Jungle Beach, Rumassala

Jungle Beach is a small cove below Rumassala hill near Unawatuna, about 5 km south-east of Galle in southern Sri Lanka, reached by a short walk through forest. The water is clear and generally calm in season, which makes it good for snorkelling. The Japanese Peace Pagoda sits on the hill above. It suits swimmers and snorkellers staying around Unawatuna or Galle.

Hanuman's piece of the Himalayas

Legend says Rumassala is a piece of the Himalayas dropped by Hanuman, which is why the hill is known for medicinal plants. Japanese monks are building a Hanuman monument at the harbour end of the hill. Edward's Pillar on the summit is believed to be a dummy lighthouse put up during the First World War. Terns and kingfishers are seen on the hill and the marshes below, and guided treks run through its scrub forest.

The 2004 Japanese Peace Pagoda over the harbour

The pagoda was built by the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order in February 2004. Visit it on the way down for views over Galle harbour.

Reefs, turtles and wrecks off Rumassala

The Rumassala reefs at the eastern end of Galle harbour draw divers, and coral, fish, turtles and old wrecks lie off this coast. Keep off the coral when you snorkel.