A Guide to Unawatuna, Sri Lanka: 13+ Incredible Things To Do
Our insider's guide to Sri Lanka’s most popular beach town, Unawatuna, features all the best things to do in Unawatuna, including the famous Dalawella rope swing, the best surfing spots, and the most delicious brunch on the southern coast!
UPDATED - JULY 2024
Unawatuna, one of Sri Lanka's most popular beach towns, is a place you either love or hate. For us, it’s a mix of both.
It’s the natural entry point to the stunning southern coast, a beachside extension to the heavenly streets of Galle Fort, and an easy, affordable place to drop and flop.
But in recent years, the appeal of Unawatuna has shifted.
In 2019, we enjoyed that there was a little bit more life than other Sri Lankan beach towns, with a vibe similar to that of backpacker haunts in Thailand or Cambodia. We found hipster cafes which lured us in with their delicious menus, and the nightlife the most happening in all of Sri Lanka. During the day we lazed by the surrounding beaches and spent time shopping (or at least looking) in the many of the boutique and market stalls.
But in 2024, the proxy war in Eastern Europe has led to a large influx of visitors who have shifted the appeal of this town. No longer hip or bohemian, it’s now a little more brash, where you’re more likely to sip vodka or devour shakshuka than you are to enjoy affordable rice & curry on the streets, and a boogie on the beach.
Additionally, the ramshackle and destructive nature of development has deprived Unawatuna of its former glory, leaving us feeling a little unsatisfied. Family homes now sit alongside large-scale hotels, and what used to be a paradise now resembles a concrete jungle, aimed solely at Eastern European tourists.
Having visited twice now, we’re convinced that there are many other, better beachside hamlets on the south coast such as nearby Ahangama, Weligama and Hiriketiya.
That being said, Unawatuna still has its appeal for any first-time visitor to Sri Lanka. There are some excellent, hipster restaurants and cafes, golden sands, and a relaxed vibe (it is Sri Lanka, after all). Its proximity to Galle Fort makes it a great destination to enjoy culture alongside a lazy beach holiday.
This Unawatuna guide is designed to help you navigate the town, and enjoy the best parts of the town while avoiding the undesirable corners. It features the best places to stay, eat and play, and how to get the best out of your stay.
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UNAWATUNA TRAVEL GUIDE
WHERE | Unwatuna, Southern Province
HOW TO GET TO THERE | Private transfer, train, bus or tuk-tuk from Colombo or Galle
WHEN TO VISIT | January - March
WHERE TO STAY | Why House, Cantaloupe Levels, or Paradise Garden
BEST ATTRACTIONS | Unawatuna Beach, Learning to surf, day-trip to Galle, Rope Swing fun
FOOD & DRINK | The Social, Hideout, Skinny Toms, Wild & the Sage
TOURS | Whale watching tour, Cooking Class
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN UNAWATUNA
#1 ROPE SWING FUN AT DALAWELLA AND WIJAYA BEACH
To this day we're still amazed that a simple rope swing could have single-handedly turned a country into a travel 'hot spot', yet that's exactly what happened here in Sri Lanka.
The rope swing at Dalawella beach, just south of Unawatuna, went viral on Instagram and before long every single visitor to the country wanted 'that shot'.
In all honesty, we thought about giving this a miss - it just felt a little gimmicky for our travel tastes. But we’re also suckers when it comes to FOMO, and eventually decided to give it a go. The verdict? It’s definitely worth it.
Yes, our photos turned out well, but more importantly, it really is a heap of fun and definitely one of the best things to do in Unawatuna!
The best time to visit is during the early-mid morning when the sun is still rising yet not too harsh, or during golden hour as the sunsets. It costs LKR 500 for 5 or so swings, depending on how busy it is.
There's also a beach swing just a short walk away at Mihiripenna beach which swings over the natural lagoon. This swing is slightly cheaper, at LKR 300 and is best visited for sunrise.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dream Cabanas, Dalawella, and Mihiripenna Beach
Cost | LKR 500 pp (Dalawella), and LKR 300 pp (Mihiripenna Beach)
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#2 BRUNCH AT SKINNY TOM’S DELI
Mim found Skinny Tom’s Deli during a morning stroll along the main street of Unawatuna, and boy are we glad she did. As it turns out, Skinny Tom’s has a bit of a cult following on the southern coast, and after two weeks of rice and curry at every meal, we were ready for a Melbourne-style brunch and coffee. Skinny Tom’s was a lifesaver!
We had a Sri Lankan/Western infusion brunch of poached egg hoppers and shakshuka hoppers respectively, both of which were delicious. The coffee was also great.
There’s also a traditional brunch on offer, as well as cakes and other sweets. We’ve also heard that their coconut crushed ice drinks are insanely good, and everyone around us seemed to be enjoying one…
The pull of a freshly roasted coffee was too strong for Mim though!
THE DETAILS
Where | Skinny Toms Deli, 147 Dewala rd, Unawatuna
Cost | 800r - 900r for brunch, 300r - 500r for coffee
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#3 LAZY DAYS AT UNAWATUNA MAIN BEACH
Despite spending five nights in Unawatuna, we spent so much time beach-hopping along the coastline that we actually spent only one day on Unawatuna beach, relaxing and swimming to our heart’s content.
To be honest, after the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the heat of Galle, and the crazy busy surf at some of the other beaches, it was perfect.
Unawatuna main beach is one of the most famous beaches in the country and is popular with both tourists and locals alike. The best place to swim is in the middle or to the south of the beach, where there are less people and less boats.
Alternatively, you can rent a sunbed and relax, order cocktails and curries from the beachside bars, or take an afternoon stroll up to the pagoda north of the beach and watch the sunset.
The only thing to watch out for is the numerous sellers plying their wares on the beach, who are pretty persistent and can get quite annoying after a while.
THE DETAILS
Where | Unawatuna main beach
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#4 COFFEE AND BOOKS AT WILD & THE SAGE
A quaint cafe-cum-bookstore housed in a renewed Art Deco home alongside the bustling southern highway, Wild & the Sage is, without question, Unawatuna’s best cafe.
The interior is filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, sofas and cosy nooks, while the garden is leafy and relaxed - it all makes for the most wonderful little environment in which to spend a few hours reading, enjoying a coffee and decompressing.
Alongside coffee, the café serves a range of sweet treats, including vegan options, while running regular events such as book clubs, workshops and kids entertainment (see event schedule here).
#5 RELAX AT JUNGLE BEACH
Jungle Beach was suggested to us by many of the locals as one of the best things to do in Unawatuna, so we decided to spend a morning hiking there to see what all the fuss was about.
After a 30-minute walk through the jungle, we landed on the beach situated in the bay of Galle and overlooking Galle Fort.
The first beach, which was packed full of locals enjoying their Sunday swim, was a little polluted for our liking, with plastic just about everywhere. However, the second beach, just a short walk away was much nicer and far less busy.
That said, as we were leaving it seemed to be the place for locals to come and spend the afternoon drinking and pumping music (and, a few told us later, occasionally get into fights) - which isn’t our scene for a beach day.
While it's not the best beach in Sri Lanka, it's far quieter than Unawatuna main beach and definitely worth half a day's visit.
If you're hungry or thirsty, there's a little beach hut selling fresh seafood and refreshments on the beach.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jungle beach, Unawatuna
How to get to Jungle Beach | From Unawatuna main beach, follow Yaddihemulla Rd, until the junction, then turn right onto Jungle Beach road and follow the signs all the way to the beach. The walk should take 20 minutes.
Alternatively, catch a tuk-tuk to Jungle Beach, which should cost no more than 200r
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#6 ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM THE JAPANESE PEACE PAGODA
Located in the forest on the hillside north of Unawatuna beach is the impressive Japanese Peace Pagoda. Constructed in 2005 by Japanese monks as part of a scheme to build peace temples in conflict zones, the monument serves as a beacon of hope for people all over the world.
It's now become a popular tourist attraction and on, with incredible views over the bay of Galle towards Galle Fort and the perfect place to take in the always impressive Sri Lankan sunsets.
Make sure you're respectful when visiting; this is a working religious monument.
THE DETAILS
Where | Japanese Peace Pagoda, Bona Vista Rd, Unawatuna
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#7 HANG OUT AT NEARBY SOUTHERN COAST BEACHES
While not the best beach on the southern coast, Unawatuna still serves a purpose.
However, if you’re keen to step a little bit outside the town, the surrounding coastline is home to a range of stunning beaches that are well worth your time.
Dalawella Beach is one such beach, made famous by its incredible rock formations (and rope swing, as listed above), including frog rock, which has led to insta-fame.
The beach itself is protected by an outer reef, which protects the beach from the wild Indian Ocean waves. This makes it a great place to enjoy a more relaxed beach day, and perfect for families. Flanked by beach bars and restaurants, we suggest spending an afternoon here, before enjoying dinner at Wijaya Beach Restaurant.
Further afield, Mihiripenna Beach feels somewhat undiscovered, and offers endless white sand, with solid rock formations, a lagoon perfect for swimming and palm trees providing shade.
Nearby Thalpe Beach and its natural pools, is also a unique place to enjoy a quick swim.
If you’re feeling like a proper day trip, head to the bohemian paradise of Ahangama - the beaches are excellent, and the restaurant and bar scene is second to none.
#8 PARTY ON THE BEACH
Although we're not huge partygoers (we're too old you!), we did manage to spend one night out enjoying the Unawatuna nightlife at Kingfishers' notorious Saturday night beach party.
With some good house music and 2-for-1 beers, we had a great little night out before retreating just after midnight.
Overall, while Unawatuna is not an Ibiza-style party destination, Kingfisher Hotel is probably your best bet for a proper party, they hold their beach party every Saturday night, which fills with tourists, ex-pats and locals ready to boogie.
The party doesn't kick off until 10-11 pm, so enjoy pre-drinks elsewhere before arriving.
A word of warning through - the booze here is also insanely expensive - we paid more than London prices for a 330mL beer at the bar.
Alternatively, The Social has live music and exceptional cocktails.
We've heard of other parties occurring during the week, so it's best to ask the locals or 'beach boys' where the party is on any given night.
THE DETAILS
What | Kingfisher Hotel
Where | Devala Road, Unawatuna
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#9 LEARN TO SURF IN UNAWATUNA
Sri Lanka is a famous surfing destination that caters to everyone, including beginners like us.
One of the best things we did while travelling in the country was learning to surf, as it was cheap and warm, and the instructors were great too.
While Unawatuna might not be the best place to learn on the Southern Coast, it is possible with Dewata Beach your best bet for learning. You can book surf lessons on the beach or in town.
Alternatively, head south towards Dalawella, Talpe and Weligama, or north towards Hikkaduwa.
Lessons range from LKR 2500 - 6000 while board hire ranges from LKR 250 - 500 per hour.
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#10 COCKTAILS, FOODIE DELIGHTS AND GOOD NIGHTS
Unawatuna might be a little unfashionable these days (Ahangama is the place right now), but several restaurants are bucking the trend and enticing travellers back to this little hamlet.
And Hideout is one such place.
One of the best restaurants on the southern coast, Hideout serves up fresh, tasty Mexican with a Sri Lankan twist - think jackfruit BBQ tacos, grilled mahi mahi, and sharing plates, plus homemade salsas and tortillas (see menu here). Additionally, their craft cocktails are spot on, especially in the oppressive humidity.
We suggest visiting for the ever-popular Taco Tuesday and devouring the jackfruit tacos. And washing it down with a chilli passionfruit margarita.
The open garden encourages share tables, so it’s also a great place to meet fellow travellers.
…
Formerly a sunset bar, The Social is another excellent restaurant and bar shaking up the hospitality scene in town. A post-pandemic move to a new location, plus a refocused menu highlighting Sri Lanka’s incredible local ingredients has resulted in one of the most sought-after tables in the country.
You can’t miss the lemongrass fish, while the beetroot gnocchi is very agreeable.
#11 GO WHALE WATCHING FROM UNAWATUNA
Sri Lanka is home to an array of exceptional National Parks, which host a huge diversity of wildlife; 44 mammal species including elephants and leopards, and over 215 bird species, to be exact!
For such a small country, the wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities is virtually unmatched globally.
However, it’s not just on land that Sri Lanka’s wildlife viewing opportunities exist, but also in the ocean.
Off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it’s possible to observe a range of whale species, and dolphins, in their natural habitat.
Between December - March, the waters of the Indian Ocean play host to migrating Blue Whales (dolphins, Bryde’s whales and sperm whales are sometimes also observed), which provide perfect whale-watching opportunities through a range of local operators.
If you’re in Sri Lanka during this period, we highly recommend joining a whale-watching expedition. Tours depart from Mirissa (although hotel pick-ups can be arranged for Unawatuna), where medium-sized cruisers take to the ocean in search of these incredible creatures.
This popular 4-6 hour whale watching tour is limited to a group of 40, providing greater whale viewing opportunities. The tour also includes breakfast, tea and coffee, as well as a highly trained crew and a tour.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, be warned - the tours are often bumpy, so take precautions to avoid falling ill.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tour departs from Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Book | Whale watching tour
#12 SPEND A DAY EXPLORING GALLE FORT
In our opinion, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on any Sri Lankan itinerary.
There’s just something about the narrow, bustling streets and crumbling colonial relics; the scent of exotic spices in the air, and the incredible tropical vibes, that we absolutely couldn’t get enough of.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort is home to chic boutiques, cafes and hotels, although there are still many pockets that make you feel as if you’ve time-travelled to the 1700s.
There are a heap of must-sees (we've written a blog post about the best things to do in Galle Fort) including:
Galle Lighthouse
Explore the exterior and interior of the Galle Fort, and visit the historical sights
Enjoy excellent gelato at Isle of Gelato
Shop till you drop. Galle Fort has the best shopping we encountered in all of Sri Lanka
Watch the technicolour sunset from the Fort walls
THE DETAILS
Where | Galle Fort, Galle
How to get there | By tuk-tuk from the Unawatuna, which should cost around 300r.
Alternatively, take a local bus from Unawatuna junction, which should cost around 60r.
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#13 ENJOY FRESH FRUITS AND LOCAL EXPERIENCES IN GALLE MARKETS
Just north of Unawatuna (7kms) are the vibrant and colourful fruit, spice and flower markets of Galle.
The colourful, bustling markets are home to some of the best fruit we’ve ever tried, and the local shopkeepers are more than willing to let you taste all types of weird and wonderful tropical fruits. Make sure you try Mangosteen, a weird lychee-type fruit that is delicious.
Oh, and the pineapple... always have the pineapple.
The markets are also a great place to stock up on spices and curry mix. We couldn’t resist stocking up on a dhal mix, one of our favourite Sri Lankan curries.
We also met some wonderful people around the markets, who took time out of their day to show us around the area and teach us more about the local way of life.
THE DETAILS
What | Galle fruit market
Where | Sea St, near Galle-Colombo Rd, Galle
A MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN UNAWATUNA
Visiting Unawatuna? Download this map to your phone and follow our recommendations for the best things to do in Unawatuna!
Click the star next to the title of the map to save it to your Google Maps account. To view on the road, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this exact map on your list.
WHERE TO STAY IN UNAWATUNA
Below are several accommodation options for every budget.
WHY HOUSE | Why House is a boutique villa hotel set within a lush, three-acre walled garden. Features spacious, comfortable rooms, a lush outdoor swimming pool, and a delish restaurant. Book here
CANTALOUPE LEVELS | Upscale hotel with incredible overlooking the bay of Galle. Prices and availability here
THAPROBAN BEACH HOUSE | Located right on Unawatuna Beach, with relaxed, breezy rooms with balconies. Prices and availability here
PARADISE GARDEN | Cheap, but with large, comfortable rooms in a beautiful garden setting. Prices and availability here
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO UNAWATUNA
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT UNAWATUNA
Anytime from October - April is a good time to visit Unawatuna, as the monsoon rains have passed and the temperatures are fairly stable.
That being said, the absolute BEST time to visit is between February - April, when low rainfall and calmer seas provide the perfect weather to explore.
We’ve been told to avoid visiting during early January when Sri Lankan holidays occur and Unawatuna is teeming with local tourists.
HOW TO GET TO UNAWATUNA
TRAIN
Definitely, the most scenic way to get from Colombo to Unawatuna is via train, which runs along the palm-fringed coast for the majority of the journey.
The Colombo Fort to Unwatuna train departs 3 times a day, with the earliest departure at 6:55 am and the final departure at 18:05. It takes around 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
Alternatively, you could catch the train to Galle, and a local bus or tuk-tuk from Galle to Unawatuna (7kms - 300r).
THE DETAILS
Cost | 190r per person for 2nd class, 105r per person for 3rd class
Departure Times | From Colombo Fort only: 0655, 1425, 1805
BOOK | Book your train tickets in advance here
BUS
If you prefer your creature comforts (air-conditioning), there’s a direct bus from Maharagama bus station (in the suburbs of Colombo) to Galle, which follows the newly completed inland highway.
You’re guaranteed a seat, and the air-conditioning is a welcome relief in Sri Lanka. You can then catch a tuk-tuk (7kms - 300r) or local bus (60 - 80r) from Galle to Unawatuna.
We did this many times (the fun of having to pick up a repaired drone from Colombo!) with no issue.
THE DETAILS
Cost | 360r - 400r per person
Departure Times | Every 20 minutes from 5 am - 4:45 pm
If you’re on a very tight budget, it’s also possible to take the local bus from Colombo to Galle, and Galle to Unawatuna, however, we don’t recommend this option due to the exceedingly long and tedious journey. The local bus will leave from Colombo Fort bus station and costs 100r per person.
RELATED | A complete guide on how to get from Colombo to Galle
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SRI LANKA
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE MORE OF SRI LANKA WITH THESE POSTS
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach, Ahangama Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
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