Just five kilometers south of Galle Fort lies Unawatuna, a legendary horseshoe bay celebrated for its golden sands, calm turquoise waters, and vibrant beach cafes.
Bordering the bay to the north rises the forested promontory of Rumassala—a hill steeped in Ramayana mythology, said to be a piece of the Himalayan medicinal mountain dropped by the monkey god Hanuman. Atop this jungle headland sits one of the most serene monuments on the southern coast: the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
1. The Japanese Peace Pagoda (Sama Ceitya)
Built in 2005 by Buddhist monks of the Japanese Mahayana Nipponzan Myohoji order, this gleaming white stupa stands on a cliffside overlooking the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean and the distant ramparts of Galle Fort:
- The Four Golden Buddhas: Walk the circular terrace around the stupa to admire four polished golden statues depicting the birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and parinirvana of the Buddha.
- Sunset Panoramas: The pagoda offers an extraordinary vantage point to watch the sun set directly behind Galle Fort lighthouse across the bay.
2. Jungle Beach: Secluded Snorkeling
A short 15-minute downhill forest walk from the Peace Pagoda leads to Jungle Beach:
- A hidden double cove sheltered by rocky headlands and jungle canopy.
- The living coral reef just 20 meters off the sand makes it one of the best accessible snorkeling spots on the south coast, home to colorful parrotfish, damselfish, and gentle wild green sea turtles.
3. Unawatuna Main Beach
The main bay of Unawatuna is lined with beachfront seafood restaurants where tables are set directly in the sand each evening. Enjoy fresh catch of the day (jumbo prawns, red snapper, and calamari) grilled over coconut coals under the stars.
“Visit the Peace Pagoda around 4:30 PM. The walk through the Rumassala trees is quiet and shady. After soaking in the panoramic ocean views at the pagoda, head down to Unawatuna beach for a refreshing swim and dinner by the waves.”
