Tangalle

About Tangalle

Tangalle is where the busy south-west coast finally exhales. This unhurried fishing town anchors a string of superb beaches - palm-backed Goyambokka with its golden coves, the endless sweep of Medaketiya, and wild Silent Beach where you may have a kilometre of sand to yourself. The surf is stronger here than at Unawatuna or Mirissa, so it suits walkers, readers, and sunset-watchers as much as swimmers (several coves are calm enough for a dip). Around Tangalle you'll find some of the island's most interesting side trips: turtle nesting at Rekawa, the Hummanaya blowhole, the rock temples of Mulkirigala, and the birdlife of Kalametiya lagoon. Boutique cabanas and a handful of quietly luxurious hotels hide among the palms.

Top Activities

• ✓Beach-hopping Goyambokka, Medaketiya and Silent Beach
• ✓Turtle watching at Rekawa (night)
• ✓Hummanaya blowhole visit
• ✓Kalametiya lagoon birdwatching
• ✓Fresh seafood at the fishing harbour

Nearby Attractions

Closest Places in This Guide

Straight-line distances; allow considerably longer by road, especially in the hills.

• Hummanaya BlowholeNature · Family8 km
• Nilwella & Blue Beach IslandBeach · Romantic11 km
• Wewurukannala ViharaCultural · Heritage · Family13 km
• Talalla BeachBeach · Romantic15 km
• Kalametiya Bird SanctuaryWildlife · Nature17 km
• Ussangoda National ParkNature · Heritage23 km

Travel Tips

Travel Guides That Cover Tangalle

• Sri Lanka Itinerary: 7, 10 and 14-Day Routes That Actually WorkThree routes for a first trip, built around realistic travel times, the current state of the hill-country railway and the coast that is in season.
• A 10-Day Sri Lanka Honeymoon: Route, Stays and TimingAncient cities, a tea-country bungalow, a safari and a slow finish by the sea - a realistic ten-day honeymoon route, with where to splurge and where to save.