Adjacent to Galle, a major city on the South Coast, you will find the town of Unawatuna. Hotels in the vicinity wrap around the curved bay, offering views of the water. The shallow water is ideal for swimming and paddling as it is protected by a reef. You will also find restaurants, a nightclub or two and CoCo Bay Unawatuna only a stone’s throw away. The south has become the go to weekend vacation destination for urban dwellers since the opening of the Southern Highway in 2011.
Jungle Beach is a relatively small stretch of beach, with soft golden sand. It was once a secluded beach in Unawatuna because it is not the easiest beach to access but is growing more and more popular by the day. However, it still remains far less crowded than the main portion of Unawatuna Beach, which is a refreshing change. One section of the beach is quite popular and crammed with sun beds below a beachfront eatery selling some Sri Lankan fare in addition to soft drinks and snacks like sandwiches. Further along it is less crowded. There are hardly any people venturing beyond the sunbed area, making it quiet and peaceful. The water is calm and if you were looking for a spot to take a dip in the ocean, this part of the bay is ideal.
Leading up from Jungle beach is Rumassala Mountain, a rocky outcrop covered in vegetation including some exotic plants and medicinal herbs. The mountain itself is an attraction, complete with mythical origins. You can follow the foot path that leads to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. The Pagoda is a beautiful shrine that was gift from the Japanese Nipponzan-Myōhōji order in 2005. Enjoy spectacular views across the Galle Bay as you stand beside the shrine.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+