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Culture · Unawatuna

Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna: A White Stupa Over the Bay

By Days of Iru and Opa
Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna: A White Stupa Over the Bay
📷 kalyanayahaluwo · Pixabay · source

The Japanese Peace Pagoda stands on Rumassala hill above Unawatuna, a bright white stupa built by Japanese Buddhist monks as part of a worldwide series of peace pagodas. The short climb rewards you with sweeping views over Unawatuna bay, the coast and Galle Fort in the distance.

The pagoda and Rumassala

Golden reliefs ring the white dome, and the terrace looks out over the sea. Rumassala hill itself is wrapped in legend, linked in the Ramayana to the mountain of healing herbs carried by Hanuman, and its forest is rich in birds.

Nearby

Jungle Beach lies on the far side of the hill, a small sheltered cove good for a swim, and Unawatuna’s main beach is a short ride away.

Getting there

It is a short tuk-tuk ride and a walk up from Unawatuna, easily combined with Jungle Beach and Galle Fort.

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