Unawatuna

Unawatuna is located 140 km south of Colombo in the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, 5km south of the seaport of Galle. Unawatuna can be reached by Colombo–Galle (A2) main Motor road as well as by southern Railway line running from Colombo to Matara via Galle.

Unawatuna beach is a picturesque semi circular bay beach that stretches no more than kilometer. As the numerous other fine beaches in the south western and southern beaches of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna too his fringed by lush groves of coconut palm trees. However it has a rare geographical occurrence: on either end of the bay area headlands. And on the headland to the northwest makes an exceptionally scenic and rare spectacle; a gleaming white great globe of a dagabo sits prettily.

At Unawatuna, with a bit of luck the tourists may witness turtles laying eggs along the shore. Diving also affords the opportunity to enjoy the sight of Turtles at what they are best at: swimming without end.

Protected by a double reef over the bay creates a natural pool that make bay safe for swimmers. From the midway of the stretch the swimmers are able to reach to the Rock island. Galapiteala reef and Napoleon Reef, multi level dives bring in the opportunities to enjoy an exceptional marine life: Napoleon Wrasse, Bat Fish, Golden Moray Eels and numerous other colorful species of fish.

Besides swimming, Unawatuna beach is also famous for snorkeling and surfing in view of the reef. The wrecks of sunken ships make Unawatuna beach popular among the scuba divers too. A boat ride of 20 to 30 minutes takes the diving enthusiasts to locations of wreck dives.

The wreck of "Rangoon" British steamer sunken 100 yeas ago, still lying upright with its masts intact, is a popular diving site. Sunk within the same area is the "Tango". The other location, a wreck of a cargo ship called "Lord Nelson" is about ten years old. Diving schools at Unawatuna are at the service of the diving enthusiasts: they assist, equip and guide the tourists to engage in diving at the beach.

Jungle Beach, (4 km from Unawatuna) is a small stretch beach with the forest right behind it, as the name suggests has its share of wilderness. An ideal beach to enjoy in snorkellin, it can be accessed from Unawatuna beach proper from Boat. A minor road too leads to the Jungle beach from Unwatuana.

Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya, one of the oldest rock temples of Sri Lanka can reached from the Unawatuna–Hinatigala road. The rock temple was believed to have been built about 2300 years ago. The temple of which, the walls are adorned with murals houses a 9 meter long reclining Buddha statue.

A hatchery is located about 3 km south of Unawatuna. The hatchery conserves turtle eggs laid on the wide long beach by the Hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles.