Dalawella Beach, Sri Lanka

Dalawella is a narrow, palm-lined beach about 3 km east of Unawatuna, on the road towards Thalpe and Koggala. You have probably seen it without knowing its name: this is the home of the rope swing that hangs from a leaning palm tree over the sea, one of the most shared photos of Sri Lanka. There's more here than the swing, though, including one of the calmer swimming spots on this coast.

The rope swing

The swing hangs from a palm in front of a guesthouse at the eastern end of the beach. You pay a small fee for a few swings, and staff will show you how to climb up and push off. It's higher than it looks, so hold on properly, and don't attempt it if you're not confident. Around sunset there is usually a queue, and the light is at its best. Early morning is quieter. Similar swings have appeared at other beaches along the coast, but this is the original.

Swimming and the rock pool

A reef and a line of rocks run parallel to the shore along part of the beach, creating a shallow, sheltered lagoon. When the sea is calm, between about December and April, it's a gentle place to swim, and it's good for children. One large rock at the western end is known as Frog Rock, and people climb it for photos.

Outside the sheltered section, and during the south-west monsoon from May to October, waves and currents are much stronger. Read our beach safety guide before you swim.

Turtles

Green turtles often come into the shallows here to feed on seagrass, especially in front of the restaurants at the western end. Seeing one glide past your legs is a thrill. Please don't touch them, chase them or feed them seaweed, which some people offer to bring them closer. It changes their behaviour and can harm them. Our sea turtle guide explains how to watch responsibly.

Eating and staying

A handful of beach restaurants and small hotels line the sand. They're a little pricier than those in Unawatuna, and the atmosphere is quieter. The beach is narrow, and at high tide there may be very little sand in places.

Getting there

Dalawella is 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and 20 minutes from Galle Fort. Buses running along the coast road between Galle and Matara will drop you there. It's an easy half-day outing from Galle, Unawatuna or Ahangama, and it combines well with Jungle Beach. See our south coast itinerary for a full route.