Unawatuna City

Unawatuna: Serene coastal town with golden sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is known for its beautiful crescent-shaped bay, golden sands, and vibrant marine life. This beach offers a perfect mix of relaxation, water activities, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and adventure.

Beautiful Beachfront

Unawatuna Beach features a picturesque crescent of golden sand with clear, shallow waters. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying leisurely walks. Its gentle waves and calm waters make it suitable for families and those looking for a relaxing beach experience.

Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Unawatuna Beach are excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving. The nearby coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. Several dive shops and snorkeling operators offer equipment rentals and guided tours.

Local Culture and Attractions

Unawatuna Beach is not only about natural beauty but also offers cultural experiences:

Japanese Peace Pagoda: Located on a hill overlooking Unawatuna, this serene pagoda offers panoramic views of the coast and a peaceful environment for reflection and meditation.
Unawatuna Temple: A local temple near the beach where visitors can experience traditional Sri Lankan culture and religious practices.
Galle Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located a short drive away, featuring colonial architecture, charming streets, and historical landmarks.

Water Sports and Activities

In addition to snorkeling and diving, Unawatuna Beach offers various water sports and activities, including surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach’s favorable conditions make it suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.

Local Cuisine

The Unawatuna Beach area boasts a diverse selection of dining options, from beachfront cafes to upscale restaurants. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish, crab curry, and prawn dishes, as well as a variety of international cuisine.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Unawatuna Beach range from boutique hotels and guesthouses to luxury resorts. Many establishments offer beachfront views, direct access to the beach, and amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Unawatuna Beach is from November to April, when the weather is sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for beach activities, snorkeling, and exploring local attractions. The monsoon season, from May to October, brings rain and rougher sea conditions.

About Galle District

Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo.Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.

Galle is a sizeable town, by Sri Lankan standards, and has a population of 91,000, the majority of whom are of Sinhalese ethnicity. There is also a large Sri Lankan Moor minority, particularly in the fort area, which descend from Arab merchants that settled in the ancient port of Galle.

About Southern Province

The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.

Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.