Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a legendary coastal town in Galle district, situated 108 kilometers south of Colombo and just 5 kilometers southeast of the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort. This crescent-shaped bay has been celebrated since ancient times, with the Ramayana epic describing it as a beach paradise where the monkey warrior Hanuman dropped a chunk of medicinal mountain while rescuing Lakshman. The name derives from 'Una-watuna' meaning 'fell down' in this mythological context. Recognized as one of the world's best 100 beaches despite 2004 tsunami damage, Unawatuna combines pristine coral reef ecosystems with over 1,000 years of Buddhist heritage. The town is dominated by the mystical Rumassala Hill, believed to contain healing herbs from the Himalayas and now home to a Japanese Peace Pagoda built by Nipponzan Myohoji monks. Colonial history includes the 1640 Dutch landing where they defeated Portuguese forces at Magalle, leading to Dutch control of Galle Fort. The area supports over 60 endemic bird species including the endangered purple-faced langur and serves as a critical sea turtle nesting site. Archaeological evidence includes the ancient Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya temple and Suwethamali Chaitya (dagaba) dating back centuries, while the Devol Devalaya temple honors a thousand-year-old deity legend.