Hugging the south coast of Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a bustling fishing port and beachside resort. It was once an important anchorage for the Dutch and the British, with a handful of colonial landmarks scattering the town today. Sun-drenched beaches fringe the surrounding coastline while the area’s inland lagoons attract a diverse array of birdlife.
Things to do in Tangalla
Spend your days relaxing on the palm-backed sands of Goyambokka Beach, which lies a short rickshaw ride west of Tangalle’s town centre. Next door is aptly named Silent Beach, a quieter option with crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming. On the other side of town are Tangalle Beach and Turtle Watch Rekawa, which monitors sea turtles that come to nest on the sands.
Perched atop a 205-metre-high rock to the north of Tangalle is the Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple believed to have been built in the 3rd century by King Saddhatissa. It comprises several cave temples, an elegant stupa and a recumbent statue of Buddha, as well as murals from the Kandyan Era. Climb to the top to enjoy sweeping views across the area.
Tangalle makes an ideal base for visiting the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, which encompasses coastal lagoons and mangroves that attract a huge diversity of species. Embark on a paddle boat safari or a guided walk to spot Indian reef herons and glossy ibis, as well as black-capped purple kingfishers and Sri Lankan jungle fowl.
Getting around Tangalla
Tangalle is around 1.5 hours' drive from Galle and 2.5 hours from Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport is just under three hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Tangalle while rickshaws are readily available for getting around the town.