Joanna James
A long weekend is a time for having a good chill out. That expectation can be well fulfilled by visiting a mini paradise, the city of Tangalle on the south coast of Sri Lanka. With scenic beaches kissed by the rays of the sun and an array of attractions, you are bound to be pleasantly surprised.
Do a whale watching tour with trained experts. Being the biggest mammals on earth, seeing them in their natural habitat is a profound experience that only a few are fortunate to do. A chance to see sperm whales, blue whales and fin whales as they swim in the waters on the south coast and learn about the species from trained naturalists is an enlightening aspect of the tour enjoyed by visitors at many a Sri Lanka luxury villa. Be mindful to use responsible whale-watching operators who care about minimizing the imprint on nature when you book the tour.
This would be an exhilarating experience on the gentle waters of Tangalle Lagoon which abounds with marine life and birdlife. Be on the lookout for not only colourful birds and musical birds but at times the crafty crocodiles bringing in the excitement to the ride. Try this memorable ride at dawn or dusk as the mid-day sun can be fierce and hinder your enjoyment of the ride.
A sandy and peaceful bay secluded by swaying coconut palms, Mirissa has a charm of its own, not being too busy with crowds thus letting those discerning visitors looking for that special chill-out experience have their own time and pace. A fine beach to get a refreshing dip, laze about the beach, do a few beach games and top it all off with a delicious seafood meal and a variety of cocktails and juices from one of the many trendy restaurants lining the beach.
A quick 20-minute ride from Tangalle, this is known as the largest blow hole in Sri Lanka. Walk through a small village to ascend to the summit to view this nature's wonder. You would also get a breathtaking view of the ocean from the top. The jets of water generally shoot up towards the sky and splash back into the Indian Ocean rising to about 25 to 30 metres. On such occasions, even the people around get a surprising spray on them as related by visitors from Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. Getting to the top is not difficult, however, refrain from visiting during the mid-afternoon as the sun can be too hot for comfort.
A 30-minute drive from Tangalle, this visit must be timed to coordinate with bird activity, therefore early mornings or late afternoons are the best times. Included in the sanctuary visit is a boat ride to view resident birds, thereafter a guided tour through the jungle area to observe many species of birds who have made the sanctuary their abodes such as the Black-capped purple kingfisher and Indian Reef Heron. Additionally, species of mammals, fish and reptiles live in this sanctuary.
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.
