Unawatuna, Thru Indian Eyes

Una through The Villa gates


We’re on the beach, drinking Lion beer and playing cards. Guillaume looks like a lobster from the sun. He’s been eating lobster every other meal. This is somewhat normal for me, but the Bangaloreans are pumped. It’s a pretty cool scene, now that I think about it. I’ve long thought of Unawatuna has a bit uncool suburb of Colombo, but it’s really quite amazing. The beach is a pretty pretty blue and there’s just enough tourist infrastructure. That is, one can eat quite a few decent meals, get some sightsee in Galle and spend the majority of the day swimming in the sea. It’s quite a blessing really, about four hours from the airport. I have taken Unawatuna for granted, but it looks brand new through Indian eyes.

View from the shower, at Sunset Point Hotel

These Indians work at multi-nationals and ball a lot harder than I do. They work hard and they play hard and they are looking for some beach and clean for their holidays. Which Una can provide, more than Goa it seems. For one thing, a flight from Bangalore to Goa and Banga to Colombo are about the same. Granted, you got another four hours and $75 for a cab to Una, but I think the beach is better. At least they say. Una isn’t even the greatest beach, but in season it is damn nice and it’s one of the more developed strips. I have swum in amazing places, but it’s not so easy to get food or a decent sleep. In Una it is.

The whole Beach Access Road is dotted with restaurants and guest house. Personally, I usually stay at Sunset Point and eat at Hard Rock. Swim at Happy Banana or wherever, that’s easy. Kingfisher also has good food. The place is also within 10 minutes of Galle, so we were able to go out for a posh dinner at Fort Printers. So there’s a lot there. I’ve been all about the undiscovered, but sometimes it’s nice to discover the same thing, through a new set of eyes.

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4 Comments »

2010-04-07 05:39:15

Una is cool but I am a Pasikuda type beach guy. When the east get developed those beaches will get busy. Like you did, many people, I meant tourists will take Air Force flights and go to those places. I think there is an air port near Baticaloa.
I am glad your friends found Sri Lanka and her beautiful beaches. Lion Lager does not hurt either!

ash.
2010-04-08 09:28:56

went there in Jan, told by locals that apparently the army doesn’t let people swim as there have been a few drownings, and that the beach has become a lot rougher as of late. sad, as it’s such a nice beach.

 
 
Asvajit
2010-04-07 10:46:10

75$ for a cab to Una? Been taking a limo by any chance?

 
2010-04-08 07:44:00

@Asvajit, not me dude. I drove, and I don’t sleep in the airport anymore

 
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