TANGALLE: The most underrated beach town in Sri Lanka?

Tangalle, one of southern Sri Lanka’s most stunning stretches of coastline, is a gem often overlooked by international tourists. With its pristine beaches that go far beyond the town, backed by fields of swaying palm trees, Tangalle was one of my favorite places we visited in Sri Lanka.

Despite being home to resorts and guesthouses in all price ranges, the small fishing town has managed to retain its traditional charm. In addition, Tangalle is a great base for exploring nearby attractions such as Rekwa Turtle Conservation Project and Udawalawe National Park.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a relaxing solo adventure, Tangalle has something for everyone. So let’s take a look at how to get there, the best time to visit and the top things to do around Tangalle Beach.

What to expect in Tangalle

So I’ve already spoken very highly about Talalla Beach and the beaches around Arugam Bay. But I have to say that Tangalle is my favorite of all the places we stayed during our two weeks in Sri Lanka.

Tangalle Beach stretches for miles on both sides of Tangalle town, so you’ll most certainly find a little part you can have all to yourself.

The two sides, however, couldn’t be more different. On the west side, secluded coves make for calmer water, which today caters to luxury villas and a more upmarket clientele.

The east side, a very long stretch of sand, is dotted with cool villas, small homestays and quaint seafood restaurants. The only downside has to be the quite rough water and large waves crashing onto shore.

In addition to the sand and palm trees, the best part about Tangalle is the local people. Honestly, it felt like a completely different country from the more popular areas. Probably because they haven’t had time to get tired of the tourists yet haha.

Best time to visit Tangalle Beach

The best time to visit Tangalle is between December and March/April when the weather is dry and sunny. During this time, the sea is calm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

However, this is also considered the high tourist season, so expect the beaches on the south coast to be busy.

It’s important to note that Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons that affect different parts of the island at different times. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the south and west coasts from May to September, while the northeast monsoon affects the north and east coasts from October to January.

I was last in Sri Lanka in August and September and had a fantastic time with little rain, but quite a lot of wind. There were very few people on the beach as you can see at that time.

Getting to Tangalle

Tangalle is located on the main, and only, road that runs along the south coast, all the way from Colombo to Bundala National Park.

By air

The closest airport to Tangalle is the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is located approximately 50 km away.

But I’m guessing most of you will fly into Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and take a taxi or hire a driver to get to Tangalle which is located around 200 km away.

With a driver

The journey to Tangalle from Colombo takes approximately 3.5-4 hours and the route runs through scenic countryside and coastal towns. We visited Tangalle on the way back to Colombo from Arugam Bay, and the drive took just over 4 hours that way too.

When I’m traveling for longer distances in Sri Lanka, I book this private driver. Sameer is one of the best drivers we had during our stay. He is knowledgeable about his country and drove responsibly, so I felt safe the whole time.

The itinerary is completely open and you can go wherever you want within 100km per day. If you want tips and help with planning, you can just say what you’re interested in seeing and they’ll do it for you. At checkout, you can choose from 1 day up to one month.

And the best part is that the price quoted is for up to 4 people, which makes it very affordable.

🔥 Check price and availability >> The best private driver in Sri Lanka

Transportation within Tangalle

Once in Tangalle, you can use tuk-tuks or walk around town and along the beach. Tuk-tuks are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation, just remember to negotiate the price with the driver before getting in.

Don’t stress about finding one, when you walk along a road, most free tuk-tuks will honk.

Best Tangalle guided tour

Explore Tangalle’s top and less-known sights in one day on this affordable private half-day tour. It’s an ideal introduction to the town, especially if you’re limited on time.

Visit the Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple, see the giant Buddha at Wewurukannala Temple, relax at Hiriketiya Beach, watch the sea gush at the Hummunaya Blowhole, and explore a spice garden, all from the comfort on an air-conditioned vehicle and with all entrance fees taken care of for you.

🌟 Check price and availability >> Tangalle private highlights tour

Top things to do in Tangalle

I spent the two days in Tangalle collecting seashells, playing with puppies, drinking iced tea and, of course, taking photos of all the different palm trees. Our time there was super relaxing, I only wish we had stayed longer. Two days was not nearly enough time.

Tangalle Beaches

Tangalle Beach refers to the pointy patch of sand at the tip of the town, as well as the long stretch to the east. This one is divided into parts with different names, however, our local guide called the whole thing Tangalle Beach, and so will I.

We ended up liking the area between Tropical Garden and Mangrove Beach Chalets the best, where you have the picturesque mangroves to one side and the beach and ocean to the other. Rent a canoe and explore the mangroves or lounge at one of the many restaurants/bars along the beach.

Being such a wide bay, it goes without saying that not all parts of the east side are swimmable. So please be careful when entering the water. For a calmer swimming experience, head to the smaller bays on the west side of town.

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach, just east of Tangalle Town, is the most popular part of Tangalle Beach. This is where most tourists end up staying so it tends to be the liveliest place in the area.

The beach itself isn’t my favorite, it felt a little dirty and was quite narrow in some places. This can, of course, change, but I preferred the part I mentioned above, as it had a more tropical feel.

Goyambokka Beach

Goyambokka is the most famous beach in the Tangall area, and people often include it in day trips. The vast stretch of golden sand, along the clear bluish-green water, glows in the sunlight.

You’ll find sunbeds, lounge chairs and hammocks amongst the palm trees, as well as shacks where you can enjoy a cold drink and food.

The waves are usually more gentle here than at Tangalle Beach, which makes Goyambokka a better spot for swimming and diving. If you want to go snorkeling, the marine life is rich with colorful fish, crabs, lobsters and several species of sea turtles.

Silent Beach

Godellawela Beach, more commonly known as Silent Beach, is as secluded and peaceful as the name suggests. The light-colored sand, fringed by palm tree jungle and turquoise water, makes this beach feel like a tropical paradise. You can enjoy a quiet swim, shoot some photos or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning scenery.

Take a cooking class

As a foodie (who loves Sri Lankan food) you know I have to include a culinary treat on this list. I try to do at least one cooking class in every country I visit, so I can bring a little piece home with me and understand the culture better.

If you have 2-3 hours to spare, you can discover the flavors of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine through a fun cooking and dining experience with a local family.

You’ll visit an organic garden to see the spices that go into making traditional Sri Lankan food, and learn how to prepare and cook dishes such as brinjal pahi, coconut sambal, gotukola salad, lentil curry and beetroot curry.

Yum, this one is a must!

🍚 Check price and availability >> Rice and Curry Journey with Shashi

Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project

Tangalle is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, where you can witness the nesting of sea turtles.

The NGO is a vital initiative dedicated to protecting and preserving sea turtles, particularly along Rekawa Beach. The project focuses on conservation efforts, research, and community engagement to safeguard the endangered sea turtle population and their natural habitat.

It’s a nightly occurrence where turtles come back to where they were born to lay their eggs before leaving their babies to return to the ocean. I donated 1000 LKR ($3) to join the crew down on the beach, which 100% goes back into the project.

Another tip, if you’re an animal lover, is to visit Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, which can be combined with a stop at the mysterious plateau at Ussangoda.

Hummanaya Blow Hole

The Hummanaya Blow Hole, located near the town of Dikwella about 25 minutes west of Tangalle, is the largest blowhole in Sri Lanka, and the second largest in the world.

Formed by the geological processes of erosion and the force of the ocean, the blowhole is a fascinating sight to behold as it sends powerful plumes of water high into the air.

The natural forces at play create a mesmerizing display, especially during the monsoon season when the waves are at their strongest. You can safely stand in awe behind the fence that goes all along the cliff.

Mulkirigala Rock Temples

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, or the Mulkirigala Rock Temples, is another must-visit attraction in Tangalle. This ancient complex is comprised of a series of rock temples and caves built on a towering 205-meter-high natural rock formation.

As you ascend the rock, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, adding to the allure of the site.

Temples, in some form or another, have been here for over 2000 years, but the current structures date from the 18th century. Adorned with intricate murals and ancient Buddhist statues, they provide insight into the rich religious heritage of Sri Lanka.

Mulkirigala is open daily from 6:00 am-6:00 pm and is never crowded, but I recommend getting there early or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and any tour groups. Also, be prepared to climb the 533 steps to the rock top and watch out for the wild monkeys, they may steal your stuff.

Wewurukannala Buddha Statue

Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple located in Dikwella, renowned for its awe-inspiring 1960s 50-meter-high seated Buddha figure, which stands as the largest of its kind in the country.

The temple is divided into three parts, the oldest dating back 250 years to the reign of King Rajadhi, has a more modest Buddha worked into the outward-facing architecture.

The second part has life-size figures of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. and if you don’t follow this path through hell, you won’t be able to see the big Buddha up close.

Yes, this one is kind of weird but also beautiful!

One-day Udawalawe Safari

Udawalawe National Park, located just one hour north of Tangalle, is renowned for its large population of elephants, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition to elephants, Udawalawe is home to a variety of other wildlife, including water buffalo, monitor lizards, lots of crocodiles, 210 species of birds and the occasional leopard.

The park’s picturesque terrain encompasses grasslands, marshes, and forests, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. And the good news is that you can go on a safari in Udawalawe from Tangalle.

Spend as much time watching them as you like, this is a private safari and will go at your pace. A visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for, is also included.

Tangalle accommodation

When it comes to accommodations in Tangalle, you have plenty of options to choose from. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly stays, there is something for everyone.

Luxury resorts

For those seeking a luxurious experience, Tangalle has a variety of high-end resorts. Many of these resorts offer private beaches, infinity pools, and spa facilities.

🌟 The most luxurious resort in Tangalle is Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, set close to Goyambokka Beach. The rooms and private villas scream old money, the staff is so friendly and the ocean-view pool is huge. I normally don’t recommend big chains, but this one is worth it!

Mid-range hotels

🌟 My favorite mid-range accommodation option in Tangalle is the Mangrove Beach Chalets, where you literally stay on the sand at the best part of Tangalle Beach.

The chalets are large and spacious, some with semi-outdoor bathrooms and chairs on the patio. So peaceful and relaxing. It is a bit out of the way, so bring everything you need for a few days.

Homestays and guesthouses

For a more authentic experience, you can opt to stay in homestays and guesthouses. These accommodations are run by locals and offer a glimpse into the local way of life.

🌟 My favorite budget option in Tangalle is Blue Skies Guest House and Restaurant. The owner here is super friendly and goes above and beyond to make your holiday the best it can be. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. It is the best budget accommodation I’ve stayed at for years!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tangalle busy like Unawatuna and Mirissa?

Due to the distance from Colombo and limited marketing, Tangalle is much less crowded than Unawatuna and Mirissa, making it a great choice if you’re like me who prefers a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere.

The second reason is that Tangalle has not managed to establish itself as a surf destination like the areas further west, such as Hikkaduwa and Ahangama, and Arugam Bay in the east.

Can I drink the tap water in Tangalle?

I do not recommend drinking tap water in Tangalle, or anywhere in Sri Lanka for that matter. It is best to stick to bottled water, or even better, bring a filtered bottle with you.

Is Tangalle expensive?

Compared to other popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, Tangalle is relatively affordable. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all reasonably priced, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). I recommend carrying cash as credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are available in Tangalle.

Tipping is not mandatory in Sri Lanka, but it is customary to leave a small amount for good service. A 10% service charge is usually added to bills in restaurants and hotels, so tipping is not necessary in these cases. However, if service exceeds expectations, a small tip is appreciated.

Is Tangalle good for surfing?

Surfing has not yet taken off in Tangalle, due to the lack of advanced reef breaks. Since the area faces southeast, it gets the full hit of southeast swells during the main season (November to March), which is not good for wave formation.

However, it is ideal for beginners, many surf camps have set up shop in the area due to the beach break that creates gentle waves. 

If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer, Hiriketiya Beach is the better choice on the south coast.

What is the nightlife like in Tangalle?

Tangalle is not known for its nightlife, so if you’re looking for a vibrant party scene may be disappointed. However, there are a few bars and restaurants that stay open late, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for those looking to unwind after a day of exploring.

I had a great time at my hotel where the people staying there gathered on the beach for a few drinks and guitar music. So I recommend walking along the beach and seeing where it’s happening that night. There are generally most tourists staying in the Medaketiya area.

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