As evening approaches, Unawatuna Beach in southern Sri Lanka is gradually starting to empty. Tired, tanned tourists begin to wander 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 experienced observation deck near a Buddhist temple.
2. It is noteworthy that not only tourists come to watch the sunset, locals also do not mind, after a hard day's work, to come and enjoy 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 in order to shoot at least something interesting.
6. By the way, not only people climbed the stones to while away the evening. At the top of one of the boulders, a small flock of peacocks was noticed, unfortunately, while I was getting to them, only one of the whole flock was left.
7. Probably, some local residents took an example from them to choose their observation deck.
8. Thousands of bulbs, hundreds of candles, dozens of teapots illuminate a night village in southern Sri Lanka.
10. With the sunset, the night Unawatuna is transformed. Sellers crawl out from the nooks of souvenir shops and do not intrusively invite to visit them to see a memorable 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 discuss another unprofitable day, as there are no good waves. During the entire stay at local beach I have not seen a single surfer, the one who was paddling does not 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 counters. The chefs start to prepare their best meals.
20. In the place where everyone is accustomed to sun loungers during the day, tables are taken out on the sand, many candles and even teapots are lit. Everyone tries to entice the client in their own way.
24. In such an abundance, everyone will find a restaurant to their liking, which would be nice to while away the evening after a busy beach day.
26. At the same time, life does not stop in cafes oriented mainly towards meals. The staff try to entertain themselves with anything, even playing football right in the middle of the hall.
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 coast in the 70s of the last century was a favorite place for hippies and since then for almost half a century Hikkaduwa (Sri Lanka) has been popular as a resort and a great place for surfing. A small Sri Lankan town sprawling along the shores of the Indian Ocean was badly hit by the 2004 tsunami. 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 everything is employed in this industry.
General information and how to get from Colombo airport
Tsunami honganji vihara V resort town on south coast the island is now home to just over 100 thousand people. And those sad days are reminiscent of the monument at the entrance and the white ribbons that local residents knit on the trees next to it, in memory of the victims.
From the city of Colombo to Hikkaduwa about 100 km, the administrative center of Galle is 17 km. Through the entire city, parallel to the first coastline, the A2 highway runs - the noisy and busy Galle Road, along which the whole life of the resort is built. The Colombo-Mattara railway, which connects the capital with the southernmost point of the island, is also very close.
From Colombo Bandaranaike Airport to Hikkaduwa 140 km, you can get there by car, bus, train and combined means.
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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 cost is fixed for all taxis near the terminal counter. You can bargain with private taxi drivers and the trip will be slightly 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 place. A minivan for a group of tourists (6-13 people) is cheaper (per person).
Bus and train - longer, but on a budget
First you need to get to Colombo by bus # 187, the ticket costs 110 rupees, the travel time is about an hour. In Colombo, before reaching the terminal station of Colombo Fort, get off at the bus station near the Petah market - Bus Station. There change to any bus going in the direction of Galle, Mattara or Tangalle. They all follow through Hikkaduwa, departing every 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 your desired stop in the resort area along the main road.
Combined option: Take bus # 187 from the airport to Colombo Fort terminal station and take the train there. Most cheap ticket costs about 85 rupees, in the 2nd class -160 rupees, on the way 1.5-2 hours. 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 (Hikkaduwa railway station), and three trains a day also in the south (Thiranagama railway station).
The timetable and the current ticket price for today can be viewed on the website of the Sri Lankan railways www.eservices.railway.gov.lk.
Trains in the daytime can be packed here, people stand in the vestibules and hang on the handrails. But after 17 o'clock. 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 fame, this resort in Sri Lanka was considered the most democratic and cheapest. In the last decade, Hikkaduwa has acquired some features of respectability, many new hotels are being built here, but at the same time, the previous opportunities of this affordable place for recreation remain. Not all the resort is perfect yet, but admirers of this coast return here year after year.
Transport around the city and transport links with other cities
The resort is stretched along the coast for more than 5 km, but city buses neither along the coastal line, nor along the eastern part of the city inland of the island - they simply do not exist. And here is the bus station and bus stops Yes, they are used by all intercity buses passing along the highway, and tourists vacationing in Hikkaduwa can take advantage of this circumstance, moving around the city or between the beaches.
Other ways to move around the city and sightseeing in Hikkaduwa and the surrounding area:
- Taxi, knock-knock (there is no such thing as a meter, 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)
- Motorbike (700 rupees or more per day)
There are rental points in Hikkaduwa 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 through the city and along the wonderful endless beaches that sometimes seem deserted. After all, on the way you can meet and see so many unexpected and interesting things!
Beaches in Hikkaduwa
The beach line is long here, but there are official name, in principle, only two: about 1.5 km Hikkaduwa Beach (Hikkaduwa Beach) stretches in the northern part of the town and a long, about 4 kilometers Narigama Beach (Narigama), if you move to the south.
Almost every 200-300 meters of the coastline is distinguished by its characteristics and has its own recognizable sights, which are noted by tourists who have been here. What places on Hikkaduwa Beach are the most convenient for swimming during the high season - January and February, and what can you see unusual here?
Hikkaduwa Beach
Let's start with the fact that the sand along the entire length of 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 in them to the fullest.
Hotel Blue Note There is warm and clear water and a gentle coast, there are no stones and sharp shells. Little newborn turtles can be seen running in flocks and individually into the ocean.
A little further there is a coral reef, here you can swim and watch colorful fish swimming in flocks below. It is interesting to look at these colors at a shallow depth through a mask or simply wearing goggles for swimming, or you can just swim with them without a mask. The lesson delights both children and adults. Small children from shallow water feed these flocks with bread crumbs and also swim with pleasure among the fish. There are several such tiny basins 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. There is no full bathing here, next to great reef, but playing on the beach of Hikkaduwa with the turtles in the water, you will swarm to your heart's content. They come here every morning and sail out to sea in the evening. The turtles are stroked, fed with algae and grass, daredevils dive under them in the hope of filming unique footage 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, it is also the public beach of Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. Coral Rock Hotel by Bansei is separated from the coast only by a line of palm trees. Although the water here seems calm, there is a danger of reef currents, and it often happens that careless bathers are brought to the shore by rescuers.
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 is open to all winds.
Would I be a hotel tourist or a beginner independent traveler who are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then this question would concern me first of all. So, you are going to Sri Lanka, but where to go? To Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa? Which resort to choose, where the sea is better, where there is more nightlife, which beach is cleaner. There are a lot of questions to which we will now try to give you answers.
Unawatuna
The beach in Unawatuna is small. You can get 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, which are carried out with each new wave. They are not always there, but in most cases. Apparently, some currents of the Indian Ocean are carrying these stones.
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Waves. They are, but very small when compared with other beaches in Sri Lanka. Again, Unawatuna is perfect for swimming.
In the right corner of Unawatuna Beach, waves crash against rocks. Here you get good photos, as well as a splash of adrenaline and a flurry of emotions for those who, in principle, are afraid to swim, because if you come closer, you can see just giant 5-meter waves.
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Swimming is almost always safe in Unawatuna. Huge waves crashing on the reef. Especially calm water in quiet Havana, 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 alike come to celebrate the passing day with a glass of beer in bars and beach restaurants. The beach has a bunch of motley bars and cafes working late. Music is playing, candles are burning on the tables (as in) and people are having fun.
- Now read:
The beach infrastructure is developed by Sri Lankan standards. There are always free sun loungers for which you do not need to pay. You just need to order a can of beer or a dessert, and a deck chair will be provided to you for free.
Where can I book a transfer from the airport?
We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online, paid with a card. At the airport we were greeted with a sign with our name. Drove to the hotel in a comfortable car. We have already talked about their experience in this article.
Unawatuna has no shortage of skinny elderly massage therapists who will gladly massage you, as well as merchants endlessly offering souvenirs and throwing painted rags in the wind.
- It is interesting:
Fun 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 crowd of drunk locals on weekends. They usually occupy the most trump place - a corner where there are no waves, but they often walk along the beach, look openly at the girls, swim near you.
The guys are trying to get to know each other, they can even touch 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 go swimming away from them as soon as possible or return to the sun lounger.
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Sunsets. In Una, they are, as the people say, who have lived there for a very long time. We haven't seen him in two months. Not on the beach, not from the window of our guest house. The sunset covers the mountain.
Sunset on the beach looks like this 
Another sunset from the window
Conclusion on Unawatuna
The beach in Unawatuna is liked by almost everyone who has been to it. Despite the fact that the tsunami of 2004 was well battered, the beach has not lost its appeal for tourists. If you come for parties, partying and, at the same time, also lovers of bathing 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 scatter 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 large balconies overlooking the ocean. Rated 7.5 out of 10 (according to Booking.com) |
 Nature VillaAir-conditioned rooms, well-kept grounds and 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 most decent hotels on the coast. Balcony overlooking the sea. Well-groomed area, swimming pool, restaurant on the beach. Rating 8.7 |
 The grumpy elephantA modern hotel, there are family suites and cabins by the sea. Rating 7.9 |
 French lotusCozy rooms in a well-kept two-storey villa. To the sea 3 minutes walk. Rating 9.1 |
All hotels
See Unawatuna on the map
Hikkaduwa
The beach at Hikkaduwa is wide and very long. You can walk for more than one hour. The entrance to the sea is smooth. Yellow sand. Hotels are lined up along the entire length of the beach.
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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. Still, there is one small harbor where you can safely swim.
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Surfers have chosen Hikkaduwa because of these waves. 
In the first days, I kept looking after Slava, but I saw only the top of his head. 
In Hikkaduwa there is a corner where both locals and tourists swim, it is calm there. Those who do not know how to swim will not be scared there, but those who swim well will be able to swim farther. This beach is right next to Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa. The beach is marked on the map.
The nightlife in Hikkaduwa is not as vibrant as in Una. There are cafes and a couple of bars, but mostly life dies down early. And only the most courageous tourists or drunken local men remain on the streets.
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We found Hikkaduwa more cute than Unawatuna
Beach infrastructure. There are no public sun loungers at Hikkaduwa Beach. And those sunbeds that are, belong to the hotels of the coastline.
A hotel with sun loungers, if you want and dare, you can go for free
The rest spread their towels on the shore and sunbathe on the sand, hiding in the shade of the trees.
The beach is wilder than Unawatuna
Fun on the beach. The main entertainment is feeding the turtles. Such a sight is only in Hikkaduwa. The locals have fed giant turtles and they come at the same time for food. You can watch turtles for free, or you can treat them yourself with a treat for a small fee.
You can light up in "Blue Elephant"- the most luxurious club in the city Colombo... For ladies, by the way, the entrance is absolutely free, and young people pay 500 rupees. Exceptions are club members and invited guests. True, the Blue Elephant does not offer food, but there is a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, among which it is possible to find a classic recipe for mojito with mint and much more!
Retro Music Club
Among the clubs in Sri Lanka, you can also find options where not a tuber plays, but retro music or jazz, for example night club "Hut"... Plunge into 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 greeted with real live music. And there is an opportunity to make a light snack with snacks well prepared here. The pastime in this club is well suited for the older generation, 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, young people can rush into "My Kind of Place"... She will surely be attracted by the offered there entertainment programs... After all, themed parties are held here! And apparently all this is going on at a decent level ... How else to explain the enormous popularity of this place ?! Another name for this club "The MIX"... This name is explained by the fact that a mix of hip-hop rhythms with Bollywood classics sounds within the walls of "My Kind of Place". And it turns out ... original! In general, no one will let you get bored there, neither the animators nor the DJs!
Live music in Sri Lanka
Or maybe some of you are attracted by the opportunity to listen to jazz in live performance? In one of the clubs in Sri Lanka, you can definitely hear it from 23.00 to 02.00 at night. it "Echelon Pub"- the venue for the performance of jazz performers, moreover, widely known throughout the world.
Rock fans will relax and unwind in "Rock Cafe"... Here at their service - 3 in 1: disco, bar and cafe. On the walls there are photos of rock musicians who have been here with their autographs. But the most shocking, undoubtedly, are the delicious dishes under the names of world-famous musicians: "Michael Jackson" vegetable salad, a sandwich named after the well-known Liverpool band. Everyone, I suppose, immediately guessed which one ...
Features of clubs in Sri Lanka
By the way, it is necessary to mention one important point. There is no special dress code in the above places, but this does not mean that such an order reigns in all clubs in Colombo. V "Cascades", for example, you are unlikely to be allowed in mini-shorts and sandals. So, when going there, look for other clothes. The guy can wear jeans, and the girls there can be seen dancing to RB and hip-hop in dresses.
As it becomes clear, Sri Lanka's clubs are designed for an absolutely motley audience. Whatever your preferences in music, it is quite possible to find something that fully reflects them on Colombo!
Source: http://lankaway.ru/shri-lanka-kluby.
- sri lanka nightlife
sri lanka nightlife
Sri Lanka's nightlife is mainly concentrated in hotels. Nightclubs and discos in Sri Lanka are often open until the morning and are filled with visitors after 10:00. Most of the hotels along 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 is a disco, cafe and stylish bar with a waterfall.
The walls are covered with photographs signed by famous musicians.
The specialties in the cafe are named after musical idols. For example, Tom Jones chicken salad, Michael Jackson vegetable salad, and Beatles sandwich. Open 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 truly "live" jazz.
Open from 23.00 to 02.00.
Club address: Colombo Hilton, Echelon Square, Lotus Road, Colombo 1.
My Kind Of Place is one of the largest discos in Colombo.
The best DJs of Sri Lanka perform here. Very crowded and noisy on Saturdays.
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 city's most exclusive club with a superb sound system. Modern furnishings, bar, disco.
In theory, admission is for club members and hotel guests only. For almost the rest, entrance costs 500 rupees (for women - free).
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 center Sri Lanka, cannot be counted among best places for relaxation, but the nightlife here is the busiest on the island. The city has a large selection of fine bars and nightclubs, including rooftop clubs, which you will not find in small coastal resorts. Moreover, in the resort areas of Sri Lanka there is practically no nightlife, and tourists rarely go outside the hotel in the evening.
In this article, we will present you the most famous clubs, discos and disco bars in Sri Lanka.
