Tangalle
Welcome to Tangalle
The insider's travel guide to TangalleLaidback Tangalle in Sri Lanka’s south is one of the region’s more relaxed beach destinations, combining simple guesthouses and some upmarket hotels.
What really sets it apart from the other resorts along the coast are the nearby attractions, including turtle-watching at Rekawa and the rock temples of Mulkirigala – both a half-day trip away.
The Tangalle atlas
3 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere-
Despite its greater popularity, there are still plenty of unspoilt beaches on the southern coast. Most people don’t bother making the trek to Tangalle, which means that the beaches in and around this coastal town are among the most pristine you will find down south. Beaches between the towns of Galle and Tangalle are generally long, wide and sandy. Some of my personal favourites would be Kabalana, Mawella and the sublime horseshoe cove of Hiriketiya. A 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Tangalle, Goyambokka beach boasts clean sands bordered by the country’s signature coconut palms, clean waters and an unhurried vibe. Large hotels are still few and far between in these parts, but a number of restaurants along the beach offer fresh seafood, beer and thambili or king coconut water. Closer than Tangalle but almost as untouched, Talalla is another beach worth visiting. A long, crescent-shaped beach partially hidden from view by a thicket of shrubby trees, Talalla is clean – if underdeveloped – and ideal for an offbeat holiday. A few shacks on the beach offer refreshments and you can also rent beach beds for a small fee. The currents here can be quite rough, so it is best to check conditions beforehand. Talalla is just over three hours from Colombo by car via the Southern Expressway, while Tangalle takes half an hour longer. The ideal time to visit both these beaches is between December and April.
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Begin your trip in cultural Colombo, exploring the city’s markets and multi-ethnic history, before travelling to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle to see the temples of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Next, travel onto Kandy and visit the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple before heading into the tea country at Haputale and going elephant watching at Udawalawe National Park. End your trip on the beaches of the deep south in Tangalle, before travelling back to Colombo for your departure.
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Start your southern Sri Lanka adventure in the historic town of Galle, exploring the city’s walled fort and hiking along its ramparts with views of the ocean. From here, travel by train into tea country. The quaint hillside town of Haputale offers tea tours, treks and the chance to see Diyaluma Waterfall - Sri Lanka’s second-highest. Next, go wildlife watching in Yala National Park, where you can see leopards, elephants and crocodiles. End your trip on the beaches around Tangalle, before travelling to cosmopolitan Colombo for your flight home.
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Hidden gems of the south
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Complete Sri Lanka
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Southern Sri Lanka experience
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