About five years ago I spent 3 weeks travelling solo around Sri Lanka during which time I saw a lot of this wonderful country. One place I particularly enjoyed was Tangalle, a calm and secluded town in the district of Hambantota. I discovered lots of great things to do in Tangalle which I want to share with you to help you plan your trip.
Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our Affiliate Link Disclosure.
Top Things to Do in Tangalle
If you are planning some relaxing beach time in Sri Lanka, Tangalle is the perfect spot to start your trip. It not only boasts beautiful seaside vistas, mangroves and coves but will also offer you a look into authentic island living, it’s a great addition to any Sri Lanka itinerary. Here are our top eight recommendations for things to do in Tangalle.
1. Rent a Bike or Scooter
Renting a bike or scooter is the first thing you should do for your sightseeing in South Sri Lanka. You can also use local buses or rent tuk tuks, but tuk tuk drivers often charge you way too much without giving you the option to bargain with them. I feel renting out your own vehicle is the best option for uninterrupted beach time!
Alternatively, you could take a guided cycle tour.
2. Swim at Goyambokka Beach
As beautiful as they are, most beaches in the Tangalle area are not fit for swimming as the waves are too strong. However, you can have a relaxing beach session at Goyambokka, one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, including swimming as the serene bays have a reef which calms most of the waves. Goyambokka also boasts wide stretches of white sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot for lounging under the sun
3. Turtle Watching at Rekawa Beach
This photo of a turtle on Rekawa Beach is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Rekawa Beach is the nesting ground for various species of turtles, namely the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle and many more. The Rekawa Turtle Watch is a marine conservation project which protects the nesting sites of these turtles to ensure the safe hatching of the eggs. You can spot turtles every night during the peak seasons which is from April to July, just remember that patience is the key.
4. Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara
If you like visiting spiritual places like me, then a visit to the ancient Buddhist temple ‘Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara’ is a must. The temple is perched atop a 205m natural rock with seven caves in which reside the seven ‘viharas’. The viharas house large reclining, seated and standing Buddha statues while intricate wall paintings adorn the walls.
5. Diving or Snorkelling in Tangalle Lagoon
Tangalle is one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkelling in Sri Lanka. In the waters off Tangalle Bay, you can find different sea creatures such as lionfish, angel fish, octopus, scorpion fish and even lobsters. You can also discover caves, shipwrecks and coral tunnels while diving, depending on your diving skills and experience.
6. Watch Hummanaya Blowhole
This photo of Blow Hole Hummanaya is courtesy of TripAdvisor
The Hummanaya Blowhole is the second biggest blowhole in the world and can be pretty spectacular and exciting to watch. The water can reach up to 25 m (82 ft) to 30 m (98 ft) in height and is most impressive during the monsoon season.
7. Birdwatching in Bundala National Park
If you’re a keen birdwatcher or just love getting out in nature, then be sure to head to Bundala National Park. It’s only 40 minutes away from Tangalle and is quite famous for the greater flamingos and other migratory birds you’ll hopefully spot there.
8. Surf at Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is only 20 minutes away from Tangalle town and is popular with surfers. If you don’t surf already, it’s a great beach to take some lessons and to start learning how to surf. There are lots of surf gear rental shops lining the horse-shoe-shaped bay, where you can rent a surfboard by the hour.
Where to Stay in Tangalle
Being the largest town in South Sri Lanka, there is no shortage of places to stay in Tangalle ranging from budget hostels up to 5-star resorts. There should be something to suit everyone.
BOOK TANGALLE ACCOMMODATION HERE
Where to go After Tangalle
Once you’ve spent enough time enjoying Tangalle why not head north inland and take the incredible Kandy to Ella train ride?
It’s an activity you shouldn’t miss in Sri Lanka and well worth the trip to get there.
Have you been to Tangalle in Sri Lanka? If so what was the best thing you did there?
Planning Your Trip to Tangalle?
Planning your trip to Tangalle in Sri Lanka? Here are some of our recommended useful resources to help you have the best time possible.
|
● TRAVEL INSURANCE IS AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION! World Nomads offers cover for travellers in over 100 countries and True Traveller is a great option if you’re from the UK or EU. SafetyWing is another solution, particularly for digital nomads and long-term travellers. ● Find amazing flight deals on Skyscanner, Kayak, and AirAsia. ● Compare rental car prices on Rentalcars.com. ● Booking.com and Expedia usually have the best hotel prices. ● Our go-to for self-catering accommodation is Vrbo. ● Discover fantastic trips and activities with Viator and GetYourGuide. ● Check out Bookmundi, G Adventures, and Intrepid Travel for group holidays and tours. |
Read More Asia9 Best Things to Do in Pokhara, Nepal9 Best South Goa Beaches, India 14 Unique Things to Do in Pai, Thailand |
Like this post? Pin it for later!
 |  |
Very interesting and informative article. Thanks for sharing such type of precious article.
Glad you found it interesting!
Looks like renting a bike or a scooter is definitely the way to go there.
Yes definitely OR you can also rent your own tuk tuk (without driver) in Sri Lanka to self-drive – looks great fun!
I love Sri Lanka! I hope to go back someday. Ive saved this for reference.
Me too – there’s loads I missed!
I missed the Hummanaya Blowhole and Bundala National Park. I would definitely try to include it next time I go. Tangalle I agree is a beautiful coastal place away from all the chaos and crowd.
Yes, I didn’t go to Bundala either but thanks to this guest post it’s now on my list for if I get to return.
I also spent a month in Sri Lanka but didn’t make it to Tangalle. Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite countries and reading this I know I need to return and explore the district of Hambantota. I did get to Bundala which was awesome but would love to see the turtles at Rekawa Beach, see the blowhole and just chill at Goyambokka Beach!
It’s impossible to fit everything in isn’t it. I went to see the turtles one night but the weather was awful and we didn’t get lucky. Fingers crossed we can try again some time!
Sri Lanka is so high on my list of places to go! I’ve heard good things about Tangalle so pinning this for future reference 🙂
I hope you get to go, you’ll love it!