Tangalle, on the south coast, has a chain of wide, quiet beaches and bays, lagoons, a small Dutch fort and one of the oldest rock temples in the country. It is less developed than the beaches further west and is good for turtle watching at Rekawa.
Top things to do in Tangalle
Tangalle beaches
Bays and coves line the coast, some sheltered for swimming, others with strong waves.
Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa
Small sheltered bays west of town, among the best for swimming.
Medaketiya and Medilla
A long sweep of sand east of town, good for walks.
Mulkirigala rock temple
Cave shrines with paintings and statues are set at levels up a rock more than 200 metres high, reached by steps.
Turtle Watch Rekawa
At night, guides from a community project show nesting turtles on Rekawa beach.
Kalametiya sanctuary
Lagoons and mangroves east of Tangalle with many water birds.
Rekawa Lagoon and kayaking
Kayak or boat through mangroves and lagoons.
Tangalle Dutch fort
A small fort built by the Dutch, now used as a prison.
Best time to go
The best weather on this coast is from about November to April. The south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas from about May to September.
Getting around
Tuk tuks are the easiest way to get around locally; agree the fare first or use a ride app where available. Buses and trains run along the coast road and railway between Colombo, Galle and Matara. Tangalle is about three hours from Colombo by the Southern Expressway.
Safety
Sea conditions change with the monsoon. Red flags, strong currents and rip tides are common from about May to September and lifeguards are few, so swim only where locals or hotel staff say it is safe.
Plan your visit
Swim only where the sea is calm. For history, background and how to get there, see the Tangalle travel guide, and for accommodation see hotels in Tangalle.
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Tangalle Beach
Tangalle, a fishing town on the south coast, has a string of long golden beaches on either side. They are quieter than the beaches further west, though the sea can be rough.
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Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa beach
Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa are two small bays just west of Tangalle. They are sheltered and among the best places in the area for swimming in season.
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Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Kalametiya, east of Tangalle, is a protected area of coastal lagoons, mangroves and marsh. Boat trips at dawn show herons, storks, kingfishers and many other water birds.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Medaketiya and Medilla beach
Medaketiya and Medilla are the long, wide beaches east of Tangalle town. They are good for walks, with guesthouses behind the sand.
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Mulkirigala Rajamaha Viharaya
Mulkirigala is a group of Buddhist cave temples on a tall rock inland from Tangalle. Steps lead up past shrines with paintings and reclining Buddhas to a summit with wide views.
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Kayaking in Tangalle Lagoon
Paddle a kayak through the lagoons and mangroves around Tangalle, looking for birds and monitor lizards. Early morning trips are cooler and best for wildlife.
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Tangalle Dutch Fort
Tangalle's Dutch fort is a small, plain structure near the harbour. The Dutch valued Tangalle as a trading post, and the fort is now used as a prison, seen from outside.
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Turtle Watch Rekawa
Rekawa beach, about 10 km east of Tangalle, is one of the most important turtle nesting beaches in Sri Lanka. A community project leads night visits to see turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Rekawa Lagoon
Rekawa lagoon, just east of Tangalle, is small and wrapped in mangroves. Boat trips here pass birds and fishing villages.
Image Credit: ShutterStock