Joanna James
Straddled along Sri Lanka’s southern coastal belt is the town of Unawatuna which affords ample space and opportunity to have one memorable beach outing. Consider these 7 activities and experiences.
Very much the heart and soul of Unawatuna is its main stretch of beach. Called Unawatuna Beach, here is where as a vacationer you can connect with the vibes and allures of this portion of the country in the best way imaginable. Replete with many a restaurant that serves up a storm, one can look forward to joyful and romantic meanders under the shade of coconut palms, indulge in a bit of swimming and embrace the brilliant sunset.
Found some 2 km from Unawatuna Beach is the sacred structure of the Japanese Peace Pagoda which is emblematic of the vision of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese monk who took on the mantle of building peace pagodas around the world as symbols of peace and unity. Its rounded exterior is aimed at showcasing harmony amongst people of all backgrounds and is one of the more important Buddhist sites in the nation. The Pagoda’s gleaming white stupa is one of the attraction’s talking points which is encircled by statuettes painted in gold. Beeline for the walkway from where sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean, nearby jungle and the historic Galle Fort can be captured.
Simply said, Dalawella Beach is as beautiful a beach that you will find in sunny Sri Lanka but the icing on the cake of spending time here is the fact that you can avail of its main highlight – Dalawella Beach Swing. As an insta-worthy pastime, the thrills of swinging from a thick rope affixed to a coconut palm tree while you hover over turquoise ocean cannot be summed up in words alone and this is why you need to give it a go.
The waves off Unawatuna present conducive conditions to grab your surfboard, be it as a novice, intermediate or skilled campaigner. Even if you don’t have your own, you can enlist the services of any of the outstanding surf schools positioned here that will more than gladly help you develop a new hobby or finetune a skill set that will see you well positioned to take on all that the waves send your way. In the event you are looking for good accommodation that will help you maximise your surfing holiday, then look at Araliya Beach Resort & Spa which is an Unawatuna beach resort that you can check into.
Move over white sands and in the direction of colourful coral formations that beautify the waters off Mihiripenna Beach. Equipped with your snorkelling gear, you can allow your inquisitive self to take over as you proceed to scour the environs for reef fish, sea turtles and what not.
An excellent way to not just purchase delightful and great tasting citrusy fruit but also to mix, mingle and get to know the locals and their ways of approaching life, the well-appointed Unawatuna Fruit Market cannot be excluded from your holiday plans when in this part of Sri Lanka. From mangoes, bananas, pineapples to even velvet tamarind, durian, rambutan and starfruit; this marketplace will also grant you a chance to savour these fruits for free but with a caveat in the form of having to be as polite as possible.
A prominent landmark that is bathed in colonial charm is the Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before falling into the hands of the Dutch thereafter. An invaluable part of Galle’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient fortification has braved changing times and modern day thinking and stands proudly with plenty to offer the enthused traveller. Explore its ramparts, walk to the famed lighthouse, pose for pictures and take in the enormity and presence of an engineering marvel that is well worth the effort.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
