Dalawella Beach in Sri Lanka is an example of how social media has driven local tourism through the roof! So here’s all you need to know.
How To Get To Dalawella Beach
Dalawella Beach is located just down the road from the popular tourist town of Unawatuna.
It’s just a two hour train ride from Colombo, the countries Capital, and the map below shows the exact location of the swing.
The best option for getting around the south coast of Sri Lanka is to rent a scooter for around 1000 LKR per day.
Although if you’re not confident on two wheels, we recommend bartering with a tuk tuk.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Dalawella Beach Entrance Fee
It is free to visit Dalawella Beach.
The famous Dalawella Beach Swing will cost 500 Rupees for unlimited swings.
Dalawella Beach Opening Times
Dalawella Beach is open all day, every day.
Best Time To Visit Dalawella Beach
The best time to visit the west and south coasts, and hill country of Sri Lanka, is from December – March.
While the best time to visit the east coast is from April/May – September.
The best options for visiting the Dalawella Beach swing would be either sunrise, or sunset, depending on what you’re looking for.
In the early morning is when you’ll find the least amount of people and hence no crowds waiting to take their photo on the swing.
Whereas in the evenings is when the colours come alive. Making for an awesome spot to hang out at and watch the sunset with friends.
In addition, just a ‘heads up’ – it is slightly tricky to actually get onto the rope swing. You have to climb up the palm tree to get to the rope and then leap off to get some good momentum.
However, the locals will help you and it’s definitely worth the effort, especially if you get that perfect shot!
What To Pack
What To Expect At Dalawella Beach In Sri Lanka
Famous for its rope swing and low bending palm trees, Dalawella Beach is a beautiful strip of sand just down the road from Unawatuna.
It has a few picture-perfect spots and water that’s ideal for swimming. I highly recommend an afternoon stroll along Dalawella Beach as I feel it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
In the last couple of years the Dalawella Beach Swing has become a huge tourist attraction thanks to Instagram.
It has also inspired the creation of beach swings at some of the other beaches now. With locals all hoping to attract more tourists to their areas.
However, the original and most famous rope swing in Sri Lanka can be found on Dalawella.
The famous swing can be found directly in front of the Dream Cabana guesthouse, right on the beachfront.
Like everything in Sri Lanka the prices are negotiable, and we ended up buying a few bottles of water in exchange for a few swings on the famous Sri Lanka rope swing.
Additionally the Dream Cabana Guesthouse, just behind the swing, serves food and drinks. So if you’re looking for something to eat or drink it’s the perfect place to chill for the afternoon.
So, with photos popping up all over social media and many travellers adding it to their Sri Lanka bucket list, here are a few shots from our day!
Where To Stay In Unawatuna
Luxury
Cocobay Unawatuna is a boutique-style beachfront resort that features a beachfront restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
Offering access to 200 yards of sandy beach with views of Galle Fort, the resort is located in a fishing village.
Cocobay Unawatuna is just a 5-minute walk to Unawatuna Bus Station.
Furnished with artworks and wood flooring, each air-conditioned room and suite comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar and safe. Private bathroom has a spa bath, rain shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Guests can expect a fruit basket upon arrival, pillow menu and free Wi-Fi.
Mid-Budget
A 10-minute walk from the beautiful Unawatuna Beach, Beach Grove Villas is a 4-star property with an outdoor pool, private barbecue pits and massage treatments.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Airport transfers are available at a charge, while parking is free.
The air-conditioned rooms all come with a living room and a TV. The en suite bathroom has either a bathtub or shower.
Budget
Unawatuna Hostel Honey Packers
Set in Unawatuna, 1.8 miles from Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna Hostel Honey Packers offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge.
Offering a garden, the property is located within 1.6 miles of Yatagala Temple.
The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and currency exchange for guests. At the hostel all rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower.
Guests at Unawatuna Hostel Honey Packers can enjoy a vegan breakfast.
For more places to stay in Unawatuna, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Sri Lanka Blogs
3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary – Where To Go In Sri Lanka?
Things To Do In Arugam Bay Sri Lanka
The Best Things To Do In Unawatuna
Udawalawe Safari – The Best Sri Lanka Safari
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