Tangalle

Tangalle is where the south coast slows down. East of the busier resorts, the coastline opens up into long, empty beaches with only a scattering of guesthouses, cabanas and boutique villas among the palms. It is a fishing town with a lively harbour and a good base for day trips to Yala, Udawalawe and the temples and natural sights of the deep south.

Beaches and swimming

Tangalle's beaches are beautiful but many face the open ocean with strong currents and big waves — swimming is dangerous on some stretches even in season. Ask locally and swim only in sheltered spots such as Goyambokka and Silent Beach, or around the rocky coves near town.

Things to do

• Rekawa turtle beach — guided night-time turtle watching run by a community conservation project.
• Mulkirigala rock temple — cave temples stacked up a 200-metre rock with murals and Buddha statues.
• Hummanaya blowhole — one of the largest blowholes in the world, most spectacular from May to September.
• Hiriketiya — a small surf bay with a café scene, 30 minutes west.
• Kalametiya lagoon — a bird sanctuary with boat trips at dawn.
• Day safaris — Yala and Udawalawe are about 2 hours away.

When to visit

December to April. Outside this window the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas, though Tangalle is slightly drier than the west coast.

Getting there

About 3 hours from Colombo via the Southern Expressway (which reaches nearby Beliatta), 1.5 hours from Galle and 1 hour from Mirissa.