Japanese Peace Pagoda in Rumassala

During the colonial times, Rumassala was famous as Buona Vista and was decorated with a number of mythical tales. For instance, India's famous epic 'Ramayana' has reference to Rumassala as the abode of its female protagonist, Sita. In fact, the birth of Rumassala is largely described in Ramayana. Hanuman, a character in Ramayana, was carrying the Himalayan Mountain and accidentally dropped a part of it. That part later came to be known as Rumassala. The mountain is well known as a place where a large number of medicinal plants grow naturally. As for medicinal plants, the epic describes how Hanuman, a monkey soldier, was sent to India to collect more medicinal herbs from Himalaya to heal Lakshmana, another character in Ramayana. He is said to have been injured in a battle with Ravana, Lanka's king according to Ramayana. Many other tales also surround this mount called Rumassala.

Since Rumassala is located in Unawatuna, hotels could easily be found in the area for accommodation purposes. Being a tourist hotspot Unawatuna is home to a large number of hotels. The best option is to stay at a hotel nearby such as CoCo Bay Unawatuna or others in the area for a few days and explore more myths surrounding the mountain. You will meet many locals who would willingly share what they have heard of the mountain.

When you come from Colombo, you need to pass Galle to reach Rumassala. Having reached there, you will come across the board which directs you to Rumassala Sama Chaitya – also known as Japanese Peace Pagoda. The peace pagoda was set up in 2004. You will find four similar stupas in Adam's Peak, Walapane, Ampara and Bandarawela. The stupa was built by funds from Japan, in a bid to strengthen friendship ties with Sri Lanka – hence it is known as Japanese Peace Pagoda. With that mission aside, you will hear another interesting story about Rumassala from the Portuguese era. The Portuguese are said to have given fake signals from this mountain to Arab trading ships which ultimately hit the rocks and sank down.

Madol Duwa -The island of literature

In the serene setting of Koggala Lake, less than half an hour from CoCo Bay Unawatuna is an island that is a household name among every Sri Lankan: Madol Duwa. Duwa, meaning island, Madol refers to the mangroves that are holding the island in its grasp. Madol Duwa became famous among the locals with the publishing of a young adult novel of the same name, which describes the adventures of two teenagers running away from home seeking refuge on the island. Akin to Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin, the novel became so popular that it was made into a movie in the 1970s, and is now translated into English, and is a part of the local curriculum as well.

Visiting Madol Duwa should be among your list of things to do in Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa, or Koggala due to its unique beauty. The island can be reached only by a boat. Set off towards the island late in the evening and you will be greeted with beautiful views of the lake mirroring the blue skies above. The island has a clear route marked through the trees, that will lead you through it. There are a stone mortar and pestle in the middle of the shrubbery, a well that is falling apart, and if you look closely, you will be able to see the fallen roof of a cave that inspired the whole story. Walking through the island is not a tiring task, but be careful not to stray from the path for there could be vipers around. However, the island is rather small that if you keep walking in one direction for a steady 20 minutes, you would reach the other end. When you visit Madol Duwa, do not forget to climb to the mound at the west end of the island. If you are lucky, a lone fisherman would be out at the lake, and you will be able to capture a panoramic view of the lake and its lonely companion with a setting sun.

COCOBAY- 4^TH CONSECUTIVE TRAVELERS CHOICE AWARD

The prestigious 'TRIP ADVISOR' has bestowed the highest honor on COCO BAY by awarding the TRAVELER'S CHOICE AWARD 2017. This is the 4th consecutive year the COCO BAY has bagged this award since inception. In addition the COCO BAY has also been selected as one of the best 25 hotels in Sri Lanka for Service, Hotels for romance and Small hotels.

These awards are based on customer reviews and opinions and awarded to 1% of reputed hotels, worldwide.

The COCO BAY is a luxury boutique hotel located on a semi private beach overlooking the historic Galle Fort across the Indian Ocean. All 16 rooms and suites are with splendid sea view and luxuriously furnished with all facilities including private Jacuzzi's. The 3 Aqua Romance rooms are featured with small private pools and are in much demand.

The COCO BAY is a magnet for the discerning traveler looking for a peaceful and serene holiday with the best of facilities, impeccable service and wonderful food served on the beach complimented by a fine range of wines and cocktails.  

The resort enjoys a high percentage of repeat clientele who return to enjoy the SERENE AMBIENCE, GREAT FACILITIES, THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE and the EXCELLENT CUISINE on offer.

CoCo Bay Unawatuna is a 2017 Travelers' Choice Award Winner

Congratulations! You're a winner in the following categories: Top 25 Small Hotels - Sri Lanka Top 25 Hotels for Service — Sri Lanka Travelers' Choice awards are the highest honor TripAdvisor can give – meaning your business is truly exceptional. Based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers, you're in the top 1% of hotels.

This is an award worth showcasing - claim your free winner's plaque today!