As evening approaches, Unawatuna Beach in southern Sri Lanka gradually begins to empty. Tired tanned tourists begin to disperse about their business. Someone goes to the hotel to get ready for an evening walk, someone is looking for a tuk-tuk to go to their habitat, someone goes to meet the sunset on the already explored observation deck near a Buddhist temple.
2. It is noteworthy that not only visiting tourists go to watch the sunset, locals also do not mind, after a hard day's work, come and admire the sunset.
3. Although, in my opinion, this is the most boring and not interesting sunset that I have seen.
4. Therefore, I had to climb once again to shoot at least something interesting.
6. By the way, not only people climbed the stones to pass the evening. On the top of one of the boulders, a small flock of peacocks was seen, unfortunately, while I got to them, only one of the whole flock remained.
7. Probably, some local residents took an example from them to choose their observation deck.
8. Thousands of light bulbs, hundreds of candles, dozens of kettles illuminate the night village in the south of Sri Lanka.
10. With the sunset, the night Unawatuna is transformed. Vendors crawl out into the street from the nooks of souvenir shops and do not obsessively invite you to come to them to see a souvenir, night cafes turn on illumination, the village wakes up after a relaxed beach day, tanned tourists appear on the streets, wandering in the throes of choosing another cafe for dinner.
15. Local surf school teachers are discussing another unprofitable day, as there are no good waves here. For the duration of your stay local beach I didn’t see a single surfer, the one that rode with a paddle doesn’t count.
16. Part of the beach turns into one continuous cafe. Eateries that are not noticeable during the day come to life, alcohol and seafood appear on empty shelves. The chefs begin to prepare their best dishes.
20. In place of the sunbeds familiar to everyone during the day, tables are taken out on the sand, many candles and even teapots are lit. Everyone tries in their own way to entice the client.
24. In such an abundance, everyone will find a restaurant to their liking, so that it would be nice to pass the evening after a busy beach day.
26. At the same time, life does not stop in cafes focused mainly on lunches. The staff tries to entertain themselves with anything, even playing football right in the middle of the room.
Of course, some beach cafes night life on Unawatuna is not limited. In the center of the village there are small clubs with local DJs and various bars, but for some reason we never got there.
Thanks to all!
This beach was a favorite place for hippies in the 70s of the last century, and since then, for almost half a century, Hikkaduwa (Sri Lanka) has been popular as a resort and a great place for surfing. Stretching along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a small Sri Lankan town was badly damaged by the tsunami that happened in 2004. It had to be rebuilt almost from scratch, but now the entire infrastructure has been restored, and the population, as before, is focused on serving tourists and almost everyone is employed in this industry.
General information and how to get from Colombo airport
Tsunami Honganji Vihara IN resort town on south coast The island is now home to just over 100,000 people. And those sad days are reminiscent of the monument at the entrance and the white ribbons that locals knit on the trees next to it, in memory of the dead.
From the city of Colombo to Hikkaduwa about 100 km, administrative center Galle is 17 km away. Across the city parallel to the first coastline passes the highway A2 - noisy and busy road Galle Road, along it the whole life of the resort is built. The Colombo-Mattara railway, which connects the capital with the south point islands.
From Colombo Bandaranaike Airport to Hikkaduwa 140 km, you can get there by car, bus, train and combined ways.
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Taxi - fast but expensive
The fastest and most comfortable option, but also the most expensive - 11,500 rupees ($75) if you take a taxi at the airport. This price is fixed for all taxis near the terminal counter. You can bargain with private taxi drivers and the trip will be somewhat cheaper - $55-60.
Ordering a transfer in Sri Lanka via the Internet will cost a little more, but at the airport, customers are met with a sign and taken to the specified location. A minivan for a company of tourists (6-13 people) is cheaper (per 1 person).
Bus and train - longer, but budget
First you need to get to Colombo by bus number 187, the ticket costs 110 rupees, the journey time is about an hour. In Colombo, before reaching the final station Colombo Fort, get off at the bus station near the Petah market - Bus Station stop. There, transfer to any bus going in the direction of Galle, Mattara or Tangalle. They all follow through Hikkaduwa, depart at intervals of 15 minutes. The ticket price is 130-300 rupees and depends on the comfort of the bus. The journey will take 2-3 hours. In Hikkaduwa, get off at the main bus station or at the stop you need in the resort area along the main road.
Combined variant: take bus number 187 from the airport to the end station Colombo Fort and take the train there. Most cheap ticket costs about 85 rupees, in the 2nd class -160 rupees, 1.5-2 hours on the way. Trains do not run as often as buses, but there are up to ten runs in any season. All of them stop in the northern part of the resort (railway station Hikkaduwa), and three trains a day and in the south (railway station Thiranagama).
The timetable and current ticket prices can be viewed on the Sri Lankan website. railways www.eservices.railway.gov.lk.
Trains in the daytime can be packed here, people stand in vestibules and hang on handrails. But after 17:00. the evenings are almost empty. Therefore, before choosing this option, you need to weigh the pros and cons of such a decision.
Infrastructure
At the dawn of its glory, this resort in Sri Lanka was considered the most democratic and cheapest. In the last decade, Hikkaduwa has acquired the features of some respectability, many new hotels are being built here, but at the same time, the former possibilities of this place accessible for recreation are preserved. The resort is not yet ideal in everything, but admirers of this coast return here year after year.
Transport around the city and transport links with other cities
The resort stretches along the coast for more than 5 km, but city buses do not go either along the coastline or along the eastern part of the city inland - they simply do not exist. Here is the bus station bus stops There are, all intercity buses passing along the highway stop at them, and tourists resting in Hikkaduwa can take advantage of this circumstance, moving around the city or between beaches.
Other ways to move around the city and sightseeing in Hikkaduwa and the surrounding area:
- Taxi, tuk-tuk (there is no such thing as a counter here, everything is on a contractual basis)
- Bicycle (20 rupees/hour or two hundred per day for old models, and 300-350 rupees for a good new one)
- Motobike (700 rupees and more per day)
Rental points in Hikkaduwa are everywhere, but they open almost at lunchtime, so if you want to go somewhere from the hotel in the morning, then you need to rent transport in the evening.
And many enjoy hiking around the city and along the wonderful endless beaches, sometimes seeming deserted. After all, along the way you can meet and see so many unexpected and interesting things!
Beaches in Hikkaduwa
The beach line here is long, but the beaches with official name, in principle, only two: Hikkaduwa Beach (Hikkaduwa Beach) stretches for about 1.5 km in the northern part of the town and long, about 4 kilometers for Narigama Beach (Narigama), if you move south.
Almost every 200-300 meters of the coastline are distinguished by their characteristics and have their own recognizable sights, which are noted by tourists who have been here. What are the most convenient places on the beach of Hikkaduwa for swimming in the peak season - January and February, and what can be seen here unusual?
Hikkaduwa Beach
To begin with, the sand throughout the many kilometers of coastline is clean, light, the color of coffee with milk and soft. Palm trees almost everywhere separate cafes, hotels and guesthouses from the coast, and grow on the territory of hotels too. Palm trees, like surfing, are a distinctive feature and visiting card of Sri Lanka and Hikkaduwa, and photos of tourists vacationing on these beaches abound with them to the fullest.
Hotel Blue note It has warm and clear water and a gentle shore, no stones and sharp shells. You can see small newborn turtles that flock and individually run into the ocean.
A little further there is a coral reef, here you can swim and watch the colorful fish that swim in flocks below. Through a mask or simply in swimming goggles, it is interesting to look at these colors at a shallow depth, or you can simply swim with them without a mask. The activity delights both children and adults. Small children from shallow water feed these flocks with bread crumbs and also enjoy swimming among the fish. There are several such tiny pools formed by a natural line of reefs.
Beach sea turtles(Turtle Beach)
A unique place next to the Hikka Tranz hotel, where you will see huge sea turtles almost at the very shore. Full bathing is not here, nearby big reef, but playing on the beach of Hikkaduwa with turtles in the water, you will flounder in plenty. They sail here every day in the morning and sail out to sea in the evening. Turtles are stroked, fed with algae and grass, daredevils dive under them in the hope of capturing unique shots with their cameras.
But beginners need to be careful - these cute tortillas have impressive jaws.
And you can swim on the beach of this hotel, which is also the public beach of Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. The Coral Rock by Bansei is only a line of palm trees from the shore. Although the water here seems calm, there is a danger of reef currents, and it often happens that lifeguards bring unwary swimmers to the shore.
In the central part of Hikkaduwa Beach, all restaurants and cafes are open during the day, a lot of noise and music. Further south, the beach becomes wider, the coast opens up to all winds.
Would I be a hotel tourist or a beginner independent traveler who are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then this issue would worry me in the first place. So, you are going to Sri Lanka, but where to go? Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa? Which resort to choose, where the sea is better, where there is more nightlife, which beach is cleaner. A lot of questions that we will now try to answer for you.
Unawatuna
The beach in Unawatuna is small. You can walk around it in 20 minutes. White and soft sand. The entrance to the water is sharp in places. The depth is about 5 meters from the shore. But the beach is good for swimming.
The peculiarity of the beach is unpleasant stones that are carried out with each new wave. They don't always happen, but in most cases. Apparently, some currents of the Indian Ocean carry these stones.
- Healthy:
Waves. They are, but very small when compared with other beaches in Sri Lanka. I repeat, Unawatuna is ideal for swimming.
In the right corner of the Unawatuna beach, the waves break on the rocks. Here you get good photos, as well as a surge of adrenaline and a flurry of emotions for those who are basically afraid to swim, because if you get closer, you can see just giant 5-meter waves.
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Swimming is almost always safe in Unawatuna. Huge waves break on the reef. Particularly calm water in a quiet harbor at the end of the beach.
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Nightlife in Unawatuna is in full swing. There are plenty of people on the beach. Young people gather every evening. Locals and tourists come to celebrate the passing day with a glass of beer in bars and beach restaurants. On the beach, a bunch of motley bars and cafes open until late. Music is playing, candles are burning on the tables (as in) and people are having fun.
- Now they are reading:
The infrastructure of the beach is developed by Sri Lankan standards. There will always be free sunbeds for which you do not have to pay. All you need to do is order a beer or a dessert, and a sun lounger will be provided to you free of charge.
Where can I order a transfer from the airport?
We use the service - Kiwi Taxi
Ordered a taxi online, paid by card. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You have already talked about your experience In this article.
Unawatuna has no shortage of skinny, elderly massage therapists who will gladly give you a massage, as well as merchants offering endless souvenirs and throwing painted rags in the wind.
- This is interesting:
Entertainment on the beach. Do you want to go diving, go boating, order sightseeing tour or rush with a breeze on a water scooter, then the beach in Unawatuna is what you need.
Cons of Unawatuna
The disadvantage of the beach in Unawatuna is the presence of a large concentration of drunk locals on weekends. They usually occupy the most trump place - a corner where there are no waves, but often walk along the beach, look openly at the girls, swim near you.
The guys are trying to get acquainted, they can even grope a female tourist in the sea. So, if you are a girl and you see that several Sri Lankans have appeared around you in the water, who do not swim, but simply sit in the water and look in your direction, then it is better to quickly leave to swim away from them or return to the sun lounger.
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sunsets. They are in Una, as the people who live there for a very long time say. We haven't seen him in two months. Neither on the beach, nor from the window of our guesthouse. Sunset closes the mountain.
Sunset on the beach looks something like this 
Another sunset from the window
Conclusion according to Unawatuna
The beach in Unawatuna is liked by almost everyone who has been on it. Despite the fact that the 2004 tsunami was well battered, the beach has not lost its attraction for tourists. If you came for parties, parties and at the same time also lovers of swimming in relatively calm water, then you are here.
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Hotels in Unawatuna
Hotels near the beach on the first line. I advise you to book as quickly as possible, because all normal hotels near the sea fly apart in a matter of hours.
 Sea View Deepal VillaA room in a villa with a large balcony overlooking the ocean. There are large family rooms. Rating 8.4 |
 Unawatuna sea view hotelAir-conditioned rooms with a large balcony overlooking the ocean. Rated 7.5 out of 10 (according to Booking.com) |
 Nature VillaAir-conditioned rooms, landscaped grounds and swimming pool. Rating 9.3 |
 No Name RestGuesthouse with good rating and reviews three minutes from the beach. Rating 9.2 |
 Calamander Unawatuna BeachOne of the nicest hotels on the coast. Balcony overlooking the sea. Well-groomed territory, swimming pool, restaurant on the beach. Rating 8.7 |
 The Grumpy ElephantModern hotel, there are family suites and houses by the sea. Rating 7.9 |
 french lotusCozy rooms in a well-maintained two-story villa. To the sea 3 minutes walk. Rating 9.1 |
All hotels
Unawatuna on the map
Hikkaduwa
The beach in Hikkaduwa is wide and very long. You can walk for more than one hour. The entrance to the sea is smooth. Yellow sand. Hotels lined the entire length of the beach.
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The waves in Hikkaduwa are either large or medium in almost the entire length of the beach. Swimming in such waves is not recommended for an unprepared person. But still there is one small harbor where you can safely swim.
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Thanks to such waves, Hikkaduwa was chosen by surfers 
In the early days, I kept looking at Slava, but I only saw the top of his head. 
In Hikkaduwa there is a corner where both locals and tourists swim, it’s calm there. Those who do not know how to swim will not be afraid there, but those who swim well will be able to swim further away. This beach is located near Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa . The beach is marked on the map.
Nightlife in Hikkaduwa is not as vibrant as in Una. There are cafes and a couple of bars, but generally life stops early. And only the most courageous tourists or drunken local men remain on the streets.
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We found Hikkaduwa cuter than Unawatuna
Beach infrastructure. There are no public sun loungers on Hikkaduwa beach. And those sunbeds that are, belong to the coastline hotels.
A hotel with sun loungers, if you wish and have the courage, you can go for free
The rest spread their towels on the shore and sunbathe on the sand, hiding in the shade of trees.
The beach is wilder than in Unawatuna
Entertainment on the beach. The main entertainment is feeding the turtles. Such a sight is only in Hikkaduwa. The locals have fed the giant tortoises and they come at the same time for food. You can look at the turtles for free, or you can treat them to a tasty treat for a small fee.
You can ignite "Blue Elephant"- the most luxurious club in the city Colombo. For ladies, by the way, the entrance there is absolutely free, and young people pay 500 rupees. The exception is club members and invited guests. True, Blue Elephant does not offer food, but the range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails is quite wide, among which it is possible to find the classic mint mojito recipe and much more!
Retro music club
Among the clubs of Sri Lanka, you can also find options where not a club player plays, but retro music or jazz, For example night club "hut". Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 70s, dancing to reggae, dance to the rhythms of the 80s or to the techno music of the 90s. At the end of the week you will be met here with real live music. And there is an opportunity to make a light snack with well-prepared snacks here. Pastime in this club is well suited for older people, because the music of their youth sounds here ... Although sometimes young people come here in the face of teenagers - fans of retro.
youth club"My Kind of Place"
And so, youth can rush in "My Kind of Place". She will surely be attracted by the entertainment programs. After all, theme parties are held here! And apparently it all goes on at a decent level ... How else to explain the huge popularity of this place?! Another name for this club "The MIX". This name is explained by the fact that within the walls of "My Kind of Place" a mix of hip-hop rhythms with Bollywood classics sounds. And it turns out ... original! In general, no one will let you get bored there, neither animators nor DJs!
Live music in Sri Lanka
Or maybe some of you are attracted by the opportunity to listen to live jazz? In one of the clubs in Sri Lanka, you can definitely hear him from 23.00 to 02.00 in the morning. This "Echelon Pub"- a place of performance of jazz performers, moreover, widely known throughout the world.
Rock music fans will relax and rest their souls in rock cafe. Here at their service - 3 in 1: a disco, a bar and a cafe. Photos of rock musicians who have been here with their autographs hang on the walls. But most of all, undoubtedly, delicious dishes under the names of world-famous musicians are shocking: vegetable salad "Michael Jackson", a sandwich named after the notorious Liverpool band. Everyone, I think, immediately guessed which one ...
Features of clubs in Sri Lanka
By the way, it is necessary to mention one important point. In the above places there is no special dress code, but this does not mean that such an order reigns in all clubs in Colombo. IN "Cascades", for example, it is unlikely that you will be allowed in mini-shorts and sandals. So, going there, look for other clothes. The guy can wear jeans and the girls can be seen dancing to RB and hip-hop in dresses.
As it becomes clear, Sri Lanka whose clubs are designed for an absolutely motley audience. Whatever your musical preferences, finding something that fully reflects them is quite possible in Colombo!
Source: http://lankaway.ru/shri-lanka-club.
- sri lanka nightlife
sri lanka nightlife
Nightlife in Sri Lanka is mainly concentrated in hotels. Nightclubs and discos in Sri Lanka are often open until the morning and filled with visitors after 10:00. Most hotels on the coast also have discos or entertainment events. There are about 20 casinos in Colombo.
The most famous clubs in Sri Lanka (Colombo city):
Rock Cafe - disco, cafe and stylish bar with a waterfall.
The walls are hung with autographed photographs of famous musicians.
The café's signature dishes are named after musical idols. For example, Tom Jones chicken salad, Michael Jackson vegetable salad, and the Beatles sandwich. Works from 23.00 to 04.00.
Club address: 43 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3.
Echelon Pub is a club where world-famous jazz musicians often perform.
Do not deny yourself the pleasure of listening to a truly "live" jazz.
Works from 23.00 to 02.00.
Club address: Colombo Hilton, Echelon Square, Lotus Road, Colombo 1.
My Kind Of Place is one of the biggest discos in Colombo.
The best DJs of Sri Lanka perform here. Saturdays are very crowded and noisy.
Entrance fee - 300 rupees, for women and hotel guests - admission is free.
Open from 21.00 to 04.00.
Club address: Taj Samudra, 25 Galle Face Center Road, Colombo 1.
Blue Elephant is the most exclusive club in the city with an excellent sound system. Modern decor, bar, disco.
Theoretically, the entrance is only for club members and hotel guests. For almost the rest, the entrance costs 500 rupees (for women - free of charge).
Open from 21.00 to 03.00.
Club address: Hilton Colombo, Lotus Road Echelon Square, Colombo 1.
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Colombo, the capital and shopping mall Sri Lanka, cannot be counted among the best places for relaxation, but the nightlife here is the liveliest on the island. This city has a great selection of fine bars and nightlife, including rooftop clubs, which you won't find in small coastal resorts. Moreover, in the resort areas of Sri Lanka, there is practically no nightlife, and tourists rarely leave the hotel in the evening.
In this article, we will present you the most famous clubs, discos and disco bars in Sri Lanka.
