Sri Lanka is situated at the southern tip of India and is a beautiful tropical country. There are plenty of places to visit here, especially since the decades old civil war came to a close over a year ago. The country has mountains, pristine forests, loads of historical sites and most importantly miles and miles of golden beaches.
Being an island, there are no shortages of beaches. However, the south-western and southern coast are the most popular with tourists. These areas (namely Hikkaduwa, Galle and Unwatuna)are the most geared to handle beach loving tourists. You can find hotels which can treat you in extreme luxury and you can find simple places that just proved you with a clean room and bathroom. So there is something for everyone and every budget.
The sea is usually calm for most of the year and is only affected during the brief monsoon periods. There are plenty of fish and coral for those who live diving and snorkeling; however, you should inquire about the currents before you get in to the water and any local fishermen or hotel staffer should be able to help you out with that. The water is warm throughout and immensely enjoyable, so please do wear your sunblock and make sure that it is water resistant. If you are travelling to this area, it is better to do so at night as traffic during the day is quite high. Your travel agent should be able to provide you with more information about the area and accommodation upon request.