Unwind in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka: Your complete guide to visiting this slice of paradise

Unawatuna is an alluring coastal town located in the southern province of Sri Lanka. This popular tourist destination is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Unawatuna is located just 3.2 miles (5km) away from Galle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it attracts both domestic and international tourists from around the world. You’ll see a lot of Russian, German and American visitors in this area.

One of the main attractions of Unawatuna is its beautiful beach. The beach is known for its pristine white sand, turquoise water, and coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine life. Visitors can take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or go snorkeling to explore the coral reefs. The beach is also lined with palm trees and provides the perfect spot for relaxing under the shade of a tree.

Unawatuna is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The town has a variety of bars and restaurants that stay open late into the night. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance the night away, or just relax with a cocktail and enjoy the ocean breeze. The nightlife scene in Unawatuna is perfect for those looking for a fun and lively atmosphere.

In addition to the beach and nightlife, Unawatuna also has a rich history and culture. The town has a number of ancient temples and shrines that date back to the 18th century. The most famous of these is the Unawatuna Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Visitors can explore the temple and its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is also known for its annual festival, which takes place in July and is a colorful celebration of Sri Lankan culture.

Another popular attraction in Unawatuna is the Japanese Peace Pagoda. This stunning white structure was built by Japanese monks to promote peace and unity in the world. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda for stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Unawatuna Culinary Scene

For those looking to get a taste of Sri Lankan cuisine, Unawatuna has many restaurants that serve traditional dishes. The town is known for its seafood, and visitors can enjoy fresh fish and crab dishes at one of the many beachside restaurants. Other popular dishes in Unawatuna include rice and curry, string hoppers, and hoppers, which are a type of pancake made from fermented rice flour.

• Koha Surf Lounge was our absolute favorite place. Great food and atmosphere.
• Another fantastic place is called Sea Waves, which also offers cooking classes.
• Kingfisher Restaurant – A beachside restaurant that offers fresh seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine. Their seafood platter is a must-try!
• Bedspace Kitchen – This cozy restaurant offers a variety of international and Sri Lankan dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• Wijaya Beach Restaurant – A popular spot for both locals and tourists, Wijaya Beach Restaurant is known for its delicious seafood and stunning ocean views.
• Coconut Grove Restaurant – This family-run restaurant serves up delicious Sri Lankan curries and fresh seafood, with vegetarian options available.
• The Shack Beach Cafe – A casual beachside cafe that serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a range of international and Sri Lankan dishes on the menu.
• Two other fantastic dining options are Daffodil and Wasantha.

Water Activities in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is also a popular destination for water sports. Visitors can go surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The town also has a number of diving schools that offer courses for all levels of divers. Diving in Unawatuna is a great way to explore the coral reefs and see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish.

Where to Stay in Unawatuna

Planning your dream getaway to Unawatuna?

• Thaproban Beach House – A boutique hotel located on the beachfront, Thaproban Beach House offers comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views.
• Levels – This stylish hotel features modern rooms with private balconies, an infinity pool, and a rooftop bar with panoramic ocean views.
• Araliya Beach Resort & Spa – A popular resort located on the beachfront, features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a beachside restaurant.
• Cocobay Unawatuna – This eco-friendly resort features comfortable rooms and villas set in lush tropical gardens, with a swimming pool and a restaurant serving up delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
• On the more affordable side, check out Gloria Grand Hotel in the heart of the action and Zeilan Sunsetpoint, in a quiet area overlooking the water.

These are just a few of the many great hotels and resorts in Unawatuna. There are plenty of other options to explore and discover while in the area. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and ratings from other travelers before booking your stay.

Relaxing Spas in Unawatuna

For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, Unawatuna has a number of spas and wellness centers that offer a range of treatments, including traditional Ayurvedic massages. Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that has been practiced in Sri Lanka for over 5,000 years. Visitors can experience the healing power of Ayurveda by taking a wellness retreat or spa package.

History and Culture

Unawatuna is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Just a short drive away is Galle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city of Galle is known for its Dutch colonial architecture and is home to a number of museums and galleries. Visitors can also take a stroll along the city’s famous ramparts, which offer stunning views of the ocean.

Here are some of the top things to see and do in Unawatuna:

• Relax on the beach: Unawatuna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. It features pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or even take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the nearby coral reefs.
• Visit the Unawatuna Temple: The Unawatuna Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple that dates back to the 18th century. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. Visitors can explore the temple and learn about the history and culture of Sri Lanka.
• Take a trip to the Japanese Peace Pagoda: The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a stunning white structure that was built by Japanese monks to promote peace and unity in the world. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda for breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
• Try Sri Lankan cuisine: Unawatuna is known for its delicious seafood, but visitors can also try traditional Sri Lankan dishes like rice and curry, string hoppers, and hoppers. There are plenty of restaurants and street food vendors in Unawatuna that offer a variety of dishes.
• Explore the coral reefs: Great area for snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs around the town are home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. Visitors can take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the reefs and see the marine life up close.
• Go surfing: Popular place for surfing, especially between November and April when the waves are at their best. There are several surf schools in the town that offer lessons for all levels of surfers.
• Take a spa treatment: Unawatuna has a number of spas and wellness centers that offer traditional Ayurvedic massages and other treatments. Visitors can take a wellness retreat or spa package to relax and rejuvenate.
• Visit Galle: Unawatuna is located just a short tuk tuk ride from Galle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city of Galle is known for its Dutch colonial architecture and is home to a number of museums and galleries.
• Go on a boat ride: Visitors can take a boat ride along the coast to explore the nearby islands and beaches. The boat rides offer an opportunity to see the beautiful coastline and marine life.
• Enjoy the nightlife: Unawatuna has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars and restaurants that stay open late into the night. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance the night away, or just relax with a cocktail and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Conclusion

Unawatuna is a beautiful coastal town that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach on in a spa, explore Sri Lankan culture and history, or indulge in water sports and nightlife, Unawatuna has it all at an affordable price.

If you have any questions about visiting this part of Sri Lanka, leave a comment below. If you want to see more of this beautiful country, check out my Sri Lanka Road Trip Guide. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…