Imagine a place where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the crowds, noise, and hassle. A place where you can explore the rich culture and history of a tropical island, while also experiencing the natural beauty and diversity of its wildlife. A place where you can indulge in adventure and leisure activities, while also relaxing and unwinding in a serene and peaceful setting. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, not if you visit Tangalle, Sri Lanka, a coastal town that offers all this and more.
In this article, we will explore the best things to do and see in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, and why it is a hidden gem for travelers who are looking for a relaxing and authentic experience.
Things to do in Tangalle: Beaches, Temples, and Wildlife
One of the main attractions of Tangalle is its variety and diversity of activities and attractions that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are a beach lover, a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, you will find something that suits your mood and interest in Tangalle.
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Tangalle:
The scenic and serene beaches of Tangalle
Tangalle is blessed with some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Sri Lanka, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Some of the best beaches in Tangalle are:
1. Tangalle Beach: This is the main beach of Tangalle, which stretches for several kilometers along the coast. It is a wide and sandy beach, with clear and calm water, and plenty of palm trees and coconut groves. It is also a popular spot for surfing, especially during the winter months. However, be careful of the strong currents and riptides, and avoid swimming in the deep areas.
2. Hiriketiya Beach: This is a small and secluded beach, located about 5 km from Tangalle. It is a crescent-shaped bay, with turquoise and shallow water, and soft and golden sand. It is also a great place for surfing, as it has consistent and gentle waves, suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. It is also a charming and laid-back beach, with a few cafes and restaurants, and a friendly and relaxed vibe.
3. Rekawa Beach: This is a long and quiet beach, located about 10 km from Tangalle. It is a sandy and rocky beach, with rough and choppy water, and a stunning and wild scenery. It is also a famous place for turtle watching, as it is home to five species of endangered sea turtles, such as green, leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill, and olive ridley. You can join a guided tour at night, and witness the turtles laying their eggs on the beach, or the hatchlings making their way to the sea.
4. Silent Beach: This is a hidden and peaceful beach, located about 12 km from Tangalle. It is a narrow and secluded beach, with clear and calm water, and fine and white sand. It is also a romantic and tranquil beach, with no crowds, no noise, and no facilities. It is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of nature.
The cultural and historical attractions of Tangalle
Tangalle is not only a beach destination, but also a cultural and historical destination, which showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Sri Lanka. Some of the best cultural and historical attractions in Tangalle are:
1. Mulkirigala Rock Temples: These are a series of ancient Buddhist temples, located about 20 km from Tangalle. They are carved into a massive rock, which rises about 200 meters above the surrounding landscape. They date back to the 3rd century BC, and contain several statues, paintings, and relics of Buddha and other deities. They also offer a panoramic view of the countryside, and a glimpse into the history and spirituality of Sri Lanka.
2. Wewurukannala Vihara: This is a unique and impressive Buddhist temple, located about 25 km from Tangalle. It is famous for its giant statue of Buddha, which stands at 50 meters high, and is the largest in Sri Lanka. It is also known for its hall of horrors, which depicts the punishments and torments of hell, according to Buddhist beliefs. It is a fascinating and eye-opening place, which reveals the beliefs and values of Buddhism.
3. Hummanaya Blow Hole: This is a natural and spectacular phenomenon, located about 30 km from Tangalle. It is a hole in the rock, which spouts a jet of water into the air, creating a loud and thunderous sound. It is caused by the pressure and force of the waves, which enter a submerged cavern, and exit through the hole. It is a rare and amazing sight, which can reach up to 30 meters high, depending on the tide and wind.
The wildlife and nature experiences of Tangalle
Tangalle is also a wildlife and nature destination, which offers a range of opportunities to observe and interact with the diverse and exotic flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. Some of the best wildlife and nature experiences in Tangalle are:
1. Bundala National Park: This is a wildlife sanctuary and a biosphere reserve, located about 60 km from Tangalle. It is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts over 200 species of birds, including migratory and endemic ones, such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, and eagles. It is also home to other animals, such as elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and deer. You can take a jeep safari, and explore the park’s wetlands, forests, and lagoons, and admire the wildlife and scenery.
2. Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary: This is another bird sanctuary and a wetland reserve, located about 25 km from Tangalle. It is one of the oldest and most important bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, as it supports over 150 species of birds, including rare and threatened ones, such as black-necked stork, Indian reef heron, and glossy ibis. It also harbors other animals, such as turtles, fish, and butterflies. You can take a boat ride, and cruise along the lake and the mangroves, and enjoy the birdwatching and nature.
3. Turtle Watch Rekawa: This is a conservation project and a community-based initiative, located at Rekawa Beach. It aims to protect and preserve the sea turtles and their habitats, by monitoring and patrolling the beach, and educating and involving the locals and the visitors. You can join a night tour, and witness the turtles nesting and hatching on the beach, or volunteer and help with the conservation efforts.
Best time to visit Tangalle: Weather, Seasons, and Events
Another factor that you need to consider when planning your trip to Tangalle is the weather and the seasons, which can affect your travel experience in different ways. Tangalle has a tropical climate, which means that it is warm and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of 27°C. However, there are also variations and changes in the weather, depending on the time of the year. Here are some of the things that you need to know about the best time to visit Tangalle:
The winter months of November to April are the ideal time to visit Tangalle, especially for the beach lovers. This is the dry season, which means that there is less rainfall, more sunshine, and lower humidity. The sea is also calm and clear, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The temperature is also pleasant, ranging from 23°C to 31°C. This is also the peak season, which means that there are more tourists, more events, and more prices. Some of the events and celebrations that you can enjoy during this time are Christmas, New Year, and Sinhala and Tamil New Year – as it is a major festival for the Sri Lankan people.
The summer months of May to October are the off-season time to visit Tangalle, especially for the nature lovers. This is the rainy season, which means that there is more rainfall, less sunshine, and higher humidity. The sea is also rough and murky, which is not ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or surfing. The temperature is also higher, ranging from 25°C to 33°C. This is also the low season, which means that there are fewer tourists, fewer events, and lower prices. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Tangalle during this time are the green and lush scenery, the abundant and diverse wildlife, and the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, as well as the limited and restricted activities, the unpredictable and unstable weather, and the possible and occasional floods and landslides.
The shoulder months of September and October are the transitional time to visit Tangalle, especially for the adventurous and flexible travelers. This is the inter-monsoon period, which means that the weather is mixed and unpredictable, with both dry and rainy days, and both calm and rough sea conditions. The temperature is also moderate, ranging from 24°C to 32°C. This is also the mid-season, which means that there are some tourists, some events, and some prices. Some of the tips and recommendations for visiting Tangalle during this time are checking the weather forecast, packing accordingly, and being flexible with your plans, as well as enjoying the best of both worlds, the changing and vibrant colors, and the surprises and discoveries.
Travel tips and recommendations for Tangalle: How to Reach, Where to Stay, and What to Pack
The last thing that you need to know before you book your trip to Tangalle is the practical and essential information and advice that will help you have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Tangalle is a relatively easy and accessible destination, but there are also some things that you need to consider and prepare for your trip. Here are some of the travel tips and recommendations for Tangalle:
How to reach Tangalle: There are several options and modes of transportation that you can use to reach Tangalle from different locations in Sri Lanka, such as Colombo, Galle, and Matara. Some of the most common and convenient ones are:
By bus: This is the cheapest and most frequent option, but also the slowest and least comfortable one. There are regular and direct buses from Colombo, Galle, and Matara to Tangalle, which take about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic and the stops. The bus fare is about 200 to 300 LKR (1 to 2 USD) per person. The buses are usually crowded and noisy, and have no air-conditioning or luggage space. You can catch the buses from the main bus terminals or stations in each city, or from the roadside stops along the way.
By train: This is a faster and more scenic option, but also a limited and indirect one. There are no trains that go directly to Tangalle, so you need to take a train to Matara, which is the nearest railway station, and then take a bus or a taxi to Tangalle. The train journey from Colombo or Galle to Matara takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the class and the schedule. The train fare is about 300 to 800 LKR (2 to 4 USD) per person, depending on the class and the availability. The trains are usually comfortable and spacious, and have air-conditioning and luggage space. You can book the trains online or at the railway stations in each city, but you need to do it in advance, as they tend to get full and sold out quickly.
By taxi: This is the most expensive and most convenient option, but also the fastest and most flexible one. There are many taxis and private drivers that offer their services from Colombo, Galle, and Matara to Tangalle, which take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and the route. The taxi fare is about 10,000 to 15,000 LKR (50 to 75 USD) per vehicle, depending on the size and the negotiation. The taxis are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, and have enough luggage space. You can book the taxis online or at the airport, hotels, or tourist offices in each city, or you can also find them on the road or at the bus or train stations.
Where to stay in Tangalle: There are many types, locations, and prices of accommodation that you can choose from in and around Tangalle, depending on your budget, preference, and availability. Some of the most popular and recommended ones are:
Budget: If you are looking for a cheap and basic place to stay in Tangalle, you can opt for a guesthouse, a hostel, or a homestay, which offer rooms or beds for as low as 1,000 to 2,000 LKR (5 to 10 USD) per night. Some of the best budget options in Tangalle are [Taru Villas - Mawella], [Cinnabar Resort], and [Tangalle Social], which are located near the beach, and have clean and cozy rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Mid-range: If you are looking for a moderate and comfortable place to stay in Tangalle, you can opt for a hotel, a resort, or a villa, which offer rooms or suites for about 5,000 to 10,000 LKR (25 to 50 USD) per night. Some of the best mid-range options in Tangalle are [Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort], [Palm Paradise Cabanas & Villas], and [Buckingham Place], which are located near the beach, and have spacious and stylish rooms, excellent and varied facilities, and amazing and panoramic views.
Luxury: If you are looking for a lavish and extravagant place to stay in Tangalle, you can opt for a boutique hotel, a spa resort, or a private villa, which offer rooms or suites for over 15,000 LKR (75 USD) per night. Some of the best luxury options in Tangalle are [Amanwella], [The Last House], and [Maya], which are located near the beach, and have elegant and luxurious rooms, outstanding and personalized services, and exclusive and serene settings.
What to pack for Tangalle: There are some items, clothing, and accessories that you need to pack for your trip to Tangalle, depending on the season, the activities, and the duration of your stay. Some of the essentials that you need to pack for Tangalle are:
Passport, visa, money, and insurance: These are the most important and necessary things that you need to bring for your trip to Sri Lanka, as they are required for your entry, exit, and safety. You need to have a valid passport, with at least six months of validity and two blank pages. You also need to have a visa, which you can apply online or on arrival, for a fee of 35 USD for 30 days. You also need to have money, either in cash or in cards, as the local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), and the exchange rate is about 200 LKR for 1 USD. You also need to have insurance, which covers your health, travel, and belongings, in case of any emergencies or accidents.
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimsuit: These are the most essential and useful things that you need to bring for your trip to Tangalle, as they are needed for your protection, comfort, and enjoyment. You need to have sunscreen, with a high SPF and water-resistant, as the sun is strong and harsh in Sri Lanka, and can cause sunburns and skin damage. You also need to have a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit, as they are needed for your activities and leisure on the beach, such as sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. You also need to have a towel, a sarong, and a beach bag, to dry yourself, cover yourself, and carry your stuff.
Clothes, shoes, and accessories: These are the other things that you need to bring for your trip to Tangalle, depending on your style, preference, and occasion. You need to have clothes that are light, breathable, and comfortable, as the weather is warm and humid in Sri Lanka, and you will sweat a lot. You also need to have clothes that are modest and respectful, as the culture is conservative and religious in Sri Lanka, and you will visit temples and sacred sites. You also need to have clothes that are colorful and fun, as the vibe is festive and lively in Sri Lanka, and you will join events and celebrations. Some of the clothes that you need to pack for Tangalle are t-shirts, shorts, dresses, skirts, pants, and jackets. You also need to have shoes that are sturdy, versatile, and easy to wear, as you will walk a lot and do different activities in Tangalle. Some of the shoes that you need to pack for Tangalle are sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, and boots. You also need to have accessories that are functional and fashionable, as they will enhance your look and your experience in Tangalle. Some of the accessories that you need to pack for Tangalle are a backpack, a camera, a phone, a charger, a power bank, a water bottle, a flashlight, a map, a guidebook, and a journal.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide on Tangalle, Sri Lanka, and why it is a hidden gem for travelers who are looking for a relaxing and authentic experience. Tangalle is a coastal town that offers a wide range of attractions and activities, from beaches, temples, and wildlife, to weather, seasons, and events, to transportation, accommodation, and packing.
Tangalle is a perfect getaway for travelers who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, without the crowds, noise, and hassle, while also exploring the rich culture and history, and experiencing the wildlife and nature of a tropical island. If you are ready to book your trip to Tangalle, check out our customized and affordable Sri Lanka tour packages and get the best deals and offers.