Nilaveli is known for its blue waters, powdery white sand and natural clarity. The offshore Pigeon Island National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best snorkelling and diving spots, protecting vibrant coral gardens and populations of blacktip reef sharks. The beach is wide, quiet and uncrowded, a world away from the more popular southern resorts and the area retains a refreshing sense of discovery. Nilaveli is best visited between May and September, when the east coast is calm and at its most luminous.