A Beach Lover’s Guide to Unawatuna – where wonders never cease
From snorkelling off Jungle Beach, picking and choosing souvenirs at the local markets to watching stilt fishermen applying their trade, the remarkable haven of Unawatuna is all this but so much more.
1. Vacation on Jungle Beach
One of the more rewarding of locations that you can call by during your Unawatuna holiday, the mesmeric scenes protruding from Jungle Beach will surely leave you in awe. Cloaked in dense thickets and nourished by the waters of the Indian Ocean, Jungle Beach is home to a fascinating array of pastimes to embrace and partake in. Whether you want to immerse your complete self at the start of a brand-new day as part of a welcoming soak, work on that tan of yours while basking on a sunbed or go snorkelling within an emerald, blue coral reef, Jungle Beach is poised to be your friend for as long as you decide linger here. For guests staying at Araliya Beach Resort & Spa, Jungle Beach is just a 13-minute drive away.
2. Meet and greet the local stilt fishermen
A practice that was first introduced during World War II and thereafter, honed through generations of fisher folk, the fine art of stilt fishing is one of the pleasures that even a holidaymaker like yourself can get accustomed to. For the best experience, consider beelining for Mihiripenna Beach which is but a stone’s throw from Araliya Beach Resort & Spa and before long you will witness men balancing themselves on sticks armed with a line, stick and bag for the sake of collecting their daily catch. With a little bit of persuading, you can even join in and endeavour to unearth the skilled angler in you.
3. Swing to and from on the Dalawella Rope Swing
Located down the road from Unawatuna is a gem of the rarest kind which is called the Dalawella Rope Swing that is found on Dalawella Beach. This famed rope swing continues to gather momentum and appeal with every passing day for the swing’s location has often been at the heart of many a capture and pose. Featuring a single rope hanging from a coconut tree that grows at a 45 degree angle out over the waves, the Dalawella Rope Swing is perfect for swinging back and forth over land as well as sea with amazing accuracy and ease.
4. Eat at a local restaurant
Value and variety underpin Unawatuna’s food and beverage scene with a number of restaurants and eateries readily available to satisfy your every craving. Have a dose of England served to your table with a choice of British jacket potato topped with gooey cheese and fresh beans or traditional Fish & Chips which are but the tip of the iceberg at Koco’s Beach Grill. On the flip side, vegans will surely fall in love with Jinas whose menu features specialties in the likes of falafels.
5. Have a retail therapy outing with a different flavour
The main street in Unawatuna is packed to the rafters with many a shop and boutique selling products that would make for excellent gifts and souvenirs to take back home with you. For example, Made in Ceylon will give you a fabulous mix of authentic souvenirs to select from while be sure to spend time at New World Craft Shop for glittering jewels and eye-catching jewellery. To the serious paddle-boarder, the shop called Sea Horse Divers will come off as a worthy investment of one’s time and money and if looking for decent accommodation nearby, consider the benefit of booking with Araliya Beach Resort & Spa which has its own Unawatuna spa to retire to after your day’s adventures have concluded.