Welcome to one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Without further ado, here are five mini adventures you can set off on, in and around Unawatuna.
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Discover the Jungle Beach
You will find a perfectly good beach near Unawatuna’s city centre. However, if you’re willing to go on a little adventure, there’s a quieter spot nearby.
Head on over to Jungle Beach, which is hidden away next to the hill that houses the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Swimming and snorkelling here rank among the top things to do in Unawatuna. If you plan on making a hike of it, the beach is about a 20-minute walk from the city proper.
When you’re not having a blast in the water, spend a few moments exploring Rumassala Hill. It contains one of the less well-known Unawatuna attractions. Pay attention to the monkey god statue at the entrance of the Buddhist shrine. It pays tribute to the Hindu deity, Hanuman. Legend has it that he dropped the hill at its current location, during the events of the Ramayana. Locals believe the hill’s role in the ancient Indian epic, explains the high number of medicinal herbs that it features.
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Observe Baby Turtles
Visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Habaraduwa, which is located about a 10-minute drive away from Unawatuna Beach. The centre takes care of turtle eggs as well as baby turtles and injured adult turtles.
For a small fee, you’ll get to see a variety of turtle species. Some of the kinds you may find there include the Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Olive-Ridley Turtles. If you’re lucky, you may also get to see some released baby turtles make their way into the ocean.
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Spot Whales and Dolphins in the Ocean
Drive over to the Mirissa Harbour bright and early for a whale watching excursion. Set sail on a nautical adventure that is likely to be any marine wildlife lover’s idea of a wet dream.
Over the course of a few hours, you’ll have the chance to observe whales and dolphins up close. If you don’t spot any, you can try again for free the next day. For this reason, it’s best to ensure you stay in town overnight. Don’t worry, though, there’s no need to break the bank. There’re plenty of budget hotels in Unawatuna you can choose from, such as the Yoho Sun Guest House, and more.
Aquatic species you might see: Blue, Humpback and Sperm Whales, as well as Spinner and Bottle-Nose Dolphins.
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Trek through a Rainforest
The Galle district is a popular starting point for excursions into the island’s very own rainforest, Sinharaja. So if you love hiking and the great outdoors, set aside a day for this mini adventure.
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Explore the Galle Fort
Spend a few hours traversing the walkways and observing the ramparts of the Galle Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site resides a 15-minute or so tuk-tuk drive away from Unawatuna Beach.
The Portuguese built the fort in the 16th century when they conquered Sri Lanka. It is largely well-preserved and features a museum that you can explore. You can pick up a few Beeralu lace handicrafts if you’re on the lookout for souvenirs.
If you spot a little crowd as you make your way around the site, it’s likely the daring cliff jumpers. Watch these brave, yet crazy buskers, as they spring themselves off the battlements to the amazement of onlookers. Diving into the sea is all in a day’s work for them.
