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BY  Sibashree Apr 27, 2026

Dalawella Beach is the best beach for families in Sri Lanka in 2026.  It’s not me, and Lonely Planet has conferred this title to Dalawella Beach, which is just south of the Unawatuna resort town.  Furthermore, it is just 20 km from Galle and less than 8 km from Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  On the same list, the Hiriketiya Beach has become the best beach for amenities, the Mirissa Beach has been chosen as the best beach for whale watching, and Unawatuna Beach has been selected as the best beach overall.  You can take a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and reach this beautiful beach within 10 minutes. Furthermore, it is a 2-hour journey by road.  Taxis to Dalawella Beach are also available from Galle.  While easy accessibility remains a plus for the beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it stands out because of its rope swing attached to a leaning palm tree. This swing is also called the Dalawella Swing.  Moreover, Dalawella Beach or Wijaya Beach has a sheltered natural pool, formed by a reef and adorable turtles.  So, what are the things to do and the top attractions at this beach? Let’s discuss this in detail in this blog.  How To Reach Dalawella Beach?  As I have said already, you can easily take a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna and reach Dalawella Beach within 10 minutes.  I paid LKR 200 as the tuk-tuk price and got off at the Dream Cabana Hotel. Here, you will find the palm tree that has the famous Dalawella Swing.  You will also get buses from Unawatuna to Dalawella every 15-20 minutes, and the ticket price is LKR 50.  Why Is Dalawella Beach A Must-Visit? (Things To Do In Dalawella Beach) Sri Lanka has the best of many things. It has the famous Buddhist sites, such as the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, or the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.  These are high-energy places and are soaked in spiritual fervor.  On the other hand, the coastal gateways such as the Uppuveli Beach in Trincomalee or Ahangama Beach Town, offer you the ideal places to relax and unwind.  The Dalawella Beach near Unawatuna is, of course, a nice addition to this list of beaches in Sri Lanka.  While relaxing and enjoying a laid-back vibe is the best thing to do when you are at Dalawella Beach, here are some other activities you must try.  1. Swing Over The Water  The palm tree swing is the top attraction at Dalawella Beach. This swing is attached to the leaning palm tree in front of the Dream Cabana hotel.  You can enjoy this swing ride over the water and have the most amazing experience. A hit on Instragram, this is the perfect spot for photography or making reels at Dalawella Beach.  The cost of taking this swing is LKR 500, which I have seen many travel guides mentioning as the entry fee.  However, entry to Dalawella Beach is free.  2. Watch The Sunset From The Wijaya Rock You will find the Wijaya Rock if you walk a few hundred meters from the Wijaya Rock. The standalone rock comes out of the sand and reaches out into the ocean.  There is a palm tree right beside the rock. So, the overall setup is very Insta-worthy, especially during the hours of sunrise and sunset.  3. Swim With Turtles  Turtles are a major attraction on the Sri Lankan beaches.  Be it the beaches in Jaffna or the Sea Turtles Conservation Centre near Mount Lavinia Beach, these adorable creatures add more delight to the beach experience.  At Dalawella Beach also, I spotted some turtles, and swimming by them in the lagoon was relaxing.  So, you don’t need to snorkel to meet them.  Furthermore, if you don’t want to swim in the water, you can watch them from the top of the Wijiya Rock or use a drone camera to capture their beauty.  4. Surfing Near The Frog Rock  Dalawella Beach is not the best option if you want to enjoy surfing in Sri Lanka. However, it is not the worst either.  You will find the iconic Frog Rock at the end of Dalawella Beach. The natural formation of this boulder makes it look like a frog.  However, the water here is quite shallow, and the reef is a major challenge. So, you will mostly find locals surfing in this area.  Moreover, Dalawella Beach has some delightful cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy seafood and chilled beer here and enjoy amazing sunset views.  What Are The Other Beaches To Visit Near The Dalawella Beach?  As I have mentioned, Dalawella Beach is not that great as a surfing destination, and it does not have a surfing break.  So, you can try nearby beach options such as Ahangama, Kabalana, or Koggala.  The best among them is, of course, Ahangama, and you can easily reach this beach town by a tuk-tuk, and it takes just 20 minutes.  Ahangama is the best because it has around fifteen surf breaks along a few kilometers of the coast.  The Kabalana Beach, around 15 km away from Dalawella Beach, is also a popular surfing destination and has the best A-frame in Sri Lanka.  However, if you want a more peaceful experience at a remote place, you can try Koggala. It is just 10 minutes away, but it can be a little dumpy.  Where To Stay If You Want To Surf At Dalawella Beach?  You will find many hotels to stay at Dalawella dotting the beach. However, it is always better to take a tuk-tuk ride or a short walk to find better options.  For example, the Rockside Cabanas Hotel is the most popular accommodation, and it is within walking distance of the beach. It is also very close to the turtle lagoon.  You can also plan a stay at the Horizon Hill Top Villa. Take a tuk-tuk to reach this hotel in two minutes from the beach.  It serves an amazing breakfast, and it has a lovely pool in the jungle.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Dalawella Beach?  Dalawella Beach remains open 24x7. However, 6 AM to 7 PM is the best time to visit the beach in a day.  Season-wise, December to March or the dry season, is the best time to visit Dalwella Beach.  Moderate temperature with an average of 31-32 degrees Celsius, long sunshine hours, and calm waves make this season ideal for regular tourists and surfers.  Moreover, these months are the best for spotting turtles here. 

BY  Sibashree Jun 6, 2026

The historical Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is going to play an important role in the tourism growth of Sri Lanka in 2026.  Its colonial-era landmarks, such as the Groote Kerk, the Dutch reformed church or the Galle Clock Tower, the living heritage, and the rich maritime history make Galle Fort such a prominent landmark in the landscape of cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.  It is also easily accessible from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, at a distance of around 153 km.  Various bus routes between Colombo and Galle, and the train connectivity ensure a smooth journey.  Here are more details about how to get from Colombo to Galle.  How To Get From Colombo To Galle? Know The Transport Options The best way to get from Colombo to Galle is to enjoy a scenic train ride. However, if you miss the train, you can also opt for a local bus ride.  Also, if the budget is not a constraint, you can book a ride from a ride-hailing app or book a cab to travel the distance by road.  Here, I will decode the train, bus, and private transfer journeys along with details such as the travel duration, ticket pricing, and amenities.  Moreover, the journeys in buses and local trains offer distinct cultural experiences, as I have mentioned in my Kandy to Ella train journey blog.  1. How To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?  To get from Colombo to Galle, you can plan a coastal train ride.  Here, the railway track runs along the palm-fringed coasts for most of the journey.  Moreover, the ocean waters here will crash just meters away from your open window.  So, overall, it is, in no way, a mundane commute experience. You are going to have an experience of a lifetime.  You can have a look at the table below to know about the train timings. (Source: Sri Lanka Railways).  Departure From Colombo FortAvailableArrival In Galle 6:17 AM Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:32 AM6:50 AMEveryday9:29 AM8:35 AMEveryday10:49 AM10:30 AMEveryday12:49 PM2:40 PMEveryday4:57 PM3:50 PMEveryday5:57 PM4:47 PMEveryday7:04 PM5:32 PMMonday to Friday (Except Holidays)8:25 PM5:31 PMSaturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:05 PM5:51 PMEveryday9:29 PM6:16 PMExcept Saturdays and Sundays8:40 PM7:30 PMEveryday11:10 PM The trains have second-class and third-class sections.  The ticket price for the second-class commute is LKR 500, and for the third-class commute it is LKR 240.  How To Book The Tickets To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?  You can book the ticket from Colombo to Galle online (reserved) or offline (unreserved).  If you are traveling between December and April, it is the peak season for a trip to Sri Lanka. So, you must book the tickets at least 32 days in advance from the Sri Lanka Railways online seat reservation portal.  However, in the off-season, you will get the tickets a few days before.  In addition, you can book a train ticket from the local counter at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.   2. The Colombo To Galle Express Bus: Speed And Comfort If you want a more comfortable journey to get from Colombo to Galle without spending much money, you can try the bus routes.  Express Highway Bus (EX01) Duration: 2 hours to 2.5 hours Route The bus travels through the Southern Expressway (E01).  Moreover, if you choose this route, you will be able to bypass every coastal traffic, and you will reach faster than the coastal route buses. Traveling Experience The buses are usually fast and relatively smooth.  Additionally, the buses are very comfortable, usually air-conditioned, and have comfortable cushioned seats.  Moreover, the journey through this route is through the highway, which means that you will not be able to see any ocean views. Where To Catch The Bus From These buses depart from the Makumbura Multimodal Center or the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal.  Additionally, these buses are frequent you will be able to catch a bus every 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Coastal Route Bus (Route 02) Duration: 3 hours to 4 hours Route Buses of this route pass through the coastline, giving you an amazing coastal view.  These buses pass through some magnificent towns like Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, and Hikkaduwa, which enhance the beauty of the journey. Traveling These buses will provide you with an authentic and local Sri Lankan ride.  Sometimes the ride can also be chaotic but enjoyable. Moreover, if you choose these buses, be prepared for a bold and rapid ride.  These bus rides are often characterized by a stop-and-go rhythm because of their sudden bursts of speed.  Furthermore, these bus rides are enjoyable with loud, crowded, and vibrant locals hopping on and off, and street vendors selling snacks.  Finally, the most amazing part of this bus ride is the spectacular views of coconut palms and the Indian Ocean. You can also jump off and go around the beach towns along the way. Where To Catch The Bus From  You can catch these buses from the Central Bus Stand near the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Some Tips For Your Ride Here are some other details you need to know if you want to get from Colombo to Galle.  Ticket Prices These buses are very affordable. The ticket prices depend on whether you take a local non-AC bus or an AC highway bus. The ticket prices usually range between LKR 300 and LKR 1000. Luggage You usually won't find a cargo hold on coastal buses. In such situations, you will need to keep your backpack on your lap or squeeze it into overhead racks. Music And Noise If you have never been on a Sri Lankan bus, this is going to be a light-and-sound journey for you.  Public buses in Sri Lanka are known for their lively atmosphere, featuring Sri Lankan pop music and colorful interiors, which you can enjoy throughout the journey. Private Transfers And Taxis: Seamless Door-To-Door Service Suppose you are traveling with family or small children.  Or, if you are part of a group where everyone is carrying heavy luggage, you can choose a private transfer.  Also, a private transfer can be of two types.  Taking A Private Taxi  A private taxi will pick you up from the Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo and drop you off outside your accommodation inside the Galle Fort ramparts.  You will enjoy the ride through the Southern Expressway.  A private taxi ride on this route will take between 1.5 and 2 hours.  However, the charges will be really high as a standard sedan will cost between LKR 15000 and 20000.  Using Ride-Hailing Apps If you are traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time, you can avoid negotiating with unpredictable street drivers.  You can book a cab using local ride-hailing apps such as PickMe. It is the premier local Sri Lankan ride-hailing platform. Furthermore, you can also use Uber to operate reliably and extensively throughout the Colombo metropolitan area.  The price range for these cabs from Colombo Fort to Galle is between LKR 8000 and 12000.

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.