bigtravelbuzzThe most famous area in Sri Lanka is Unawatuna. Vacationers love to spend time in Southern Sri Lanka mainly because it has the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. About an hour’s drive from the capital, Colombo, Unawatuna is a great area to stay for a few days. The town itself is small, with great shopping, inns, trendy restaurants, and several nearby activities and attractions. Here are some recommended spots in Unawatuna. 1. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna’s main beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. The extensive beach is perfect for bathing, and part of the beach is occupied by sun loungers for rent. A short walk to the west end of the beach is a pagoda overlooking the bay.
The beach has direct access to the city center and is full of small restaurants and bars. Even after the sun sets, there’s a great beach vibe here.
- Wijaya Beach (Beach Swing)
The most Instagrammable spot in Sri Lanka is definitely the beach swings at Wijaya Beach. It’s not actually on Wijaya Beach, but around the corner. This is the exact location. Please pay your respects to the great people out there. - Unawatuna Jungle Beach
Unawatuna Jungle Beach is on the another side of Main Beach. A little hidden from the main beach. It is worth to visit but bit difficult than Unawatuna Beach. It is about a 10-15 minute drive from Unawatuna town centre. - Visit Galle Fort
Galle Fort is something very different in Sri Lanka. This magnificent old fort does not have much typical Sri Lankan architecture, but it has a lot of Dutch, Portuguese and British influences. Galle Fort has many perfect souvenir shops and some really nice architecture. We love walking around here all afternoon and watching the sunset over the fortress walls. - Surf or stand up paddle board
Ready to hit the water? If you want to learn surf there is a good beach between Unawatuna and Galle. November to May is the best season to surf. Ahikaba his surf school where you can rent boards and take lessons. As the sun sets, grab your paddleboard, relax and enjoy the moment. - Fitness at Unawatuna
Do you love working out at the gym while traveling or on vacation? Admission for the week is $10. I also found it to be a great way to connect with young local men and women who exercise and love a little chat to tell them all about the area.The name of the gym on Google Maps is Unawatuna Fitness Center. - Swim in the best infinity pool overlooking the ocean
Luna Terrace, near Galle Fort, has a bar and an infinity pool with the best views of the sea. Grab a drink here and enjoy a great afternoon of swimming. - Stay in Tri Lanka
Hotel Tri is one of the hideaways near Unawatuna around Koggala Lake. Sunrises and sunsets here are unique along with views of the lake and cinnamon plantations.
Do not visit:
sea turtle breeding ground
There are several small turtle hatcheries that take care of damaged turtles. Sea turtles don’t get caught in fishing nets or plastic waste. It’s for good reason, but unfortunately it’s become a market for collecting eggs and selling them to hatcheries and making tourists pay extra to keep baby turtles. This is not a good thing, fly this with Unawatuna.
- Rent a bike in Unawatuna
Explore Unawatuna and its surroundings by bike. So much to see. Koggala Beach, Galle Fort, Wijaya Beach or Lake Koggala. For $6 a day, I own a brand new motorcycle. We rented a motorbike from Kumari Tours.
Best restaurants in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is the star of great little restaurants. With so many options, you can try something different for each holiday lunch or dinner. Bed space (quite expensive, but very good)
Lemongrass Cafe (great spot)
Happy Spice (cheap and local)
SkinnyTom’s Deli (best breakfast)
Best time to visit Unawatuna
The best times to travel to South West Sri Lanka are December to April and July to the end of September.
Unawatuna Hotels
Due to its popularity, hotels and guesthouses in Unawatuna are more expensive than his Sri Lankan average price.