Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay just 15 minutes from Galle Fort. A reef across the mouth of the bay keeps the water calmer than much of the south coast, which makes it one of the best swimming beaches on the island in season. The beach is backed by a strip of restaurants and guesthouses, and the forested hill of Rumassala rises at its western end.

Things to do

• Swim and snorkel in the bay. Snorkel around the rocks at the western end; never stand on coral.
• Jungle Beach — a small cove on the far side of Rumassala hill, reached by a 20-minute path or tuk-tuk. Go early.
• Japanese Peace Pagoda — a white stupa on Rumassala hill with sea views, built by Japanese Buddhist monks.
• Rumassala legend — local tradition says the hill is a fragment of the Himalayas dropped by the monkey god Hanuman in the Ramayana, which explains its unusual medicinal plants.
• Dalawella Beach — a short ride east, famous for its rope swing on a palm tree and a natural rock pool.
• Diving — Unawatuna has several dive centres with trips to reefs and wrecks from November to April.

When to visit

November to April, when the sea is calm and the weather dry. From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rough seas and rain; many businesses close.

Getting there

• 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Galle (Galle railway station is the nearest main stop).
• About 2 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway.
• 30–40 minutes from Weligama and Mirissa.

Where to stay

Beachfront guesthouses are convenient but can be noisy; the lanes behind the beach and the hillside towards Rumassala are quieter. You can also stay in Galle Fort and visit Unawatuna for the day.