Complete jungle beach guide.

Hello, sweet travelers! Ever wondered where Jungle Beach, Unawatuna, draws its divine charm? It feels like it has fallen from a fairyland right onto the spot. Would you like to know the story? Join me to read the interesting tale and explore the dos and don’ts of this lovely place. Let’s dive into the beauty together.

History and Importance of jungle beach.

This place got its name because the bay is located between the Rumassala mountain forest on one side and the sea on the other. For the same reason, it’s a spot where the shore kisses the greenery. The late, great Sri Lankan scientist, Arthur C. Clarke, lived in a house located near Rumassala Mountain until his death. He loved the surroundings and did some experiments about the area’s biodiversity. His theory was that this land might be a part of a meteor! That’s why you’ll find lots of different plants, white sand, and multi-diverse coral reefs in the sea, making this place special compared to its nearby locations.

When we talk about the importance of the coral reef, it’s the most diverse one in Sri Lanka. According to a report from the IUCN in 1993, about 491 types of fish lived there. Additionally, out of 72 endangered fish species, 36 of them were right there. There were 64 species of living beings that hadn’t been seen anywhere else in Sri Lanka. They even say there might be more unidentified ones! Pretty amazing, huh? That’s why this place is known for its awesome snorkeling around the coral reef.

According to the literature, Rama’s younger brother Lakshmana got injured in the war between Rama and King Ravana for Seeta. So, Hanuman, the mighty one, had to fetch a special herbal plant, but he forgot its name. Consequently, he brought a piece of the Himalayas to Sri Lanka, and this place is like a chunk of that land, as the stories go. That is the reason for the different biodiversity and the reason this place has many plants from the Himalayas. 

How to get to the Jungle Beach Location

There is no need to write longer. I bet you’re already dreaming about heading to Jungle Beach after reading the above paragraphs. So, let me give you the directions first for the eager ones. The Jungle Beach location sits on a part of Rumassala Mountain, just like I mentioned earlier. If you’re coming from Galle, you have to come about 5–6 km towards Matara. Spot Rumassala, then journey for 2km along a narrow road under a cool tree canopy. At the three-way junction, follow the signs to Jungle Beach, and you can’t miss it. Park your vehicle somewhere and walk a 250-meter distance because the road is damaged. In this case, only bikes, tuk-tuks, or tuk-tuks will handle the road. But you know, difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations!

Now, I’m going to tell you about an interesting transportation mode. If you’re chilling in Unawatuna, you can come here on a breezy boat ride. If you’re up for a walk, it’s just 30 minutes from Unawatuna. But don’t forget your water bottle, because you have to walk under the scorching sun. Also, you can hire a tuk-tuk from Unawatuna for about 700 rupees. However, please make sure to confirm the price with the driver first. On your journey, you will catch multiple catchy scenes of the sea, forest, and beach.

Jungle Beach Ticket Price.

It’s all free, and if you’re not convinced, just swing by and check it out. The only thing you’ll pay for is parking. It’s 200 rupees for cars and vans and 100 rupees for tuk-tuks and bikes. The only other things you have to pay for are your food and your leisure activities. There’s a bistro on the beach and many kiosks at the entrance by the route. You can taste Achcharu, fruits, Kirala juice, and boiled corn there. Also, you can rent a tube for 600 rupees or a set of fins and a vest for 2200 rupees. But keep this in mind. There won’t be enough accessories for everyone. If you can bring it from another place, it’ll be easy. In case you forgot your swimwear, you can buy clothes from those kiosks. Finally, you may notice that the jungle beach ticket price is nothing at all.

Fun activities around

You have already seen that the Peace Pagoda, a gift from a Japanese monk, is glistening. The view is wonderful, and it is another place you shouldn’t miss. Once you step onto the beach, you will see lots of kids. The coral reef effectively shields the beach from waves. So, it is a super-friendly sea for your kids. You may see some locals having a good time, singing and dancing with a beer in hand. Oh! You will see some couples doing photo shoots too.

If you find out this place is too crowded, here’s a tip for a more peaceful spot. Walk over the rocky shore to your right-hand side. Just be careful not to stumble. You’ll discover a cool, relaxed spot with some sun beds. This is a perfect place for sunbathing. Now, if you’re a diving enthusiast and a skilled swimmer, take the route to your left side from the main beach area. It’s a bit of a secret place and ideal for experts. But heads up! It’s pretty deep. You can capture your best dive shots here. Another watch-out alert. The rocks have these little creatures, called common limpets, stuck to them. Be careful. A tiny touch can give you a cutting wound.

If you are about to snorkel, get ready to spot some cool underwater creatures like colorful fish, moray eels, crabs, triggerfish, and more. After your swim, there are fresh bath facilities. This place has boat rides too. You don’t need to miss it. Plus, every Wednesday, there’s this DJ night from sunset to dawn. Some folks even do night camping here for an extra adventure.

The best time to visit 

This place gets so crowded on weekends. Weekdays will be better if you are looking for peace. However, the season is considered to be the dry months, from December to March. Other months are also fine, just not as sunny. During the off-season, it’s less crowded, and you might not find as many kiosks and restaurants around as in previous days. But budget accommodations are still around. The morning is the preferred time to enjoy the place. 

Wrap-Up

The white sand, shallow sea, and safe beach are divine. Now I am sure that you’ve got all the information you need about what you want to do and not do. The seasons, directions, costs, and everything. Enjoy the vibe, sea breeze, and salty taste of this heavenly place. But, you know, sometimes people forget to treat nature right and destroy its beauty with garbage. There are signboards everywhere advising them not to litter here. In brief, let’s make sure to preserve this different biodiversity at our best.

FAQ

Where is Jungle Beach?

It is located on Rumassala Mountain, near Unawatuna and Galle. It’s about 5–6 km from Galle in the direction of Matara and only 3 km from Unawatuna.

Where does the jungle meet the sea?

Unawatuna is the only place where the jungle meets the sea in Sri Lanka. The bay is between the Rumassala mountain forest on one side and the sea on the other.

How do I get to the jungle beach, Unawatuna?

From Galle, go about 5–6 km towards Matara. Set up Rumassala as the destination on Google Maps, then take the narrow road for 2 km. At the three-way junction, follow the signs to Jungle Beach. 

If you’re in Unawatuna, you can also reach your destination by boat, tuk-tuk, or a 30-minute walk.

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