Polhena beach
If you're looking for the calmest beach in Sri Lanka, where there's no strong wind, high waves, large crowds of tourists and annoying shopkeepers selling junk on the beach, then consider it done! But it doesn't mean that the beach is empty or uncrowded. It's quite frequently visited, but only by locals and passersby. So do take note that you'll get a lot of attention as tourists are a rarity here.
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Beach description
The beach is located 2 km away from the center of Matara. It is a comfortable spot of untouched tropics which fits especially two categories of people the most:
- families with children, as corals separate the coastal area from the ocean and make this spot shallow and calm;
- couples that want to spend their honeymoon among the heavenly tropics in calmness.
This relatively small beach is covered in golden sand, and the water here is transparent, blue and has an even sea bottom. There are no surfers here and no partying atmosphere. This is due to the fact that the natural pool of the beach is separated from the Indian Ocean by a coral reef that stops dangerous waves and only allows a bit of water in.
Polhena Beach guarantees absolutely safe swimming for people of any level, as the sea bottom here is shallow and sandy, without stones or corals (of course, if you don't swim close to the reef). The beach isn't crowded during weekdays, but a lot of locals bring liveliness to the beach during weekends.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is the period from November to April, when the weather is dry. In summer, the rainy season takes place in Sri Lanka, however, the prices this season are much lower. So if you are not afraid of rainfalls (which commonly take place at night, and by morning the ground dries up), a trip in the summer can be a great option for a budget holiday.
Video: Beach Polhena
Infrastructure
The shopping is quite developed here, but the only facilities are mobile stalls where you can only buy the basic equipment - underwater glasses, water toys, towels and light snacks. So it's better to buy food in Matara. The beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities with an instructor, and also surfing for beginners - experienced surfers won't enjoy here much.
And as for conveniences, changing rooms and a toilet are available here. Sunbeds and umbrellas are, for some reason, not available for rent. Maybe the locals think that it's not profitable as the palm branches create a natural shadow along the whole coast, and the sand here is so soft that you won't need a sunbed.
The beach area of Polhena also includes many beautiful restaurants and hotels, one of which is the Polhena Village Beach Resort. There are also souvenir shops here where you can find things unique to this place that will remind you of your vacation in this heavenly place. Beach restaurants with Sri Lankan hospitality will offer gourmet food and beverages.
Weather in Polhena
Best hotels of Polhena
All hotels of PolhenaUseful information
- The main "feature" of this place are the turtles. They live their life seamlessly and are not afraid of people. You can bear witness to the egg laying process or swim with these animals near the shore.
- Crow Island that adds even more romantic mood and fantasy to the local aesthetic is located across the beach.
- Note that the locals swim in their clothes. If you want to wear a swimsuit, you can either find a spot far from them or come here during weekdays when the beach is mostly empty. And if you leave the beach area you need to stay clothed even more, as walking with bare body parts isn't accepted here. Don't shock locals that have established traditions