Discover Sri Lanka's southern gems with our guide to Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Galle. These three locations are situated very close to each other, making it easy to explore them from a single base. We personally stayed in Unawatuna and enjoyed day trips to the surrounding gems. In the following article, we’ll share all you need to know to plan your itinerary across these three coastal town, from must-do activities to where to stay and eat! As this area is one the famous destination among tourists and Backpackers when travelling to Sri Lanka
Kandy
Sigiriya
Yala Park
Ella
Trincomalee
Mirissa
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Unawatuna
Galle
Negombo
Mirissa: Whale Watching Tour
Mirissa is one of the top places in the world for whale watching, especially between November and April (We were there in August unfortunately). On this unforgettable tour, you may spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. Early morning departures offer the best chance to witness these majestic creatures.
Location: Mirissa Harbour
Price: From $30 USD
Tip: Book your tour one day in advance and bring motion sickness pills if you’re prone to seasickness.
Mirissa: Coconut Tree Hill
One of the most Instagrammable spots in Sri Lanka, Coconut Tree Hill offers a stunning view of the ocean framed by leaning coconut palms. It’s best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Location: End of Bandaramulla Road, Mirissa
Price: Free
Tip: Go early in the morning for soft lighting and fewer people.
Mirissa: Secret Beach
A quiet and hidden spot away from the crowds, Secret Beach is ideal for a peaceful swim or a relaxing afternoon. Surrounded by palm trees and soft sand, it’s a serene alternative to the main beach.
Location: 2.5 km from Mirissa main beach
Price: Free
Tip: There’s a small café onsite. Bring cash and go early to enjoy it without the crowds.
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Mirissa: Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock is a small rocky island accessible by foot during low tide. It provides a panoramic view of Mirissa Beach, especially at sunset. Be cautious, as the path can be slippery.
Location: Opposite Mirissa main beach
Price: Free
Tip: Visit during low tide and wear good shoes for climbing.
Unawatuna: Jungle Beach
Tucked between the jungle and the sea, this beach is accessible via a small hiking path. It’s perfect for a mix of adventure and beach time.
Location: Near Rumassala Hill, Unawatuna
Price: Free
Tip: Bring your own snacks and snorkel gear, as facilities are limited.
Unawatuna: Japanese Peace Pagoda
A peaceful white stupa overlooking the ocean, this place offers both spiritual calm and incredible coastal views. It’s also a great spot for photos.
Location: Rumassala Hill, Unawatuna
Price: Free
Tip: Go around sunset for the best view and peaceful ambiance.
Unawatuna: Dalawella Beach and the Famous Swing
Known for the iconic palm tree rope swing, Dalawella Beach is also perfect for calm swimming and sunset watching. The shallow lagoon makes it safe for families.
Location: Dalawella Beach, Unawatuna
Price: Rope swing $3 USD
Tip: Be cautious of strong tides and bring your own towel and water.
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Galle: Galle Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a colonial-era fortress with charming streets, Dutch architecture, and boutique cafés. A stroll along the ramparts is a must.
Location: Galle Fort, Galle
Price: Free
Tip: Go in the late afternoon to avoid heat and enjoy golden hour photos.
Galle: Galle Lighthouse
Located inside the fort, the lighthouse is a picturesque highlight of Galle. While you can’t climb it, it’s perfect for photos and is surrounded by colonial buildings.
Location: Galle Fort, near the southern edge
Price: Free
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the fort's alleys for the full experience.
Galle: National Maritime Museum
This small museum inside the old Dutch warehouse displays shipwreck artifacts, maps, and marine biology exhibits — great for history lovers.
Location: Church Street, inside Galle Fort
Price: $2 USD
Tip: Allocate 30–45 minutes for your visit and pair it with a lunch stop in the Fort area.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna
We based ourselves in Unawatuna and found it to be a great midpoint between Mirissa and Galle. It offers a relaxing beach vibe while being well-connected to the surrounding highlights. Here are some of our top accommodation picks for different budgets:
Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel ($) – A colonial-style hotel with a pool and garden, close to the main beach.
Epic Unawatuna ($$) – Modern boutique hotel with beach access
Ridee Villa ($$) – A charming boutique guesthouse just a short walk from the beach.
Thaproban Pavilion Resort ($$) – Oceanfront, with incredible views and an infinity pool.
Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna ($$$) – A stylish luxury stay with with spa and beachfront
How to get around Mirssa, Unawatuna and Galle
If you're planning a trip to the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Galle are all located quite close to each other, making it easy to base yourself in one location (like Unawatuna or Mirissa) and explore the rest through short day trips. Below are all the practical ways to reach the area:
From Colombo or Negombo
This is the most common starting point for travelers.
By Train: You can take a scenic coastal train from Colombo Fort to either Galle or Weligama (closest to Mirissa). Trains run frequently and cost around 1–2 USD (2nd or 3rd class).
By Bus: Highway air-conditioned buses from Colombo to Matara (stopping in Galle and Weligama) cost 3–4 USD and take about 3–4 hours.
By Private Car/Shuttle: A private car from Colombo to Mirissa or Unawatuna takes around 2.5–3.5 hours and costs between 40–70 USD, depending on the vehicle and stops.
From Kandy
If you're coming from central Sri Lanka, here are your options:
By Train: There's no direct train from Kandy to the south coast. The best route is to take a train from Kandy to Colombo Fort, then change for the coastal train to Galle or Weligama. Total time: 8–9 hours, cost: 2–4 USD total.
By Bus: You can take a bus from Kandy to Colombo (about 3.5 hours), then transfer to a southbound bus.
Private Transfer: A more comfortable option. Private transport from Kandy to Mirissa/Unawatuna takes about 5–6 hours, and costs around 75–100 USD.
From Yala National Park (Tissamaharama)
If you're heading south after a safari:
By Bus: Take a local bus from Tissamaharama to Matara (via Tangalle), then change to another bus heading to Mirissa, Weligama, or Galle. Total cost: 3–4 USD, duration: 4–5 hours.
By Tuk-tuk: It’s possible to hire a tuk-tuk for short distances to a bus terminal or even to Mirissa (~2 hours), though it can be tiring.
By Taxi/Private Car: A comfortable option, costing 50–70 USD, taking about 3.5–4.5 hours.
Where to Eat in Mirissa, Unawatuna, Galle
Southern Sri Lanka is full of beach cafés, fresh seafood spots, and health-conscious vegetarian options. Here are our favorite restaurants across the three towns:
Shady Lane, Mirissa (VEG) – Best smoothie bowls and avocado toast in town.
Little Tuna, Mirissa – Great for sushi and seafood lovers.
Dewmini Roti Shop, Mirissa – Local dishes and amazing roti at a low price.
Coco Beach, Unawatuna (VEG) – A beachfront café with many vegetarian and vegan options.
The Hideout, Unawatuna – Trendy fusion food and cocktails.
The Stairway, Galle Fort – Local-meets-European menu with beautiful décor.
The Merchant, Galle Fort (VEG) – Healthy bowls, curries, and refreshing drinks.
