7 Epic Things to Do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the best things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka? Unawatuna is a popular beach destination in Sri Lanka, so you can’t miss it on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

In fact, Unawatuna was our favorite place, but there is not much to do, so it is the perfect place to relax.

Wondering what to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka? Visit the best beaches in Unawatuna, go surfing, take a day trip to Galle Fort, see the Japanese Peace Pagoda, and take an iconic photo at Dalawella Beach Swing.

This ultimate guide to visiting Unawatuna includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka.

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Where is Unawatuna, Sri Lanka?

Unawatuna is a coastal town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, near Galle, about 2 hours from Colombo.

Is Unawatuna, Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! The coastal town of Unawatuna has beautiful beaches, epic photo places, a wide range of accommodations, and great restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Unawatuna is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit the southwest of Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming and exploring the nearby attractions.

The rainy season runs from May to September.

Unawatuna has a tropical climate with high humidity, and the average temperature is 28°C all year round. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna.

How to Get to Unawatuna

From Colombo, you can easily reach Unawatuna by train in just 2 hours. First-class train tickets start from 3.5 USD, and second-class tickets from 2 USD.

You can easily buy your train tickets online through 12Go or Bookaway.

The distance between Unawatuna and Galle is only 6 km, and the travel time is approximately 20 minutes. You can get to Unawatuna from Galle by local bus (0.20 USD) or tuk tuk.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Colombo to Galle with all the information you need.

How to Get Around Unawatuna

Wondering how to visit Unawatuna, Sri Lanka? It’s easy to get around Unawatuna.

The best way to get around Unawatuna is to rent a scooter or tuk tuk driver or join organized tours that include transport.

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If you do not rent a vehicle, we recommend staying near Unawatuna Beach, as you will be close to restaurants and accommodations.

We arrived from Yala to Unawatuna by tuk tuk and easily explored the attractions in the area.

Read the full post → Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

Where to Stay in Unawatuna

There are many luxury hotels and beach resorts in Unawatuna, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Luxury: Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna
Mid-Range: Agnus Unawatuna or Thaproban Beach House
Budget: Hotel Flower Garden

more hotels in unawatuna

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Alternatively, you can stay in Galle, only a 20-minute drive away.

Best things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

1. Palm Tree Rope Swing at Dalawella Beach

Sri Lanka has many beautiful beaches, but in our opinion, the most beautiful beach in Unawatuna is Dalawella Beach.

If you want to take photos on the Dalawella Rope Swing, you can get 3 swings at Dream Cabana Guesthouse for just 500 LKR (1.5 USD).

Wijaya Rock, also known as Frog Rock, is another iconic attraction in Unawatuna. You can easily reach the famous Frog Rock with a 10-minute coastal walk from Dalawella Beach.

Spend some relaxing hours enjoying nearby beaches like Wijaya Beach, Mihiripenna Beach, and Turtle Beach. It is a perfect place to snorkel, swim with turtles, and relax on the beach.

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For the best experience, we recommend visiting Dalawella Rope Swing at sunset and Frog Rock at sunrise.

Read our guide → Dalawella Beach Swing & Frog Rock

2. Go Surfing

Are you a surf lover? Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer, Sri Lanka offers the best beaches for enjoying the waves or taking surf lessons.

Book Surfing Lessons.

Although Unawatuna is more popular for surfing and scuba diving, the Dewate Beach between Galle and Unawatuna or Wella Devalaya Surf Point is perfect for surfing in Sri Lanka.

Good to know
November to April is the best time to surf Sri Lanka’s south coast beaches.

3. Visit Galle Fort

The Galle Fort is a fort complex built by the Portuguese in 1588 and nowadays is one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka.

The old town of Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to see the beautiful Dutch, Portuguese, and British-style buildings. Spend at least 2-3 hours at the Galle and explore the charming streets, buy souvenirs at the handicraft shops, visit the Galle Fort Lighthouse, and walk along the Galle Fort Wall.

How to Get from Unawatuna to Galle

The distance between Unawatuna and Galle is only 6 km, and the travel time is approximately 20 minutes. You can get to Unawatuna by local bus (0,20 USD) or tuk tuk.

There are plenty of parking spaces in Galle Fort. If you arrive by tuk tuk, parking is free.

Read our → Sri Lanka Itinerary

4. Chill out on Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka

One of the best things to do in Unawatuna is to explore the beautiful beaches. Unawatuna Beach is a stunning golden sand beach surrounded by palm trees, a vibrant beach vibe, and plenty of dining options.

Unawatuna’s main beach is popular with tourists and locals alike, as it is within walking distance of most accommodations. Spend a few relaxing hours at Unawatuna Beach, swimming, surfing, relaxing on the sun loungers, and strolling along the beach. There are some great restaurants by the beach where you can eat delicious local food.

Go scuba diving in Unawatuna.

Although it can be crowded at sunset, don’t miss one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Unawatuna.

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The stunning beaches of Talpe Rock Pool Beach and Koggala Beach are also worth a visit in Unawatuna.

5. Join a Cooking Class

Are you looking for more top things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka? A fun activity is to take a cooking class, go on a vegetable market tour, and prepare an authentic Sri Lankan meal of vegetables, fish, or chicken. After cooking, you can enjoy the food you have prepared.

The cooking class takes 3 hours and starts from 48 USD per person. Book a cooking class.

We love Sri Lankan food, so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn how traditional dishes are made.

6. Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda

One of the best places to visit in Unawatuna is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, located just 2 km from Unuwatuna Beach, Sri Lanka.

Nichidatsu Fujii was a Japanese Buddhist monk, peace activist, and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. More than 80 peace pagodas have been built around the world. The Japanese Peace Pagoda was built in 2005 by Japanese Buddhist monks.

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is free to visit. The parking fee for tuk tuk is just 200 LKR (0.5 USD).

For the best experience, visit at sunrise or sunset and enjoy the stunning views of Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean.

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Bring a sarong to cover your shoulders or knees.

After visiting the Japanese Peace Pagoda, spend a few hours at the nearby Jungle Beach. Jungle Beach is one of the most popular and best beaches in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka.

See also → What to Do in Mirissa

7. Take a Jeep Safari Tour

Although it’s impossible to get bored of the beaches in Unawatuna, if you’re looking for an exciting activity, a safari tour is the best choice. It’s a great way to see incredible wildlife in Sri Lanka and get an unforgettable experience.

You can easily join safari tours from Unawatuna to Yala or Udawalawe National Park. For the best experience, you can book a combined tour that visits both national parks.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver/guide, and a jeep safari tour at the national park.

Alternatively, book your Yala safari tour HERE.

Good to know
Yala National Park is one of the best places to see elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka.

Recommended post → Guide to Yala National Park

Is it Safe to Travel to Unawatuna, Sri Lanka?

Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

You can swim safely in Unawatuna but don’t underestimate the waves and be careful.

There are monkeys, so always keep an eye on your bag and don’t leave anything in the tuk tuk.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

Where to Eat in Unawatuna

In Unawatuna, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, national foods, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

The Hideout Unawatuna (Delicious Mexican food)
Wasantha’s Sri Lanka Cuisine (Perfect place for lunch or dinner)
Sea Waves Restaurant (Seafood and local dishes)
Pink Elephant (Best Sri Lankan rice and curry)
One Love Bar and Restaurant (Tasty dishes with a beach view at Unawatuna Beach)
Happy Spice Restaurant (Delicious local food)
Lemongrass Cafe & Restaurant (International and local dishes)
SkinnyToms’s Deli (Perfect breakfast spot)

Join a cooking class.

Best restaurants in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

How many Days do you Need in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka?

Unawatuna is a popular place and the perfect base for a day trip to Galle. So we recommend you spend at least 2-3 days and enjoy the best things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Unawatuna will help you plan your next trip to Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

7 Epic Things to Do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka