieties: from tuna to halibut.

On the western coast, as well as on the southern ocean, it is most comfortable to relax from November to April. Along the sea are solid resorts that attract a wide variety of audiences. There is even a beach in Colombo, but there is a lot of garbage on the sand and in the water, so it is better to get to Mount Lavinia: only half an hour away – and the picture is completely different. In Negombo, the sea is almost always rough, but this attracts wind and kite surfers, who are also joined by gourmets – here is the best fish market in the area.

Bentota attracts lovers and newlyweds: local landscapes will decorate any family album. There are few people near the cape in the north, the south is famous for its luxurious hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Turtles and exotic fish live in the clearest waters of Beruwala, spearfishing and sailing can be enjoyed in Kalutara, but the descent into the sea is quite sharp – families with children should better find another resort.

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  f9photos, shutterstock.com

Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal washes the northeast of Sri Lanka, favorable to guests from May to September. The bay is included in the list of the largest marine ecosystems on the planet and is famous for coral reefs, mangrove forests, numerous rivers and diverse fauna. It is here that the surfer paradise of Arugam Bay is located, surrounded by jungle, rocks and fresh lakes. The waves rage almost all year round, the water is crystal clear, the infrastructure is developed. The best beaches of sunny Trincomalé are Uppuveli and Niaveli, protected from winds and currents. Batticaloa is also calm and clean, and the shallow bays of Kalkuda and Pasikuda are good for families with kids.

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  Subtleties of tourism

< /ul>Did you like it? Here are more useful articles about Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lanka resorts: where to go
• Sri Lanka fruit guide
• The season in Sri Lanka: whales, fruits and rains
• Vacations in Sri Lanka: what you need to know

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