Why Is Hambantota Famous For? Beaches And The Best Places To Visit In Hambantota

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After visiting the Nine Arch Bridge and the iconic blue trains, my next stop was the Diyaluma Waterfall, at a distance of around 45 km.  Now, Sri Lanka is full of hidden gems. Along with the Ritigala Forest Monastery, this waterfall has also offered me a slice of offbeat Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, the Diyaluma Waterfall, with a height of 220 meters, is the second-tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it has many natural infinity pools.  If those were not reasons enough, Diyaluma Waterfall is irresistible for the local tragic love story associated with it. Also, it is a place of great ecological importance.  Moreover, the journey from Ella to Poonagala and the trek further offer an equally unforgettable experience.  Here are more details about visiting the Diyaluma Waterfall, its location, transport options, history, hiking experience, and more.  Where Is Diyaluma Waterfall?  The Diyaluma Waterfall is on the Colombo-Badulla highway in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka.  Koslanda, around 6 km west, is the closest town to the Diyaluma Waterfall.  Furthermore, it is located at a distance of around 30 km from Ella. Also, the waterfall is located about 196 km away from Kandy, the cultural hub of central Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the Kirindi Oya River has formed this waterfall. This river starts flowing near Bandarawela and flows across the central part of Sri Lanka.  How To Reach The Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka?  Tuk-tuks are easily available from Ella to Poonagala. Further, from the Poonagala village at the top, you have to do a short hike to reach the Diyaluma Falls.  However, you can also hike from Koslanda. This is a bottom-to-top hike and way more difficult than the top-to-bottom hike from Poonagala.  Also, the tuk-tuk to the Poonagala village cost me LKR 4000.  Moreover, remember that you have to inform your tuk-tuk driver that you need to go to the upper Diyaluma Falls and trek down from there. 1. Hiking From Poongala To Diyaluma Falls  Carry an offline map when hiking from Poongala to the Diyaluma Falls as the network is inconsistent here.  Furthermore, you must take your tuk-tuk driver as a guide or a different local guide for the hike.  My trek to the falls started from the Makaldenya Junction, and I walked for around 30 minutes to reach the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  The path is even, and that is why you need to wear proper hiking shoes with a good grip. Also, long and dry grasses cover the entire route.  You will find all the infinity pools here, and taking a bath is a must, considering the heat and strain of walking downhill.  Then, I took a walk of around 10 minutes to reach the Lower Diyaluma Fall. From there, you can see water falling into the valley from a height of 220 meters.  Also, this is the moment you realize the meaning of the Diyaluma Waterfalls. The name is a combination of Diya and Haluma.  Moreover, the name means the “liquid light” or a “rapid flow of water.”  2. Hiking From Koslanda To Diyaluma Falls  The hike from Koslanda is difficult. However, it offers an amazing view of the waterfall from the Diyaluma Falls Bridge below.  Furthermore, the hike takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and on this hiking route, you will find many snacks and coconut shops.  What Are The Things To Do At Diyaluma Falls?  To enjoy hiking and other activities at the Diyaluma Falls, you have to arrive a little early. The waterfalls are open from 6 AM to 5 PM.  Then, you can enjoy a bath in the infinity pools, relax on the rocks, or talk to the locals. In fact, I got to know about the history of this waterfall when talking to a local hiker.  1. Swimming In The Natural Infinity Pools Of The Diyaluma Waterfall On the edge of the main Diyaluma Waterfall, you will find the main natural infinity pool. Also, you will find many other natural infinity pools formed by the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.  However, you must check with the locals and take enough precautions before getting into the water.  2. Relaxing On The Surrounding Rocks It may not sound very appealing to you. However, for me, who always cherishes TheLowDownUnder Travel experiences, it is a great thing to experience.  Sitting on a rock and seeing streaks of water gushing from a height of 220 meters. You don’t get to see these scenes often, right? Also, don’t forget to bring a towel if you want to sit on the rocks and relax.  3. Talking To The Locals  I come from a country where cricket is the religion. Sri Lanka also has a celebrated cricket team and has produced legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Arjuna Ranatunga.  So, it was great fun talking about cricket.  Then, a local guy shared the history of the Diyaluma Waterfall and the tragic love story associated with it. The History Of The Diyaluma Waterfall  A king once fell in love with a lady. However, she was from a lower caste, and the societal norms did not allow them to get married. So, they fled. Unfortunately, people against it chased them down, and the lady fell into the waterfall and died.  Safety Norms To Follow While Visiting The Diyaluma Falls  No set rule exists for the visitors to the Diyaluma Falls, and that is probably the most concerning matter.  The tourist inflow here is high, and most of them are adrenaline junkie.  So, stand on the edge and swim in the infinity pools, but with caution. Moreover, avoid visiting the waterfall in the monsoon season, from September to early December.  Even if you hike in these months, do not swim in the waterfall.  Overall, the Diyaluma Waterfall remains the symbol of the grandeur of nature, and the myths associated with it make it more intriguing.  So, if you are in Sri Lanka, don’t miss a hike to this waterfall, which is also at the epicenter of a unique ecosystem.  Moreover, enjoy the serenity and spirituality in the air.

BY  Sibashree Jun 18, 2026

As the names of the World’s 50 best beaches get declared, three beaches in Thailand get shoutouts. These are the Freedom Beach, Paradise Beach, and Donald Duck Bay.  Also, with popular hubs such as Pattaya and Phuket, beach tourism is a major driver of the blue economy and the GDP of the country.  However, beyond these facts and accolades, the best beaches in Thailand, for me, are important because of the “Feel.”  The clear water, soft sand, and the warm hospitality of the place make it one of a kind. Furthermore, the landscapes starlight out of a storybook offer the quintessential tropical charm.  However, while traveling with my kids, I decided to focus more on the best beaches in Thailand beyond the commercial hubs such as Phuket. I wanted to take them to smaller regions where they could relax and feel the intimacy.  So, in this article, I will talk about the best beaches in Thailand for families, with Ao Nang in focus. I have also included the names from Phuket and Koh Lanta.  Ao Nang In Focus: The Best Beaches In Thailand For Family  As I have mentioned, despite Phuket getting most of the attention, Ao Nang is more suitable for a family vacation.  It has calmer waters, dramatic scenery, and a more authentic, community-centric environment for children. No wonder that Ao Nang in Krabi Province has emerged as the most overlooked gem among the beaches in Thailand.  The overall experience here is more authentic, and it offers a community-centric environment for children.  And here are the best beaches in Ao Nang I visited and loved.  Pai Plong Beach: The Ultimate Jungle Adventure Pai Plong is one of the best beaches in Thailand for families because of the soft golden sand. Furthermore, reaching the Pai Plong Beach is an adventure in itself. Children especially will love it.  How To Reach The Pai Plong Beach Via The Monkey Trail?  To reach the hidden cover, we took a walk along the main Ao Nang beachfront until we reached the start of the famous Monkey Trail.  This hiking path passes through a lush and dense jungle. Walking was quite adventurous but convenient with elevated boardwalks and wooden steps.  Furthermore, my kids were thrilled to have such close encounters with local monkeys. So, the excitement built up even before hitting the ocean.  Scenery And Swimming Beauty At The Pai Plong Beach  The Pai Plong beach is smaller than the neighboring public bays. However, the visual punch was unmatched.  It has surreal limestone cliffs and a striking karst island sitting just off the coast.  Furthermore, it was a welcome relief from the world-famous and overcrowded Railay Beach. Also, as a mother, the best part was the texture of the beach. The sand was soft. So, I did not have to check frequently whether any of them had toppled over and gotten a cut or gotten hurt.  In addition, the water was crystal clear, and the sea floor was entirely free of painful sea urchins. So, the kids could splash around safely without heavy water footwear.  2. Phra Nang Cave Beach: A Crystal-Clear Paradise Phra Nang Cave is another world-class coastal destination when you are traveling through Krabi with your family.  Even if many people consider Railay Beach to be the ultimate spot in the area, Phra Nang is actually a clear winner by miles.  How To Reach The Phra Nang Cave Beach?  The journey to the Phra Nang Cave Beach is an exciting experience. We took a traditional Thai longtail boat from Ao Nang to the Railay peninsula. As we stepped off the boat, we had to walk for around 20 minutes through a scenic route.  The path meandered through quiet and quaint villages, and the entire route runs alongside a vertical and majestic limestone mountain.  Moreover, the road is well-shaded, and it is full of biodiversity. We got to see playful monkeys on the route.  However, I got a little scared seeing the giant monitor lizards.  What Are The Best On-beach Activities For Children On The Phra Nang Cave Beach? The ocean water is so clear that we could easily spot schools of tropical fish around our ankles. We did not even have to wear a snorkel mask.  Furthermore, kids love the rock climbing spectacles here as professional climbers scale the massive and overhanging limestone crags right on the edge of the sand.  Moreover, there is this secret sandbar walk. During some tide windows, we could spot a pristine and shallow sandbar. We walked right across the ocean on the sandbar to explore a nearby rocky island.  3. Noppharat Thara Beach: The Golden Shell-Collecting Haven Noppharat Thara Beach is an ideal place if your family prefers tranquility and wide-open spaces.  Away from crowds, this beach is more popular as the “Other Beach” in Ao Nang. It is also less commercialized.  We took a quick tuk-tuk ride to reach the beach from the town. You can even plan a walk for 20-30 minutes from the town.  Unending Golden Sand And Natural Cleanliness Guarded by giant karst limestones on both horizons, the Noppharat Thara Beach boasts a long stretch of golden-brown sand.  The beach was pristine in the truest sense, and it was a relief seeing no litter or discarded garbage on the shoreline.  This is so hard to find on the beaches of Southeast Asia.  Noppharat Thara Beach Has A Thriving Ecosystem For Little Explorers  Young kids and inquisitive toddlers will love the shoreline covered in thousands of intact, beautifully colored marine seashells. Even I could spend hours collecting and sorting those seashells. Furthermore, as the ocean water stays calm and shallow at a distance from the shore, the beach is safe for toddlers and youngsters to swim.  In addition, you can spot thousands of miniature crabs and tiny sea snails in the damp sand here. So, overall, the beach offers an interactive learning session for the kids.  Planning A Day Trip To Hong Island (Ko Hong) From Ao Nang After spending some time on the mainland, we decided to go for a day trip to Hong Island from the Ao Nang coast.  We chartered a private longtail boat from the boatman's collective located at the northern edge of Ao Nang Beach. Once the boat arrived at Hong Island, getting off it was a lot of fun. We had to disembark onto a floating pier and not directly on the sand.  It is a great move to protect the delicate shoreline. However, before you leave the dock, take a note of the specific boat number and ask the captain about the exact pick-up time in the afternoon.  We also went to the National Park. The entry fee for the national park was around 400 Thai Baht for adults, and for children, it was free admission.  Here are more attractions for travelers on Hong Island.  The Hidden Turquoise Lagoon A key highlight of visiting Ko Hong is journeying into its hidden inner lagoon. Most organized day tours include this stop.  Your boat captain will slowly pilot the vessel through a breathtakingly narrow opening in the towering rock walls.  Once inside, the water becomes beautifully shallow and shifts into a brilliant, glowing shade of turquoise.  The lagoon is entirely encircled by vertical, jungle-covered cliffs, creating an enchanting environment for kids.  Powder-White Sand And Protected Swimming Once you arrive on the main island, skip the exposed southern beach and head directly to the far northern tip.  Here, you will find a secondary lagoon that is completely shielded from the rough open ocean. This area offers perfectly calm, waveless water.  Hong Island easily rivals Railay Beach in raw beauty. While Railay features darker golden sand, Ko Hong boasts brilliant, blindingly white sand.  The sand texture is incredibly soft, feeling exactly like talcum powder underfoot. However, note that it sticks stubbornly to wet skin and clothes. Park signs and automated loudspeakers frequently remind visitors to wear life jackets while wading.  Additionally, the shallows contain jagged chunks of bleached coral reef and sharp, broken shells.  It is highly recommended to pack durable water shoes for the family to avoid cuts.  The Educational Tsunami Nature Trail As my kids were getting restless sitting on a beach towel, I took them on a 15-minute break to explore Hong Island’s interior nature trail.  The path features highly educational English interpretive signs.  These include profound historical accounts detailing exactly how the island was impacted by the devastating December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami.  While walking through the dense brush, keep a sharp eye out for the island's native residents: massive water monitor lizards.  These docile reptiles grow so large that children frequently mistake them for real Komodo Dragons. Overrated Icons: Why Railay And Ao Nang Main Beach Can Disappoint Families Railay Beach and the primary Ao Nang town beach are the two suggestions you will usually get when you search for the best beaches in the Krabi region.  However, there are practical reasons why I have not included them in my list of the best beaches in Thailand.  Railay Beach: The Longtail Boat Traffic Jam  The Railay Beach is visually stunning, and it has dramatic limestone peaks that jut straight out of the clear ocean water. Furthermore, the massive rock walls completely cut off the peninsula from the mainland. So, you can only reach it by boat.  This logistical setup creates the biggest problems for families.  Noise, Exhaust, And Crowds The constant presence of longtail boats is one of the major problems with Railay Beach.  Dozens of commercial transport boats gather right offshore and create a dense cluster in the center of the beach.  Furthermore, the boats have unmuffled and loud automotive engines. This process creates a near-constant roar, and it prompts strong fuel exhaust fumes across the sand. This ruins the peaceful tropical ambiance. Rocky Shallows And Missing Shells Thousands of tourists walk these sands daily during the high season. As a result, you will hardly find interesting pieces of coral or seashells for kids to collect.  Furthermore, the ocean floor here stays shallow and clean for a long distance. However, there is the presence of jagged and hidden rocks.  Moreover, you have to wear sturdy water shoes if you want to visit the beach for snorkeling and kayaking.  Ao Nang Main Beach: A Busy Transit Hub The main municipal beach running directly along the primary resort strip is noisy and has high traffic.  So, you can visit this as an important transportation hub, and it is not suitable for a swimming beach.  Furthermore, here are the following main problems with the Ao Nang Main Beach. Endless Rows Of Water Taxis  The water of the Ao Nang Main Beach has a continuous line of a massive row of longtail boats. These longboats wait to ferry tourists away to cleaner, offshore islands.  Pollution Concerns  Many sections of the beach have significant environmental issues.  One of the issues is the large municipal drainage pipes empty directly across the open sand into the surf line.  As a result, this can cause unpleasant odors near the runoff zones. Litter In The Sand  There is constant foot traffic from the shops and bars nearby. Furthermore, you will find a noticeable amount of garbage embedded in the sand. Furthermore, the garbage in the sand includes sharp metallic beer bottle caps. So, it is hazardous to walk barefoot in the sand here.  Comparing Alternatives: Phuket And Koh Lanta If you want to go beyond Krabi and explore more beaches in Thailand, you can visit Phuket and Koh Lanta.  Both islands have many beaches for the kids. However, these beaches are vastly different in their environments.  Phuket Beaches For Families  The beaches in Phuket are charming despite the dense crowd. Also, my kids especially loved the Bang Tao Beach.  I also loved Kamala Beach because of its long stretch of sand without rocks and seashells.  Kamala Beach  Kamala Beach has soft golden sand, and it allows an obstruction-free movement with a clear ocean floor and very little presence of rocks and seashells.  However, it is also a popular hub for parasailing and jet skiing. So, the waves can be huge sometimes, and you need to be watchful. Bang Tao Beach  With its long stretch of 8 km and unbroken beach, Bang Tao Beach was a delightful place to visit.  The southern part of the beach was quite busy, and as we headed north, we found a manmade ditch.  My kids immediately slid down the ditch and played happily for quite a long time.  Furthermore, the beach had many cool Thai food stands. So, we had a fun snacking time. Koh Lanta Beaches Khlong Dao Beach in Koh Lanta has a diverse marine life, white sand and gentle waves.  Furthermore, it is ideal for kid-friendly body surfing, and the sunset here was magical. Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Santorini? A Complete Guide For Travelers Heard Of Patong Beach In Thailand? It Will Blow Your Mind! Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better?

BY  Sibashree Jul 7, 2026

With the One Love Reggae Festival returning to Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka is now preparing to be a vibrant cultural stage for music lovers from around the world.  The event is slated from 7th to 9th August, and with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, will function as a major tourism catalyst for Bentota.  Nevertheless, Bentota Beach has always been a popular, idyllic destination in Sri Lanka due to the calm waves of the Indian Ocean and soft golden sands.  Furthermore, it is a gateway to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort.  However, for me, the most striking thing about Bentota was the safari on the Bentota Ganga. With dramatic landscapes and surrealism awaiting you in every nook, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka.  Also, very close to Colombo, just a 2-hour drive away, this beach stands out even if tourists show more interest in popular variations such as Tangalle Beach and Mirissa Beach.  Here is more about why Bentota Beach is worth visiting and what the top attractions are.  What Are The Things To Do In Bentota?  The heavenly sunset views of Bentota Beach, the most anticipated boat safari on Bentota Ganga, and a relaxing experience in the Ayurveda Herbal and Spice Garden! Furthermore, if you want an adrenaline rush, you can take part in activities such as parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, and more! 1. Water Sports At Bentota Beach Bentota has many beaches, such as the Ventura Beach or the Moragalla Beach, where the ocean meets the Bentota Ganga River.  However, together, they are known as the Bentota Beach, and together they look like a long stretch of fine white sand.  A specific stretch of sand is parallel to Bentota Lagoon, which is more commonly called the Bentota Ganga.  It is known as the Paradise Island, looking like a narrow and long peninsula stretching out into the ocean.  Also, it is ideal for the following watersports.  Windsurfing Waterskiing Diving Canoeing Snorkeling Fishing Moreover, centers such as Diyakawa Water Sports and Sunshine Water Sports Center help with the best gear, training, and guidance.  2. Visiting The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project I mentioned the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project when visiting Kalutara.  However, it is way closer to Bentota, and it is situated at a distance of just 9 km. So, it is just a road journey of 9 km or 15 minutes south by road.  It remains open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the ticket price is LKR 500 for locals and LKR 1000 for foreigners.  It is a vital wildlife sanctuary on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Established in 1981, it aims to protect endangered sea turtles from extinction caused by poaching and habitat loss. The hatchery monitors local beaches to rescue vulnerable eggs.  It buries them safely in protected sand nests until they hatch. Impressively, the project cares for all five sea turtle species that visit Sri Lanka. The Green Turtles Loggerhead Turtles Hawksbill Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles Leatherback Turtles.  The sanctuary also rehabilitates turtles injured by fishing nets. However, for me, the most exciting experience in the sanctuary was releasing newborn hatchlings into the Indian Ocean at sunset.  This hands-on experience funds the project while raising global awareness about marine conservation. Overall, it was a great experience learning about the marine ecosystem and how these adorable marine creatures play an important role in maintaining the balance.  If you want to watch and study them further, Sri Lanka has many other destinations such as the Dalawella Beach, Dickwella Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach.  3. The River Safari On Bentota Ganga  While many people are more excited about the watersports, I visited Bentota for the water safari.  It was late afternoon, and the Sun was getting mellower. Fortunately, the hotel I was staying in had the provision for booking a boat safari.  The boat progressed through the jungle. Also, I could spot eagles flying high and some snakes in the water.  I was looking for crocodiles, but this time, I did not find one.  Moreover, the roots of the trees got entangled, and the roots created some eerie formations that looked straight out of Apocalypse.  Having said that, the river safari was not just an opportunity to spot the wildlife. I also saw the traditional fishing techniques and prawn farming in the wetlands surrounded by mangrove forests.  Another interesting stop was the Cinnamon Island. I spotted old and young men cutting sleek sticks of cinnamon. I bought a few bottles of cinnamon oil from them.  It was a 1.5-hour safari, and it cost around LKR 2500.  4. Exploring The Bentota Market  The Aluthgama town is around 3 km away from Bentota, and the Monday market here is amazing.  I had a talk with Manjula, a college student and a local vendor who helps her mother, Hiruni.  “People from different parts of the southwest coast come here. This is a market mostly dominated by women. So, I love being a part of the market.  The vendors sell various products, including clothes, vegetables, groceries, and other knick-nacks.  I also found the place to be a great spot for socializing. Women were interacting with each other when buying exotic fruits and fresh vegetables.  Moreover, I collected some cinnamon sticks, spices, and clothes as souvenirs.  5. Enjoying The Benefit Of Herbal And Spice Treatment  Bentota is famous for traditional Ayurveda and health treatment. The oils and massage solutions here have spices and local herbs.  The medicines and solutions also have cardamom, cinnamon, seeds, fruits, bark, and leaves.  So, if you want to enjoy the ultimate Sri Lankan spa experience, Bentota is the ideal place.  The big hotels and resorts have spas offering traditional treatments and therapies. Furthermore, there are some specialized Ayurveda centers.  Where To Stay In Bentota Beach?  From budget guesthouse Hotel Hemadan to 5-star hotel Taj Bentota Resort, the accommodation options in Bentota are diverse.  Furthermore, if you want an artistic and boutique experience, you can choose options such as Taj Bentota Resort and NH Bentota Ceysands.  Based on the accommodation you choose, the cost of staying in Bentota will be between LKR 13000 and 60000 per night.