Tipped to be one of the island's most breathtaking beaches, Unawatuna is a beach holiday destination of unparalleled beauty. Believed to have been a piece of paradise that was accidentally dropped on the southern coast by the monkey god Hanuman, Unawatuna is a must-visit beach hub for all water sports lovers. From deciding on the timing of the holiday to signing up for exciting activities, here's how to plan an unforgettable getaway to this part of the island.

While Unawatuna remains a captivating seaside hamlet throughout much of the year, those seeking a rain-free holiday in the area must time their visit accordingly. The prime period to visit this beloved holiday destination near Galle is from December to March, with sunny conditions often extending into mid-April. During this time, Unawatuna offers ideal conditions for various water-based activities and excursions, with clear skies and excellent beach conditions prevailing throughout the peak travel season along the southern coast. Conversely, the least favourable time to visit Unawatuna is from May to September when the monsoon season is at its peak. During these months, heavy rainfall makes outdoor activities challenging and significantly diminishes the overall holiday experience.

Unawatuna Beach aerial view | Image via Wikimedia Commons

The next step is finding the perfect base for the getaway and visitors will be relieved to know that Unawatuna is home to some of Sri Lanka's finest beach hotels. So whether one chooses the Araliya Beach Resort & Spa or any similar luxury resort in Unawatuna, it's reasonable to expect contemporary amenities and a beachfront location. What sets accommodation providers in the area apart are the outbound excursions and water sports facilities available through the resort so holidaymakers should take these elements into consideration before making a reservation.

A trip to Unawatuna wouldn't be complete without indulging in the plethora of water-based activities available on Unawatuna Beach. Surrounded by shops renting water sports gear and offering tours, visitors have the opportunity to partake in a variety of adventures. From exhilarating jet skiing excursions along the coast to captivating scuba diving tours, there's something for everyone. Notably, just off the coast of Unawatuna Beach lie several noteworthy shipwrecks, providing fantastic opportunities for snorkelling activities. The calm and clear waters of Unawatuna are particularly suitable for snorkeling and diving lessons, allowing beginners to learn the basics from local instructors in a safe environment. Whether seeking thrills or seeking to explore beneath the surface, Unawatuna offers an array of unforgettable aquatic experiences.

As a culturally rich and dynamic seaside hamlet, Unawatuna offers vacationers a wide range of excursions and sightseeing options. Nature lovers, for example, can sign up for a hiking tour of the Rumassala Hillock where local Ayurveda practitioners find medicinal plants required for their healing arts. Also deemed a birdwatching hotspot in the area, Rumassala offers panoramic views of the crescent-shaped Unawatuna Beach and its pristine surroundings. The Japanese Peace Pagoda and the Swethamalee Chaitiya are two sacred attractions that beachgoers can visit during a stay in Unawatuna to uncover the religious identity of the locals and the architectural prowess of the area's temple builders.

Sampling southern regional cuisine and the seafood delicacies that are part of the canon is one of the true joys of a getaway to Unawatuna. This is why tourists should set aside time in their travel itinerary to wine and dine at local culinary institutions such as Sun N Sea and Mettha’s. The Black and White Restaurant, on the other hand, is perhaps the most scenically situated dining hub in the area as it looks out over Unawatuna Beach.