Sri Lanka is called the pearl of the Indian Ocean. This island nation is named the number 01 tourist destination in the world in 2019 by lonely planet. One of the reasons for this is the beautiful beaches around the island.
Unawatuna, A town located in the southern province close to the beach is one of the main tourist attractions. This small town gives easy access to some popular beaches on the island. Here you can enjoy the sunny tropical beaches, surf, dive, do whale watching, and most importantly enjoy the local sea foods.
How to Reach Unawatuna?
If you are traveling from Colombo the easiest way to reach Unawatuna is by train. From Colombo port train station you can easily catch a train to Unawatuna. Down below I have added the train schedule. (JAN 2023).
First, you need to catch a train to Galle. There is a train station at Unawatuna. But express trains, and inter-city trains won’t stop at the Unawatuna station. But all the trains will stop at Galle train station. So if you can’t figure out if your train is going to stop at Unawatuna or not, then your best option is to get off the train from Galle.
From there you can take a bus or take a TukTuk to Unawatuna.
The usual bus fare for a person is about Rs 100 and took fairies about Rs 1500 (2023 – JAN )
Also and also you have another option if you are traveling from Colombo which is you can take the Highway express bus and came come to Galle straightly. for this you need to go to Peta bus station in Colombo, from there you will be able to catch the highway express bus to Galle. Or you can take a bus from Petta (bus route number 138) to the Pinnaduwa Highway entrance. And from there also you can catch a bus to Galle.
Down below I have all the maps for the bus route and the train routes you can save and download them if you like.
By A rented vehicle
Self-driving
Best time Of The Year To Travel in Unawatuna & Unawatuna weather.
Best Time Of The Year To Travel Unawatuna
So if you plan to visit the best time to visit they are is between October to December. At this time the ocean is Crystal clear so you can dive or take pics under the ocean, and coral reefs. During this time the ocean is pretty calm. And the days are Sunny and less rainy to the down south coast.
And most importantly at this time of the season, you will be able to witness sunsets perfectly, without disturbances of the clouds on the horizon. temperature is about 25 – 30 C. And humidity is about 40% – 80 %. The UV index is 10 at the noon.
However, during this time Unawatuna fills with tourists. So if you are not much of a fan of crowds. I recommend you come a little earlier in September.
Things to remember before packing
01. You are traveling to a tropical country, so bring summer clothes suited to the hot environment.
2. Don’t forget to bring suncream and shade.
3. If you planning to dive or swim, I recommend bringing swimming clothes. You can rent the Snorkeling and diving gear from the beach.
4. If you planning to dive, please contact PADI certified diving center before coming to Sri Lanka. Because there are so many places that operate without proper instructors and proper equipment and authorization from the government. If you contact us we can introduce you to PADI-certified diving centers in the area. Click here.
5. Please arrange your transport before coming to Sri Lanka. Public transport these days is much crowded and unreliable. (AUG 2022) So try to arrange a van or a car. usually, the car can charge by kilometers. The per-kilometer rate is around 250 LKR these days. (AUG 2022). Click here to contact us to arrange a car for you.
Or You can rent a scooter or motorbike easily. But the catch is you have to fuel it by yourself. Currently (2022 – AUG) fuel is hard to come by in Sri Lanka. you have a weekly fueling limit. Only 4 liters of fuel are allowed per week per bike. So I think having a rented car is a much better option because the renting company takes care of the fuel of your vehicle.
06. Please check you have all the documentation you need. A covid vaccination card is a must to enter the country. So don’t forget that too. To check the latest covid-19 regulations. click here.
Where to stay in Unawatuna :
Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna
Things to do in Unawatuna :
- Enjoy the Unawatuna beach – and Swim
- Snorkeling and coral watching
- Diving in Unawatuna
- Surfing or Learn to Surf
- Explore the Galle Fort
- Taste Locale Food.
- Learn to Cook Sri Lankan Food
- Party in Unawatuna
- Enjoy the Unawatuna beach - and Swim
In Sri Lanka, Unawatuna beach is a favorite vacation spot. The beach is popular for its clear seas and golden sand coastlines, which make it the ideal location for swimming and tanning. The beach is surrounded by a shallow reef that brakes the waves rushing in from the Indian ocean. Because of this reason, the beach here is calm & nice compared to the other beaches around. Between December to January, the weather is pleasant, the Water is warm and sunny at this time of year, and the quiet sea is perfect for swimming. Even a beginner can swim here without being afraid of high waves. If you don’t know how to swim you can take a swimming class from a local.
If you are up for many adventures, a snorkeling or diving expedition to explore the abundant marine life that lives in the waters near Unawatuna is another fantastic way to enjoy the beach. If you are a beginner to scuba diving you can take a discovery diving session with a seasoned diver.
If you do have suba diving license , you will be able to explore a whole new world. such as sunken shipwrecks & deep water reefs .
Unawatuna beach is a must-visit location for any visitor to Sri Lanka due to its stunning environment and limitless chances for fun and relaxation.
02.Snorkeling and coral watching
03.Diving in Unawatuna
If you are up for many adventures, a snorkeling or diving expedition to explore the abundant marine life that lives in the waters near Unawatuna is another fantastic way to enjoy the beach. If you are a beginner to scuba diving you can take a discovery diving session with a seasoned diver.
If you do have a scuba diving license, you will be able to explore a whole new world. such as sunken shipwrecks & deep-water reefs.
There are over 25+ Places Around Unawatuna to explore and dive .
Some Are Ancient Colonial Ship Wrecks & Some are WW2 ship Wrecks.
To Read More about Unawatuna & Dive Sites Around , Please Read this Article Here
04.Surfing Or Learning to Surf
If you want to learn how to surf or advance your abilities, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka is a great place to go. It is the ideal location to learn to surf or advance your skills thanks to its warm waters, tropical environment, and reliable waves.
Finding a reliable surf school in Unawatuna is the first step. Numerous schools in the region provide beginner-friendly packages that include renting equipment, receiving instruction, and even lodging. To select a school that is respected and has a solid reputation, it is a good idea to conduct online research and ask locals for advice.
If you want SriLankanvibes team can guide you to a good surf School in the area.
When you’ve located a surf school, you can schedule a single lesson or a series of lessons. Beginner surfing classes usually last for two hours and cover the fundamentals, including how to paddle, pop up, and ride the wave. You will be given a surfboard and wetsuit by your instructor, who will also give you a quick instruction on the beach before taking you out into the sea.
Your instructor will offer tips and criticism as you put your new abilities to the test underwater. With smaller waves at first, you’ll probably start out in a beginner-friendly region before progressively moving on to more challenging terrain as you gain experience.
You will be able to ride bigger waves and refine your technique as you gain more expertise and confidence. There are several different waves at Unawatuna, including reef breaks and beach breakers, which may be difficult but also highly rewarding.
Before beginning to surf, it is usually essential to examine the weather and wave conditions. Also think about traveling with a guide, who can point out the greatest locations and ensure your safety on the water.
05.Explore the Galle Fort
Any visitor to Sri Lanka must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort, which is situated on the country’s southwest coast. One of the greatest preserved examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Asia is the fort, sometimes referred to as the “Galle Dutch Fort,” which was constructed by the Dutch in the 17th century.
The Fort is a tiny city within a city, with winding lanes dotted with charming homes and structures that have been transformed into inns, stores, and eateries. The Fort’s walls, which provide a sweeping view of the Indian Ocean and the neighborhood city, are its main draw. The lighthouse, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Old Gate are just a few of the historic sites that can be found inside the Fort’s walls.
Taking a walking tour of the Fort with a local guide is one of the greatest ways to explore it. The guides can take you to some of the hidden treasures that are not on the majority of tourist itineraries because they are informed on the history and architecture of the Fort. The Fort can also be explored independently, but you should carry a map or a guidebook because the streets can be challenging to find your way around.
06.Taste Local Food
Small coastal hamlet Unawatuna in southern Sri Lanka is renowned for its lovely beaches and delectable regional cuisine. Learning to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes, which frequently include fresh seafood including crabs, lobsters, and a variety of fish, is one of the greatest ways to appreciate the local cuisine.
Visit the neighborhood fish market as one of the first steps in learning to prepare native cuisine in Unawatuna. Here, you may observe the day’s catch and buy fresh seafood from the fisherman themselves. It’s a fantastic chance to learn about the various kinds of fish and seafood that are offered nearby and to get cooking ideas.
It is preferable to enroll in a cooking class with a local chef to begin learning how to prepare local cuisine. These workshops will teach you how to make well-known dishes like fish curry, crab curry, and lobster curry as well as the methods and ingredients used in traditional Sri Lankan cookery. The chef will also provide advice with you on how to make wonderful and authentic flavors using regional herbs and spices like curry leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Dining at neighborhood restaurants is a fantastic opportunity to discover the local food culture. You can ask the staff for ideas on what to have at several of these restaurants, which serve traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. They will be pleased to describe the various dishes and assist you in choosing something you would like.
It is a great idea to take a tour of the neighborhood to learn about the local farms and markets in addition to learning how to prepare foods from the area. Here, you may learn more about regional agriculture and food production while also seeing where the ingredients for your meals originate.
Overall, Unawatuna is a special chance to discover and engage with the indigenous culinary tradition. Discover the mouthwatering seafood and regional delicacies that make this coastal town so unique, whether you attend a cooking lesson, eat at neighborhood restaurants, or explore the area.
07.Party & Have Fun
Small coastal town Unawatuna in Sri Lanka is renowned for its stunning beaches and exciting nightlife. The town is home to a multitude of bars and clubs that provide both locals and tourists with a wide range of entertainment alternatives.
Happy Banana is a well-known place for nightlife in Unawatuna. Regular DJ nights at this vivacious pub and restaurant draw a youthful, vivacious audience. The DJ spins a variety of popular music, including both current songs and time-honored classics. The place is ideal for a night out with friends because of the lively, energetic environment.
Angels Beach Cafe is another well-liked nightlife destination in Unawatuna. In addition to comfy seats and a sizable dance floor, this seaside club and restaurant offers a laid-back ambiance. Local and international artists play live music there on a regular basis. A variety of musical styles, including reggae, rock, and electronic, are present. There is a bar at the location as well, with a selection of beverages such beer, wine, and cocktails.
Happy Banana and Angels Beach Cafe both have stunning ocean views, giving them ideal locations to have a drink or dance while taking in the sunset. They are fantastic venues to socialize and meet new people. Since most of the crowds are visitors and backpackers, it presents a fantastic opportunity to interact with individuals from all countries.
Unawatuna provides a number of alternative entertainment options in addition to the bars and clubs, such as dining establishments, coffee shops, and retail stores. Swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are just a few of the various outdoor activities available.
In general, Unawatuna is a fantastic vacation spot for people who love entertainment and nightlife. Both tourists and locals can choose from a wide range of alternatives in the town, from energetic DJ nights at Happy Banana to live music performances at Angels Beach Cafe. Unawatuna offers something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a quiet evening out or a wild night of dancing.
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