Sun Sea & Sand – Unawatuna
Located very closer to main Galle town (5km) lays the famous beach location Unawatuna. The location is so famous for its shallow waters, beaches and coral reef. The location is 108km from Colombo.
The more interesting fact is Unwatuna traces its root to Indian great epic Ramayana. It is said in the story that a piece of chunk from the mountain carried by monkey-warrior Hanuman fell down at this location and an herbal hill is formed which is known as Rumassala at present.
Not far distance from the coast of Unawatuna, you will come across coral reefs, coral fish, shipwrecks and turtle colony. There are two natural reefs near the bay create a natural pool that make the area safe for any swimmer. Known as the Galapiteala Reef and Napoleon Reef, both reefs offer unforgettable moment for any ardent diver who enjoys exceptional marine life, which include Napoleon Wrasse, Bat Fish, Golden Moray Eels and numerous other coral fish.
You will come to a famous dive point travelling 20 to 30 minutes by boat where the famous ship wrecks, including “Rangoon”- the British steamer sunken 100 years ago, a cargo ship called “Lord Nelson” and few other wrecks can be found. This is right place for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Beside these activities, the beach is famous for turtle nests and eggs. If you travel a little further down on Matara Road and come to Habaraduwa (3km), you will come to a turtle hatchery in where eggs of Hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles care collected from beaches and hatched. That’s not all; small eateries and restaurants offer a wide variety of seafood and authentic cuisine which will be an authentic experience for you.
Actions: Hire a boat and go for scuba diving at ship wreck sites, visit turtle hatchery and get a closer look of the starting point of these gentle giants, surf, swim and snorkel along the Galapiteala Reef and Napoleon Reef, partake in beach events and musical shows in the evenings and nights, try seafood varieties on offer.
