Table of Contents
Originally posted on April 25, 2020 @ 3:27 pm
Jungle Beach Unawatuna
Back in the day when Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Arugam Bay, Weligama, and Mirissa were growing in fame as best beach best destinations in Sri Lanka, this hidden gem Jungle Beach in Unawatuna was never even mentioned. But today, it stands as one of the most popular beaches in the entire island courtesy the lush coral reef, beautiful bay, and the calm, pristine beach. Now, It’s overtaken by an ample amount of tourists, who mainly visit it either for snorkeling or swimming and sometimes night parties also take place here. It takes a little climb downhill from the picturesque Japanese Peace Pagoda at the tip of Rumassala to get to the Jungle Beach. Meandering through the lush growth of Rumassala forest and at times hopping from rock to rock the climb downhill is quite an adventure for lazy legs. As you see the first sands and the eternal strip of blue, you know your climb was worth it! In the center of the jungle beach, there is also a massive and sparkling Peace Pagoda . That was gifted by a Japanese Buddhist monk in 2005.
For the best sunset in Galle, walk uphill to the Peace Pagoda ( of course inappropriate attire) by 4.30 pm. Smell the sea breeze, breathe deeply and let go of all the responsibility in your head for a while. In minutes you will see a memorable mosaic; a setting sun, a city going to sleep and the eternal voice of the ocean.
Jungle Beach Swimming
The beach has clean water with no strong waves Allowing it to be a great spot of swimmers. When you enter the beach, you will observe lots of swim beds which can be rented out at a small amount. To stay away from the throngs of people, keep jogging until eventually, you reach the second bay. That is a point where you’d probably not notice lots of peoples around you.
Isn’t Good for Swimming?
Jungle Beach Snorkeling
Snorkeling in the bay is probably the most unforgettable experience at Jungle Beach. The reef that lines the bay is rich in coral life, turtles, dolphins, moray eels, reef sharks and is only second to the great barrier reef of Australia in size. Glass bottoming along the reef and above a few famous wrecks could also be a part of the Jungle Beach adventure. If you are an avid reader, just grab a huge king coconut and lie down in the clean sands to complete that chapter or two in Sri Lankan style!
Getting to Jungle Beach Unawatuna
Jungle Beach is situated at the drive of one & a half hours by taxi from Colombo via the southern expressway, just a few kilometers away from the highway exit Pinnaduwa. It’s also possible to get to here by tuk-tuk from Unawatuna town and take a day trip from Bentota or Mirrisa. If you happen to be staying in Galle distract you quickly reach it.
To avoid wasting your time and expenditure, merge jungle beach and primary Unawatuna beach trips a single visit. You can even Walk to jungle beach from Unawatuna that takes approximately an hour. The route involves rocks and greenery therefore it is endorsed to put on the comfortable shoes if you’re intending to make it by steps. If not, Tuk-Tuk is also attainable at the cost of around 500 LKR ($2.50) from the Unawatuna to the Jungle beach.
Jungle Beach Restaurants
It’s is a fact that at the present time the beach spot is not very significantly developed. Having said that, few restaurants are to be found which often serve local dishes in conjunction with western dishes. not surprisingly, prices are bit of higher than average.
