Unawatuna: A Tropical Paradise in Sri Lanka

• Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [āyubōvan]
• Goodbyeසමාගමු
  [samāgamu]
• Yesඔව්
  [ōv]
• Noනෑ
  [nē]
• Please/You're welcomeකරන්න
  [karanna]
• Thank youස්තූතියි
  [sthūthiyi]
• Excuse me/Sorryකියලා දැන්නා
  [kiyalā dænnā]
• How are you?ඔයාට කොහොමද?
  [ōyāta kohomada?]
• Fine. And you?හොඳයි. ඔයාට?
  [hōdayi. ōyāta?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයාට ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [ōyāta iṅgrīsi kathā karanavāda?]
• I don't understandමම නිසා අතිනියක් නැති
  [mama nisā aṭinīyak næthi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseමම මෙනු බලන්න කරන්න
  [mama mēnu balanna karanna]
• I don't eat meatමම වන්න කාබ කරන්න නැති
  [mama van̆na kāba karanna næthi]
• Cheers!සුමි
  [sumi]
• I would like to pay, pleaseමම ගෙවන්න කරන්න
  [mama gewanna karanna]

• Help!උකුල්ලන්න!
  [ukullanna]
• Go away!පුරාණයක් යන්න
  [purānayak yan̆na]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් කරන්න
  [polis karanna]
• Call a doctor!වෛරස් කරන්න
  [vǣras karanna]
• I'm lostමම අත්හිටුවා
  [mama aṭhiṭuwā]
• I'm illමම අස්වැර්ණවා
  [mama asværnawā]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... මිලදී ගත්තා කරන්න
  [mama ... miladī gatthā karanna]
• I'm just lookingමම බලමු
  [mama balamu]
• How much is it?එය කොහේ ද?
  [ēya kohē da?]
• That's too expensiveඑය ඉගෙන්නට වේද?
  [ēya igeṇnat wēda?]
• Can you lower the price?මිල අඩු කරන්න කළුද?
  [mila aḍu karanna kaludu?]

• What time is it?වේලාව කොහොමද?
  [wēlāva kohomada?]
• It's one o'clockඑක් වේලාවක්
  [eka wēlāvak]
• Half past (10)දහයා (10)
  [dahayā (10)]
• Morningපාන්දු
  [pāndu]
• Afternoonපසළ
  [pasala]
• Eveningවැල
  [wæla]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [hæta]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [dēka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හා
  [hā]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අශ්චෝ
  [aščō]
• 9නවය
  [navaya]
• 10දහය
  [dahaya]

• Where's a/the...?... කොටුව කොහේ තියෙන්න?
  [kotuwa kohē tīyenna?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක් ද?
  [lipinaya kumak da?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මම තියෙනවාද (මුදුමෙහි)?
  [mama tīyanavadā (mudumehi)?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟට කොත්තුව කොහේ තියෙන්න?
  [īlagata kottuwa kohē tīyenna?]
• A ticket (to ....)තිකෙට් කරන්න (.... වෙනුවට)
  [tiket karanna (.... wenuwat)]

Unawatuna's history as a significant maritime hub dates back to ancient times. The natural harbor and strategic location on the southern coast of Sri Lanka made it a vital stop for traders navigating the Indian Ocean. Archaeological evidence points to exchanges with Roman, Greek, Persian, and Chinese merchants, making Unawatuna a melting pot of cultural influences.

According to legend, Unawatuna is linked to the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Hanuman, the monkey god, dropped a piece of the Himalayas here while carrying a mountain of medicinal herbs to Lanka (Sri Lanka) to heal Lakshmana, Rama's brother. The name 'Unawatuna' itself is said to derive from 'Onna-wetuna,' meaning 'here it fell.'

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and established their presence along the coast. Unawatuna was no exception. The Portuguese influenced the local culture, architecture, and even religious practices. They constructed fortifications and introduced Catholicism, leaving an indelible mark on the region.

The Dutch East India Company seized control from the Portuguese in the mid-17th century. Unawatuna flourished as a part of the Dutch maritime network. The Dutch constructed the iconic Galle Fort nearby, which served as a defensive stronghold and commercial center. The legacy of Dutch colonial architecture and town planning can still be seen in Unawatuna and its surroundings.

In 1796, the British took over Sri Lanka, including Unawatuna. The British influence brought new administrative systems, infrastructure, and educational institutions. The colonial period also saw the introduction of tea plantations, which transformed the economy of the region. Unawatuna, with its scenic beauty, began to attract more visitors and settlers during this time.

Unawatuna is home to several significant Buddhist sites that highlight its spiritual importance. The Japanese Peace Pagoda, built in the 21st century, stands as a symbol of peace and harmony. The ancient Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, a rock temple with a history spanning over 2300 years, offers insights into the island's long-standing Buddhist traditions.

The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, had a devastating impact on Unawatuna. The natural disaster caused significant loss of life and property. The resilient community, however, rebuilt and restored the area with international aid and local efforts. Today, Unawatuna stands as a testament to the strength and solidarity of its people.

In the 21st century, Unawatuna has emerged as a premier tourist destination. Its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich historical tapestry attract visitors from around the world. The local economy thrives on tourism, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and tour operators catering to international travelers. Unawatuna's blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage continues to enchant and inspire.

Unawatuna is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 150 kilometers from Colombo. The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From Colombo, you can take a taxi, private car, or a bus to Unawatuna. The journey by road takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Southern Expressway. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Galle, which is about 15 minutes by taxi from Unawatuna.

Within Unawatuna, tuk-tuks are the most common and convenient mode of transportation. They are affordable and can take you to most local attractions. For longer distances, taxis and private cars are available. Public buses also run through the area, connecting Unawatuna to nearby towns and cities. Renting a scooter or bicycle is another popular option for exploring the area at your own pace.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Unawatuna. However, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and tuk-tuk rides. ATMs are available in Unawatuna, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in Galle or Colombo before heading to smaller areas.

Unawatuna is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night on the beach or in poorly lit areas. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places like markets and public transport. While Unawatuna does not have high-crime areas specifically targeting tourists, staying vigilant is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital with emergency services is located in Galle, approximately 6 kilometers from Unawatuna. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Unawatuna for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a slight bow. 'Ayubowan' with palms together is a traditional greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Unawatuna like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Jungle Beach for a more secluded experience. For a unique cultural experience, consider attending a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance in Galle.