QUICK FACTS
Destination: Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Accommodation: Jeju Villa
Duration: 5 Nights
Arrival: Colombo to Galle by Train No. 8056
Highlight: Sunset at the Japanese Peace Pagoda
After months of planning, booking flights, and watching countless travel videos, we had finally arrived in Sri Lanka.
Although we landed in Colombo the previous night, it didn’t truly feel like our trip had started until the following morning. After a quick breakfast and one final check of our bags, we made our way to Colombo Fort Railway Station to catch Train No. 8056 towards Galle.
Looking back now, that train ride felt like the real beginning of our Sri Lankan adventure.
Train travel has always been one of our favourite ways to explore a country. It allows you to slow down, observe everyday life, and watch the landscape gradually change outside your window. Sri Lanka turned out to be no different.
As the train left Colombo behind, the scenery slowly transformed. Busy streets and concrete buildings gave way to coconut trees, fishing villages, small railway stations, and occasional glimpses of the Indian Ocean. We spent most of the journey looking out of the window, excited about what lay ahead.
A few hours later, we arrived at Galle Railway Station and took a tuk-tuk to Unawatuna. The journey took around fifteen to twenty minutes and cost approximately 700 LKR. At the time, it felt slightly expensive compared to some of the fares we would encounter later in Sri Lanka, but after an overnight journey and several hours on a train, convenience mattered more than negotiating.
For the next five nights, Jeju Villa would be our home. Breakfast was included every morning, and our host, Tharanga, was friendly and welcoming throughout our stay.
What we appreciated most about Jeju Villa was not luxury but comfort. After long days of walking and exploring, it felt like a relaxing place to return to each evening.
After checking in and freshening up, there was only one thing on our minds — the beach.
The walk from Jeju Villa to the main beach took roughly fifteen to twenty minutes. Along the way we passed local shops, restaurants, guesthouses, and small businesses serving both locals and tourists.
One thing we quickly noticed about Unawatuna was how different it felt compared to many beach destinations we had visited before. In places like Thailand or Bali, the beach is often visible directly from the road. In Unawatuna, however, the beach hides behind rows of hotels, restaurants, and bars. Sometimes you walk through a restaurant entrance or down a narrow pathway before suddenly finding yourself standing on the sand.
The beach itself was beautiful. A long curve of golden sand stretched along the bay, lined with palm trees, beachfront restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels. The water was calm during our stay, creating a peaceful atmosphere that encouraged visitors to slow down and simply enjoy being there.
One thing we weren’t fully prepared for was the heat. Visiting in late March meant arriving during one of the hottest periods of the year on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
After the first day, we quickly developed a routine. We would head out in the morning while the temperature was still manageable and spend a few hours exploring. By midday, the heat became difficult to ignore, so we usually returned to Jeju Villa to relax and recharge. Later in the afternoon, once the sun started to lose some of its strength, we would head back out and continue exploring.
Although the beach was fifteen to twenty minutes away, transportation was never really a problem. Tuk-tuks were easy to find, and local buses regularly passed through the area for anyone who didn’t feel like walking. We almost always chose to walk. It gave us a chance to see more of the town, discover small restaurants and shops, and settle into the slower pace of life that made Unawatuna so enjoyable.
By evening, the atmosphere along the beach changed completely. Restaurants placed tables directly on the sand, lights illuminated the shoreline, and travellers gathered for dinner, drinks, and sunset views.
One of the places we were most excited to visit was Turtle Beach (Near Dalawella/Wijaya Beach).
During our visit, we spotted turtles swimming in the water. We only saw them once during our stay, but that single sighting became one of our favourite memories from Unawatuna.
Near Turtle Beach, we also tried the famous rope swing (its actually inside Dream Cabana Galle Guesthouse). It cost around 500 LKR for three swings and produced some of our favourite photos from the area.
Late one afternoon, we made our way to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. We arrived just before sunset, and what followed became our favourite moment in Unawatuna. Standing there and looking out across the Indian Ocean as the sky slowly changed colours was unforgettable.
Even now, when we think back to Unawatuna, this is the image that comes to mind first. Not the beach. Not the turtles. Not the restaurants. The sunset from the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
After spending time at the pagoda, we continued towards Jungle Beach. By the time we arrived, the sun had already disappeared below the horizon.
Unlike the lively main beach, Jungle Beach felt peaceful, quiet, and almost hidden away from the rest of Unawatuna.
We also tried local dishes including coconut roti and string hoppers. One small detail we still remember was the fresh coconuts provided by our host. Few things feel more tropical than starting a day with fresh coconut before heading out to explore.
Although Unawatuna itself offered plenty to do, we also spent a full day exploring nearby Galle. One of the biggest advantages of staying in Unawatuna is how easy it is to combine beach life with a visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most historic destinations.
Before we knew it, five nights had passed.
Our next destination was Mirissa. Our host arranged a tuk-tuk driver named Dilan to take us there, and after one final breakfast we packed our bags and continued our journey along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Looking back, Unawatuna was the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka. It gave us beautiful beaches, unforgettable sunsets, sea turtles, relaxed evenings, and enough time to settle into the rhythm of island life before moving on to the rest of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unawatuna
How many days should you spend in Unawatuna?
We spent five nights in Unawatuna and felt it was enough time to enjoy the beaches, visit nearby attractions, and take a day trip to Galle.
Is Unawatuna worth visiting?
Absolutely. The combination of beaches, viewpoints, nearby attractions, and relaxed atmosphere makes it one of the best destinations on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
What was our favourite experience in Unawatuna?
Watching the sunset from the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
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