Unawatuna: A dream beach on Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast
According to folklore , Unawatuna is a piece of the great Himalayas. How? During the infamous battle between Rama and Ravana in Sri Lanka , Hanuman , the mischievous monkey chieftain was summoned to pick herbs from Himalayas to treat the wounded soldiers. After a massive leap from Lanka to Himalayas , Hanuman forgot the list , casually picked up a chunk off the mountain and hopped back to the battleground dropping bits and pieces of the mountain everywhere. "Onna-Watuna" ( There , that fell ! in local dialect ) was thus born.
Although this may seem a bed time story , the variety of flora and fauna , rock formations and the overall topography of this region are quite magical; quite unlikely for a tropical beach town. This is what makes Unawatuna a dream beach on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Unawatuna
1. Relax at Unawatuna Beach
The long stretch of golden sand is ideal for an all day long beach session. Grab a beer or a fresh king coconut and just enjoy the view of the magnificent Indian ocean. You can also take a boat trip from Unawatuna beach and hit the Jungle Beach if you enjoy your own company , away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is located beside Unawatuna on top a little hillock known as Rumassala - another drop from the monkey king , they say. The Portugese called this the "Buona Vista" hill or the hill with a good view. Living true to its name , this gem of a place offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Galle and the Indian ocean. Make sure to be there around 4pm in the evening where you can also take part in the chanting done by the Japanese incumbents.
Naveen Devinda
3. Snorkeling and Diving at Jungle Beach
The reef is quite shallow and is ideal for snorkeling , even for beginners. For the more adventurous , get in touch with one of the many dive schools on the beach and organize a dive trip to the wrecks in the bay. The Jungle Beach boat trip for snorkeling and the beginners dive at Rock Island are two great ways to kick off your diving holiday.
4. Explore Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya
A 10 minute tuk-tuk ride from the beach will take you to one of the oldest temples in the South of Sri Lanka - Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya. The lush rice paddies , massive rocks and the calmness of the place will , for a moment, make you forget that you are in a beach-town. Do not forget to sit under the magnificent Bodhi Tree (which is over a millennia old), embrace the silence and contemplate on nothing.
5. Galle Fort Day Trip
Would you believe that there lies the world's one and only colonial living heritage , just 10 minutes away from Unawatuna? Board a tuk-tuk and visit Galle Fort , the only one of its kind on the whole colony map of the Imperial project. Walk along the ramparts , peep into the luxury boutique stores or even dare to try some authentic street food when in the Fort.
Naveen Devinda
When to Visit Unawatuna
Unawatuna is an year-round destination with the beach and waves being generally safe. However, the best period to visit is between November and April, when the South-West Monsoon has started to wither off. This is usually the dry season on the south coast, ideal for beach time , diving and other water sports.
Tip: Avoid May to July when the southwest monsoon typically brings heavy rains , intermittent showers and rough seas.
What to Wear and Carry
- Light, comfortable clothing
- Swimsuits and reef-friendly sunscreen
- Flip-flops or sandals
- A light scarf or shawl when visiting temples for females
- Mozzie Spray
- reusable water bottles
Accessibility
Unawatuna is a very accessible destination with little challenges for those with mobility challenges especially in the smaller beach paths and jungle areas. Most guesthouses and cafes are wheelchair accessible, but it is advisable to check in advance. The ever-friendly staff at restaurants would always ride the extra mile to make sure everybody gets in. While Tuk-tuks standout as the most common mode of transport inside Unawatuna, walking along the narrow streets could also be fun.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Go local and Shop Local. Sri Lanka needs your support.
- Avoid single-use plastics whenever and wherever possible.
- Respect local customs and etiquette.
- Take part in beach clean-ups , reef clean-ups and local festivals.
Getting There
Unawatuna is around 125 km south of Colombo. You can:
- Take a train to Galle and then a tuk-tuk (15 minutes).
- Book a private transfer or bus from Colombo or Ella.
- Use Uber or PickMe (local ride apps) for more convenience.
Final Thoughts
Unawatuna is not Bali or California. It has its own charm which is a mix of nature , culture , religion and hedonism. If you are looking for a one-stop beach destination, look no further. Unawatuna would tick many boxes.
