Beach season in Sri Lanka Unawatuna. Unawatuna beaches. Mobile communications and Internet

Unawatuna is picturesque tourist place, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is named after a village located very close to the beach. Unawatuna includes a beautiful sand beach, extensive palm groves and a small village. This place is perfect for family vacation with children, because the lagoon is separated from the ocean by reef strips that do not allow big waves make your way to the beach, besides, there are places here (called “paddling pools”), fenced with an additional barrier of reefs, which are simply created for children: sandy bottom, shallow depth (1-1.5 meters), almost complete absence of waves. Older people will also love this place.

Unawatuna Beach in Sri Lanka is popular among independent travelers who are used to relaxing in “wild” places. It is calm, quiet and cozy here, there are no luxury hotels or many entertainment venues, but there are good cafes and restaurants, small houses on the ocean that can be rented for several days or months, and here you can also practice diving, yoga, and attend culinary master classes. Every year the flow of vacationers is increasing, and with this the offer of various services is growing, but for this reason this place is gradually turning from quiet and cozy to quite noisy and crowded, although it is still a long time before the complete transformation takes place.

One of the most popular activities in Unawatuna is sailing around the lagoon on a glass-bottomed boat. So you will see the richest underwater world: corals, exotic fish, amazing plants and much more. This pleasure is quite cheap, because... the boat can accommodate quite a lot of people, and because of this, the ticket price is significantly reduced, so that everyone can afford it.

The best time to go here is between late autumn until early spring. At this time there is not much rain, and the waves are much lower, which makes the holiday more comfortable. Most travelers come here in mid-December.

Top 5 hotels (according to reviews of vacationers)

A wonderful hotel on the oceanfront, consisting of 9 apartments located in three separate villas. Each room has modern furniture made of expensive wood and luxury upholstery. This is an excellent hotel for wealthy people who want to relax in privacy with their significant other. The service here is excellent and is considered one of the best in Sri Lanka.

• Hotel rooms: 9
• Satellite TV: yes
• Spa treatments: yes
• Number of stars: 5
• Average price per room (1 night): 8500 rub.

Quite comfortable and modern hotel with private beach. The rooms are large, with free Wi-Fi; upon request, breakfast can be delivered directly to your room at the appointed time. Diving and diving instructors are available on site. You will be transported from the airport to the hotel very quickly in a comfortable car.

• Hotel rooms: 12
• Satellite TV: yes
• Spa treatments: yes
• Number of stars: 4
• Average price per room (1 night): 9500 rub.
• Internet access: free Wi-Fi

An inexpensive hotel with good service and comfortable rooms in a “nothing extra” style. Here you can get an unforgettable massage, swim underwater, fish, and snorkel. Served as meals in restaurants local cuisine, and European. If we say briefly about this hotel: “I swam in the ocean, sunbathed, came to the room, ate and went back for a second round.” In general, this is an average hotel in Sri Lanka.

• Hotel rooms: 14
• Satellite TV: yes
• Spa treatments: yes
• Number of stars: 2
• Average price per room (1 night): 3000 rub.
• Internet access: free Wi-Fi (in public areas)

Economy class hotel with everything you need have a nice rest. The restaurants serve delicious and varied food, the rooms have Internet, TV, and shower. You can always find something relaxing at the bar. The hotel is quite popular and the vast majority of vacationers have only positive reviews about this place.

• Hotel rooms: 18
• Satellite TV: yes
• Spa treatments: yes
• Number of stars: 3
• Average price per room (1 night): 3500 rub.
• Internet access: free Wi-Fi

A comfortable and large (by the standards of this part of Sri Lanka) hotel with a lot of entertainment and opportunities to engage in a variety of sports: volleyball games, yoga lessons, diving, kayaking and surfboarding, table tennis, Gym. This place is also famous for its massage. There is a large open pool, as well as restaurants serving some of the most delicious food on the island. The main disadvantage of this hotel is that it is not built on the beach itself; you have to walk about two hundred meters to get there.

• Hotel rooms: 83
• Satellite TV: yes
• Spa treatments: yes
• Number of stars: 4
• Average price per room (1 night): 5000 rub.
• Internet access: free Wi-Fi

All Unawatuna hotels (including these) with reviews are listed on the website, so go to this website and book hotel rooms on it, because This service has already been used by millions of travelers around the world, who have only positive impressions of its work.

• The cheapest air tickets can be purchased on the website. By purchasing tickets on this site, you can save up to 50%.
• It will be cheaper to rent a small house on Airbnb than to live in a hotel. I wrote about how to properly rent accommodation while traveling.
• Carry more cash with you. ATMs are extremely rare in this part of Sri Lanka and almost all shops only accept cash. Withdraw money from bank card possible in Galle (a city 10 km from Unawatuna).
• You can buy alcohol much cheaper not on the beach itself, but near the main road. Prices may vary several times.
• Buy mosquito repellent spray or cream at home or upon arrival. There are a lot of insects in Sri Lanka and they won’t let you live in peace, so it’s better to take care of your comfortable stay.
• In some cafes and restaurants, Wi-Fi does not work, despite the presence of a signal. If you want to go online for a cup of coffee, it is better to first check your access to the global network, and only then place an order.
• Because Sri Lanka is a country in which there are many insects, plants and reptiles, and the food is unusual for our stomach, then I recommend purchasing one that will make your vacation more secure.

Unawatuna on the map

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Sri Lanka from Russia. You will have to change planes in Dubai (UAE). The nearest airport is located in Colombo, which means it’s worth flying there. From Colombo you can get to Unawatuna by taxi (costs about $40) or by bus (about $5).

Some time ago, the famous Discovery TV channel declared the beaches of Unawatuna to be one of the best in the world. Since then, their popularity has increased significantly, and the once small Sri Lankan village is rapidly turning into a fashionable resort.

The main “plus” of Unawatuna beach is the coral reef located close to the sea. It serves as a kind of natural breakwater, so the sea on the beach is always relatively calm. The reef is also a local attraction; excursions are available to explore it on special boats with a transparent glass bottom. Corals themselves, as well as the tropical fish inhabiting them, present an entertaining spectacle to a European.

Location of Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is still a province; It will take several hours to get here from Colombo. The beach itself is also located. Actually, not in the village - you need to get out of it and walk a few minutes.

But those who like the “traditional flavor” aimed specifically at tourists will be happy to visit Unawatuna, swim in the warm sea and admire the inhabitants of the reef.

Pros and cons of the beach

By inviting tourists to Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka shows them both the advantages and disadvantages of holidaying on the island.

The village itself is gradually turning into a popular tourist centre. This causes rapid growth and development of infrastructure, but also the emergence of “intrusive services” - taxi drivers, peddlers, massage therapists. Experienced vacationers claim that the best way to deal with them is to pretend that “mine is yours, don’t understand.”

Swimming in Unawatuna is quite convenient - the sea is really calm. The level of infrastructure development on different sections of the beach is different - there are almost wild areas, and there are also those where various bars approach the water itself.

The beach itself is mostly sandy, but there are often layers of pebbles on it. It seems to be stray - it is periodically washed into the water, and later it may appear again. The water is clean, except for those places where small rivers flow into the sea.

When you go swimming, you can't lose your head. The most popular entertainment on Unawatuna Beach are jet skis and glass bottom boats. Both of these cruise in abundance right next to the shore.

I fell in love with Unawatuna from the first day I spent there. It’s hard for me to say why this happened - the powerful ocean, friendly people, the peace that reigns on the streets, or the mysterious jungle. Or maybe I just needed a break so badly after traveling all over Sri Lanka. Everyone sees something different here.

Unawatuna is a small village in the southwestern corner of Sri Lanka, which is not familiar with the bustle of large Asian cities, such as Colombo or Ceylon itself. Previously, the inhabitants of this area lived in fishing, but over time tourism has become a much more profitable income here. Now Unawatuna is one of the most popular resorts the whole country, which, it seems to me, has the most developed infrastructure.

This place is called ideal for families with children because of the coral reefs that circle the coast. Here people relax, get acquainted with Ayurveda, Buddhism, and yoga. Many spend weeks, months here, but everyone can’t get enough of the relaxation that Unawatuna offers. Why does she attract people so much? Let's go explore the town in more detail!

How to get there

The southwest coast, on which Unawatuna is located, is rich in various types of transport and is very developed in this regard.

You will not have any problems with how to get to Unawatuna: no matter which way you choose, you will enjoy it - either from the natural beauties that you will see along the way, or from the national color, or maybe from both at once. In any case, my acquaintance with public transport in Sri Lanka happened on the way to Unawatuna. I must say, it was an invaluable experience!

By taxi or airport transfer

It is best to order a taxi service from the hotel where you plan to stay. A trip by car will cost you approximately 50-60 USD (8000-9000 LKR) one way. Don't forget to ask good brand cars so that you are provided with a car that inspires confidence.

If this is not possible for you for a number of reasons, you can contact the Colombo Airport Taxi counter. You can order a taxi in advance using this number (+94-716-299-969) or. Most cheap tariff- 80 USD (12200 LKR) per car for 3 people. The trip from the airport takes more than 3 hours.

By rented car or taxi from Colombo and other cities

From Colombo

The 135-kilometer journey from the capital can take from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the situation in Colombo itself and the route chosen.

The shortest and fastest route will be along the express toll road, which was built not so long ago, so you will have an exceptional driving or taxi ride experience. driving. The window will offer a view of the tropics, and being in a personal car will save you from the eternal cacophony of any bus. Traveling along the toll highway will cost approximately 1.3-2 USD (200-300 LKR), and it will take about 1 hour 45 minutes.

If you decide to save on travel, you will have to take Galle Main Road, and then Matara Road Matara Road, regularly stand in traffic jams and hug the side of the road, allowing buses to pass ahead every five minutes. Otherwise, you will create an unpleasant traffic situation where all the surrounding drivers will swear and shout at you - in Sri Lanka it is believed that whoever has the largest car is the boss on the road. These are the features of the mentality. This journey will take at least 2.5 hours.

From cities such as Trincomalee, Jaffna and Anuradhapura, you will also have to travel through Colombo.

From Hambantota and Matara

If you are coming from the southern part of the island, then you will definitely pass through these cities. Please note that the express road ends (or begins) in Matara, so some part of the journey will in any case have to be done along the regular road along the coast. The advantage is that Matara itself tends to have fewer cars, so the journey from Matara to Hambantota is much easier for the driver.

To get there from Hambantota, you will spend at least 3 hours (130 kilometers), and from Matara - about an hour (50 kilometers). You can also travel from Nuwara Eliya and Ella via southern part islands. It will take about the same time as via Colombo.

Clue:

Unawatuna - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 2:30

Kazan − 2:30

Samara − 1:30

Ekaterinburg − 0:30

Novosibirsk 1:30

Vladivostok 4:30

When is the season? When is the best time to go

For a long time I couldn’t figure out what the words “season” and “out of season” meant in Unawatuna. The locals couldn’t explain it in any way - for them the difference lies in the influx of tourists. But to me, it’s just as hot, sunny and wonderful. In the end, I figured it out - it turns out that it was a matter of waves, humidity and the amount of tropical rain. So, in this region there are two seasons:

• summer - from March to July;
• winter - from August to February.

Let us now take a closer look at what exactly they are. Depending on who is going on a trip - elderly people, young people or a married couple with children - you should carefully choose the season for your vacation.

Unawatuna in summer

When it's summer here in Unawatuna local residents a small crisis ensues. In attempts to somehow make money from rare tourists, housing prices become almost ridiculous. I would like to place special emphasis on the fact that high humidity continues until the end of July. Tropical rains may fall towards the evening, but, as a rule, this is reflected more at sea: Indian Ocean is raging! The waves are huge, strong, and it’s almost impossible to get out of the water. The wave somehow didn’t want to let me go - it pulled me in and threw me on the ground so that it left a bruise. Therefore, parents with children should be especially careful at this time of year. If it is difficult for an adult to cope with the current, then it can be very difficult for fragile and small children. Another disadvantage is the muddy water due to the sand.

However, don't despair if you've already purchased your tickets. As soon as you swim some distance from the shore, everything will be fine and you will be able to rock peacefully on the waves.

Unawatuna in autumn

In autumn, in Unawatuna, everything blooms and smells for tourists: if someone was closed for the “low season,” now all doors are open for visitors - for example, this applies to excursion agencies that work exclusively seasonally. At night, more than one party lights up on the beach; more and more local young people arrive in the town to meet foreigners and, in particular, foreign women. The sea is calm and quiet, and you can understand why Unawatuna is called a paradise for families with children. The dry climate makes it easier to tolerate the heat.

Prices, accordingly, also increase. Imagine my surprise when I returned to Unawatuna after two weeks of traveling around the island, and prices had almost doubled.

Unawatuna in spring

The wet “low season” begins in spring. There are significantly fewer tourists than in winter, most of the sun loungers on the beach are free, the main street is empty and quiet during the day, except for the exclamations of tuk-tukers inviting you to ride with them.

The sea is still quite calm, but there are regular short-term storms and thunderstorms. If in the summer all the showers and thunderstorms go, so to speak, “to the decline,” then in the spring it’s the right time for them. However, the biggest advantage of a spring holiday in Unawatuna is the low prices and the almost complete absence of tourists. Most likely, they will remember you in your favorite cafe and store and call you by name every time, asking how you are doing. This is the ideal season for a soulful and quiet holiday.

Unawatuna in winter

Winter is the top season in Unawatuna. You can barely find a free room; almost all places are booked a couple of weeks in advance. If you are lucky enough to find something, then most likely it will be a astronomical price by local standards.

The waiters get tired of serving the endless stream of visitors, but this does not erase the smiles from their faces. The weather is almost perfect. Of course, no one is immune, but very few people complain about rain or rough seas in winter. If you want to relax in Unawatuna with your kids, then come here in winter.

Unawatuna - weather by month

Clue:

Unawatuna - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Choosing accommodation in Unawatuna is quite simple. But of course! After all, people come here primarily for a beach holiday. This means that you need to choose a place closer to the sea so that you can get to the waves in the morning. After comparing prices, you can safely book accommodation on. Or, if you want to rent locally, check out the deals.

It would seem, how can so many hotels and guest houses be located in such a small area? From year to year Small town at the junction of the southern and western coasts of Sri Lanka is becoming more and more popular due to its popularity among tourists. And, as a result, you need to take into account some nuances in order to make your vacation as comfortable as possible.

First and second lines (green area on the map)

Of course, most of the tourists will settle here - west of Matara Road. This part has the most cafes, restaurants, bars and small shops. It is worth paying attention to the fact that prices on the first line are not necessarily higher than in the depths of the village or on the second line. Accommodation prices start from 7 USD (1000 LKR) for a room with a fan and from 16.5 USD (2500 LKR) for a room with air conditioning. It was right next to the shore that I stayed during my holiday in Unawatuna.

What could be the downsides here? Well, for example, daily noisy parties in some nearby hotel. You won't sleep here until the fun is over - somewhere around 2-3 am. However, for some this is a plus, because it won’t be long to walk back home after a wild party.

But it’s not only at night that you won’t be able to enjoy privacy. During the day, especially during the season, there will be noise from tourists constantly passing by your house. But you're unlikely to be sitting in a hotel in the middle of the day, right?

Center (purple area)

Here I am referring to the main street of Unawatuna, which starts at Matara Road and runs through almost the entire village, as well as a small area near Matara Road where the most luxurious hotels are located. Tiny streets spread out from it, and wandering along them, you will find a lot of housing options for every taste. If there are mainly small low-rise hotels or bungalows near the beach, here you will already find some exclusive places, some of which are run by Europeans. Accordingly, the level of comfort here can be much higher. When I was looking for housing, the most cheap option, which was offered to me, cost 11 USD (1700 LKR) for a room with breakfast and a fan.

The immediate convenience of living on the main street is that you step outside and a tuk-tuk is already waiting for you, ready to take you around the whole area; in the building on your right they do Ayurvedic massage, in the house on your left there is national Sri Lankan cuisine, where locals dine on curry. It is not so noisy here in the evenings and during the day, but in the morning the cheerful Sri Lankans, roosters and cicadas will serve as your alarm clock.

Jungle Beach area (red area)

This is a fairly large area that starts from the westernmost edge of Unawatuna Beach and continues all the way to the “jungle beach”. Housing here is much simpler, much further from the main beach, but also much cheaper. You can agree to rent a simple room for two for 5.3 USD (800 LKR) per day and more. On the street from Unawatuna to Jungle Beach you will constantly come across signs: Jungle Beach - That way.

It is very quiet, calm and cozy here during the day and in the morning. But, to be honest, I felt a little uncomfortable walking here in the evening - too much attention was paid to my pale-faced person from the local youth.

My personal experience

I didn’t book accommodation in advance, finding everything on the spot, and I was surprisingly lucky. Despite the fact that the map is simply strewn with all sorts of options and options, not all places are indicated on it. If you are traveling out of season, then take a chance and look for accommodation locally. Be sure to bargain! Even if the price seems reasonable to you, it’s better not to overpay, since the comfort here is still quite questionable - either the Internet will turn off or the air conditioner will start dripping into the bucket. Be prepared for the fact that at night a palm marten, which the locals call uguduwa, will run across your roof, and during the day an impudent black monkey will hide in the branches of trees near your balcony, trying to steal something.

What are the prices for holidays?

Holidays in Unawatuna - for every taste! Expensive and budget-friendly, comfortable and not so comfortable - but comfort does not necessarily cost a lot of money. Now I will tell you approximately how much each expense item will cost you.

Food

It should be understood that the cheapest food is local cuisine. Everything that is brought from abroad and does not relate to Sri Lanka is done exclusively for tourists and the prices are appropriate. Of course, seasonal fruits, pastries, rotis and all rice dishes, from simple rice with chicken to curries, will be inexpensive. Please note that the most expensive food on the coast (the average bill for two for two dishes with drinks is 15 USD/2000 LKR), and the cheapest is where the locals eat (the average bill for the same amount of food is 3 USD/450 LKR). I will tell you the prices based on my own experience so that you have an idea of ​​how to calculate your budget.

• fresh bread (should be taken before 10 am, otherwise it will be dry) - 0.3 USD (50 LKR);
• rice with chicken (serving enough for two adults) - 0.8 USD (120 LKR);
• curry rice (also for two) - 1.6 USD (250 LKR);
• bottle of cola (2 l) - 0.7 USD (100/110 LKR (warm/from the refrigerator));
• pineapple 1 kg - 0.3 USD (50 LKR);
• papaya 1 kg - (0.5-0.7 USD/70-100 LKR);
• coconut - 0.3 USD (50 LKR);
• water (5 l) - 2 USD (300 LKR);
• pizza in a restaurant on the beach (tastes like frozen) - 6.5-9 USD (1000-1400 LKR);
• fresh fish in a restaurant on the embankment (grill, 1 kg) - 6.5 USD (1000 LKR);
• fresh juice or smoothie (0.5 l) - 0.7-1 USD (100-150 LKR);
• beer at the bar (0.5 l) - 2 USD (300 LKR).

Also, cigarettes are quite expensive in Sri Lanka, so plan ahead and bring your own if you smoke.

Transport

The only transport in Unawatuna that goes along all the streets is the tuk-tuk. He will take you where you need and don't need to go. The price will be negotiable each time. For example, if you ask to be taken to Jungle Beach, you will be offered a price of 2.6-4 USD (400-600 LKR), but you can always discount it. If you need to be taken to the main road, they will do it for 0.3-0.7 USD (50-100 LKR). Regular buses already run along the main road every 5-10 minutes. An alternative option is to rent a motorbike, which will cost up to 10 USD (1500 LKR) per day, plus fuel - 0.6 USD (90 LKR) per liter.

Leisure

There is definitely something to do in the city. You can book excursions to any point on the island, take a jeep safari for a couple of days, but, of course, it won’t be cheap. The cheapest excursions cost 20-27 USD (3000-4000 LKR). But, if you bother, you can organize the same program for yourself much cheaper. Diving is very popular, prices for which start from 33 USD (5000 LKR).

If you want to explore the area, you will most likely take a walk to the temples, which are free to enter. As an entertainment option, you can consider visiting the numerous shops that sell cheap Sri Lankan souvenirs of dubious quality. For example, bloomers can be bought for 3.3-4.6 USD (500-700 LKR), and magnets - for 0.55-0.7 USD (80-100 LKR).

In the evenings, most tourists hang out in bars and clubs.

Main attractions. What to see

Despite the fact that Unawatuna is a beach village where everyone seems to come for a beach holiday, there are many more attractions here than one might expect. The main thing is to have the desire and strength to look for them. Moreover, most of these beauties are natural or cultural.

Beaches. Which ones are better

The main attraction of Unawatuna, as, probably, of the whole of Lanka, is the ocean! Here he is bomb cool. The water is warm, the sand is soft and crumbly. In the off-season, the waves simply sweep you off your feet, charging you with adrenaline, and in the season they allow you to lie on the very shore, soaking your feet in the water. You can go on a diving tour to the coral reefs and see the active inhabitants underwater world. Well, tell me, why else do you come to the coastal resort villages?

The infrastructure on the beach is quite well developed. All hotels and almost all restaurants on the beach offer to rent sun loungers and umbrellas. If you live in one of the coastal establishments, you can ask for these amenities to be provided to you for free. It’s especially convenient that the beach is not wide and, accordingly, it’s a very short walk from the bars to the sun loungers, so they will be happy to provide you with a menu and a card with drinks.

What I really liked is that the descent into the water is quite steep and literally 4 meters from the beach the water reaches your chin. It will be equally great for children, since the waves break 2 meters from the shore, and the little ones can only splash around in the lambs.

Jungle Beach

For some people, this beach may be the only reason to come to Unawatuna. Yes, yes, he is that popular. And all because it is located in the jungle and is surrounded exclusively by them. Although, recently, enterprising Sri Lankans have built several cafes near the shore for the comfort of tourists, where they can also order sun loungers if desired.

There are probably a sea of ​​such beaches all over Sri Lanka, but for some reason this particular beach has been turned into a tourist attraction. In the evenings, Sri Lankans throw parties here almost every day, to which everyone is invited.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Tourist streets

The main street of Unawatuna is the main tourist street. It is here that 90% of all hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafes, shops and other establishments are located. This street is called Welle Devalaya Road, but many simply call it beach road or main road, despite the fact that the main street or road is Matara Road, where the tourist part of Unawatuna begins.

Valle Devalaya Street runs along almost the entire coast, almost parallel, to the end of the beach, where it diverges into several streets. One, to the left, to the symbolic temple, and the second, to the right, to Jungle Beach.

What to see in 1 day

Absolutely all the sights of Unawatuna can be seen in one day, because there are not so many of them. But people come to Unawatuna not for one day, as a rule, but for a long vacation to soak up the ocean. However, if you only have one day, then you can do the following:

• 06:00 - rise at dawn. Next, you need to find a tuk-tuk that will take you to the Yatagala Cave Temple. It is better to negotiate with the manager of the hotel; he will no problem suggest you a friend who will help you.
• 08:30 - return to Unawatuna. Head to Jungle Beach and stop by the Japanese Pagoda along the way. The road will go through the jungle, and it makes sense to take a tuk-tuk if you have a hard time with the heat or long walks. Take some food with you, as food on the beach is quite expensive due to lack of competition.
• An alternative option is to arrange a diving tour or whale boat trip in advance.
• 16:00 - After a day spent by the sea, return to Unawatuna. Visit the Temple of Megaha. I personally didn’t manage to visit it, somehow everything went by and by, but inside, it seems to be interesting.
• 17:00 - have dinner with good rice or some hearty roti. Take a break at the hotel.
• 20:00 - go to the Unawatuna beach. It is no less charming in the evening. Grab some fish, crab or shrimp for your late dinner.

If the next day you feel that you have nothing to do, then you can go to Koggala lake or to the fort. Usually these places are somehow combined. Read about them below.

What to see in the area

If Unawatuna itself has nothing to hold you back, then you can stop there to explore the interesting things in the surrounding area, because its location is conducive to this.

Galle Fort (6 km)

Unawatuna is actually a suburb of one of the largest and most important cities on the entire island - Galle. And Galle itself in the 16th century became the place where Portuguese explorers landed and founded their colony. That's why Old city Galle is so interesting for tourists who want to get acquainted with the colonial history of the country. Excursions to the fort are regularly organized from all resorts southwest coast, because it is very easy and quick to get to. In addition to the fort itself, it is also an important trading point, where there are many markets and shops. I strongly advise you to visit this town and fort.

How to get there: Unawatuna is located 5 km from Galle and is very easy to get to. You exit Unawatuna Coast Road, turn left and follow Matara Road. After entering the city itself, road signs will tell you where to go. You can also get there by any bus, the main thing is to clarify what exactly you need to get to the fort.

Entrance fee: 6.6 USD (1000 LKR)

Mirissa, surfing and whales (30 km)

If you are a surfing lover (we have information about surfing in Sri Lanka) or just want to try yourself in this sport, then Mirissa is for you! However, it is not at all necessary to stay in this town. In any case, this is my opinion, since it is somewhat more expensive than Unawatuna. Mirissa Beach has the best waves for beginner surfers. You can rent all equipment on site.

In addition to all this, it is from Mirissa that boats mainly depart to search for whales. It costs less here than in any other places, and, as a rule, the adventure ends more successfully.

How to get there: follow Matara Road for 30 kilometers towards Matara, or take any bus to this town and beyond.

Lake Koggala (12 km)

This stunning place is a must visit! Near the lake itself, you can rent a boat for 2000 rupees, which will take you to several islands on the lake, among which there will definitely be cinnamon island, spice island and temple island. In addition to these, you can ask to be taken to some other interesting islands, for example, we were dropped off on a bird island with excellent views panoramic view for the entire lake. Of course, you will have to negotiate thoroughly, but anything is possible. The boat can accommodate about 4 people, so the excursion can be quite inexpensive, and the trip will take about 1.5-2 hours. This entire program is organized by simple local residents who enterprisingly placed the boats in the right place.

The island of spices and the island of cinnamon are run by ordinary Sri Lankan families who live very, very poorly and solely at the expense of tourists who buy any goods from them. Personally, I bought myself a bag of excellent cinnamon from one family, which I have been using for more than six months, and it still doesn’t run out.

And if you are lucky, you will see real, huge crocodiles.

How to get there: by any bus towards Matara (about 20 minutes) or by car in the same direction, the journey is 12 kilometers.

Koggala Beach (11 km)

Another attraction of the neighboring village. And all at the expense of the fishermen, who have long turned their work into entertainment for tourists.

For just 0.7-1 USD (100-150 LKR) you can try to climb onto this stand yourself, from which they “sort of” fish in the coastal waves. Although, who knows, maybe they really bring a catch, and inviting tourists to take pictures with them is just an additional and pleasant income.

Food. What to try

Unawatuna is an ideal place to experience delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, tailored to the needs of tourists unaccustomed to spices. In addition to the well-known curries, many types of rice and noodles, you can discover other types of delicacies that are not so popular among foreigners.

But you should be extremely careful with your diet, especially for people who have a weak stomach. If you think that you've tried spicy food and that it won't surprise you - no, it's not! Sri Lankans love spices very much, and all because their use helps get rid of harmful microorganisms and cleanse the stomach. So my advice to you: be sure to ask for spices separately or cook without spices. Although I got the impression that the locals sincerely do not understand how it is even possible to do something without spices? Emphasize this as Sri Lankans do not consider their food spicy. It is better to pay and leave if you are served spicy food than to risk your health.

It is very popular to try coconuts and drink coconut water. Be careful - they sold us this way and gave us brown coconut water to drink, without telling us that it is very, very harmful to the body. Let me warn you that the hairy brown coconut is for making oil and curry dishes! You can't eat it. You will lose at least a day of your rest. You can drink orange and green coconuts.

For me personally, one of the most important points in visiting any country is National cuisine, which complements the culture and makes it different from everywhere else. Now I will tell you about the places that helped me get into Sri Lankan cuisine. I want to say that all these places are owned by local residents, not foreigners, and accordingly, prices are quite low in each of them.

Jayasinghe Hotel and Grocery

This place doesn't offer impeccable service or clean tablecloths, but you can get delicious curry for pennies! The dish cost me and my friend only about 200 rupees, but we couldn’t finish it together.

However, it should be said that locals eat here and the food is tailored to their needs. It's very spicy. The place is located on the coastal street, to the left of the Blue Crab restaurant.

Sunny Beach

In the evenings, every hotel offers fresh fish on the Unawatuna beach. Of all the places where I ate, this is where it was the most delicious. For 2000 rupees they served a huge fish with two bottles of beer and fries. And the pinnacle of pleasure is that you eat right on the coast, listening to the sound of the waves, looking at the stars and kicking the sand with your feet.

Fruit shop to the left of Western Union

On the other side of the currency exchange office there is an excellent mini fruit stand. What they don’t offer there! And what could be better than eating fresh fruit in the middle of a hot day? The prices for everything are quite affordable, but it makes sense to bargain, especially if you take several items.

Nanda Roti Shop

This is where I will advise you to come for breakfast and get yourself a chocolate and banana roti or coconut and chocolate roti. Unrealistically delicious! They cook quickly, right in front of you. There are also very, very tasty roti with vegetables or egg, rolled into small triangles. They are very convenient to take with you on the road anywhere as a snack. Located right on the street.

Ihineth Bakery & Roti Shop

Here I bought pastries and the freshest white bread. The place is very easy to find, it is located just as the crow flies just after you enter Unawatuna Lane from Matara Road, to the right of the Western Union office. You should come for the freshest bread between 8 and 10 am.

Budget

• Happy Spice;
• Metta's Home Cooked Meal;
• Mati Gedara;
• The Roti Shop;
• The Hut Rotty Shop.

Mid-level

• Full Moon;
• Jina's Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant;
• Bedspace Kitchen;
• Kingfisher;
• Roberto & Marco Ristorante Italiano.

Expensive

• Lucky Tuna;
• Thaproban;
• Le Mer;
• Paradise Garden;
• The Razzmatazz Roof Cafe.

Safety. What to watch out for

I would hardly call Sri Lanka one hundred percent safe, but this should in no way discourage anyone from traveling to this country! Of course, you shouldn’t expect the feeling of safety that you would get from a trip to one of the European countries, but, nevertheless, the attitude towards tourists here is very positive and friendly, because they bring huge income to the state. This friendliness can be especially felt in Unawatuna, where they are already accustomed to tourists and do not perceive them as something special. However, there are a few nuances that I want to highlight.

• Girls should be extremely careful at parties. Of course, our Russian mentality assumes that if a man pays for a woman’s drink, then this is normal. In Unawatuna, this can be allowed, but only under vigilant supervision, no matter how strange it may sound. Never accept open drinks from the hands of strangers at parties (no matter whether they are locals or foreigners). Sri Lankan guys, by the way, believe that their status increases after a close relationship with a white girl, and how they achieved this is no longer so important. Otherwise, girls in Unawatuna are in no danger except beach ladies' men. At night, when walking on the street, my friend and I felt quite comfortable, but it never occurred to us to go into deserted streets. Most likely, single girls will feel uneasy in the evenings. Very often you can hear unpleasant hints in your direction - but here it is important to simply ignore it.
• Since I lived in a room near the beach, I left all valuables, except for the phone, in the room, because it was obvious if someone went there. I don't recommend doing this if you live in the outback. Employees can easily take something from the room. It is also advisable not to leave valuables unattended on the beach, but I was lucky and was never robbed. In large hotels, the likelihood of theft is almost zero, especially if you use a safe or the services of a receptionist.
• When purchasing fruit, always ask for it to be cut in front of you, if possible. This way you can immediately weed out rotten fruit.
• Be sure to check the fish for freshness if you take it raw at the seashore. No matter how pompous the restaurant is, there is a little fraud going on. How to check? Taking the fish in your hands, bend its head slightly so that the gills open. They should be pink on the inside.
• Negotiate prices first before providing any service, be it buying clothes, food, souvenirs or a tuk-tuk ride. If in the end you cannot agree on a price, a serious conflict may begin. This happened to me when they first adjusted our pants to size, and then we began to negotiate on the price.

Things to do

If you have already had plenty of time on the beach, explored the entire area, then go ahead - it’s time to get active, get up from your sunbed and move towards the street, get acquainted with the activities that Unawatuna offers.

First of all, it is popular among tourists to take excursions from agencies, of which there are simply tons on the street. But, unfortunately, some of them do not operate in the off-season, and this is worth taking into account when planning your trip. However, you will have plenty to do in Unawatuna. If I didn’t get bored there, you won’t get bored either!

Shopping and shops

All shops, grocery, cosmetics and clothing, are located on Vella Delawaya Road, that is, the main street of Unawatuna. You will hardly surprise us with the products (if only with the prices of imported goods), but you can find excellent clothes and cosmetics here.

For pennies you can buy here cute pants, trousers, dresses or T-shirts with elephants, which are so popular among tourists and are produced here. In every shop on the street, a woman is not only a seller, but also a seamstress and a manager. Bargaining for goods is possible and even necessary, especially if you are taking more than one thing.

In some grocery stores, hidden, so to speak, are small sections with cosmetic products, which include coconut oils, aloe vera gels and herbal shampoos, which are used by all local beauties.

Of course, people don’t come to Unawatuna to chase brands. Shopping here is mainly for souvenirs and souvenirs.

Bars. Where to go

As darkness falls, every restaurant on the beach turns into a bar, and the closer it gets to night, the more it becomes like a club. There are no specialized bars, pubs or taverns in Unawatuna due to lack of need and space. The town is very small, almost cramped, and it is impossible to fit new buildings here for special parties. All parties take place on the beach, and they take place every night and are quite noisy.

Drink prices are quite high by local standards and much more expensive than in stores - 2 USD (300 LKR) for a bottle of beer, from 3.3 USD (500 LKR) cocktails. Alcohol is cheaper in specially designated alcohol shops, of course, but you won’t find these within walking distance in Unawatuna.

Clubs and nightlife

One thing I've noticed is that only one place has a party every night. At the same time, you can’t find out where in advance, but you won’t be able to miss it. As soon as you go out to the beach, you will understand where all the people are.

Diving

One of the most popular things to do in Unawatuna is definitely diving. Some places can still offer surfing, but to be honest, Unawatuna is not very suitable for this.

Diving here can be found in any form - you can be a beginner, an amateur or a professional. Not only will you be equipped with all the proper equipment, but you will also be trained and told everything, everything, everything. In addition to regular dives for 1-2 hours with access to the open sea, you can sign up for a long course, which will cost about 600-800 USD for everything. Upon completion, you will be given a certificate confirming that you are a diving master, but there is a possibility that it will not be considered valid in Europe and the New World.

Dive for an hour in Unawatuna in " high season"will cost about 60 USD (9000 LKR) for 2 hours and 33 USD (5000 LKR) for an hour. Believe me, it's worth the money! Any tourist office on the street will organize this service for you. But it will be cheaper to approach the diving master himself if you spot one on the shore. The coral world near Unawatuna is colorful and vibrant and will entice you to come back again and again.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

There are several souvenirs that I highly recommend you bring from Unawatuna. They are not unique to this place and can be purchased throughout the country. But if you have free time, or you get tired of lying on the beach, then you will simply enjoy searching for these things.

Aloe Vera gel and cream

Not only does it perfectly moisturize the skin, but if you also buy it at the pharmacy, it will simply save your skin from sunburn. When I got sunburned, a kind girl at the pharmacy suggested this gel to me, which literally took off all the pain in five minutes, and after a day of regular use it was completely gone.

Such gels are very expensive in other Asian countries, but in our cold latitudes this will be an excellent way to moisturize skin chapped in the cold.

There are different gels - from 70 to 100 percent aloe vera. Of course, than more percent, the higher the effect of the gel will be. I wouldn't recommend going below 85 percent.

Supirivicky Pepper Toothpaste

This is an amazing paste that whitens your teeth in one or two steps. It really does look like toothpaste mixed with ground pepper. The locals just need this paste because of all the dust and dirt that constantly flies in their faces. Well, for us, foreigners, this is an excellent souvenir that costs about 0.7 USD (100 LKR).

Coconut oil

Did you expect this?! Of course, how to leave Sri Lanka without coconut oil. When choosing, you should consider the purpose for which you are purchasing the oil. The best oil is the one that is suitable for cooking, because it is 100 percent natural. If you have difficulty finding it (although this is unlikely) or you are looking for it for cosmetic purposes, then be sure to take cold-pressed oil. In any case, this is what all the local residents recommend.

That's all I can advise you regarding souvenirs. Good luck with your search!

How to get around the city

Due to the fact that Unawatuna is a very small village with one, one might say, narrow street, there is no possibility of running any buses here. And why - almost all routes are within walking distance (less than one and a half kilometers). Therefore, the only type of transport that serves Unawatuna is tuk-tuks! However, there is a way out - renting a motorbike or other type of transport, which can easily be done in the town.

Taxi. What features exist

The tuk-tuk, one might say, has a monopoly in the city. And every family has this machine, because it is nimble, unpretentious and comfortable. In the mornings, fathers of families go out onto the street, slowly adjusting their sarong, and wait for passing tourists. On alert!

If you cannot find a driver, contact your hotel, they will help you without any problems and find someone. These are approximately the prices you can expect when negotiating with a tuk-tuk. Don't be shy about bargaining and even learn how to do it!

• A trip from the far end of the beach to Matara Road costs 0.7 USD (100 LKR).
• Trip from Unawatuna to Galle - 2 USD/300 LKR (for the whole day - 6.6 USD/1000 LKR).
• Trip from Unawatuna to Kogalla - 2.6 USD/400 LKR (for the whole day - 6.6 USD/1000 LKR).
• Trip from the beach to the station - 1.5 USD/200 LKR.

There are also taxi drivers in the city in the cars we are used to, but their services cost three times more, so take a tuk-tuk for short distances.

Transport rental

Scooter

Most popular view transport for rent in Unawatuna is a motorbike or scooter. Finding rental points will not be a problem: as soon as you turn onto Vella Delavaia, just around the corner there will be a shop with a lot of bikes for every taste. And there are plenty of such establishments throughout the village. Prices for renting a scooter in Unawatuna are quite affordable. Depends on the period for which you rent the bike:

• A week or less - 10 USD (1500 LKR) per day.
• From two weeks - 6.6 USD (1000 LKR) per day.
• Month - 5.3 USD (800 LKR) per day.

A bike is very convenient, you don’t depend on anyone and, in principle, it’s inexpensive. Many tourists rent a bike and accommodation for a long time, and then hit the road all over the island.

Gasoline in Sri Lanka costs about 80-90 rupees per liter, you can refuel both at gas stations and from local bottles in any shop along the way, it will not cost you much.

A significant disadvantage of the bike is that you are almost not protected in any way. If you are not confident in your driving skills, then start by renting a bike for the day and do not leave the village area where the buses may irritate you. Be sure to take it for a test drive.

To rent, you will need to leave a deposit of 100 USD and a copy of your passport. You are unlikely to be asked about your driving license, since our licenses are not valid in Lanka. However, the police may be interested in them, but they are very friendly towards tourists and can let you go even without a fine.

Knock Knock

Another option for renting is a tuk-tuk. There are not many places that offer such transport in Unawatuna. It makes sense to check with your hotel or places that offer scooters. Rent - about 16 USD (2500 LKR) per day.

Car

And, of course, you can rent a full-fledged car. All-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, small, large - many options to suit your taste. To rent both a tuk-tuk and a car, you will need an international driver's license category B. If you are stopped and you do not have one, you will face a fine. Renting a car can cost both cosmic sums and go down to 26 USD (4000 LKR) per day. You can compare prices.

• Violations of any speed limits are treated quite liberally. No one will report you if they notice something like this, so you shouldn’t worry about it.
• Do not park where it is prohibited. They will not fail to issue a fine or demand a bribe.
• You should drive with extreme caution near buses. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a bike or a car - whoever has the bigger car is in charge. In Sri Lanka these are buses.
• When leaving a corner, you need to sound a sound signal, and when overtaking, too... Almost any maneuver should be reported loudly.
• On a motorbike, not only the driver, but also the passenger is required to wear a helmet. Believe me, it is better to do so for the sole purpose of your safety.

Basically, that's all! Good luck!

Unawatuna - holidays with children

During the season, which lasts from August to February, Unawatuna is considered a paradise for families with children! And all because the Unawatuna bay is surrounded by coral reefs, against which all the waves break at this time of year. Accordingly, swimming in the ocean becomes absolutely safe. The locals are friendly to everyone, but especially to children, they will always smile, wave or even entertain you in some way.

There is also something to interest children. If they get bored of playing on the beach and splashing in the water, then you can take some excursion that they will definitely enjoy. In addition, almost every restaurant offers a children's menu, and shops on the streets sell inflatable mattresses and all sorts of toys. In general, do not hesitate in choosing a place to stay in Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is ideal for you if you are traveling to the island with children.

Unawatuna is a small village in the south of Sri Lanka, which has become one of the most popular resorts in the south of the island. It is located on the shore of a small bay, protected from the open ocean by a coral reef. You can swim here safely most of the year, which has become the main reason for the popularity of this resort.

Beach in Unawatuna

This beach has a complex history (below, in the description of the resort, you will understand why). But since 2015, many positive changes have taken place here, thanks to which the holiday here will be much better.

Afternoon Unawatuna - cozy bay with calm waters and a relaxed resort atmosphere, and in the evening the shore is illuminated by the torches of beach restaurants, where you can sit listening to the sound of the ocean and then wander along the shore.

About Unawatuna

7 reasons to go to Unawatuna

1. This is one of the most developed and vibrant resorts in Sri Lanka.
2. Well suited for those who like to plan their trips on their own (there are few large hotels built into the package tourism system, and great amount hotels and guesthouses for those who travel alone).
3. The bay in Unawatuna is small, well protected from the waves by a coral reef, the beach is suitable for those who are not very confident swimmers, and for travelers with children.
4. You can relax in Unawatuna most of the year, the bay is protected from ocean storms, the temperature is even throughout the year, the months differ mainly in the amount of precipitation.
5. A large selection of hotels - from small family guesthouses to luxury hotels.
6. Unawatuna is just 6 km from the listed city of Galle world heritage UNESCO, where it is easy to go on an excursion.
7. From Unawatuna you can go to other popular beaches: Hikkaduwa (27 km), Mirissa (28 km) and even Bentota (69 km).

Buying jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones is another form of entertainment on holiday in Sri Lanka, including in Unawatuna.

Helpful information

Capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo.

Distance Moscow - Colombo: 6573 km; the average duration of a direct flight is 8 hours 30 minutes; code international airport Bandaranaike CMB.

Where is Unawatuna: Unawatuna is located in the south of the island of Sri Lanka, approximately 130 km. south of the capital Colombo and approximately 160 km. from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Visa to Sri Lanka: for Russians for up to 30 days you can get a visa on arrival (35$) or a little cheaper by filling out an online application in advance ( 30$) - a copy must be presented at the airport; through the embassy in Moscow you can obtain a single or double entry visa for up to 90 days (25$).

There are no accredited consular missions in Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan: if necessary, visas are issued in Moscow, personal presence is required.

Season in Unawatuna: from November to April.

Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan Rupee (Sri Lankan rupee), symbol: ₨, currency converter.

Banks in Sri Lanka: Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Hatton National Bank, Nations Trust Bank. There are ATMs in every resort area.

Prices in Hikkaduwa:

exchange rate for November 2015: 1$ = 142 Rs.

transfer from the airport (official price of an airport taxi) - 9500 Rs ($66) for an air-conditioned car;

budget hotels - from $20-50 (depending on the season and conditions), comfortable hotels from $50-70;

prices in tourist cafes in Unawatuna: breakfasts on average 400-500 Rs, lunches and dinners from $10 (beer 200 Rs (375 ml)/400 Rs (625 ml); rice and curry - 400-600 Rs, fried rice with chicken 450 Rs, soup - 350-600 Rs, pancakes with bananas and honey 350 Rs, fish from 700 Rs, barbecue from 2000 Rs, grilled lobster from 700 Rs per 100 g);

prices in the cafe for locals: rotti 120-170 Rs, fried rice 150-200 Rs; rice and curry 200-250 Rs.

scooter rental - from 900 Rs.

Distance from Unawatuna to other cities and beaches of Sri Lanka:

Distance from Bandaranaike Airport to Unawatuna: 153 km (toll road).

Distance from Colombo to Unawatuna: 129 km (toll road).

Distance from Bentota to Unawatuna: 63 km.

Distance from Hikkaduwa to Unawatuna: 27 km.

Distance from Mirissa to Unawatuna: 28 km.

Distance from Galle Fort to Unawatuna: 6 km.

Distance from Kandy to Unawatuna: 231 km.

Distance from Nuwara Eliya to Unawatuna: 260-290 km. (depending on the route, you can get there in 3 different ways).

Distance from Sigiriya to Unawatuna: 278 km.

Unawatuna Festival (Perahera)

About the resort Unawatuna

Unawatuna - very old resort place, the first hotel here was built by the Portuguese back in the 17th century. Located in the south of Sri Lanka, just 6 km. from Galle Fort.

Unawatuna has a long, interesting and very controversial history. Initially, there was a very beautiful beach here, so beautiful that the Discovery TV channel once included it in the top ten best beaches planets. All authoritative guidebooks refer to this fact, including the English Lonaly Planet guidebook.

Perhaps this is how Discovery saw this beach

In recent decades, not very good changes have been happening to the beach. Due to the uncontrolled development of the beach strip by hotels and restaurants, soil erosion began here.

The central part of the beach in Unawatuna is too dense and not very beautiful.

What does this mean? The ocean began to lick sand from the shores of Unawatuna and in some places there was almost no sand left. For many years, local authorities tried to save the coast (demolished illegally built hotels, built an artificial breakwater, etc.).

At some point, hotels in the eastern part of the beach were left without sand on the shore - it was all washed away by the ocean. In order to somehow strengthen the bank, it was covered with large stones.

In 2015, the authorities made new efforts to restore the beach: in March 2015, 7 sand tankers were unloaded onto the shore, and restoration work continued in August.

It is impossible to say yet whether the ocean will wash away the newly brought sand, but those who will vacation here in the winter of 2015-2016 will definitely be able to enjoy good beaches.

Despite all the problems described, Unawatuna continues to be a very cozy resort with its own atmosphere. There are very few beaches in Sri Lanka with calm waters where you can safely swim. And thanks to this fact, there is not even a hint that the popularity of this resort will decrease. On the contrary, it only grows from year to year.

How to find your way

The resort area in Unawatuna is developed along the beach and along streets diverging from the sea. A large number of hotels, local cafes, and souvenir shops are located along Welle Dewalaya Rd, Yaddehimulla Rd, Matara Rd.

Streets of Unawatuna

In general, the resort area is built up a little chaotically and quite densely, its epicenter is the beach and Welle Dewalaya street.

Welle Dewalaya Rd is quite narrow, there are no sidewalks, but there are a lot of tuk-tuks and motorbikes on it, but there is tropical greenery and resort bustle all around, walking is not very convenient, but it is still beautiful, thanks to the tropical flavor.

Beaches

Usually people go to Unawatuna beach holiday. Therefore, the logical and natural question is about the quality of the beaches and whether the beach in Unawatuna is good for swimming.

The beaches of Unawatuna are some of the safest in Sri Lanka for swimming, which largely explains the popularity of this resort.

There are several beaches near Unawatuna, of which the most popular and visited is naturally central beach Unawatuna.

Also to the west and east of Unawatuna there are several more beaches, much less noisy and popular, with fewer tourism infrastructure, with their pros and cons, but which can also be considered as an option for a vacation spot.

Unawatuna beach

The vast majority of tourists who travel to this tourist area relax on Unawatuna beach.

Unawatuna Beach

The peculiarity of the beach in Unawatuna is that Unawatuna Bay is closed from the open ocean by a coral reef; as a result, strong waves simply do not reach the shore, breaking on the reef. That is why the water here is calmer and safer to swim than on many other beaches in Sri Lanka.

In fact, there are also waves in Unawatuna, but they are still much smaller than on other beaches of the island, in addition, here you can almost always find sections of the beach with calm water - for example, this is the western part of Unawatuna beach, near the cape on which the statue is located Buddha, near the shore the waves are shallower and smaller than in the central part of the beach.

Also near Unawatuna there is Jungle Beach, which can be reached in 20 minutes on foot and where you can almost always swim.

Waves in Unawatuna

The beach in Unawatuna stretches around a small but very beautiful bay. Initially, the length of the sand strip here was a little more than a kilometer.

Then, due to soil erosion, approximately half of the beach strip lost its attractiveness. Almost all East End The beach was damaged - the sand was washed away by the ocean, and the beach was covered with stones. As a result, many hotels in the eastern part of Unawatuna Beach were left virtually without a beach at some point.

In 2015 (March and August) large-scale work to restore the beaches took place in Unawatuna, new sand was brought in by tankers and the beaches were refilled. Currently, most of the length of the beach in Unawatuna has been restored.

The beach problem, for example, affected a very popular large hotel Calamander Unawatuna Beach. The beach in front of the hotel has now been restored.

But in general, the western part of the beach still remains the best for relaxation - it is wider and there was no such acute problem of soil erosion, while in the eastern part the foundations of hotel and restaurant buildings in some places stand almost close to the water.

Jungle beach (Jingle beach, Wild beach in Unawatuna)

The beach is located about two kilometers from Unawatuna. Once upon a time it was small secret place, sample tropical paradise- a secluded bay, bordered on both sides by stones, sand and calm water with almost no waves.

Jungle Beach near Unawatuna

In fact, Jungle beach is two private beach. One of them, closest to Unawatuna, has a cafe, Jungle Beach Restorant & Cafe, shower, toilet and sun loungers. The sun loungers belong to the cafe, if you order something from them, they are free. The beach itself is very small, only 50 meters.

There are fewer people on the second one. If you come from the direction of Unawatuna, then you need to walk another 100 meters along the stones. Although in general there is a road here from Halle. There are usually fewer people on this beach than on the first one.

If you wish, you can even live near Jungle Beach. There is a hotel in the jungle, in a secluded place. The beach is 5 minutes along the path. There is also a beautiful luxury hotel nearby.

Every year Jungle Beach becomes more and more popular, because of this small sizes The beach density is usually even higher here than on the beach in Unawatuna. In addition, Sri Lankans themselves love to come here, so sometimes it is both crowded and very noisy.

At Jungle Beach, if you wish, you can walk once or twice along a relatively easy path through the jungle. It is best to combine the walk with a visit to the Japanese pagoda.

Bonavista beach, beach in Katugoda

The beach is located between Galle Fort and Unawatuna, near the village of Katugoda. The bay here is protected by a coral reef, the waves are weaker than on many other beaches in Sri Lanka. In some places the strip of sand is wider, in others it is very narrow; the Matara Rd highway runs parallel to the beach here.

The best position on this beach is at the 4-star hotel Cocobay Unawatuna, it stands on a separate cape, separated from the rest of the beach by a lagoon, and has its own small beach. The place is secluded and quiet. There is also a cheap guesthouse nearby, Jungle Beach Inn, with only 2 rooms.

From this beach to Unawatuna the road is about 3 km, which can be covered by tuk-tuk. In 15 you can walk to Jungle Beach, and in another 20 along the forest path to Unawatuna.

Delawella beach

Beach M Mihiripenna beach

Situated a little east of the beach Delavella. The resort area consists of a chain of hotels and resorts located along the beach and the Matara rd highway, for example, Summer Valley Boutique Villa. On the same beach there is a fairly popular, relatively inexpensive Star Light Hotel (has a swimming pool).

Overall, staying so far from the center of Unawatuna can be controversial, but it works if you want to be away from the tourist epicenter.

Hotels

Best guesthouses and hotels in Unawatuna

Despite the huge number of hotels in Unawatuna, in general, it is not easy to find an excellent option (even for a lot of money) in Unawatuna, since in general the level of service in Sri Lanka is quite low.

If hot water in the shower is important to you, pay attention to this option in the hotel description. Even with declared three-star accommodation, this simple option is not always provided.

Below are the best value for money accommodation options in Unawatuna.

Budget hotels and guesthouses

Villa Unawatuna

The hotel is new and small, only 4 rooms. Everything is very clean and tidy. Very high quality plumbing. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning. There are hair dryers. Shower with hot(!) water.

Nirmala guest house

Small, neat guesthouse (8 rooms), 5-7 minutes walk to the sea. One of the advantages is the ability to use the kitchen.

3 star hotels in Unawatuna

French Lotus

A small hotel (7 rooms), owned by the French. Located in a quiet location, very well maintained hotel, with a lot of greenery around. Very good combination of price and quality.

The Grumpy Elephant

Beautiful, new small hotel. Very clean, which is a big advantage for Sri Lanka. Located next to a good part of the beach (across the road). The room rate includes one tuk-tuk ride per day (possible outside Unawatuna). Of the minuses: there is only cool water in the shower.

4 star hotels in Unawatuna

Thambapanni Retreat

Beautiful hotel with a swimming pool. Located in a quiet location, 5 minutes walk from the shore. Yoga classes, which are stated in the hotel description, are available for an additional fee. Sometimes, with special offers, you can book a hotel for about $60, which is good for a hotel with a pool in Unawatuna.

Gloria Grand Hotel

A new, high-quality hotel (20 rooms), not on the first line. In general the conditions are very good.

Calamander Unawatuna Beach

Possibly the best option in Unawatuna for the price. Large hotel(83 rooms), with fairly high (by Sri Lankan standards) standards.

There is a private beach (resurfaced in front of the hotel in 2015). Pool.

Thaprobane Beach House

The hotel has been operating conscientiously for about 10 years. Stands on the shore, and in a good part of the beach, at the epicenter resort area. The location is one of the main advantages of the hotel.

The hotel has a restaurant; if you wish, you can book a room with full board. When booking, please note that a 21% tax will be added to the price upon check-in (not included when booking through Booking). At the same time, in terms of price and quality ratio it is still a very good option.

Cocobay Unawatuna

Located on a small private beach, about 3 km. from Unawatuna. There are 12 rooms in total, intimate furnishings.

Unawatuna Villas

Rumassala Villas

Two bedroom villa (165 m2), suitable for a company. Quiet place, but not far from Unawatuna. There is a swimming pool.

Where to eat

Where to eat in Unawatuna: cafes and restaurants

Hand-sized shrimp

Blow Hole Restaurant

Small family restaurant. Dishes of Sri Lankan and Italian cuisine. Soups, rice and curry, fish, omelettes, etc. Good freshly squeezed juices. Large portions and low prices (about a third cheaper than the average on shore).

Prices: chicken fried rice 400 Rs, soups from 250 Rs, sandwiches from 300 Rs.

Where it is located: at the very end of the beach (on the right side, if you are facing the ocean), about 50 meters from the shore.

Koko's Beach Bar & Grill

Kebabs, hamburgers, snacks, etc. You can come for a change if you are tired of Sri Lankan cuisine. The bar is owned by Harry, an Englishman. Clean kitchen, burgers are cooked in front of your eyes. The place is inexpensive, popular, on the shore, the food here is very tasty - so sometimes you even have to wait for a table.

Prices: burgers from 550 Rs, Mexican tacos from 650 Rs, kebabs from 700 Rs, pizza 900 Rs, etc.

Where it is located: located almost in the center of Unawatuna Bay. There are quite a few tables on the shore, so you might not notice ( Facebook).

Le Cafe Francais Bakery & Boutique

A small pastry shop owned by a French woman. Croissants, cakes, muffins, excellent French press coffee,

Prices: desserts average 300 Rs.

Wine shop

In Sri Lanka, alcohol is sold only in specialized stores. A small wine shop in Unawatuna is located on Matara Rd (that is, on the eastern part of the beach), a little before reaching the Lavendish Beach Resort.

Nightlife in Unawatuna

Sunsets over Unawatuna

One Love

In the evening there is cheerful music playing here. In the evening, a place not so much to eat as to hang out.

Tables on the beach of One Love cafe, Unawatuna

Happy Banana

One of the places on the shore that is lively in the evening. It's not so much suitable for eating as for sitting; only the bar is open at night. In general, the cuisine is not very good, but on Fridays there are disco parties.

Cafes are usually decorated for Christmas and New Year.

Where it is located: in the central part of the beach.

Happy Beach Restaurant

Music plays in the evenings.

Where is it located: in the eastern part of the beach, next to the hotels Miltons Hotel, La Veranda Di Serena, Sergeant House.

Attractions

Unawatuna: tours and attractions

Here are some common excursion options from Unawatuna.

Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery

A charitable organization in whose pools turtles hatch and are then released into the ocean.

In fact, the organization buys turtle eggs from locals, which they find on the shore, ruining the clutches. Otherwise, the turtle eggs could have ended up in the restaurant, of course.

But in general, the activities of such farms cause contradictory attitudes. On the one hand, buying eggs from locals is a necessary measure, and on the other hand, it actually encourages the destruction of clutches.

The farm itself is an opportunity to look at the little turtles in the pool and be amazed.

Hundungoda Tea Factory in Ahungama

The Hundungoda factory is located about 15 km from Unawatuna. This is an old tea estate founded about 150 years ago.

Most of the plantations were nationalized 30 years ago. About 10% of the area, about 60 hectares, remains from the previous possessions.

The factory is suitable for its traditional production and ancient machines, some as old as the factory itself.

Here you can see how tea grows and how we end up brewing it. You can also see how cinnamon grows, rubber trees and the rubber production process.

The tour ends with a beautiful tea tasting and tea shopping at a local store.

You can get to the factory yourself, by tuk-tuk or motorbike, or a transfer can be organized at the factory. The tour takes about an hour and is free, but a donation is suggested.

Of course, such small factories are now mostly just a tourist attraction. But for tourists, visiting such a factory is actually the only opportunity to bring good tea with them from their trip as a souvenir from Ceylon.

The trash, which is sold for local consumption in small shops for locals, causes shock and bewilderment - how is THIS drunk in the tea granary of the whole world, Ceylon?

Lighthouse in Dondra

Cape Dondra is the most southern point Sri Lanka and the Eurasian continent. Next is the ocean and the nearest land - Antarctica.

The lighthouse was built in 1889 and is in very good condition. Its height is 50 meters, for $3 you can climb it and see if Antarctica is visible, and also take good photographs.

Galle Fort

Very worthwhile excursion, since Galle Fort is a UNESCO protected monument.

The fort is very close, just 5 km from the beach. You can read more about the fort here.

Yala National Park

A visit to this national park is an opportunity to see elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and leopards in the wild.

More information about safari national park you can read it here.

Bundala National Park

This national park, home to many species of birds. Located next to Yala Park. If you have time, you can visit. You can read more about the park here.

How to get there

Unawatuna: how to get there

You can get to Sri Lanka from Moscow by direct flights operated by SriLankan Airlines (departure days - Tuesday, Saturday; travel time 10 hours 55 minutes). You can also get there with transfers from Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, etc. (comfortable, you can often find a flight with a short connection).

There are several ways to get from Bandaranaike International Airport to Unawatuna - by taxi or transfer, as well as by local public transport - train or buses.

Bandaranaike Airport is approximately 150 km away. from Unawatuna.

Taxi

Taxi/transfer from the airport to Unawatuna costs $66 (airport taxi price). In terms of time, you will get to the beach in 2-3 hours, depending on the time of day (there is more traffic during the day) and the highway (toll or free).

If you book a hotel in advance, then it is most convenient to negotiate with the hotel about transfers.

Bus

If you travel by bus, it will be almost free in terms of money, but very expensive in terms of time and effort. The entire journey from the airport to the beach with three transfers and waiting will take about 6-7 hours.

In order to get to Unawatuna, you must first take the airport shuttle to the bus station, change to bus number 187 and get to bus station in Colombo. Then take any bus that goes to Galle or Matara.

A bus from Colombo to Galle costs 104/230 rupees (regular/air-conditioned) and takes about 3 hours. The bus from Hikkaduwa costs 19/25 rupees (regular/air-conditioned) and takes about half an hour.

Unawatuna is only 5 km from Galle, so you can drive to Galle and return a short distance by bus or tuk-tuk. The bus from Galle to Unawatuna takes only 10 minutes, the ticket costs 20 rupees. Tuk-tuk is at least 10 times more expensive.

You can also not get to Galle, but ask the bus to stop on the highway, at the turn to Unawatuna. But then you will have to walk at least a couple of kilometers to the beach, so this is an option only for real backpackers.

In the same way, through Galle, you can return from Unawatuna to Colombo, go to Hikkaduwa or Bentota (this is towards Colombo), or go further to the east of the island. A bus to Matara costs 45/55 rupees (regular/air-conditioned) and takes about an hour.

The Galle bus station is located next to the fort entrance, on Main Street, about 300 meters north.

Train

In order to get to Unawatuna by train, you first need to get to Colombo by bus (see previous section), bus number 187 stops next to the Colombo Fort railway station (final stop). Next you need to change trains.

The current schedule can be viewed on this website. The ticket costs 105/190 rupees for a 3rd/2nd class ticket. The train from Colombo to Unawatuna takes about 3 hours.

Sri Lanka's iconic curved Unawatuna Bay offers excellent swimming conditions with shallow water reef protection. Unawatuna is primarily a resort for budget and independent travelers, offering a large selection of budget guest houses located close to the beach. Unawatuna's main beach road is sometimes called "Mini Goa" as it has similar restaurants and shops that open at night and even the odd nightclub.
With the opening of the new Southern Highway in Sri Lanka, the resort of Unawatuna has become a place where numerous tourists and residents of the city of Colombo come to relax.
Many tourists believe that Unawatuna Beach is the best in Sri Lanka. The beach at the far end near the Vella Devale Temple has shallow waters throughout the year, even during the monsoon season from May to October. Children can safely swim in this place at almost any time of the year.

Unawatuna on the map of Sri Lanka

Where is the resort of Unawatuna in Sri Lanka? Unawatuna is located 140 km south of Colombo, along the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Distance to the main city itself south coast Sri Lanka, Galle is only 5 km. Not far from the Unawatuna resort there are other popular tourist resorts such as Weligama, Mirissa, Kogalla, Tangalle, Hikkaduwa and others. If you are wondering where Unawatuna is on the map, you can see it below.

Weather in Unawatuna now and for 14 days

If you are planning to travel to the resort area of ​​Unawatuna in the near future, then you are most likely wondering about the weather in that resort area now and in the coming weeks. If this is the case, then you can look at the 14-day weather forecast in Unawatuna from Gismeteo below. But still, you must remember that the weather in the tropics is very difficult to predict even a day in advance.
As for the weather in Unawatuna by month, it is believed that in the months from May to October the southwest monsoon dominates here, which brings cloudy and rainy weather. There is no monsoon between November and April, so the weather is mostly sunny and dry. True, even during this period heavy precipitation cannot be ruled out.
In order to get the weather forecast in Unawatuna for 14 days, just click on the corresponding link on the informer.
Note: The weather forecast is for the city of Galle, but it is located only 5 km from Unawatuna.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is a picturesque semicircular bay that extends no more than one kilometer. Like many other beautiful beaches on the southwestern and southern coasts of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna Beach is also fringed by lush groves of coconut palms. However, the appearance of Unawatuna Beach differs from many other beaches in Sri Lanka in that you can see headlands at both ends of the bay. On the headland in the north-west you will see an exceptionally picturesque and rare sight - the brilliant white large globe of the dagoba.
Unawatuna Beach is distinguished by its relatively calm waters. However, it is well suited for lovers of water sports, including surfing and windsurfing.

Jungle Beach in Sri Lanka

If you are going on holiday to the resort area of ​​Unawatuna, then you can also relax on another beautiful beach, such as Jang Beach, which is located 4 km from Unawatuna. It's a small beach with a jungle right behind it.
Jungle Beach is the ideal beach in Sri Lanka for those who want to enjoy snorkeling. It can be reached from Unawatuna Beach by boat or along a small winding road.
The first part of the beach you see as you enter the bay is quite crowded. There are sun loungers and a small café serving local cuisine, as well as sandwiches, drinks and snacks. This cafe has the Russian name "Forest Beach". But if you go a little further, away from the first bay with all the sun loungers, you will soon find yourself in an almost deserted bay with a few vacationers. Either way, Jungle Beach is much less crowded than main beach Unawatuna.
Jungle Beach in Sri Lanka is a fairly quiet and peaceful beach, great for swimming. True, it is quite small, and getting to it is not so easy. However, if you want to take a break from the noise of Unawatuna Beach, you can spend the day at this beach.

When is the best time to go to Unawatuna?

There are two main seasons in Unawatuna: winter and summer. In general, the winter season is more suitable for relaxation, but during the summer season it also makes sense to go on vacation to Unawatuna.
The winter season (November - April) offers more attractive conditions for a holiday in Unawatuna, since at this time the weather is usually sunny and relatively dry, and the ocean in the Unawatuna area is quite calm. The beaches around this resort are in good condition and suitable for swimming and many activities. aquatic species sports
The summer season (May - October) in Unawatuna is characterized by mostly cloudy and rainy weather. In addition, there are often strong winds and high waves on the ocean. Nevertheless, this season has its advantages, for example, low housing prices and a relatively calm atmosphere in the resort, because there are few tourists here at this time.

Taxi from the airport

Excursions from Unawatuna to Sri Lanka

Since Unawatuna is one of the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka, it is not surprising that a variety of excursions are sold here to all corners of Sri Lanka. About all the most interesting excursions in Sri Lanka we will tell you in a separate article, and on this page we will tell you about local excursions, which are mainly carried out from Unawatuna and other resorts in the southern and west coasts islands.

Excursion to Galle

The historic city of Galle is the center of the Deep South. Within the walls of the old fort you will find chic boutiques, shops and restaurants that cater to expats, travelers and the local Moorish population.

Excursion to Sindharaja Forest

If you can get up really early in the morning (4 o'clock), you can go to an amazing a tropical forest Sindharaja is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Trails through the forest allow you to stroll past giant ferns, carnivorous plants and huge vines.

Canoe excursion in Unawatuna

This excursion will allow you to explore the natural beauty of the landscapes and the culture of the local people. On this canoe trip through the beautiful lagoon, you'll marvel at the ever-changing landscapes and fascinating diversity of flora and fauna. A konoe ride is an ideal way to experience Sri Lanka's prolific wildlife, including beautiful birds and mangrove forest.

A trip to the beaches of the south

We recommend that you organize this excursion yourself. There are many on the south coast of Sri Lanka beautiful beaches, which you can visit during a day trip. You can easily hire a local taxi for the day and head east along the southern coast of Sri Lanka to explore other beautiful beaches such as Weligama, Mirissa, etc.

Sights of Unawatuna

For those who don't know what to see in Unawatuna, we present several places that deserve attention. In general, the Unawatuna resort itself has few interesting attractions, but this is compensated by its proximity to the city of Galle, which is literally packed with various historical sites.

Peace Pagoda in Unawatuna

The Peace Pagoda is located next to Jungle Beach and is worth a visit if you decide to spend time in Unawatuna. Moreover, entry to the pagoda is free. Remember to cover your knees if you are about to go inside. Sarongs are provided at the entrance.

Turtles in Unawatuna

With luck, in Unawatuna, tourists can watch turtles lay eggs along the shore. While diving you also have the opportunity to see these magnificent sea turtles swimming in the blue waters Indian Ocean.

Coral reefs in Unawatuna

Protected by a double reef, Unawatuna Bay is essentially a natural pool. Reefs make the bay safe for swimmers
The coral reefs near Unawatuna are called Galapiteala Reef and Napoleon Reef and offer the opportunity to enjoy interesting marine life. Here you can find Napoleon fish, various eels and many other colorful fish.
Since we are already talking about diving, it would be correct to also note that near Unawatuna there are wrecks of sunken ships that make Unawatuna Beach popular place among scuba divers. Of particular note is the site of the wreck of the Rangoon, a British steamship that sank 100 years ago. Nearby is the Tango wreck, which also attracts many divers. Another place is the site of the wreck of a cargo ship called the Lord Nelson, which sank relatively recently.

Housing in Unawatuna: where is the best place to live?

If you want to rent a house in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, you must first decide on your priorities. If you need more comfortable and modern housing, then you should be prepared to spend a lot of money. The same goes for most properties located near the beach. If, on the contrary, you want to save money, then you better pay attention to housing that is located further from the beach. Sometimes very cheap housing can be found just 200-300 meters from the beach.
Also, in order to answer the question of where it is better to live in Unawatuna, you need to decide whether you want to live close to the party places or whether you need quiet place. Guest houses that are away from the main streets of Galle Road and Wella Devale Road are best for those looking to get a good night's sleep.

Unawatuna Hotel Map

Hotels in Unawatuna resort in Sri Lanka

Unawatuna resort offers wide choose housing for any wallet. You will have many options when it comes to hotel location, although, of course, almost all tourists would like to stay in good hotel on the ocean shore.
Before planning a holiday to Unawatuna, you should know that there are no 4 or 5 star hotels in this resort area. If you want to stay in a high-end hotel with easy access to Unawatuna Beach, we recommend checking out the wonderful boutique hotels in Talpa (Riviera Galle). They are just a 10 minute taxi ride from Unawatuna.
Since there are really a lot of hotels and guest houses in Unawatuna, it is stupid to talk about them in one article, since it is logical to create a whole section (perhaps we will do this in the future). But we still decided to present you with some pretty good hotels in this resort area. For us it's best hotels in Sri Lanka in Unawatuna. If the options we offer do not suit you, then you can always choose a suitable hotel on Booking or other booking systems.

Sergeant House

This small luxury boutique hotel receives rave reviews. Sergeant House has a colonial style exterior and contemporary style rooms. In addition, the Sergeant House has a small pool and garden, and the hotel's chef serves delicious Thai, Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. This is a secluded and quiet corner of Unawatuna, but the beach and all its restaurants are only a short walk away. The hotel staff is friendly. The Sergeant House has a spa with fantastic Ayurvedic massages.

Gloria Grand Unawatuna Hotel

This new hotel is close to Unawatuna Beach, but relatively far from the city's busy main street. This way you can get a good night's sleep and still live close to the beach. True, the Gloria Grand Unawatuna Hotel is not one of the cheap ones, because the cost of living there is about $120 per room per night.

Ocean Crest Hotel

This is a brand new hotel with a nice swimming pool located right by the sea. The cost of living at the Ocean Crest Hotel is also quite high and is about 120 dollars per Double Room per day.

Thaproban Beach House

You won't find a hotel in Unawatuna that is closer to the beach than Thaproban Beach House. This hotel is located just a few steps from the shore. Rooms at Thaproban Beach House are large, clean and comfortable with private bathrooms, air conditioning, minibar and flat screen TV. Every evening you can enjoy fresh seafood served at the beach restaurant. At the same time, the cost of living at Thaproban Beach House is not that high and starts from $50 per night for a double room.

Unawatuna hotels on the first line

If you want your hotel in Unawatuna to be on the seafront, then you will have a good selection of hotels on the 1st line. But you must remember that hotels in Unawatuna located on the first line are not the same as large ones resort hotels in Turkey, Egypt or in Sri Lanka. On Unawatuna Beach you will find only small hotels and guest houses, although in some cases there are private sun loungers on the beach that are available to hotel guests.
Which hotels in Unawatuna are located on the first line? This is the Thaproban Beach House hotel presented above, which we consider one of the best in this resort area in terms of price and quality. The Banana Garden Hotel is also good in this regard. The ideal place for a beach holiday in Unawatuna is the Sonri Villa Hotel, which is located next to the beach and offers sun loungers for its guests. But the price does not even include breakfast.
Two more good hotels in Unawatuna, located on the first line, are The Villa Hotel and SurfCity Guesthouse. As you understand, the last hotel is aimed mainly at surfers.
Note that, in our opinion, in Unawatuna it is not necessary to choose a hotel on the first line, since most hotels and guest houses in this resort area are located no more than a 3-minute walk from the beach.

Unawatuna hotels with calm waves

In general, the ocean on Unawatuna Beach is quite calm, but if you are planning to come here with children or simply do not know how to swim, then we advise you to swim in the westernmost part of the beach, in the area Buddhist temple on the cape. Strong waves are rare in this part, as the cape protects this area from most waves. If you want to stay close to this part of Unawatuna Beach, we recommend paying attention to the Thaproban Beach House, Kingfisher and Sonri Villa hotels.

Where to eat in Unawatuna and food prices

The resort of Unawatuna can offer a large number of restaurants and bars right on the sand. These establishments often offer sun loungers for their guests, delicious cocktails and fresh seafood dishes. My favorite restaurant on Unawatuna Beach is Kingfisher, which offers a nice atmosphere and delicious fresh fish dishes. However, you will find other restaurants and cafes in Unawatuna. These are mostly inexpensive establishments, but there are also restaurants for more demanding customers.
Others good places In Unawatuna, places to eat cheaply and deliciously are Roti Shop, Hot Rock, Sunil Garden, Mati Gedara and One Love. Since Unawatuna is a fairly compact resort, you can easily find all these establishments.
As for food prices in Unawatuna, they remained at a fairly low level in 2017. Dinner for two with drinks usually cost us 20-30 dollars. Typically, the cost per dish is $3-$7, but some seafood dishes can cost much more. I think prices will not change much in 2018.

Massage in Unawatuna

If you're looking to enjoy a massage while on holiday in Sri Lanka, Unawatuna has a large selection of massage parlors and small spas, including hotel spas. Moreover, here only a few establishments offer inflated prices for massages, while in all other establishments a classic massage costs 10-20 dollars per hour. After all, the Unawatuna resort is aimed mainly at poor tourists, so massage parlors and spa centers set reasonable prices for their services. In addition, competition between them for customers ensures that prices always remain adequate.

Shops in Unawatuna

Shopaholics are in for some bad news - there are no big stores in Unawatuna. shopping centers and some interesting shops. Basically, here you will only find a huge number of street stalls and small shops selling various souvenirs, daily necessities and food.
However, you can quickly get to neighboring city Galle, which offers several small shopping centers and several shopping streets with interesting boutiques.

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka: photos

 

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