Unawatuna
A reef-sheltered, semi-circular bay about 5 km south-east of Galle, with Rumassala hill, Jungle Beach and wreck dives next door. Best from December to March on the long-term rain record.
What is Unawatuna like?
Quick answer: Unawatuna is a semi-circular, reef-sheltered beach about 5 km south-east of Galle, with a forested hill (Rumassala) and a small cove called Jungle Beach on its western side. It is a good base if you want a swim beach close to Galle Fort, with snorkelling and wreck dives offshore. Go between December and March for the driest weather.
Sri Lanka Tourism describes Unawatuna as "a semi-circular beach of golden sands and soft rolling waves", "protected by a natural reef", with "interesting wreck sites" for divers. It also notes the beach made a "top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world" list voted by the Discovery Channel and Rough Guides founder Mark Ellingham (Sri Lanka Tourism, Unawatuna beach). Treat that list as promotional; the useful detail for planning is the natural reef that shelters the bay.
Where exactly is Unawatuna?
Sri Lanka Tourism places Unawatuna "about 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) southeast" of Galle city centre and about 108 km (67 mi) south of Bandaranaike International Airport, at an elevation of 5 m (Sri Lanka Tourism, Unawatuna attraction page). It sits in Galle District in the Southern Province, between Galle to the west and the Koggala and Weligama stretch to the east.
The name has a story. In the Ramayana, Hanuman carried a piece of the Himalaya to find healing herbs, and a chunk "fell down" here as Rumassala hill; Sri Lanka Tourism says the name comes from "Una-watuna", meaning "fell down".
When is the best time to visit Unawatuna?
December to March. Galle is the nearest long-term weather station. These are its WMO 1991 to 2020 averages (WMO normals, Sri Lanka stations). "Rain days" counts days with at least 1 mm.
| Month | Rain (mm) | Rain days | High C (F) | Low C (F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 86.8 | 6.6 | 29.9 (86) | 23.4 (74) |
| Feb | 71.1 | 5.8 | 30.7 (87) | 23.7 (75) |
| Mar | 89.9 | 6.9 | 31.6 (89) | 24.6 (76) |
| Apr | 201.9 | 11.8 | 31.4 (89) | 25.3 (78) |
| May | 315.9 | 17.2 | 30.4 (87) | 26.0 (79) |
| Jun | 184.0 | 16.6 | 29.4 (85) | 25.7 (78) |
| Jul | 172.6 | 15.1 | 29.0 (84) | 25.4 (78) |
| Aug | 161.9 | 14.2 | 29.0 (84) | 25.4 (78) |
| Sep | 260.9 | 17.1 | 29.2 (85) | 25.2 (77) |
| Oct | 344.5 | 18.2 | 29.4 (85) | 24.8 (77) |
| Nov | 282.6 | 14.9 | 29.9 (86) | 24.2 (76) |
| Dec | 175.9 | 11.2 | 29.9 (86) | 23.7 (75) |
How to read it:
- Driest stretch: January to March, with February the driest month at 71.1 mm.
- Wettest stretch: May (315.9 mm) and October (344.5 mm), the two monsoon peaks.
- Temperatures barely change: highs stay between 29 and 32 C (84 and 89 F) all year, so rain, not heat, decides the season.
Sri Lanka Tourism's season chart calls December to February the "peak tourist season on the southwest coast. Clear skies, calm seas" (Sri Lanka Tourism weather page). The Southern Province tourist bureau warns of strong currents "particularly during the monsoon season (May to October)" and says to swim only in designated safe areas (Ruhunu Tourist Bureau). Month-by-month detail is in Sri Lanka in February and Sri Lanka in March.
What can you do in and around Unawatuna?
| Spot or activity | What the official sources say | When | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unawatuna Beach | Semi-circular bay, natural reef, soft waves | December to March | Swimming in calm conditions, families |
| Jungle Beach | Small, secluded beach below the Rumassala forest; kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding | Early morning or late afternoon for fewer people | Quiet swims |
| Rumassala Hill and the Japanese Peace Pagoda | A walk through the hill's forest to the pagoda, with views over the bay | Sunrise or sunset walks are suggested | Short walks, views |
| Snorkelling and diving | Coral reefs and wrecks; trips run daily with morning and afternoon slots | In calm sea conditions | Snorkellers, divers |
| Birdwatching | Over 60 bird species recorded locally by ornithologist Clive Byers, mostly in the marsh and on Rumassala | Year-round | Birders |
| Whale watching | Boat trips from the area for blue whales and dolphins | November to April | Day trip by boat |
| Galle Fort | About 5 km away | Year-round | Half-day visit |
Sources: Ruhunu Tourist Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism, both read on 17 October 2026. Sri Lanka Tourism also says turtles still come ashore to nest. If you see a nest or a turtle, keep your distance and do not use a flash.
For dive planning, see diving and snorkelling in Sri Lanka. For the walled town next door, see Galle.
Can you go whale watching from Unawatuna?
Yes, as a day trip. The Southern Province tourist bureau lists boat tours from the area for blue whales and dolphins from November to April. Most southern boats leave from Mirissa harbour, and the Sri Lanka Navy runs its southern cruises from Galle between November and April (Sri Lanka Navy). On 17 October 2026, whalewatching.navy.lk listed the November to April southern season and did not state a maintenance pause; confirm sailings there. The Mirissa destination page compares Navy and private boat prices, the legal distance rules and what to check before you book.
How do you get to Unawatuna?
Unawatuna has its own station on the Coast Line, and the road from Colombo takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car, according to the Southern Province tourist bureau.
| From Colombo Fort to | Distance by rail | 1st class (LKR) | 2nd class (LKR) | 3rd class (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galle | 113.89 km | 950 | 500 | 240 |
| Unawatuna | 119.53 km | 950 | 500 | 240 |
| Weligama | 142.83 km | 1,100 | 550 | 280 |
| Mirissa | 147.56 km | 1,100 | 550 | 280 |
Source: Sri Lanka Railways' main line fare table (fare PDF), read 17 October 2026. The file is dated July 2022, so check the current fare at the station. At the Central Bank's buying rate for 16 October 2026 (LKR 326.67 per US dollar), the third-class fare to Unawatuna is about US$0.73 and first class about US$2.91.
From Galle, the bureau says "buses run regularly from Galle to Unawatuna" and tuk-tuks link the beaches. From the airport, see the Colombo airport to Galle and Mirissa guide.
Unawatuna, Weligama or Mirissa?
This is the only page that puts the three towns in one table. Weligama and Mirissa link here instead of repeating it.
| Town | Best for | Swimming | Surf | Whale trips | Distance from Galle Fort | Source, date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unawatuna | A swim beach close to Galle Fort | Reef-sheltered bay; swim only in designated areas; currents stronger May to October | Not the main draw on the sources we checked | Day trip to Mirissa harbour or the Navy cruise from Galle, November to April | About 5 km | Sri Lanka Tourism Unawatuna pages and Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, 17 Oct 2026 |
| Weligama | Beginner surf lessons on a wide sandy bay | Calm bay, per the bureau | Bureau window November to March; lessons from LKR 5,000 on 17 Oct 2026 | Mirissa harbour is under 5 km along the Coast Line | About 29 km further along the Coast Line than Galle (142.83 km vs 113.89 km from Colombo Fort) | Ruhunu Tourist Bureau, Party Wave and Weligama Surf Center, SLR fare table, 17 Oct 2026 |
| Mirissa | Whale boats at the harbour | Check the day's sea, flags and lifeguards | Nearby Weligama | Private boats from Mirissa Harbour; Navy southern cruises from Galle, November to April | About 34 km further along the Coast Line than Galle (147.56 km vs 113.89 km from Colombo Fort) | Sri Lanka Navy and SLR fare table, 17 Oct 2026 |
If whales are the priority, stay in Mirissa or Weligama. If Galle Fort and an easy swim matter more, stay in Unawatuna and take a whale boat as a day trip. We did not check room prices for this page, so this table does not quote any.
Where should you stay in Unawatuna?
We did not check room prices for this page, so we do not quote any. Choose by what you will do most: the beach, Galle Fort or dive trips. Check that a hotel is registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority before you book.
For a slower trip built around Unawatuna and Weligama, see the 7-day wellness itinerary or the full south coast itinerary.
What should you know before you go?
- Swim with care. Use designated safe areas and watch for currents, especially from May to October.
- Dress for temples. The bureau advises covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites.
- Watch your food near monkeys. The bureau warns visitors to take care with monkeys near food stalls and temples.
- Cash: the bureau says there are ATMs in Galle and Unawatuna.
Torn between the beach and the fort? See Galle vs Unawatuna. For bases further east, see Weligama vs Mirissa vs Tangalle.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Unawatuna?
Unawatuna is a beach suburb of Galle on Sri Lanka's south coast. Sri Lanka Tourism places it about 5 km south-east of Galle city centre and about 108 km south of Bandaranaike International Airport.
Is Unawatuna beach good for swimming?
Often, in season. Sri Lanka Tourism describes a semi-circular bay protected by a natural reef. The Southern Province tourist bureau warns of strong currents, especially in the May to October monsoon, and says to swim only in designated safe areas.
When is the best time to visit Unawatuna?
December to March. On the 1991 to 2020 WMO normals for Galle, the nearest station, February is the driest month at 71.1 mm and October the wettest at 344.5 mm. Sri Lanka Tourism calls December to February the peak season on the southwest coast.
How do you get from Unawatuna to Galle?
It is about 5 km. The Southern Province tourist bureau says buses run regularly between Galle and Unawatuna and that tuk-tuks are a convenient way to move between the beaches. Unawatuna also has its own station on the Coast Line.
How do you get from Unawatuna to Mirissa?
By train or road along the coast. On the Sri Lanka Railways fare table, Unawatuna is 119.53 km from Colombo Fort and Mirissa 147.56 km, so the rail gap is about 28 km. Check the timetable for your date before you travel.
How much is the train from Colombo to Unawatuna?
The Sri Lanka Railways fare table lists Colombo Fort to Unawatuna at LKR 950 in first class, LKR 500 in second and LKR 240 in third. That table is dated July 2022, so confirm the fare at the station.
What is Jungle Beach in Unawatuna?
Jungle Beach is a small, secluded beach below the forest of Rumassala hill, next to Unawatuna. The Southern Province tourist bureau lists it for quiet swims, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and suggests going early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Is Unawatuna better than Mirissa?
It depends on the trip. Unawatuna is about 5 km from Galle Fort and has a reef-protected bay and wreck dives. Mirissa is the main harbour for whale-watching boats from November to April. Many visitors stay in one and day-trip to the other.
Sources
Last verified 2026-10-26
- https://www.srilanka.travel/pristine-beach-holidays?article=41
- https://www.srilanka.travel/attraction&attraction_id=162
- https://southernsrilanka.lk/destination/unawatuna-rumassala-jungle-beach
- https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/SriLanka/CSV/
- https://www.srilanka.travel/weather
- https://railway.gov.lk/web/images/pdf/Ticket_Price_Line/main_line/1_fot.pdf
- https://whalewatching.navy.lk/
- https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/en/rates-and-indicators/exchange-rates/daily-buy-and-sell-exchange-rates
- https://www.dmc.gov.lk/images/dmcreports/Weather_Report_at_0530_hrs_on_2026__1792975473.pdf
Plan your Unawatuna trip
Ahangama Weather in December: Swell, Heat and Crowds
What December is like in Ahangama: Galle station rain days and temperatures, sunrise and sunset by date, the surf season, and when the south coast gets busy and costly. Checked 24 October 2026.
Ahangama to Galle: train, bus and tuk-tuk
How to get from Ahangama to Galle: a decision table, the 20 km road and rail gap, the NTC normal-bus fare worked out from the stage table, and what we could not confirm. Checked 24 October 2026.
Ayurveda in Sri Lanka
How to choose a licensed Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka: what the 2019 tourism rules require, where registered centres are, dated 2026/27 prices and how long to stay. Checked 17 October 2026.
Colombo to Galle by train
The coast line from Colombo Fort to Galle and on to Mirissa and Matara: official fares by class for nine stations, what the railway's notices say about the line today, how seat reservation works, and how the train compares with the bus and the road. Checked 23 October 2026.
How to get from Colombo to Unawatuna
How to get from Colombo to Unawatuna: coast line train to its own station, bus to Galle and the last 5 km, a decision table by situation, official fares and what we could not confirm. Checked 24 October 2026.
Galle vs Unawatuna: where to stay
Galle Fort or Unawatuna beach as a base? A side-by-side on what each is for, the 5 km between them, train fares, road times from the airport, rain by month and the Navy whale cruise from Galle Harbour. Checked 22 October 2026.
Koggala to Galle: train, bus and tuk-tuk
How to get from Koggala to Galle: about 15 km by road, the NTC normal-bus fare worked out from the stage table, the rail gap, and a plan for stilt fishing then Galle Fort. Checked 24 October 2026.
Mirissa to Galle: Train, Bus and Tuk-Tuk Compared
The short hop between Mirissa and Galle: about 34 km by road, 33.67 km by rail on the official fare table, plus how the train, bus, tuk-tuk and taxi compare and what to confirm on the day. Checked 24 October 2026.
Sri Lanka in February
February is the driest, busiest month on Sri Lanka's west and south coasts and in the north. Weather for 12 towns in C and F, the February 2027 holidays and Navam Perahera dates, whale and kite seasons, checked 17 October 2026.
Sri Lanka in March
March is the month both coasts work: the south is still dry and the east is drying out. Weather for 12 towns in C and F, the March 2027 holidays, whales on two coasts and quieter crowds, checked 17 October 2026.
Unawatuna Weather in October: Rain, Sea, Swimming
Unawatuna in October: where the month ranks in the Galle year by rain days, why the bureau warns about currents until October, what a late-October day looked like on 24 October 2026, and what to do when the weather turns.
Unawatuna to Mirissa: train, bus and taxi compared
Unawatuna to Mirissa: 28 km by road or rail, every station on the line with distances, bus, taxi and tuk-tuk, whether to skip Galle and a sample day. Checked 24 October 2026.
Weligama Weather in December: Rain, Sea, Surf Lessons
Weligama in December: rain and rain days on the long-term record, how December compares with January to March, what beginner surf lessons cost and how schools handle a bad sea, and December holiday dates. Checked 24 October 2026.
Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka: 10-Day Itinerary
A 10-day Ramayana trail by road, built from Sri Lanka Tourism's own list of sites: Munneswaram and Manavari near Chilaw, Koneswaram and Kanniya in Trincomalee, Ramboda, Seetha Eliya and Divurumpola in the hills, Ravana Cave near Ella, Kataragama, Ussangoda and Rumassala, ending at Kelaniya. Road times and temple hours checked 21 October 2026.
Sri Lanka in 3 Weeks
A 21-day Sri Lanka itinerary: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla, Kandy, the hill country by road and the Nanu Oya to Ella train, Yala, then a slow week on the south coast. Includes an east coast version for May to September. Checked 17 October 2026.
Sri Lanka Wellness: 7 Days on the South Coast
A slow 7-day wellness itinerary with one base in Weligama: a licensed Ayurveda programme or a surf-and-rest week, with short trips to Unawatuna, Galle Fort and, in season, Mirissa. Dated retreat prices checked 17 October 2026.
