Things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka (Travel guide for 2019)
Unawatuna is a small town at the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It has some of the best beaches of Sri Lanka with blue turquoise water and palm trees (Unawatuna beach, jungle beach, Dalawella beach, Mihirpenna beach). One can easily go on a day trip to Galle Fort as its hardly 7 km from Unawatuna. The place is also known for snorkelling, Japanese Peace Pagoda and the insta-famous palm tree rope swing at Dalawella beach. Given that the place offers abundant choices to travelers and there are a lot many things to do in Unawatuna, It is one of the most popular and must visit destinations in Sri Lanka.
I went to Unawatuna in December 2018 and had a gala time exploring all the beaches. In case you are looking to travel to Unawatuna, here is a detailed travel guide for things to do in Unawatuna. The guide covers the list of best beaches in Unawatuna, must-visit places, restaurants and happening nightlife, place to stay, the best time to visit and a lot more.
Hope this helps you in planning your Sri Lanka trip. Now, let’s get started.
First, let’s have a look at the travel map for Unawatuna, it will give you a better idea of places around to plan your itinerary. You can Save this on Pinterest to refer later.
Things to do in Unawatuna
1. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Built on the Rumassala hills (between Galle Fort and Unawatuna beach), Japanese Peace Pagoda is one of the four most famous Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka. Being on the hills, it also has a mesmerising view of the Galle bay and Galle lighthouse!
Good to know – Japanese Peace Pagoda is around 2.5 km from Unawatuna beach. You can reach here by walk or through tuk-tuk. Dress modestly (must cover till knees) to enter the Pagoda. Also, there are no entry charges for the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
2. Jungle beach, Unawatuna
Jungle Beach is an isolated beach close to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. To reach here, you will have to hike down for 10-15 minutes on Rumassala Hills (super easy hike). The good part is that Jungle beach is not as crowded as the main Unawatuna beach and is also recommended for snorkeling.
Tip – While returning, you will have to hike up and the beach gets secluded post-sunset, so plan the trip accordingly. Jungle beach is easily accessible by walk/ tuktuk, don’t waste money on boat rides from Unawatuna beach.
3. Explore around Mihirpenna beach
Mihirpenna beach is one of my favourite beaches in Unawatuna. It is a lot quieter and good for swimming and sunbathing. You can do so many other things around Mihirpenna beach like snorkeling, climbing the rocks around to get the drone view, swinging over the ocean, climbing coconut trees and can also spot some stilt fishing happening (told you, it is my favorite beach).
It is 3 km from the Unawatuna beach. The swing and coconut tree climb will cost hardly a dollar (200 Sri Lankan rupees each).
4. Dalawella beach
Dalawella beach swing of Sri Lanka is in everyone’s bucket list. Thanks to Instagram. More than the swing, I think I enjoyed the sunset here. Seeing the sun hiding behind the vast ocean and spreading the orange and red hues around, such a mesmerising view!
Dalawella beach is 1.5 km from Unawatuna beach – For the swing, search for Dream Cabana,
here is the Maps link. Also, the swing will cost 3 dollars (500 Sri Lankan rupees) for one person.
5. Day Trip to Galle Fort
Another thing to do in Unawatuna will be to visit Galle Fort. Galle Fort was built 400 years back by the Portuguese (in 1588) and then was further developed by Dutch during the 17th century. This UNESCO world heritage must be included in your Sri Lanka itinerary. Surrounded by the Fort's wall, there is a huge complex which has beautiful houses, cafes, hotels, shops and a museum. Perfect for hiring a cycle and exploring around (cycles are easily available within the fort).
Also, Galle Fort is THE BEST place for buying souvenirs. The kind of stuff I saw here, could not spot the same anywhere else in Sri Lanka. So do buy all the awesome stuff for your friends back home.
Good to know - The Fort is open 24 hours and is 7 km from Unawatuna beach. To reach Galle Fort, either hire a tuktuk or take a local bus. Also, there are no entry charges for the Galle Fort.
6. Visit Yetagalla Raja Maha Viharaya temple /
Yetagala Big Buddha temple –
A site must visit for all the history buffs. Yetagala temple is a rock temple with 9m tall reclining Buddha statue and more than thousands of years old Bodhi tree. This quiet and peaceful place is around 4 km from Unawatuna beach and has no entry charge.
7. Unawatuna beach – Unawatuna beach has some good swimming spots and is super close to the main market. It is quite famous between the locals and tourist and hence, a bit crowded.
You can also visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery (7 km from Unawatuna beach), but by what I have heard, these hatcheries do more harm to the turtles than good. Hence, I decided to skip it!
Restaurants and Night life in Unawatuna
There are tons of restaurants and cafes in Unawatuna near the main beach market.
Some of my favourites are -
Happy Banana – Check with waiters if a party is happening and enjoy Unawatuna nightlife.
Bedspace –
Do try some fancy aapams.
Jina’s vegan and vegetarian restaurant – Like the name say, good for vegans and vegetarians and if you wanna try some Indian food.
Wijaya Beach Restaurant – Right at the Wijaya/ Dalawella beach and good for Pizza, beer and great afternoon vibes.
Skinny Deli –
Best Breakfast in Unawatuna.
Places to Stay in Unawatuna/Unawatuna Beach Hotels
There are enough options for hostels and budget hotels in Unawatuna. I stayed at a budget homestay called ‘Sea View Villa’. It was right at Mihirpenna beach and the family was really sweet, hospitable and friendly. The Rockstel Unawatuna (hostel) or Cantaloupe Aqua (4-star hotel) are also good options. Check out all hotels and hostels here - www.booking.com or www.hostelworld.com/a>
Weather in Unawatuna/Best time to Visit Unawatuna
December till March will be the best time to visit Unawatuna or any other beach in southwest Sri Lanka. During these months, the temperature is low (27-30 degrees) and has no or little rain. If you want to avoid peak season, November will also be a good idea!
How long should you stay in Unawatuna
You will need a minimum of 3-4 days for Unawatuna. The more, the better (for all the beach bums like me)!
How to reach Unawatuna from Colombo/Galle
In case you are coming from Colombo side, you need to reach Galle first. For Colombo to Galle, you can catch a bus or train (Matara-train). The bus will cost around 400 Sri Lankan rupees and Matara train will cost 250 Sri Lankan rupees.
For Galle to Unawatuna, there are two options a) local bus or b) tuktuk. Local buses are way cheaper (only 30 Sri Lankan rupees) while tuk-tuk will cost you around 400 Sri Lankan rupees.
Getting around Unwatuna
Most of the places could be easily accessed by walking. Otherwise, a fleet of tuktuks are available in Unawatuna or you can also hire a scooter. Ask your hotel guys to help you with bike rentals. They are always a pro!
Guess what, you can also explore Sri Lanka in tuktuk. Read my guide on renting and self-driving tuktuk in Sri Lanka.
Hope you enjoyed reading the blog and it will help you plan your Sri Lanka trip better. If you still have some questions/ suggestions,leave them in comments below.
In case you plan to explore India, read my travel blogs from India here.
Happy travelling!
Love,
TannedTravelGirl