Joanna James
Occupying pride of place in the district of Hambantota, Tangalle is one of the lesser-known beach holiday hubs in Sri Lanka. Home to some of the country's finest beaches, here are some of the best things to do during a getaway to the area.
Ideally located within close range of the Tangalle city centre, the Mulkirigala Rock Temples is one of the region's most visited spiritual institutions. A popular point of interest frequented by tourists and locals alike, the venue is perched on a vaulted height on a natural rock that's 205 metres in height. Surrounded by four other hills that have formed out of natural rocks named Seelawathiegala, Bisogala, Benagala and Kondagala, the locale is a UNESCO Heritage Site that all visitors must tour during a beach getaway in Tangalle.
As one of the more private beaches in Tangalle, this little piece of heaven is one of the best reasons to head down to Tangalle. The calm waters of this secluded and secret beach known to locals offer couples and solo travellers a welcome respite from the more crowded beaches of this popular well-known beach hotspot on the southern coast.
Due to its proximity to several of the island's finest and biggest national parks, Tangalle is also the perfect base from which to explore wildlife sanctuaries down south. From the sprawling Yala National Park that is spread out across a whopping 900 square kilometres and its globally renowned leopard population to the elephant spotting haven that is the Udawalawe National Park, the choices are seemingly endless. Safari tours of both these national parks are available to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts interested in spotting sambar deer, Asian bears, reptiles and hundreds of bird species in their natural habitats.
Another stunning beach within close range of Tangalle town, Rekhawa Beach is easily identifiable due to its turquoise coloured waters and impressive marine heritage.
Those based at the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort or any other Tangalle beach resort will inevitably hear about the Hummanaya Blow Hole. And indeed, no trip to this part of the country would be complete without witnessing this natural wonder where water jets reach heights exceeding 98 feet. The Hummanaya Blow Hole in Tangalle is also the second biggest blowhole of its kind on the planet and visitors who wish to see the natural phenomenon in all its wonder should ideally visit during the period from May to November when the monsoon rains create a magnificent spectacle due to higher tides.
Dondra, the southern tip of the isle of Sri Lanka, is within easy driving distance of Tangalle. It is also home to the tallest lighthouse in the country.
Ideal for swimming and spending hours splashing around in the water, Goyambokka Beach is another lesser-known beach hideaway for travellers in search of tranquil and shallow waters.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
