Things to Do in Unawatuna: 13 Best Experiences

Unawatuna at a glance

1. Swim in Unawatuna Bay

Unawatuna's bay is sheltered by a reef and headlands, so in season the water is often calm enough for relaxed swimming, even for children. Beach cafés and restaurants line the sand. See Unawatuna Beach.

2. Walk to Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach is a small, sheltered cove on the edge of the Rumassala forest, west of Unawatuna. You can reach it by a short walk through the forest or by tuk-tuk to a path near the beach. The water is calm in season and good for snorkelling. It can get busy, so go early.

3. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda

On the Rumassala hill above Jungle Beach stands a gleaming white Japanese Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese Buddhist monks. It's a peaceful place with views over the ocean and towards Galle Fort. Dress modestly and remove your shoes on the pagoda terrace.

4. Learn about Rumassala and the Ramayana

According to local tradition, Rumassala hill is a fragment of the Himalayas dropped by Hanuman as he carried medicinal herbs during the Ramayana story. The hill is still known for its unusual plants. See our Ramayana trail tour and Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka.

5. Snorkel and dive

In the calm season, snorkel over the reef in the bay and at Jungle Beach to see colourful fish and sometimes turtles. Dive centres in Unawatuna offer courses and dives on reefs and shipwrecks off the Galle coast. Never touch coral or turtles. See snorkelling, scuba diving and shipwreck diving.

6. Visit Dalawella Beach and the palm swing

Dalawella, just east of Unawatuna, is famous for a rope swing hanging from a leaning palm tree over the sea. It's one of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka. Go early to avoid queues. The beach also has natural rock pools at low tide.

7. Explore Galle Fort

Galle Fort, about 15 minutes away, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ramparts, colonial streets, a lighthouse, museums, cafés and boutiques. Visit in the late afternoon and stay for sunset on the walls. See Galle Fort, things to do in Galle and our Galle day tour.

8. See the stilt fishermen

Along the coast between Koggala and Ahangama, fishermen once fished from poles in the sea. Today, it's mostly a photo opportunity, and you may be asked for a small payment to take pictures. See Koggala.

9. Take a boat trip on Koggala Lake

Koggala Lake, about 20 minutes east, is a large lagoon with small islands, including one with a cinnamon garden and another with a temple. Boat trips pass mangroves and birdlife. See lagoons.

10. Visit Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya

A short drive inland from Unawatuna, Yatagala is a peaceful rock temple among boulders and trees, with a reclining Buddha and views over the countryside. Dress modestly and remove your shoes. See what to wear at Sri Lankan temples.

11. Take a cooking class

Several local hosts in and around Unawatuna offer Sri Lankan cooking classes, often including a trip to the market. See food and cooking.

12. Try yoga and Ayurveda

Unawatuna and the nearby coast have yoga studios, retreats and Ayurvedic spas. See Ayurveda in Sri Lanka and our wellness tour.

13. Watch the sunset

Watch the sunset from Galle Fort's ramparts, from the Japanese Peace Pagoda, or from the western end of Unawatuna beach.

Best time to visit Unawatuna

Unawatuna's sheltered bay can still be calmer than other beaches in the monsoon, but swimming conditions vary. See the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Swimming safety

The bay is often calm in season, but conditions change. Follow red flags and local advice, and take care near the reef and rocks.

How long to stay

A sample 2-day plan

Day 1

• Morning: walk to Jungle Beach and snorkel.
• Late morning: visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
• Afternoon: relax on Unawatuna beach.
• Sunset: Galle Fort's ramparts, then dinner in the fort.

Day 2

• Early morning: Dalawella's palm swing.
• Morning: Koggala Lake boat trip and the stilt fishermen.
• Afternoon: a cooking class or spa treatment.

Getting to Unawatuna

The nearest main railway station is Galle. See Colombo to Galle, Galle to Ella and Sri Lanka airport transfers.

Where to stay

Unawatuna has guesthouses, boutique hotels and villas, some right on the beach and others on the quieter hillsides. Dalawella and the coast towards Koggala have more secluded options. See where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna or Mirissa?

Many travellers visit both. See Mirissa.

Unawatuna for families

The calm bay in season is good for children, and Galle Fort's ramparts are fun to explore. Watch children closely near rocks and reefs. See Sri Lanka with kids and our family tour.

Unawatuna for couples

Sunsets in Galle Fort, beach dinners and boutique villas make Unawatuna a romantic stop. See our honeymoon tour.

Food to try

Try fresh seafood on the beach, a coastal rice and curry, hoppers for breakfast and fresh juices. Galle Fort has many cafés and restaurants. See Sri Lankan food to try.

Responsible travel in Unawatuna

• Never touch coral or turtles.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Keep Jungle Beach clean; take your rubbish with you.
• Dress modestly at temples and away from the beach.

See our responsible travel guide.

Getting around

Unawatuna is small and walkable. For Jungle Beach, Dalawella, Galle and Koggala, take a tuk-tuk and agree the fare first, or explore with your driver.

Unawatuna on a Sri Lanka itinerary

Unawatuna is a great base for Galle and the south coast. Spend two or three nights here, then continue east to Mirissa and Tangalle, or north to the hill country. See the south coast road trip from Galle to Tangalle and our beach holidays.

Unawatuna's history in brief

Unawatuna was once a quiet fishing village beside the bay. From the 1970s, travellers discovered its calm water and reef, and it became one of the best-known beaches on the south coast. The 2004 tsunami caused heavy damage, but the village rebuilt. Today, it's a relaxed beach town with guesthouses, cafés and boutique hotels, just minutes from Galle.

The Galle coast's beaches

With a driver or tuk-tuk, you can visit several in one day.

Rainy-day ideas

On a rainy day, explore Galle Fort's museums and cafés, take a cooking class, book an Ayurvedic massage or join a yoga class. Showers often pass quickly.

Unawatuna on a budget

Guesthouses and local restaurants in Unawatuna are good value, especially a short walk back from the beach. Jungle Beach, the Peace Pagoda and the sunsets are free, and snorkelling gear is cheap to rent.

Unawatuna at night

Unawatuna's nightlife is relaxed: beach bars, live music and seafood dinners. For more choice, head to Galle Fort's restaurants. Take a tuk-tuk back to your hotel late at night.

Is Unawatuna worth visiting?

Yes, especially from December to April. It's one of the easiest places on the south coast for swimming, and it's the perfect base for Galle Fort and the surrounding beaches.

Photography tips

• Dalawella's swing is best early in the morning, before the crowds.
• The Peace Pagoda looks beautiful in late-afternoon light.
• Galle Fort's ramparts are perfect at sunset.
• Ask before photographing people, including the stilt fishermen.

Shopping

In Galle Fort, you'll find boutiques selling jewellery, clothing, homeware and art. In Unawatuna, look for beachwear, batik and handicrafts. Buy gems only from reputable, licensed shops. See buying blue sapphire in Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna with a private driver

With a driver, you can see Galle Fort, Jungle Beach, Koggala Lake, the stilt fishermen and Yatagala in one easy day, then return to the beach for sunset. It's also the easiest way to continue along the coast to Mirissa, Tangalle or a safari. See our private driver page.

Rumassala's plants and wildlife

The forest on Rumassala hill is home to many medicinal plants, birds and monkeys. Walk quietly on the paths to the Peace Pagoda and Jungle Beach, and you may spot kingfishers, lizards and butterflies.

Planning tips

• Book early for December to March, especially in Galle Fort.
• Go to Jungle Beach early for the calmest water and fewest people.
• Carry cash for tuk-tuks and small restaurants.
• Bring water shoes for rocks and reefs.
• Visit Galle Fort late in the day, when it's cooler and the light is golden for photos on the ramparts.
• Ask your hotel about the best snorkelling spots on the day, as conditions change with the tide and swell.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Visiting in the monsoon expecting calm seas.
• Arriving at Jungle Beach or Dalawella late, when they're crowded.
• Touching coral while snorkelling.
• Skipping Galle Fort at sunset.

Related guides

Dalawella Beach