3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
3hrs 30mins by bus from Colombo
When to go
Ideally during January, February, March
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days
Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)
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Romain Beuvart
Practical information on Unawatuna
Reviews of Unawatuna
Unawatuna is an excellent tropical beach, at the foot of lush jungle, with its ocean floor covered with coral.
My suggestion:
If you get tired of the beach, don't hesitate to hire a two-wheeler and visit the surrounding area, particularly the Galle fortress a few kilometres away.
My review
Unawatuna is a typical tropical paradise. Its curved, palm-lined bay stretches out 1km. As one would expect, the main attraction here is lying in the sun and admiring the ocean floor, famous for its colourful coral - a must-visit for those who want to find their dream destination.
However, if the beach doesn't interest you, there are other options. Come and visit the Rumassala sanctuary, a small jungle on the tip of a hill, and by walking down the other side you can access the hidden Jungle Beach.
If temples are more your thing, then visit the Buddhist temple and peace pagoda, from where there is a beautiful view of the neighbouring Boavista bay and the village of Galle. Further inland, there is the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya which is worth a visit. Personally, I preferred the visit to Galle and its fortress, which is only a few kilometres from Unawatuna.
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Romain Beuvart
Unawatuna, lying at the south-west tip of Sri Lanka and just a short distance from the city of Galle, is a very touristy coastal resort.
My suggestion:
Half a day is enough time to spend enjoying the beach, which does get just a little too busy. However, Unawatuna represents a good option if you want to spend some time lounging around and taking things easy and visit Galle Fort on the same day.
My review
If you like very busy beaches with shops and businesses, bars and restaurants right on the sand, then Unawatuna is without a doubt the right place for you. it's true to say that when I first arrived in Unawatuna I was delighted with the beauty of the bay, with its white sandy beach and turquoise sea. Nevertheless, however, I wasn't completely enamoured with the place.
You hardly have time to set your towel down on the sand before you're approached by an army of hawkers trying to sell you jewellery, batiks and beach items, and often in a very persistent manner. I'd been in the water for just five minutes when several touts came up to me, aboard their boats, to try to get me to go on a sea trip.
The close proximity of the shops and businesses and the wide range of services offered make Unawatuna the perfect place for a family holiday. The excursions and nautical activities will come to you, without you having to lift even a finger
Galle is less than five minutes away by bus or tuk-tuk, making Unawatuna an ideal place to go if you are hoping to visit the city but not stay overnight there.
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Indi Samarajiva
95 travelers' photos
