A Travel Guide To Unawatuna – When many people come to Sri Lanka, they are looking for some quality beach time. If you are searching for the ultimate spot for some vitamin C and relaxation, be sure you stay a few days in Unawatuna. Located on the Southern tip of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna has enough to see and do to keep you occupied for a few days.
How to Get There
Unawatuna is located just an hours drive South of Colombo. You can either take a car, or the train from Colombo. If you are coming from Galle, definitely take a car, Pick Me (local ride share), or Tuk Tuk from the fort. It’s only about a 15-20 minute drive away!

A Travel Guide To Unawatuna
Things To Do
Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna beach is a large beach with many restaurants along the sand. It is a great place to get a day bed and relax. The day beds are free of charge to use, however you are required to purchase a drink, or food. We chose to post up along this beach for one afternoon and enjoyed swimming in the ocean and drinking a few cold beers!

Jungle Beach
Smaller than Unawatuna beach and a bit more secluded, Jungle beach is about a 20 minute walk from Unawatuna beach. Jungle beach is a great place to swim and relax especially during the sunset hour.

Dalawella Beach & Swing
The famous beach swing can be found on Dalawella beach. This is another fantastic beach to explore! When we were there, we saw so many sea turtles in the water it was fantastic! The swing costs 500 rupees for 3 swings, so make sure you bring some cash with you!

Famous Beach Rock
Just along both Dalawella Beach and Wijaya Beach you can find the famous rock! This is a rock that is featured in many Instagram photos. We actually found that just opposite the rock was a great spot to post up for an afternoon. We put our towels out and enjoyed napping in the sand.
Wijaya Beach
Yet another amazing beach just next to Dalawella. We went to both Wijaya and Dalawella in one day and it was perfect!

Stilt Fisherman
The stilt fishermen are a sight to behold. Generally they are out fishing in the late evenings right around sunset time. If you want to find them, the best way would be to ask a local. The majority of them can be found on the road from Unawatuna to Weligama. If you choose to do that drive, ask your cab driver to stop alongside the road so you can see these amazing local men fish on stilts!

A Travel Guide To Unawatuna
Where To Eat
Mati Gadara
Cheap and delicious all you can eat vegetarian buffet food for 350 rupees. This spot is a must if you are in Unawatuna! The buffet changes daily and they use local and ripe vegetables each day.
Bedspace Beach Restaurant
If you want a good breakfast, or a sandwich for lunch on your beach day, check out Bedspace Beach Restaurant. Doubling as a hostel, this restaurant has plenty of tasty treats to fill you up throughout your day.


Pink Elephant
A delicious restaurant for lunch, or dinner! We has the chicken wrap and the chicken curry which was extremely creamy and delicious. Probably one of our favourite curries we had in Sri Lanka!
Roti Shop
If you visit Sri Lanka, you must try the traditional Roti’s. The Roti Shop is a cute small shop that offers guests a variety of different roti’s. Sweet and savoury options, you name it, they have it.
Blue Caffeine
Although we didn’t actually get a chance to eat here, we heard great things about this cafe. Perfect for breakfast, or a coffee break this cute joint has a variety of acai bowls and coffee drinks on the menu.
Kats Coffee
A good coffee shop and bakery. We spent a few mornings catching up on work here. A great space for digital nomads.
A Travel Guide To Unawatuna
Where To Stay
Bedspace Hostel
A good hostel option for those looking to stay pretty centrally located in Unawatuna. Check them out Here.
Bedspace Beach
If you want to be a bit closer to the beach, check out Bedspace Beach! Check them out Here.
Shanthi Beach Resort
A fantastic hotel right on the beach! A perfect place to relax near the ocean. For the latest prices, check out this cool hotel here.
Sayura Beach Hotel
A beautiful hotel located right. On Wijaya beach, just a close walk to the famous rock and beach rope swing! Check them out Here!
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