Where Is Talalla Beach? Know The Top Attractions And The Best Time To Visit 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

Everyone knows that you cannot complete exploring Japan in a day. And I had no choice but to miss Oshino Hakkai on the first trip.  However, on the next trip, I made sure to plan a visit.  Of course, an image on Instagram was my major drive behind being so passionate about a trip to Oshino Hakkai.  I saw a series of houses with thatched roofs along the shore of a pond. The magnificent and snow-covered Mount Fuji stood behind, strong and unshakable, as the eternal truth.  Born and raised in the land of spirituality and the Himalayas, I had to visit Oshino Hakkai.  However, as I have explained in my narrative from Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip, you have to time your trip really well and have to be extremely lucky to see the snow-capped Mount Fuji.  Also, if you are planning a trip in summer, you will only get to see Mount Fuji partially or fully covered by clouds.  Nevertheless, as Mount Fuji continues to act elusive, here is why Oshino Hakkai will win your heart.  Oshino Hakkai: Why Is Visiting The Eight Springs Of Oshino So Special?  As I stood at the center of where both Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako meet in the small village of Oshino, I was able to look at the eight sacred ponds of Oshino Hakkai.  These sparkling, clear water springs are all that is left from a long-lost sixth lake that existed hundreds of years ago. It's as if time stood still when you visit these sacred areas. When I looked into the water, I didn't see just water, and I saw history. The springs were used by pilgrims (Fuji-ko) during Japan's Edo period to cleanse their bodies and souls before climbing Mt. Fuji. What a magical process the water goes through!  From snow accumulation on the summit of Mt. Rainier, through melting and filtration through approximately 80 years' worth of porous lava before it actually emerges at this location, its absolute perfection.  Moreover, it was crystal clear and pure.  Also, as I walked through the "Natural Monuments," I had an intense feeling of appreciation for the many years of waiting, so that each would have such serenity. How To Reach Oshino Hakkai? The journey to the stunning waters of Oshino Hakkai is as much a part of the experience as the location itself.  Here’s my recommendation for how to get to Oshino Hakkai, depending on whether you want a more convenient (train) or an adventurous (rental car) way of doing so. 1. Reaching Oshino Hakkai From Tokyo When travelling from Tokyo, you have several options available.  Highway bus lines go to Oshino Hakkai directly.  If you plan to take the train, either Fujisan Station (the nearest station) or Kawaguchiko on the Fuji Kyuko Line is your best option.  Once at Fujisan or Kawaguchiko, catch a local bus to get to the village. You may take the Fujikko-go (tourist buses), Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop, or Uchino or Hirano routes via local bus from Fujisan Station.  Generally, there are 1-2 buses/hour on these routes. At Kawaguchiko Station, there are 11 Fuji-Q buses each day that leave for Lake Yamanaka Oriental side, and the 11 Fuji-Q buses that leave for Gotemba and also the Oshino springs. Just watch out for the Oshino Hakkai or Oshino Hakkai-Iriguchi as their stops. 2. Driving And Village Logistics I rented a car, and it is the most convenient way to visit the nearby Five Lakes region.  Parking here is convenient, and there are many public and private parking spaces.  After parking the car, you can explore the nearby villages.  However, you will need 300 JPY to enter the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan Museum.  You can visit the museum from 9 AM to 5 PM every day for a deep understanding of the local history.  Moreover, you will find signage in Japanese and English for every pond. My Trip To Oshino Hakkai I felt a bit out of place when I got to Oshino Hakkai.  I thought it would be a nice, quiet area for reflection and meditation, free of other people.  However, I found a busy and fully built-out village of people, shops selling food, and many shoppers and visitors to the area, as well as people engaging with local merchants about the items that were being sold.  There were also a lot of people around Wakuike Pond, and they were excited to see how clear the water of the pond was and the fish that were swimming in the pond. 1. Finding Solitude And Peace Within The City Although I typically search for the peace of solitude, I did not mind being in a populated environment.  I became curious after wandering among the crowds to find out where my curiosity would take me.  I found a quiet, undeveloped area just minutes from the main road, where I could hear the water from the pond, see ducks on the water, and watch an old man with two little boys quietly fishing right next to me. 2. Folklore And Galactic History The folklore & Galactic history of the 8 springs were fascinating to explore. Especially, that water from Wakuike Pond traveled on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 for a snow-making experiment in space! 3. My Personal Highlight  The highlight for me was the open-air museum at the Hanoki Bayashi Shiryokan. It was a true escape from contemporary living, immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of the area. 4. Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan: The Main Attraction Of The Trip  To tell the truth, I went to Oshino Hakkai because of Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan.  One of the most amazing sights I've seen in the Five Lakes region was the thatched-roof farmhouses against a colorful garden and the imposing backdrop of Mount Fuji. I became engrossed in the displays of antique household items and rustic farming implements inside the traditional farmhouse.  The tour was brief, but I stayed by the big pond long after I was done because of the subtle beauty of the architecture.  I couldn't resist making another lap because the landscaping was so welcoming. Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka

BY  Sibashree Jun 1, 2026

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect relaxing getaway with golden sands, a vibrant local life, and a rich colonial heritage.  Be it the surfing paradise of the Hiriketiya Beach or the whale-watching hotspot, Mirissa, the southern coast is the most happening.  You can add to that the world-class culinary scene, the palm-fringed shorelines, and a laid-back bohemian energy.  Also, if you are looking for the combination of all these in a single spot, Unawatuna is the place to visit.  It has beginner-friendly waves, a deep colonial history, and a beachfront with a swinging rope.  In this article, I will discuss the best things to do in Unawatuna, top accommodation recommendations, and practical logistics to help you maximize your time in this tropical haven. Where To Stay In Unawatuna?  Unawatuna, being one of the premier beach destinations in Sri Lanka, has an excellent range of accommodations.  The accommodations here range from rustic, budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury boutiques. Epic Unawatuna Epic Unawatuna, with its beautiful rustic charm, shows a heavy influence of the Dutch colonial architecture.  Furthermore, it offers air-conditioned rooms and exceptionally friendly staff.  Also, it is very close to the beach. Kingfisher Unawatuna It is an amazing beachfront hotel that has spacious rooms and large beds. Furthermore, it is on a quiet beachfront ideal for swimming.  Furthermore, it has an excellent in-house restaurant that is famous for serving top-notch, fresh seafood. What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family?  The Unawatuna Beach is at the epicenter of the attractions in Unawatuna. From exploring this beach to a day trip to Galle Fort, a lot of activities await you here.  1. Unwinding At Unawatuna Beach  Unawatuna Beach, with its golden sand, is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, thanks to the protection of the offshore reef, the water here remains safe and calm. So, swimming here is safe throughout the year.  Moreover, in the daytime, you can rent a sunbed here, enjoy fresh coconut water, and enjoy the view.  At night, the beach gets transformed into a happening zone. The social scene here allows you to enjoy music, fresh seafood barbecues, and sunset cocktails right on the water's edge. 2. Dining At Bedspace Kitchen  After spending the evening at the beach, you can dine at Bedspace Kitchen. Which is in a tranquil garden oasis very close to the main road. It serves the best fusion cuisine, and it sources organic and fresh ingredients from local producers. So, by dining here, you can support the local community.  You must try the black pork curry and the gourmet burger. Its other specialties include fragrant coconut lemongrass soup and pumpkin gnocchi.  However, it has limited seats and remains quite crowded. So, you must book a table here in advance.  3. Witness The Iconic Stilt Fishermen Of Koggala At a distance of 10 minutes from Unawatuna Beach, along the coastal road toward Mirissa Beach, you will find Koggala.  South of Unawatuna, Koggala is the place to see one of the most striking cultural traditions of Sri Lanka, Stilt Fishing.  Here, fishermen use a traditional method to catch the fish. They balance atop a crossbar tied to a wooden pole driven deep into the reef, patiently waiting to catch small fish. The 2004 tsunami has altered the shoreline and made traditional fishing very difficult. However, the fishermen are still following this practice.  Many locals now rent their family stilts to men who pose for photographers to earn a livelihood. For visiting the Koggala Beach from Unawatuna and photography, the pocket pinch will be around 500 LKR.  4. Fall In Love With Dalawella Beach  Dalawella Beach, very close to Unawatuna, has low-bending coconut trees, dramatic rock formations, and a beautiful shoreline.  The rope swing here is a rage on Instagram, and it is one of the most popular photo spots along with the Nine Arch Railway Bridge in Sri Lanka.  Moreover, it is less crowded than Unawatuna.  5. Support Conservation At The Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery Sea turtles are frequent in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. At the Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery, you will find rare species such as: Green Turtles Hawksbill Loggerhead Olive Ridley Leatherback Turtles. The hatchery is a non-profit organization that works toward protecting these majestic creatures.  The volunteers here rescue injured turtles caught in fishing nets and treat them. They also purchase eggs from local poachers to ensure they can hatch safely away from predators.  Moreover, once hatched, the baby turtles are nurtured for up to four days before being safely released into the ocean water. 6. Take A Day Trip To Galle Fort Galle Fort is just a tuk-tuk ride of 15 minutes from Unawatuna. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese constructed it originally, and then extensive fortification happened in 1663 by the Dutch.  So, when you step here, it feels like traveling back to the Colonial Era.  Moreover, the fort here is an architectural marvel.  It has centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Moreover, the fort is an architectural marvel, featuring centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Also, the must-see attractions here are: The Galle Lighthouse Dutch Reformed Church Outer Stone Ramparts.  7. Learn To Surf At Bona Vista Bay While the Weligama Beach, Arugam Bay, and Mirissa Beach are more famous for world-class breaks, Bona Vista Bay is suitable for beginners.  It is a sheltered cove between Unawatuna and Galle. The waves here are gentle, and you will find many local surf schools on the beachfront offering certified instructors and affordable board rentals. Moreover, the surf lesson cost here is 2000-3000 LKR, and the board rental cost is between 300 and 500 LKR per hour.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Unawatuna? October to April, or the local dry season, is the best time to visit Unawatuna. However, February to April is the peak tourist season here.  During these months, the sea is calm, and the clear skies here make the time ideal for exploring.  From May to September, Unawatuna faces high rainfall and rough seas. Also, many businesses remain closed temporarily in these months.  How To Reach Unawatuna?  You can reach the southwestern coast of Unawatuna via different modes of transportation.  By Train A train ride through the southwestern coast offers the most affordable and scenic train ride. It is well connected by the Colombo Fort to Matara Railway Station, and Galle Fort Station is where you need to get down.  Also, from Galle Fort, you can take a tuk-tuk ride for 15 minutes, and it will cost around LKR 320.  By Bus  You can hop on a local coastal bus to reach Unawatuna from nearby beach towns such as Mirissa or Hikkaduwa.  Moreover, the bus ticket price is around 50 LKR, and a bus ride offers the most authentic cultural experience.  You will also get a bus from the Maharagama Bus Station, which is just 15 km south of Colombo City Center.  Here, the bus ride will take around 2 hours, and you will love the highway journey in a luxury AC bus.

BY  Sibashree May 5, 2026

Very close to the Hiriketiya Beach, Kudawella Beach is a pristine, small, and beginner-friendly beach for surfers.  However, even if you are not a surfer, you can visit this hidden gem to find the turtle nests and the surrounding mangroves.  Also, at Kudawella Beach, you can enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean or just laze around on the sand.  Here is more about this beautiful, sickle-shaped beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.  Where Is Kudawella Beach? How To Reach Kudawella Beach As I have mentioned, Kudawella Beach is on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, and it stretches from west to east.  Furthermore, the beach is around 10 km away from Dickwella, the closest major town to the beach.  Moreover, if you are already visiting the Hiriketiya Beach, you can just take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to reach the Kudawella Beach.  The most popular way to reach the Kudawella Beach is to take a direct car or taxi from Colombo, which is at a distance of around 160 km.  The journey by road will take close to 5 hours, and the taxi fare will be over 30000 LKR.  However, I was already in Ella and had a day after visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and exploring all the other top attractions in Ella.  So, I took a bus from Ella to Galle. The bus #31 was moderately crowded, and I was enjoying the local experience.  That bus from Ella to Kudawella Beach took around 6 hours, and the ticket price was LKR 350.  What Are The Things To Do In Kudawella Beach?  Kudawella Beach is a place that offers you the ultimate flexibility.  Yes, there are a few hotspots when you are on the beach. However, you can spend your entire day without doing anything.  Moreover, it is a delightful place for amateur surfers.  Still, here are a few things to do in Kudawella Beach, along with surfing and chilling.  1. A Walk To The Hummanaya Blow Hole I loved walking to the Hummanaya Blow Hole on the eastern side of the Kudawella Beach. However, to see the water shooting up, you have to reach the viewing point at the top of a cliff.  The cliff also has a safety barrier.  It is the only blowhole in Sri Lanka and the second-largest in the world, shooting the water at a height of 25-30 meters when the water forcibly enters a narrow cavern.  I saw the blowing taking place at least 5-6 times during the short moment I halted there. The water shoots up as the sea movement builds pressure in the tunnels in the rock.  2. A Walk To The Nilwella Beach If you want even a more idyllic retreat, you can visit the Nilwella Beach from the Kudawella Beach.  This beach has blonde sand, and the waves here are gentle.  Moreover, I loved walking across the beach to reach a rocky island. The rocky island had many palm trees and pandanus trees.  There was also a hiking trail, and as I advanced, I found many little coves and unique geographical shapes.  3. Kayaking Around Mawella Lagoon Mawella Lagoon was pretty, and the water was covered by beautiful lily flowers.  Furthermore, there are many hotel rooms and massage rooms near the lake where you can chill or enjoy a relaxing massage session.  However, just behind the Kudawella Beach, this lagoon is also ideal for kayaking around.  It cost me around 8000 LKR, and I spotted many birds such as storks, beeaters, and kingfishers there.  I heard that sometimes you can also spot crocodiles here.  Kudawella Beach: The Best Spot For Surfing For Beginners  As I have mentioned, Kudawella Beach is a beginner-friendly surfing spot.  Unlike Hiriketiya, you will not find outer waves here. You can only surf here at the beach break, which is further on the inside of the bay.  So, it is safer than Hiriketiya Beach.  In fact, even in the dry season from November to March, the waves seldom reach a height of more than 4 feet.  However, you have to be watchful of the few rocks in the water. Having said that, during the dry season or the peak surfing season, the water of the Indian Ocean is crystal clear.  So, you will be able to see the rocks clearly.  Moreover, on the Kudawella Beach, there are two surf rentals. However, when I visited, there was a longer queue in front of the Saranga at Kudawella Surf School, and its surfboard-shaped signboard also looked pretty cool.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Kudawella Beach?  November to March, or the dry season, is the best time to visit the Kudawella Beach.  Long hours of sunshine make these months ideal for beach activities. However, there can be sudden rainfalls. So, you have to carry your rain gear.  However, the wet season from March to August, despite having fewer crowds, is not ideal as there can be harsh storms and heavy rainfall.  Where To Stay Near The Kudawella Beach?  When I visited Kudawella Beach, it was still very pristine, and thus it is a quintessential beach on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.  You will find only a few hotels here.  Also, if you want to find an accommodation here, you can stay on the beachfront or in hotels near the lagoon.  Here are some of the places where you can stay.  Sisi Place The Sisi Place is on the hilltop at the west end of the beach. It is the most budget-friendly option here with clean and comfy rooms.  Simply Peace  Choose Simply Peace if you are looking for a luxury accommodation near the lagoon.  It is a beautiful pool where you can relax. Furthermore, it has a garden where you can enjoy birdwatching.  Calma I loved the pastries and coffee at the on-site cafe of Calma. With a sand front, it exudes a quintessential Balinese bungalow aesthetic.  Moreover, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride from Kudawella Beach to Hiriketiya Beach. There, you will find more diverse accommodation options, including Airbnbs.