Are you looking for a tropical getaway that offers stunning beaches, thrilling water sports, rich culture, and delicious food? If yes, then you should definitely visit Unawatuna, a quaint town in southern Sri Lanka that has everything you need for a perfect vacation. Unawatuna is one of the most popular beach destinations in Sri Lanka, attracting thousands of tourists every year who come to enjoy its golden sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back vibe.
Whether you want to swing on a rope over the ocean, surf the waves, snorkel with colorful fish, or relax with a massage, Unawatuna has something for everyone. In this guide, we will show you the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Unawatuna, as well as how to get there, where to stay, and when to go. Read on to discover why Unawatuna is Sri Lanka’s ultimate beach paradise.
How to Get to Unawatuna
Getting to Unawatuna is easy and convenient, as it is located only 150 km from the capital city of Colombo and 5 km from the historic city of Galle. You have several options to reach Unawatuna from the airport or other cities, such as bus, train, taxi, or tuk-tuk. Here are the details of each option:
Bus:
Taking a bus is the cheapest and most adventurous way to get to Unawatuna, as you will get to see the local life and scenery along the way. You can take a bus from Colombo to Galle, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 200 LKR (1 USD). From Galle, you can take another bus to Unawatuna, which takes about 15 minutes and costs around 20 LKR (0.1 USD). You can find the bus schedules and routes on this website.
Train:
Taking a train is the fastest and most scenic way to get to Unawatuna, as you will get to enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and the ocean. You can take a train from Colombo to Galle, which takes about 2 hours and costs around 300 LKR (1.5 USD) for a second-class ticket. From Galle, you can take a tuk-tuk to Unawatuna, which takes about 10 minutes and costs around 300 LKR (1.5 USD). You can find the train schedules and tickets on this website.
Taxi:
Taking a taxi is the most comfortable and convenient way to get to Unawatuna, as you will get to travel in a private and air-conditioned vehicle. You can book a taxi from Colombo to Unawatuna, which takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 10,000 LKR (50 USD). You can also book a taxi from Galle to Unawatuna, which takes about 10 minutes and costs around 500 LKR (2.5 USD). You can find the best taxi deals on this website.
Tuk-tuk:
Taking a tuk-tuk is the most fun and authentic way to get to Unawatuna, as you will get to experience the local culture and traffic. You can hail a tuk-tuk from anywhere in Colombo or Galle, or use an app like PickMe or Uber to book one. The price of a tuk-tuk depends on the distance, time, and bargaining skills, but you can expect to pay around 5,000 LKR (25 USD) from Colombo to Unawatuna, and around 300 LKR (1.5 USD) from Galle to Unawatuna.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna
Unawatuna offers a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget hostels, from beachfront villas to cozy guesthouses. You can find the best area to stay in Unawatuna depending on what you are looking for:
Main beach:
If you want to be close to the action, the main beach is the place to be. Here you will find the most restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife, as well as the most crowded and lively beach. You can choose from many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that offer stunning views of the ocean and easy access to the beach. Some of the best options are:
Thaproban Beach House: A 4-star hotel that features spacious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, a swimming pool, and a spa. The price starts from 12,000 LKR (60 USD) per night for a double room.
Rockside Cabanas Hotel: A 3-star hotel that offers cozy cabanas, a beachfront restaurant, a garden, and a massage service. The price starts from 6,000 LKR (30 USD) per night for a double cabana.
Hangover Hostel: A 2-star hostel that provides dorms and private rooms, a common area, a kitchen, and a bar. The price starts from 1,000 LKR (5 USD) per night for a bed in a dorm.
Thalpe beach:
If you want to experience the local culture, Thalpe beach is the place to be. Here you will find a more authentic and rustic beach, where you can mingle with the locals and watch the fishermen at work. You can also explore the nearby villages, temples, and markets, and get a glimpse of the rural life in Sri Lanka. You can find some of the best guesthouses, homestays, and cottages that offer charm and hospitality. Some of the best options are:
Thalpe Walawwa Heritage Villa: A 4-star villa that offers spacious rooms, a garden restaurant, a swimming pool, and a library. The price starts from 18,000 LKR (90 USD) per night for a double room.
Thaproban Pavilion Resort and Spa: A 4-star resort that features stylish rooms, a beachfront restaurant, a swimming pool, and a spa. The price starts from 12,000 LKR (60 USD) per night for a double room.
Thalpe Bungalows: A 3-star bungalow that offers cozy rooms, a poolside restaurant, a swimming pool, and a bicycle rental service. The price starts from 6,000 LKR (30 USD) per night for a double room.
What to Do in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a paradise for adventure seekers, nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies, as it offers a variety of things to do that cater to different interests and tastes. You will never get bored in Unawatuna, as there is always something new and exciting to discover and experience. Here are some of the top things to do in Unawatuna that you should not miss:
Swing on the Dalawella rope swing:
One of the most iconic and fun activities in Unawatuna is to swing on the Dalawella rope swing, which is located on the Dalawella beach, about 2 km from the main beach. This is a wooden rope swing that hangs from a palm tree and lets you swing over the ocean and jump into the water. You can enjoy the thrill and the view of the sunset, while capturing some amazing photos and videos. The price for the swing is 500 LKR (2.5 USD) per person, and the best time to go is in the evening.
Surf the waves:
Unawatuna is a great place to learn or practice surfing, as it has some of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka. You can find waves for all levels, from beginners to experts, and enjoy the warm and clear water. You can also rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the many surf schools and instructors that are available on the beach. The price for a surfboard rental is around 1,000 LKR (5 USD) per hour, and the price for a lesson is around 3,000 LKR (15 USD) per hour. The best time to surf is from October to April, when the waves are more consistent and the wind is less.
Snorkel and scuba dive:
Unawatuna is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, as it has some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in Sri Lanka. You can find coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and even shipwrecks, and explore them with a mask, a snorkel, or a scuba gear. You can rent the equipment or join a tour from one of the many dive centers and operators that are available on the beach. The price for a snorkel rental is around 500 LKR (2.5 USD) per hour, and the price for a scuba dive is around 10,000 LKR (50 USD) per dive. The best time to snorkel and scuba dive is from October to April, when the visibility and the weather are better.
Practice yoga:
Unawatuna is a perfect place to practice yoga, as it has a serene and peaceful atmosphere, as well as some of the best yoga studios and teachers in Sri Lanka. You can join a yoga class or a retreat, and learn different styles and techniques of yoga, such as hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, or meditation. You can also enjoy the benefits of yoga, such as improving your health, flexibility, and balance, as well as reducing your stress and anxiety. The price for a yoga class is around 1,500 LKR (7.5 USD) per session, and the price for a yoga retreat is around 50,000 LKR (250 USD) per week. The best time to practice yoga is in the morning or in the evening, when the temperature and the humidity are lower.
Visit the turtle hatchery:
Unawatuna is home to the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery, a non-profit organization that aims to protect and conserve the endangered sea turtles in Sri Lanka. You can visit the hatchery and see the different species of sea turtles, such as green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley, and learn about their life cycle, threats, and conservation efforts. You can also witness the hatching and releasing of baby turtles into the ocean, and even adopt a turtle and name it. The price for the hatchery visit is 500 LKR (2.5 USD) per person, and the price for the turtle adoption is 3,000 LKR (15 USD) per turtle. The best time to visit the hatchery is from January to April, when the hatching season is at its peak.
These are just some of the many things to do in Unawatuna, a guide to Sri Lanka’s ultimate beach paradise. Unawatuna is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, the richness of culture, and the taste of food, all in one destination. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or a fun-filled vacation, Unawatuna has something for you.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Unawatuna today and experience the magic of this amazing place.
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