Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

• Swim, surf, snorkel and scuba with the fishes. Hikkaduwa may well have the bravest of fishes in the shallowest of beaches. Add the warm sun to it and you have a perfect picnic spot.
• Enjoy the lunch at nearby eateries including a Pizza Hut and several hotel restaurants. Its a typical beach town with a long beachline.
• Shower is a problem as the facilities are dirty even if paid. Arrange for shower with the same shop which provided scuba gear.

We started early morning for Hikkaduwa. We had enquired for scuba diving at Unawatuna the previous day but I had read somewhere that Hikkaduwa is better. We immediately hit a scuba centre and negotiated a good rate. It was time to learn the first steps of breathing and releasing water from nostrils. We failed miserably and hence were told we cannot continue into deep waters. While it was disappointing, an inviting beach was in front of us under the warm sun.

Sunset @ Hikkaduwa

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

• Stay at Unawatuna rather Galle as most buzz is around the beach specially in the evening and later. This will also help in watching the sunrise from shore with a short walk.
• Evenings in Unawatuna get wilder. Torches come up and restaurants extend their seating to closer to beach. Make sure you get one of those front benches to enjoy the ambience.
• Scuba and snorkels are available although the water is not ideal for these activities. Still it is worth a go. Weligama is half hour drive and is perfect for surfing activities.

Unawatuna is a quintessential beach. It has an independent personality and proximity to Galle is just a coincidence. It has the buzz of Calangute and the serenity of Kovalam. It has a long beach line and yet the curve ensures everything is within eyesight. When we first visited it, our hearts were won over and over again, so much that we had to come again just to say goodbye.

Surfing @ Weligama

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

• Mirissa is more famous for whale watching as the ferries start from here for the middle of the sea. The activity is for the elderlies and is getting costlier every year. 
• The beach is one of the most beautiful you will come across. If you want to go for the secluded and cosy one, this is it.
• Weligama is equal distance from here and Unawatuna. There is a Marriott not very far in case you want to go for a luxury hotel.

Our first morning in Sri Lanka was going to be a hectic one. Our driver had suggested a whale watching tour early morning and we decided to go for it. Hence at 5 in the morning we were racing towards a beach called Mirissa. By the time we reached the sun was about to rise. It was glorious. Early morning beach view is generally amazing - the small sandy beach of Mirissa takes it to the next level.

Sunrise @ Mirissa Beach