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Town in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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A gift from the Japanese, this amazing pagoda is well worth a visit. To get there you can take a 3-wheeler or to walk (20 minutes) follow the road through Unawatuna (away from the A2) until you reach the small t-junction. Turn left to return to the western tip of the beach and the temple, turn right for the pagoda. Continue up the hill, following the clear signs for Jungle Beach. The pagoda, and the rocks further along the track, offer amazing sunset and wildlife photograph opportunities.
A small beach lost in the jungle. This is the best place in the area for snorkelling, with easy access to the water and a sheltered bay from the stronger waves and currents in Unawatuna. Access by boat, by tuk-tuk from Unawatuna, or follow the directions to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, continuing along the track towards the sea.
A hatchery run just off the beach to conserve turtle eggs laid on the wide long beach stretching all the way to the hotels in Koggala. Hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles nestle here.
Ancient Buddhist temple built by Sri Lankan royalty dating back to 2300 years when a sapling of the Sri Maha Bo Tree in Anuradapura was planted here during the reign of His Majesty Devanam Piyatissa.
The world's only producer of Virgin White Tea. Visitors will be treated to a free tour of the grounds with complimentary cake and tea at the owner's bungalow overlooking the picturesque jungle and paddy fields of Tittagala. Following that a tour and explanation of the tea processing plant is provided - the machinery may or may not be in operation at the time of visit. Finally guests are invited to sample dozens of teas and can purchase those that they wish. The plantation also produces rubber and grows a host of other fruit and spices. Although interesting, the tour guides seem to vastly exaggerate the health benefits of their products.
One of the many diving centres on the Unawatuna beach, good instructors, possibility to dive for people without license with a discovery dive.
Paradise for vegans and vegetarians. Wonderful service, reasonably priced organic food.
Comfortable place with affordable food and the best sea views.
Riddim
Restaurant and bar located at the east end of the beach. A bar for the fans of world and reggae music. Parties organized on Wednesday and Sundays.
Beach party on Saturdays.
Disco party on Fridays.
Also on the beach.
Very close to the beach, on the hill, facing to the beach, peaceful environment. Free wi-fi. Hot shower. 20 rooms. King-sized beds and private balconies. Small library. Friendly family run business. You will feel at home here.
Cheap guest house 100 m from the beach. The rooms are clean and the breakfast is very good. There is no hot water.
The Bird House is a beautiful guest house set back from the Unawatuna beach offering a warm welcome from a friendly Sri Lankan family. The rooms are spacious and clean with an attached bath room and balcony.
This hotel is not on the beach but has beach views. So if you want to relax on the beach better opt for other hotels. If you want cheaper accommodation then this hotel is a good option. Cheap rates, clean, friendly staff. Three types of spacious rooms with beach-sight verandas: 1. basic double rooms, 2. double rooms with a.c. and hot water, 3. luxury suites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at extra cost. Free internet and wi-fi service.
The guesthouse is on a small rock, the restaurant facing the sea. Fan and a/c rooms of different quality, the cheap ones without a window are a bit stuffy. The more expensive ones are still a bit stuffy but have great sea view and are good value. Very friendly owners, free Wi-Fi in restaurant and some of the rooms, good food for a reasonable price.
Hot water, restaurant and internet.
Home-stay Strand is not a traditional hotel or a guest house, but a home-stay in a traditional ancestral Sinhalese family home.
opposite to the bus stop, nearby Dalawella Beach Resort
A wood cottage a few meters away from a nice beach. All facilities: hot water, internet access, food. Run by a local family.
Angel Beach Unawatuna
Angel Beach Club is a luxury beach club that offers day beds and cocktails. Angel Beach is similar to the Bali beach clubs such as Nikki Beach and Omnia.
By plane
Unawatuna is 150 km south of Colombo's Bandaranayaka International Airport in Katunayaka. Public transport from Bandaranayake International Airport to Colombo is available just outside the airport.
By train
From the Colombo Fort station, catch train bound for Matara (with ocean-view) and jump off in Galle (travel times 2-3 hours, tickets Rs 220 2nd class / Rs 120 3rd class) and take either a tuk-tuk (Rs…
By bus
Alternatively take the route 138 bus to Maharagama (1-1½ hours) then hop on Sri Lanka's only highway bus (Rs 470) to ride the rest of the way to Galle in a modern air-conditioned coach in around an…
By private transportation
Longer trips and round tours can be arranged with car or vans. Sunrise Tours near the Wella Devalaya is recommended.
By bus
Public transport trains and air-con buses are the cheapest mode of transport. There is a regular public bus service to and from Galle's main bus station. The 5-km journey takes 15 minutes for Rs 19.
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Galle · Regional · KCT
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