THE PALM TREE ROPE SWING AT DALAWELLA BEACH – SRI LANKA

There are plenty of places around the world that have become viral travel hotspots overnight. A few popular Instagrammers or vloggers blow a place up and all of a sudden it becomes a must-do activity while you visit a region. The palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach is a prime example of a social media hotspot. Having said that it’s an awesome spot for a fun afternoon or a sunset and chill place to hang out whether you intend on getting that ‘Instagrammable’ travel shot or not.

DALAWELLA BEACH PALM TREE ROPE SWING

The location of the swing is on Dalawella Beach, which is in the south of Sri Lanka near the popular town of Unawatuna. It takes about two hours to get to Dalawella Beach by train from Colombo and will cost a couple of bucks for the ticket. Once you are at Dalawella Beach the exact location is actually in front of a guesthouse called Dream Cabana.

The guys at Dream Cabana built the swing as something fun for themselves and it is evolved into one of the most talked about spots in Sri Lanka. It’s crazy how something a few mates built has become a bucket list item in Sri Lanka.

I went in March of 2017 and came back again to the swing on this trip in October of 2017. In March, there was no fee to swing but they suggested this time we should pay 500 rupees. I’m not sure whether they will keep this fee but we suggested they sell drinks and turn it into a chill spot because people would be more than willing to buy a beer or a snack in exchange for a swing session and that would create good vibes all around.

Either way, expect that you might have to pay a few bucks either for something to eat or to contribute to the swing, it’s maintenance and the creators of the swing. Since March, they have added another rope reinforcing the palm.

I have personally taken photos at the Insta-famous palm tree rope swing in Dalawella Beach during the middle of the day and at sunset. Both times of the day are great for photography. The sun sets a little to the left of the swing if you shoot side on, which is perfect for some awesome sunset beach vibes.

If you do head to the swing, have a chat with the owners who are sitting in their hut, buy a drink or just be respectful in general as this is not a public activity. Or I’m sure if you stay at Dream Cabana you will have unlimited swings throughout your stay.

WHERE TO STAY IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka is a huge region so it depends on where you are and what attraction you are visiting as to which accommodation will be best. For example, when you are visiting Sigiriya Rock, Hotel Sigiriya is clearly the best choice! Below I have recommended my favorite accommodation in each region.

• Top pick – a stunning estate in the Tea Country: Thotalagala
• Best overall experience (with Sigiriya Rock): Hotel Sigiriya
• Best for heritage in Galle: Galle Fort Hotel
• Best for elephant safaris: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
• Best for beachfront bliss in Tangalle: Buckingham Place
• Best for exploring Colombo: The Kingsbury or the Movenpick
• Best for home-cooked food in Kandy: Green View Boutique

MORE SRI LANKA BLOG POSTS

Best things to do in Sri Lanka: 15 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA

Hiking in Ella: LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK HIKE IN ELLA

Getting a tattoo in Sri Lanka: MY EXPERIENCE GETTING A TATTOO IN SRI LANKA

Portrait photography in Sri Lanka: PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY IN SRI LANKA: MARKETS & MOUNTAINS

Sri Lanka Packing List: THE ULTIMATE SRI LANKA PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK AND WHY