Polhena Beach : A Tropical Paradise in Sri Lanka

April 24, 2024

Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Polhena Beach is a hidden gem that offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience. With its pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, this beach is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the beauty of Polhena Beach, its unique attractions, and how to make the most of your visit.

The Beauty of Polhena Beach

Polhena Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility. The beach is sheltered by a coral reef, creating a calm lagoon that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The clear waters allow visitors to witness the breathtaking underwater world, teeming with colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine species.

One of the highlights of Polhena Beach is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. These gentle creatures can often be spotted near the reef, gracefully gliding through the water. Snorkeling alongside these magnificent creatures is an experience that will leave you in awe of the wonders of nature.

Attractions and Activities

Snorkeling and Diving

Polhena Beach is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The calm waters and vibrant marine life make it an ideal spot to explore the underwater world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of dive centers and snorkeling tours available to cater to your needs. These tours provide all the necessary equipment and guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Whale Watching

If you are visiting Polhena Beach between November and April, you have the chance to witness the majestic whales that migrate along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Whale watching tours are organized from nearby Mirissa, where you can spot blue whales, sperm whales, and even dolphins. It is an awe-inspiring experience to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Beachside Relaxation

For those seeking relaxation, Polhena Beach offers the perfect setting. The soft sands and gentle waves create a serene atmosphere, ideal for sunbathing or simply unwinding with a good book. The beach is lined with palm trees, providing shade and a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll.

How to Get to Polhena Beach

Polhena Beach is located approximately 180 kilometers south of Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Here are the two most convenient ways to reach Polhena Beach:

By Private Transfer

Hire a private taxi or arrange a transfer through your hotel.
The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside of Sri Lanka.

By Public Transport

Take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Matara.
The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
From Matara, take a tuk-tuk or a local bus to Polhena Beach.

Visitors’ Reviews

Visitors to Polhena Beach have consistently praised its natural beauty and tranquility. Here are some reviews from travelers:

“A Hidden Paradise”

“Polhena Beach is truly a hidden paradise. The calm waters and vibrant marine life make it a perfect spot for snorkeling. We were lucky enough to swim with sea turtles, an experience we will never forget. Highly recommended!” – Sarah, United Kingdom

“Relaxation at Its Best”

“If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing beach, Polhena is the place to be. The soft sands, clear waters, and palm trees create a serene atmosphere. We spent hours sunbathing and enjoying the gentle waves. Can’t wait to go back!” – John, Australia

Polhena Beach

4.5

Based on 1328 reviews

review us on

Sajeewa Sapukotana

06:21 23 Apr 24

Ajiwadeen Mohammed

14:29 17 Apr 24

Lifeguard and parking ticketers were not honest and they were unruly.it was the worst experience I have ever had in a beach my whole life. The guards were ready to escalate any small problem into a bigger one. They were clearing the beach about 1hr before it got dark, and when a group refuse to leave they tried to get into a fist fight. After that cooled they tried to chase me and my family away although they were vey good swimmers. So I got out and told to put up a notice saying that everyone must leave by 17.40.Worst of all was their excuse to why we must clear was because they were signing off

Oshan Saminda

14:10 12 Apr 24

mihili ashinsha

04:21 12 Apr 24

it is a MAJIC...

Sudesh Weerakkody

18:42 11 Apr 24

Don't go there. Good place to swim but people there try to steal ur money.locals asking for money to park vehicle 300rs. And they try to steal ur items inside ur vehicle.

Happy Life

08:42 24 Mar 24

We had good time, snorkeling 🤿 lot of 🪸 and 🐠 🐟. 7 big 🐢 are there living more than 100 years. With the help of divers it's easy to do snorkeling. It's a wonderful experience.

Anica Krause

10:15 12 Mar 24

Beautiful beach, fine sand and trees providing shade. You can rent snorkelling gear but there aren't many fish right at the beach. You have to swim a little bit to the right side but then you see many different kinds. I wouldn't expect turtles there and the visibility can be bad after rainy days as there's a river mouth not far away. The water is very calm though because of a reef

Tharanga Roshini

16:49 18 Oct 23

It is one of the famous beach ⛱️ located at southern province Sri Lanka. Because of the coral reaf there is no tide there. So it safe place for sea 🌊 bathing. Beautiful sea view.You can buy tyre and enjoy in the sea if you're unable to swim at the Polhena beach.

Thilina Andradi

04:11 04 Oct 23

You may have wondered, why I have given 3 stars to this beautiful beach. Yes it's a beautiful beach. You can bathe there. It has a protective reef. But we heard few people died after swimming. There is a navy post I believe they have some life guards. But life guard signs are not displayed properly. So there is a danger here. When I review a place I always consider the number of activities around the area. But I couldn't find any other than sea activities. There are shops to buy swimming equipment. They have washrooms also. Good parking too.

Niranjan Pathiraja

06:45 27 Jul 23

My Second visit to the Beach. Place developed over the years.Car park for RS 200.Tube rental for RS 200Look for Dileep for Guided Snorkeling 🤿 for RS 1000 he will show the turtle 🐢 and allows you to swim with them.Changing rooms available around.

Summary

Polhena Beach is a tropical paradise that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and a range of activities, this beach is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka. Whether you are snorkeling with sea turtles, diving into the crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing on the soft sands, Polhena Beach will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

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