Berg House Unawatuna
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Hostels in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Unawatuna is a curved bay just east of Galle on Sri Lanka's south coast, and one of the most established beach destinations in the country. The bay is relatively sheltered, which makes it one of the more reliably swimmable beaches on this stretch of coast during the dry season.
Accommodation runs along the beach road behind the sand and up the lanes climbing inland, with more options spread along the road back towards Galle. It is compact, and most hostels are a short walk from the water.
Find Hostels in Unawatuna
18 hostels currently listed in Unawatuna. Every listing below was submitted by or on behalf of the property and checked by a person before publication. Contact the hostel directly using the details shown.
Camp Kush by Hostel Unawatuna
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Cycling Backpacker Hostel
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Habibi Hostel and Restaurant
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Hanuman Heights
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Hotel J Unawatuna
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Kaima Kai
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Mabybaby Hostel
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Miyabi Hostels
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Neb Hostels
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One Decision Hostel
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Residence Kuruniyavilla
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Rock Hill Hotel
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Rockstel Towers Backpacker Hostel
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Sixth Sense Hostel
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Surfing Tusker Thalpe
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Una Dream Escape
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Una Hills
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Compare hostels in Unawatuna
| Hostel | Area / address | Phone | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berg House Unawatuna | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Camp Kush by Hostel Unawatuna | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Cycling Backpacker Hostel | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Habibi Hostel and Restaurant | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Hanuman Heights | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Hotel J Unawatuna | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Kaima Kai | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Mabybaby Hostel | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Miyabi Hostels | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Neb Hostels | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| One Decision Hostel | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Residence Kuruniyavilla | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Rock Hill Hotel | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Rockstel Towers Backpacker Hostel | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Sixth Sense Hostel | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Surfing Tusker Thalpe | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Una Dream Escape | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
| Una Hills | Unawatuna, Sri Lanka | +94000000000 | $ - $$$$ |
Is a hostel in Unawatuna missing from this list? Tell us about it and we will invite the owner to add a free listing.
Why Stay in a Hostel in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is the easiest combination of beach and base on the southwest coast. Galle Fort is a few minutes away by tuk-tuk, so you can have the UNESCO old town and a swimmable bay without choosing between them. It is also better set up for eating and drinking than most beaches its size.
Best Areas to Stay in Unawatuna
The beach road
Directly behind the bay, closest to the water and the restaurants. Busiest and noisiest.
The lanes inland
Climbing away from the beach. Quieter, usually better value, still walkable to the sand.
Towards Dalawella and Thalpe
Further east along the coast. Quieter beaches, more spread out, and you will want a tuk-tuk or scooter.
How to Reach Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a short ride east of Galle, and Galle is the main stop on the southern coastal railway from Colombo. Most travellers take the train or an expressway bus to Galle and a tuk-tuk from there. Local buses along the Galle Road pass constantly and are the cheapest option.
Getting Around Unawatuna
On foot within Unawatuna itself. Tuk-tuks for Galle, Jungle Beach and the coast east. Scooter hire is common. The Galle Road is fast and busy where it passes the town, so take care.
Things to Do in and Around Unawatuna
Unawatuna beach
The main bay, sheltered enough to swim in through the dry season. Conditions still change with the weather and the time of year.
Jungle Beach and the Japanese Peace Pagoda
A small cove reached over the headland, and the white stupa on the hill above it with a view back along the coast.
Galle Fort
A few minutes away by tuk-tuk. Most people staying in Unawatuna visit the fort in the late afternoon when the heat drops.
Diving and snorkelling
Dive schools operate from the bay during the season, with wreck and reef sites off this stretch of coast.
Unawatuna for Backpackers and Solo Travellers
Unawatuna is sociable without being a party town, and it is a comfortable place to arrive alone. It is one of the longest-established tourist beaches in Sri Lanka, which shows in both the infrastructure and the prices relative to less-developed stretches of coast. Swimming conditions vary considerably with the season, so take local advice rather than judging by how calm the bay looks from the sand.
How long to stay in Unawatuna
Two to four nights, often as a base for Galle and the surrounding coast rather than for the beach alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hostels in Unawatuna
Is Unawatuna a good base for visiting Galle?
Yes, and it is a common choice. Galle Fort is a few minutes away by tuk-tuk, so you get the old town and a swimmable beach without moving your bags.
Is Unawatuna beach safe for swimming?
The bay is more sheltered than most on this coast and is generally swimmable during the south coast dry season. Conditions change with the season and the weather, so ask locally.
When is the best time to visit Unawatuna?
Broadly the south and west coast dry season, roughly December through April. The southwest monsoon months bring rougher seas and more rain to this coast.
How do I get to Jungle Beach?
On foot over the headland from Unawatuna, or by tuk-tuk around by road. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is on the hill above it.
Where to Go Next from Unawatuna
Destinations most commonly combined with Unawatuna on a Sri Lanka itinerary:
- Hostels in Galle — the fort city, minutes away
- Hostels in Weligama — the beginner surf bay east
- Hostels in Mirissa — further along the south coast
- Hostels in Hikkaduwa — north up the coast
List Your Unawatuna Hostel Free
If you own or manage a hostel, guesthouse or backpacker accommodation in Unawatuna, you can add a listing at no cost. There is no fee, no commission and no booking system in between: travellers contact you directly. Every submission is checked by a person before it is published.
Destination information on this page was last reviewed on 5 September 2026. Transport times, seasons and opening arrangements change — confirm details directly with the hostel or operator before you travel.