Joanna James
The south of Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. The fishing village of Tangalle is home to some of the best beaches on the island.
The fishing town of Tangalle has some of the most hidden and beautiful beaches in the south. There are several fishing towns close to Tangalle that are stunning and less travelled. Silent Beach, also known as Godellawella Beach, is one of the picturesque spots in the south. Though located within the vicinity of a hotel, the beach is rarely crowded and devoid of the usual fanfare found in places like Unawatuna and Mirissa. Instead, there is a swing tied to a coconut tree! The beach is accessible from the Tangalle town and is only five minutes away by bus. Another great secluded beach is Goyambokka Beach, which is 15 minutes away by bus.
The main beach in Tangalle starts at a fishing station and stretches for miles on end towards the northeast connecting many fishing villages. Some areas are not ideal for swimming due to natural protective rocks! Villages of Marakolliya and Medilla have a few sections with a sandy coastline. In Medilla, the rocky formations create natural rock pools with incoming waves. Pallikkudawa lies on a famous pigeon sanctuary with a small rocky island you can walk to from the coast. If you're looking for great accommodation in the south of the country, many a Sri Lanka luxury villa found close to the coastline such as the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort will prove to be a convenient stay.
The village of Kalametiya is located 20 minutes away from Tangalle and is close to Kumana bird life sanctuary. Kalametiya is one of the oldest established sanctuaries in the country. Recognised in 1984, the sanctuary is woven around a lagoon of mangroves making it an ideal habitat for bird watching. Over 150 bird species live here, and around 54 migratory birds visit annually. The weaver bird, in particular, has made a habitat of this sanctuary, and you will encounter many nests dangling over trees.
This ancient Buddhist temple is built on a high rock and encircled by four rocks named Kondagala, Bisogala, Seelawathigala and Benagala. Because of its location, some refer to the temple as little Sigiriya. The temple has a much older history than the infamous Lion Rock Sigiriya and has many fascinating sculptures, frescoes and architecture depicting ancient Sri Lankan art.
This lagoon is divided from Tangalle Beach by a little coastline strip and a stretch of inland water. It is an ideal location for canoeing/kayaking, with rich mangroves shrouding its environs. The habitat is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.
The Sri Lankan coastlines are regularly visited by all the species of endangered turtles. Many conservation organisations work hard to protect these creatures from poaching and the illegal trade of eggs. At Rekawa, hawksbill, loggerhead, green turtle, olive ridley, and the rarest, leatherback visit the shorelines. The season for egg-laying is primarily between April to July. The volunteers watch from a distance, and after the mother turtle lays her eggs, they are safely collected and taken to hatcheries. Once hatched, the baby turtles get released into the ocean. The eggs are laid typically between 8.30 and 11.30 pm. Visitors can accompany the volunteers to watch and experience this whole process.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
