Nestled along the shores of Sri Lanka’s south coast, Tangalle Beach is an idyllic locale to experience and explore and this guide provides useful insights to help you plan your visit.
Getting There
By car, Tangalle is around 1.5 hours from the Mattala International Airport and approximately 2.5 hours from the Bandaranaike International Airport. Some hotels in Tangalle provide luxury chauffeur services from the airports, while you can consider taking a domestic flight to nearby Dickwella and proceeding from there. Other options include taking a bus from Colombo or train to Beliatta that’s also close by.
Where to Stay
To fully enjoy coastal bliss, stay at a ‘Safe and Secure’ certified property beside a secluded beach. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is an ideal option and features luxurious beach or ocean view villas including those with private pools. Such properties also come with distinctive dining, kids’ and teens’ clubs, a holistic spa with Ayurvedic treatments, fun activities and cooking classes for memorable getaways.
Water Sports
Apart from lazing on the beach and soaking up the sun, you can also try various water sports. Surfing can be enjoyed year-round, though, from April to October the swells are at their biggest; some resorts even offer access to special surfing lessons for beginners. You can additionally look to try stand-up paddleboarding, a great way to explore the coast and get a cardio workout!
Top Attractions
For more adventures, head to nearby Rekawa Beach where one can see turtles coming to nest between April and September. Some resorts will also organise city tours where you can visit spice markets and temples in a tuk-tuk; additionally, you can plan trips to the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and the Hummanaya Blowhole, the second largest blowhole in the world!
