Unakanda

Unakanda Boutique accommodations on the hill overlooking Unawatuna Bay, Galle Province, Sri Lanka. 7 minute w Views are spectacular.
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Unakanda is a boutique resort, natural sanctuary, and creative passion. It is located on over an acre of lush land atop the hill, a few minutes' walk above Unawatuna beach. The sloping site is studded with mature palms and fruit trees and wraps around an old stone quarry, now full of water, fish, turtles. It is a magnet for bird life and playground for monkeys. Since the beginning of 2013, in coll

aboration with our fabulous local team, we have been designing and building a jungle garden with gorgeous accommodation options. First phase opened July 2015, a village home converted into the "White House" containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Modifications were extensive to open the space to views, light, breeze and gardens. In September 2017 we added a contemporary two level building. It has a roof terrace amongst the tree canopy, upper level balcony, and lower level terrace with plunge pool overlooking our organic veggie garden. The new building adds two suites which may be rented independently or in together with the house for larger groups. In 2022, 4 bedroom 'Mango House' will join the group of accommodations. Our staff, managed by Manoj, have been delighting guests with gentle attention and beautiful food. With the design of every element, we attempt to combine a passion for new ideas, local materials, local skills, sustainability, functionality and a sense of delight. We hope design, eclecticism and natural beauty interweave throughout the property to create a unique and beautiful setting for visitors' experiences.

Protecting contractor's equipment. Max is a natural guard dog. 😂
21/10/2023

Protecting contractor's equipment. Max is a natural guard dog.

😂

19/08/2023

Introducing the latest member to the Unakanda family ... Max. After some much needed medical treatment Max has blossomed into an energetic and happy puppy with a massive case of FOMO.

We are all besotted so expect regular updates.

😂

Most nationalities can easily obtain Sri Lankan visit visas online. Ignore all the sponsored sites offering visas (they ...
17/08/2023

Most nationalities can easily obtain Sri Lankan visit visas online. Ignore all the sponsored sites offering visas (they will charge more) and go to:

https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

It is a simple process of completing a form for each traveler.

If visas are not obtained prior to travel, you can get one on arrival. At the end of the concourse, just before the Immigration counters, is a separate counter clearly signed 'Visas'. That said, obtaining them online reduces queuing and is slightly cheaper.

A traveller information card must be completed and given to the immigration officer. These are normally handed out in flight (keep a pen handy). If you don't get given one on your flight, there is a long counter with blank forms beside the Immigration counters at the airport. Make sure you pick one up before you join the immigration queue!

You are also able to extend your visa online which saves a trip and long queue waiting at immigration in Colombo. It took a few days to get the email confirmation that I had renewed.

15/08/2023

We wish our amazing team member Ranga a wonderful birthday today ❤️

ETA: I discovered today that it is a custom to cut a small slice of cake and then the birthday person offers a bite of this cake to the guests. Consequently it is important not to pop the whole piece in your mouth when offered, even if it does look very small! 😬 🥹

10/08/2023

Waking up quite literally with the birds. A bit of reading, a fresh fruit platter and coffee. Love my Unakanda Mango House mornings ❤️

The Sri Lankan taxi, or family sedan and our main method of getting around while we are here.Love the conversations had ...
08/08/2023

The Sri Lankan taxi, or family sedan and our main method of getting around while we are here.

Love the conversations had with the drivers, although almost without exception cricket will come up if you're from a cricket-playing country. I wonder what they talk to ppl from other countries about?

What colour will you choose for today's ride?

Dewata Beach is a 10 to 15 minute tuktuk drive from Unakanda and is a brilliant place for learner surfers. Surfing lesso...
06/08/2023

Dewata Beach is a 10 to 15 minute tuktuk drive from Unakanda and is a brilliant place for learner surfers. Surfing lessons are available year round.

You can find loads of surf schools along the main drag of Unawatuna Beach (even closer) and at Dewata. Or we can arrange them for you.

The classes are equally suitable for children and adults.

Had an amazing Koggola Lake boat tour with Sammy from the other day and enjoyed it on so many levels.Firstly, just bein...
30/07/2023

Had an amazing Koggola Lake boat tour with Sammy from the other day and enjoyed it on so many levels.

Firstly, just being out there on the water with the breeze and beautiful views, it just blew all the stress and cobwebs away. I have promised myself that next visit I will do this the first day, to get myself totally in relaxed mode.

Secondly, the flora and fauna! Within the first 10 minutes of the 1.5 hour tour I had seen a tiny crocodile, a rat snake, a monitor lizard and purple faced monkeys thanks to Sammy’s keen eye. By the end of the tour the list had extended to, tiny fish, delicate blue jellyfish other varieties of monkeys, and many, many birds including large ones like cranes, egret, kite, and cormorant. An ornithologists dream!

On top of this is Sammys knowledge of the lake and its history and his ability to share information without being overbearing or boring. The moments of quiet were precious too.

Sammy can custom your tour to include a visit to a cinnamon grower’s island or Temple Island with its lovely hand painted walls. A great experience for all ages and interests.

Unakanda is not monetarily affiliated with

Great coffee, great food and great doggy company Unawatuna.We have been fans of Dave & Malcolm since our first days in ...
27/07/2023

Great coffee, great food and great doggy company Unawatuna.

We have been fans of Dave & Malcolm since our first days in Unawatuna over 12 yrs ago. We know we are always going to get wonderful food, service and ambience. Such an amazing team too.

Potato curry, fresh bread to soak up all the mild creamy goodness and watermelon, papaya, pineapple with a squeeze of li...
25/07/2023

Potato curry, fresh bread to soak up all the mild creamy goodness and watermelon, papaya, pineapple with a squeeze of lime to finish off.

We ate potato curry and fresh bread for breakfast the first day we came to Sri Lanka, over 10 years ago. From then on, Lilli asked for it where ever we went.

Feeling grateful this morning sitting here in Mango House with great food, an amazing sea-view and the sounds of nature *sigh*

Q: COLOMBO - TO STAY OR NOT TO STAY? This is a question that our guests often ask, and based on our own experiences, he...
23/07/2023

Q: COLOMBO - TO STAY OR NOT TO STAY?

This is a question that our guests often ask, and based on our own experiences, here is our reply:

We like to stay in Colombo when our flight comes in late at night or very early in the morning. When we do, we have a bit of a routine...

Check into and get a lovely restful sleep. Colombo Court is charming, intimate and located near two of our favourite places to go in Colombo.

After a nice sleep-in we pop over the road to Dialog for a sim card, and then take an easy walk to to soak up the amazing art, handmade crafts and colour, colour, colour. There is a cute cafe there for coffee or breakfast.

Depending on the time/weather, we might take a walk up to the Old Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. You will find lovely boutique shops and places to eat. If you love your crustaceans ‘The Ministry of Crab’ has a great reputation. The walk along Galle road is flat and easy, with some beautiful old buildings dotted along the way. There are tuktuks everywhere in case you get sick of walking or run short on time.

We love finishing off with lunch (or dinner) at the Paradise Road 'Gallery Cafe' - an amazing heritage building designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Love the styling, love the building, love the food ❤️ BLISS ❤️

Outside of an overnighter to manage travel fatigue and check-in times, we feel Colombo is an option if you have oodles of time in Sri Lanka, but otherwise, there are a lot of other places to go in this beautiful isle that would probably spark more joy 😊

If you are a regular visitor to Sri Lanka or a local - what are your thoughts?

N.B. We have no affiliation with any of the above - they are simply just places we love ❤️

AYUBOWAN!After a COVID++ induced hiatus, it is WONDERFUL to be back at Unakanda. I feel like I’m rediscovering Sri Lanka...
21/07/2023

AYUBOWAN!

After a COVID++ induced hiatus, it is WONDERFUL to be back at Unakanda. I feel like I’m rediscovering Sri Lanka all over again!

And in the interest of updating our Unakanda guest ‘Welcome Guide', it is my duty to get myself out and about; to explore old haunts and new. Watch this space! You’re welcome ;) Shar

Start your day the Unakanda way. Kids love the food here too ❤️
13/07/2023

Start your day the Unakanda way.

Kids love the food here too ❤️

09/07/2023

We love receiving 'Superhost' awards. Well done team Unakanda!

A big thank you to Mr Samarathnesinghe for taking great care with the re-caning of one of our bedroom chairs. It's so l...
09/06/2023

A big thank you to Mr Samarathnesinghe for taking great care with the re-caning of one of our bedroom chairs. It's so lovely to see that traditional crafts are still practised and will not be lost.

Introducing the most adorable new Unakanda family member, Meylie Ayana. Meylie is now 2 months old and has her mammas be...
03/05/2023

Introducing the most adorable new Unakanda family member, Meylie Ayana. Meylie is now 2 months old and has her mammas beauty and daddy's cheekiness. Congratulations to our amazing manager Manoj and his lovely wife Manesha for creating such a treasure ❤️

Start the day the Unakanda way! Breakfast featuring pancakes, fresh fruits egg hoppers and of course, coffee. ...
03/03/2023

Start the day the Unakanda way! Breakfast featuring pancakes, fresh fruits egg hoppers and of course, coffee.

Fancy a morning dip? Just stroll down the hill and across Matara Road to the beach. When you're done, head home for a ...
01/02/2023

Fancy a morning dip? Just stroll down the hill and across Matara Road to the beach. When you're done, head home for a hearty breakfast of curry, fresh bread and coconut sambal - with coffee and fresh fruit on the side of course!

New bath for the Mango House master bedroom! The timber platform was made by local craftsman John Bourchier and team, wh...
28/12/2022

New bath for the Mango House master bedroom!
The timber platform was made by local craftsman John Bourchier and team, who also made the beds 👌

Mango House pool in a private natural garden 🌴
28/12/2022

Mango House pool in a private natural garden 🌴

Wonderful to be hosting lovely guests again ❤️So good for Sri Lanka!
27/12/2022

Wonderful to be hosting lovely guests again ❤️
So good for Sri Lanka!

06/10/2022

Further positive affirmation that Sri Lanka is ready to welcome visitors!
❤️🇱🇰

24/09/2022

Further positive affirmation that Sri Lanka is ready to welcome visitors!
❤️🙏

Canada too 😊
06/09/2022

Canada too 😊

The momentum continues for Sri Lanka. Confidence in stability restored as countries relax travel advisories. Canada being the recent such good news.



♥️🇱🇰

... and now the UK has removed Sri Lanka from its 'don't visit' list ✈️ 🌴😎
06/09/2022

... and now the UK has removed Sri Lanka from its 'don't visit' list ✈️ 🌴😎

Every week our Holiday Hero Neil Simpson takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you don't have to. This week: Holidays return to Sri Lanka.

03/09/2022

Lovely words about the current situation in Sri Lanka and why now is the perfect time to visit her ❤️

01/09/2022
Good news 🙂
24/08/2022

Good news 🙂

15/08/2022

This should be good ❤️

30/06/2022

❤️ The gratitude of Sri Lankans during tough times.....

Address

Temple Road, Unawatuna Kanda
Unawatuna

Telephone

+61476510073

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Introducing the latest member to the Unakanda family ... Max. After some much needed medical treatment Max has blossomed into an energetic and happy puppy with a massive case of FOMO. We are all besotted so expect regular updates. #puppylove #dogsofsrilanka #srilankandog #guarddog 😂 #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #travelsrilanka #travelsrilanka2023 #unawatuna #galle #guesthousesrilanka #unakanda

We wish our amazing team member Ranga a wonderful birthday today ❤️ ETA: I discovered today that it is a custom to cut a small slice of cake and then the birthday person offers a bite of this cake to the guests. Consequently it is important not to pop the whole piece in your mouth when offered, even if it does look very small! 😬 🥹 #unakanda #staff #srilanka #srilankanbirthday #staysrilanka

Waking up quite literally with the birds. A bit of reading, a fresh fruit platter and coffee. Love my Unakanda Mango House mornings ❤️ #unakanda #airbnbsuperhosts #airbnbsrilanka #travelsrilanka #guesthousesrilanka #srilankaguesthouse #unawatuna #galle #ayubowan #mornings #wakeup #birdsong

airbnbsuperhost
airbnbsuperhost

We love receiving @Airbnb 'Superhost' awards. Well done team Unakanda! #unakanda #superhost #airbnbsuperhost #airbnbsuperhosts #airbnbsrilanka #travelsrilanka #guesthousesrilanka #srilankaguesthouse #unawatuna #galle

White House en-suite #bathroombliss

After morning storm #lovetherain

Cute little clip of the Lower Garden Suite ❤️ With thanks to current guest Oscar https://www.instagram.com/ig.oscmum/

Hello! Has everybody had a lovely quiet covid time? We have been idling away, tending the gardens, looking after long-term guests, and nurturing some exciting expansion plans we'd begun just prior to the pandemic (More soon!) After 20 months there is now a growing buzz: People are getting in touch, bookings are coming in, and we are eagerly looking forward to welcoming guests again. We are in the process of obtaining our covid “Safe and Secure Level One Certificate" from the Sri Lankan Tourism and Development Authority, and just today Airbnb notified us that we have been awarded Superhost status for 24 consecutive months. That's six straight years of superhosting our wonderful guests and looking forward to many more!! Thanks to Humans Of Amsterdam for the drone shot of our local beach 👍 #travelagain #superhost #unakanda #humansofamsterdam

Afternoon visitor to the upper Garden Suite.

On top of Unawatuna Bay 😊
On top of Unawatuna Bay 😊

Beach to Unakanda
Beach to Unakanda

Super cool drone video No.2 courtesy Humans of Amsterdam For those wondering about the proximity of Unakanda to the beach....... Love the Peelagoda temple terraces on the way up!

Unakanda Entry
Unakanda Entry

The first of a series of cool drone videos made by @Humans of Amsterdam that we'd like to share....

Unakanda has a Christmas peacock! 🎄 😀

Unakanda Loft. What's better than a sea view? One with monkeys 🐒

Road testing our our two new suites has begun in advance of first guests later this month! Until all furniture arrives over the next few days, we can't take photos and list online. So if you want to get in early - at a substantially reduced rate - please contact us directly via messenger from this page or [email protected]

.🎶 Five little monkeys swinging through the trees........ 🎶🐒

Coming together..... #roomwithaview

Manoj and friends recently went on a trip to take help and supplies to an inland village affected by floods. Usual roads were closed.....

Rigorous testing of new amenities.

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Our Story

Unakanda is a boutique resort, natural sanctuary, and creative passion. It is located on over an acre of lush land atop the hill, a few minutes' walk above Unawatuna beach. Views are spectacular. The sloping site is studded with mature palms and fruit trees and wraps around an old stone quarry, now full of water, fish, turtles. It is a magnet for bird life and playground for monkeys. Since the beginning of 2013, in collaboration with our fabulous local team, we have been designing and building a jungle garden with gorgeous accommodation options. First phase opened July 2015, a village home converted into the "White House" containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Modifications were extensive to open the space to views, light, breeze and gardens. In September 2017 we added a contemporary two level building that nestles into a slope beside our infinity pool. It has a roof terrace amongst the tree canopy, upper level balcony, and lower level terrace with plunge pool overlooking our organic veggie garden. The new building adds two suites which may be rented independently or in together with the house for larger groups. The property is staffed by Manoj, Chi and Sujeeva, who have been delighting guests with gentle attention and beautiful food. With the design of every element, we attempt to combine a passion for new ideas, local materials, local skills, sustainability, functionality and a sense of delight. We hope design, eclecticism and natural beauty interweave throughout the property to create a unique and beautiful setting for visitors' experiences.

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