Tangalle beach
The emerald coast of this beach seems endless. Those who like a slow and calm vacation must visit this place: walk barefoot on the soft sand and breath the fresh air from the Indian Ocean. The main advantage of Tangalle is that no one will disturb you while you gaze at the endless natural beauty! Some parts of the beach are completely empty... Isn't it heaven for a couple or even a lonely traveller who wants some rest away from civilization?
Photos
Beach description
The beach is located in the southern part of the country in a village of the same name, close to Matara and 230 km away from the island's airport. It's a very important fish harbor in Sri Lanka, and it had the same role back in the past, so the Dutch and British colonial influence can be seen in how the harbor looks.
High waves are encountered along the whole beach, and some parts (not all) are covered in slippery stones so you need to be careful and mind your step when entering the water. A stone breakwater on the beach creates some sort of a small shallow pool without waves. You can take your children there, but overall not a lot of tourists bring them on the beach. Visitors mostly include couples that want to relax away from the civilization.
The water is clean and there's no garbage on the beach. This makes it look like no one has ever been here before. It seems that even the local fauna feels the same way. Sea turtles, for example, freely swim along the reef and come to the shore to lay their eggs during the night. Many other exotic animals and birds can be seen in the jungles along the coast.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is the period from November to April, when the weather is dry. In summer, the rainy season takes place in Sri Lanka, however, the prices this season are much lower. So if you are not afraid of rainfalls (which commonly take place at night, and by morning the ground dries up), a trip in the summer can be a great option for a budget holiday.
Video: Beach Tangalle
Infrastructure
As the beach is large, its infrastructure is only well-developed in certain parts, while some are absolutely wild. There's only one rental store on the beach where you can rent sunbeds, and there are no umbrellas at all, as the coconut palms and other exotic plants create a natural shadow.
Several coastal reefs that are considered to be the best diving places of Sri Lanka are located along the northwest edge of the beach. You can also partake in snorkeling here, and it will surely be exciting and breathtaking.
There are several cafes on the beach, and the majority of hotels also have them. One of them, located right near the beach, is the Little Pumpkin Cabanas. It resembles a set of small houses that are spread right across the tropics. You can also buy food off the locals in the village. As anywhere else in Sri Lanka, it will be rice with curry or a chopped tortilla with fillings.
Weather in Tangalle
Best hotels of Tangalle
All hotels of TangalleUseful information
- Tourists can learn more about the ancient history of Sri Lanka in the Mulkirigala Rock temple. This cultural site is over 2000 years old. It's located on the peak of a tall mountain, with a magnificent view of the sea visible from here.
- Tangalle has a lot of old buildings that remind people of the colonial era. They're spread across the town nowadays, but if you want to see the best sights and not waste your time walking around the town aimlessly, then visit such sites as the Dutch fort, the court building and the rest house.
- Natural sites include the national parks of Bundala and Udawalawe. You can also visit such places as the Rekawa lagoon, the natural pool Parewella and the Hummanaya Blowhole.