Unawatuna

A sheltered crescent bay minutes from Galle.

What makes Unawatuna.

Unawatuna is a curving, palm-backed bay just east of Galle, long a favourite for its calm, swimmable water and easy-going beach life. The sands are lined with seafood shacks and low-key bars, and the sheltered reef makes it one of the gentler swimming and snorkelling beaches on the south coast. A short walk leads over the headland to the hilltop Japanese Peace Pagoda and the secluded Jungle Beach beyond, while the small Yatagala and Kataluwa temples sit just inland. Galle's ramparts are only a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride away, making Unawatuna an easy, relaxed beach base for the whole area.

A sheltered crescent bay minutes from Galle.

November – April (south-west dry season)Best time
6Spots to see
~400KVisitors / year

What to see

Where to explore in Unawatuna.

The landmarks and corners worth carving out time for. Each one a reason this place earns its place on the route.

01
Unawatuna Bay
A sheltered crescent of calm water and palm shade, ideal for swimming.
02
Japanese Peace Pagoda
A white hilltop stupa over the headland with views back along the coast.
03
Jungle Beach
A small, secluded cove reached on foot over the headland, good for snorkelling.
04
Dalawella & the rope swing
A quieter neighbouring beach famous for its palm-tree rope swing over the water.
05
Sea Turtle Farm & hatchery
A conservation hatchery near the bay caring for and releasing young sea turtles.
06
Kataluwa Purvarama temple
A small inland temple known for its detailed 19th-century painted murals.