This wasn’t our first time to Unawatuna. We already knew it was a paradise beach in Sri Lanka. Last time we were there, I really didn’t have time to explore much so I wanted to amend that this time and give you guys a little guide to Unawatuna. There are so many adventure activities in Unawatuna and we wanted to try them all.

Getting to Unawatuna

Flight from Bombay to Colombo are very cheap so this is a great trip to take from India. In fact, if you’re traveling India I suggest tying in Sri Lanka to your trip. The bummer is that taxis from the airport in Colombo to Galle (the area that Unawatuna is in) are very expensive. The government taxis quoted 9,000 Sri Lankan Rs ($62) and the tour companies on display were about the same. A man in the crowd offered us a rate of 7,500 which was a steal. We actually called him again to take us back to the airport when our trip was over. Here’s his information in case you want to reach out: Malsha Tours +94 77 821 7630.

You can alternatively take a rickshaw, bus, or taxi to the Colombo Fort train station and take a train to Unawatuna (but you’ll get stuck in Colombo traffic). It’ll take at least 4 hours. Another option is taking a bus from the airport to Colombo bus station to switch to another bus which goes to Galle. From Galle you can hire a car to Unawatuna. That’ll take up to 6 hours. We opted for the taxi directly there to save time. It was 2 hours. There are also car rental options at the airport if you think you’ll be driving a lot.

For getting around Unawatuna, we found a really nice young rickshaw driver who gave fair rates and was super funny. Here’s his contact: Manoj Tours, +94 77 523 8071.

Planning Your Trip to Unawatuna / Where to Stay in Unawatuna

I had about a week to plan for this trip but limited time so went onto TripAdvisor to check the top things to do and places to stay. The first step in trip planning is to figure out what hotel you’ll be at. Then your area will be more pinpointed to start seeing where you can eat, party, and play! Once you have the hotel, things start to fall into place.

I explained in this post how I use TripAdvisor to find my perfect hotel. I came to the conclusion that Cantaloupe Aqua was best hotel in Unawatuna for us to stay at. A lot of my reasoning was based on location and photos. There is a surf reef just in front of the hotel AND an infinity pool.

It was #12 of hotels in Unawatuna, but once I filtered out my amenities it was the #1 choice (pool, spa, restaurant, A/C, on the beach, free breakfast & WiFi). Use filters when you search! I have the app so that I can easily look things up once I am there too. Now that you can book through TripAdvisor, which is a new feature, your planning takes no time at all (download app for Andriod or iPhone). 

Contact: Cantaloupe Aqua, Matara Road, Habaraduwa | Talpe, Unawatuna, Galle GL 80630, Sri Lanka, +94 91 7 200500

The hotel was perfect for us and ended up being one of Ben’s favorite hotels of all time, as he says. I loved hearing the waves at night and waking up early to catch sun and read. Its nice to not have to even walk to the beach but just be there already. While waiting for your lunch, you can just plop in the pool. Since we only had 4 days, it was worth splurging out.

What to See in Unawatuna

When I looked up what to do in Unawatuna I already knew some activities I wanted to try. I usually try to do at least 10 things! I saw the top three were the Japanese Peace Pagoda, Jungle Beach, and Unawatuna Beach. It just so lucked out that the tour company I chose (I’ll explain that later on) went to all these places while doing the other tours, so I was basically checking two things off at once.

We chanced a pass by the Japanese Peach Pagoda by boat on our way to go snorkeling! The second thing on the list was Jungle beach which we were going to for the snorkeling trip so we got to check that off the list too. This actually wasn’t my first time to Jungle Beach. It was interesting to find out that they may be shutting down the shack and the Government might take it all over.

You can also check out turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka as there are many doing conservation work here. Make sure to research for a good one, though!

There were more things to see like Unawatuna Beach which is at #3. Luckily, the same tour company I mentioned about above was based from Unawatuna beach! We were getting really lucky here.

Another popular thing, maybe the MOST popular thing to do in Galle (Unawatuna) is to go to Galle Fort which was built by the Dutch and see the old Dutch church. We meandered there after a long adventurous beach day with the same tour company.

Adventure in Unawatuna

When it comes to what to do in an area, the simplest way to search is on the TripAdvisor app. Just type “Unawatuna” into location and then you can choose from “what to do” or restaurants, hotels, or whatever you are looking for. Once you start scrolling through the things to do, in this case past the beaches and tourist sites, you’ll see the tours and adventure. You can then click on each one to see the multiple companies offering the tours. We knew for sure we wanted to SUP, surf, snorkel, and go fishing. Under each of those I kept seeing a company called Darshana Tours. It was too good of luck that his company did all the tours, so an easy choice to use them.

It ended up being even better, because as I mentioned about they passed by the Japanese Pagoda on the way to snorkeling and did the snorkeling at Jungle Beach, so it was like three things at once. We didn’t have much time but honestly you can do A LOT in 4 days here.

Darshana’s shop is right on Unawatuna beach. When we got there in the morning, the first thing we did was go play on the Stand Up Paddle boards.

After that was done, we got on Darshana’s boat and went to Jungle Beach for a snorkel session which was the main attraction for the day. The boat has a glass bottom and we passed by a shipwreck so that was a really cool added bonus.

Check here if you’re trying to decide on buying a full face snorkel mask

We had planned on surfing that evening but the weather was a little weird. There had been a storm the afternoon before, there were no waves, but a really strong current. We ended up going fishing at sunset instead. To be honest, it was a bit unsuccessful. My dad would have been ashamed after all the family fishing trips we took! The current was really strong and seriously we couldn’t tell if we had a bit or just the waves were strong. We fished with calamari. No catches, but it was the perfect place to see sunset…

The next day it was up bright and early for the thing we were most excited about: surfing! The waves were perfect so I can’t really blame anyone but myself for not doing very well. I was attempting to do it on my own rather than being pushed, which is a first for me. It wasn’t going well. We were only there for half and hour and both just starting to get a hang of it again (I only finished a wave once) when Ben got hurt.

I saw him walking out of the water and it looked like he was waving to me. Darshana went out too. I thought there was a rip so I started to swim in to. It was actually because when Ben wiped out the fin of the board cut a deep gash into his elbow. Pretty sure there was some bone showing.

We went to the Government hospital instead of the big one in Galle which would have cost a fortune. It ended up being only $10 because Darshana pretending he was paying and we later paid him back. Perks of having a tour guide! Plus, we never would have found this place. It seemed to be about 4-5 km away and the path was only wide enough for a rickshaw. The doctor stitched Ben up, but we were done with our adventures after that!

Now for a little video, just for fun! I’m super aware that a 3rd grader could make a similar video for a class project lol video isn’t my “thing” but I really want to try and improve, so here ya go!

What to Pack

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I think I found the prettiest hotel in the entire world. Well, prettiest one I’ve seen anyways:

Cantaloupe Levels, Unawatuna Beach Resort

When we showed up here and saw the view from the room I was pinching myself to see if it was real. I’ve never had such an amazing room or view. The only problem was, I didn’t want to leave!

So, I sort of didn’t. We went to the Jungle Beach, just a 5-10 minute walk down the road. The water was like the Thai Islands and everything was clean. We started to wonder why we were living in Goa, India instead of the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Only an hour longer flight to anywhere in India, we actually have talked seriously about moving.

Some people will bash that I didn’t experience Galle while in town, but I only had one day and when you go for a room as nice of the one we got at Levels, it would be crazy to leave the hotel! We know we’ll come back and experience Sri Lankan culture more one day (Ben already has spent a lot of time here), but this weekend was about 5 star relaxation.

The Room at Cantaloupe Levels

Like I said, the room had the best view I’ve ever seen in any hotel room. I don’t think that another place could top this. The shocker is that even if I were to shut the blinds, the room itself was amazing and could hold it’s own even without the view.

The big mirror made it look twice the size, which wasn’t even necessary because the room was massive. There was a comfy couch, two loungers, a huge king size bed with fluffy pillows and a duvet. Little touches like a cappuccino maker & wine added to the luxurious feel. I loved the fresh fruit and fresh flowers in the room, and the incense oil burning in the bathroom. The cute little bottles of bath salts, shampoos and more were all so good.

Speaking of bathroom… not surprised to see a rain shower but the jacuzzi was a bonus!! I spent a little bit of time in there but then started to miss the view (but I actually sort of hate baths and keep trying to like them, but it just isn’t happening) and had to pop back out to the loungers. I think you might be starting to see why I didn’t really want to leave the room.

Scrumptious Food & Stunning Pool at Levels

When I did leave the room it was to swim, tan, and eat. I guess a part of me thinks I should have seen more of Unawatuna, but I couldn’t leave this poolside. Every time I sat down without a drink, the restaurant manager showed up with a new fresh juice, some fresh aloe to put under my eyes, or as the sun went down, some homemade mosquito repellent. They thought of everything.

The southern fried chicken was delicious and the sauce (wine and butter) that I got with it was so good that I had to order some to dip my fries in when I got a burger later.

The morning breakfast was massive and I was so so happy to see a tortilla wrap on there! Mexican is my all time favorite. Ben got a panini steak sandwich and we ended up getting them to parcel it all up to make it to the airport on time.

Nearby Beach | Jungle Beach, Unawatuna

This is just near Galle which is where you can surf, but the walkable beaches are Jungle Beach or White beach. We went to Jungle and I actually met up with the two Canadian girls I met in Karnataka last month! Small world. The beach was white, sand was soft, and the water was clear and blue… a far cry from the beaches in Goa. It was about this time when we were truly questioning if Goa was the place for us, or if Galle was.

Both are short flights to Bombay for work and both are affordable. Who knows if one day we’ll move there.

For more tips on Sir Lanka and Colombo, check out my Casa Colombo review where I also explain about visa, flights, etc for Sri Lanka. If you’re going to the South, I can’t recommend Canataloupe Levels more highly- it is the BEST hotel I’ve ever stayed in, from rooms, view, to service and food… it was all incredible and I will 100% be going back. Click here for rates and availability. 

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We decided since we only had the weekend because of Ben’s work, we would go all luxury 5 star during our two days in Sri Lanka to make the most of it. One night in Colombo, one night in Galle. (At the bottom of this post are some tips for one day in Colombo).

Other than going home to the U.S., Ben and I hadn’t left India in about 10 months and decided that a weekend in Sri Lanka was much needed. I’d been in Karnataka a month roughin’ it a bit and he is working on the beach in Kochi, dead tired. We hadn’t seen each other much in the last few months. So, after researching all the top hotels for the ultimate one night of luxury and the best hotel to stay in Colombo the answer was clear:

Casa Colombo | An Excess of Luxury

dining room above, bar below

This place was over the top insanely luxurious. Every tiny detail has been thought out here. What’s crazy is that this place used to be a run down old building, so the designer must have really had a good eye to see what this place could (and has) become, which is a 200 year old Moorish style boutique hotel.

When you arrived you’ll be introduced to your “domo” or butler for the duration of your stay. He’s there to help you with everything from figuring out how to work the tv, to getting you a cab when you’re ready to explore. There are only 12 rooms in the place so you have lots of attention, but not too much.

There are 3 types of rooms: travelers suites, corporate, and one crazy luxury ones with prices going from 250, 350, 450 USD in that order.

The places has a tea room, popular restaurant, fun bar, pink lit up pool, game room and library, and amazing artwork. Click here for rates and availability.

The Room at Casa Colombo

I don’t usually travel and stay at such nice places so when I do I’m always like a little kid in a candy store. I couldn’t get over how amazing the room was. I walked around looking at all the small details: iPod with amazing playlists, speak dock for my phone, TV that spun around to living room or bedroom, a pink phone in the toilet room? Lol, the way the water came out of the sinks like a waterfall, and options of robed: silky or fluffy?, and the PILLOW MENU so you’re head will be as happy as you are at bed time.

office inside with a mac book, and a little desk outside

Everything was perfect, as it should be for the price you pay. The showers had two rain faucets, not one, and you can order room service at any time of the night. 

two showers and the best soap ever!

which type of robe suites your fancy? plus a lit up ink phone in the toilet room…

The Food at Casa Colombo

In my opinion seafood is the way to go at Casa Colombo. I wanted to try a little of everything, so instead of one big main ( I was thinking the filo pastry sea bass) we got a few little starters from the tapas menu: coconut crusted sea bass with green chili sauce, firecracker shrimp, and the calamari. They were all delicious. Topped with off with a frozen daiquiri!

From 5:30 to 6:30 they offer a happy hour (buy one get one free) but FYI it’s the exact thing, as in if you get one firecracker shrimp, you get another firecracker shrimp (not mix and match). Ben and I took this happy hour to our advantage and had some beer and bar snacks before heading out to try a restaurant that all you guys recommended to me on Facebook, Gallery Cafe.

Breakfast is free and huge. We both got the American breakfast, which was more English with a sausage and beans. It came with coffee, bread basket, fruit, and some other snacks like eggs.

Colombo for a Day Tips

Getting there: Well, from Goa I took a train 16 hours to Kochi to fly with Ben (it’s much cheaper to Sri Lanka from places like Kochi and Chennai than Goa). Flying into Colombo was 13,000 rupees round trip. The hotel is at Bambalapitiya in Colombo 4.

Visa: It was 35 USD for a tourist visa on arrival for UK and US citizens.

Sim Card: One was provided at immigration but it didn’t work well in my phone for data, only calls. Make sure you know the address of your hotel and don’t bank on 3g working. Also, they use English style plugs here.

Taxi’s around Sri Lanka: There are buses and trains but as we were on a tight schedule we hired taxis. Airport to Colombo center was 2800 Sri Lankan rupees with the highway 300 toll added in. Better deals were to be made outside the airport than taking a prepaid. Taxi from Colombo to Galle two hours was 12,000 Sri Lankan rupees and it was 16,000 from Galle up to Colombo airport. If you have the time, take the bus and save money for sure!

What to do in Colombo: party at Sugar 41, check out barefoot Café, 706 Galle Road, Colombo 3, for souvenir shopping and to buy some clothes or have brunch with wine. End at Ozo rooftop for a great view and drinks. If you want another hotel option, Galle Face Hotel is very popular and Ben has stayed before- it’s a classic. Another drink option QBaa at 2 De Fonseka Road. During the day check out the huge Pettah Market, the Gangaramaya temple (kind of like a museum too), the classic Dutch Wolvendaal church, walk to Month Lavinia for the beach, or check out more of the temples, mosques, parks and museums ( I just didn’t have time!). 

Where we ate: Gallery Café was amazing and reminded me of Go With the Flow in Goa, but we were disappointed by the quality of meat considering the prices were really high. We didn’t order steak, but it would have been a 40 USD steak, while in Goa we get better quality for about 14 USD. The hotel Casa Colombo served better food and we would have probably enjoyed our meal there more. Local food I tried: an orange coconut, although we have these in South India, Ceylon Tea, and Kottu.

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