Set along Sri Lanka's southern coast in the Galle district, Unawatuna is a famous coastal town just five kilometres (three miles) southeast of Galle's city center and roughly 108 kilometres (67 mi) south of Colombo. Sitting at an elevation of 5 metres (16 ft) above sea level, you can easily reach this bustling seaside hub via the coastal rail line or the A2 highway connecting Colombo to Wellawaya.
The region is celebrated for its sandy shore, dynamic underwater world, and scenic surrounding bay. Beneath the ocean waters lie vibrant coral reefs and historical shipwrecks. While the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated the sandy beach to a great extent, it remains recognized among the best 100 beaches in the world. The coast is anchored by the prominent Rumassala Hill on one end and historic sacred points on the other.
Despite significant modern tourism development in recent decades, Unawatuna retains a rich natural backdrop. The area is home to the shy, endangered, and endemic purple-faced langur monkey, found in the local forests. Eco treks through the shrub jungles of Rumassala offer chances to spot over sixty species of endemic and rare birds, while marine life thrives right offshore.
Unawatuna caters to a wide variety of travellers. Divers and snorkellers can explore the Rumassala coral reefs and shipwrecks, nature lovers can trek the forested hills to spot rare birds and wildlife, and culture seekers can visit centuries-old Kovils and Buddhist sites. Beachgoers will also enjoy the coastal vibe where sea turtles occasionally wander right past shorefront establishments.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Train | Located on the Coastal / Southern Rail Line connecting Colombo to Matara, serving Unawatuna railway station. |
| Road | Situated along the A2 highway, which connects Colombo to Wellawaya. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
A historic hotel dating back to Dutch colonial constructions built for officials in Unawatuna.
Located on Parangiyawatta, historical land whose name translates to 'land of the Portuguese.'
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Rumassala's coral reefs attract divers but are considered endangered due to potential port development.
- Sea turtles lay nests on the shore and may occasionally wander near beachfront dining areas.
- Unawatuna has direct access to public transport via its own railway station and the primary A2 highway.