Joanna James
About 200 kilometres south of the bustling gateway city to the island nation, Tangalle is one of the largest cities in the Southern Province, and certainly one of the laid-back beach towns too. If a mellow seaside getaway is what's on your mind, your slice of bliss awaits at charming Tangalle.
It would be no beachside getaway without any beach on your holiday. The town's main stretch of beach, Tangalle Beach, is the highlight of the town and is something almost all tourists to Tangalle look forward to. In fact, it is what single-handedly put Tangalle on the map for most of its tourists. So, make your way to the pristine shores and indulge yourself in some immersive beach bumming, frolicking on the golden sand, sipping on tropical cocktails and basking in the soothing sun.
Nestled in the midst of a thick southern forest, sitting 205 metres high on a natural rock, is the Mulkirigala Rock Temple. In the majority Buddhist South Asian nation, the sacred temple is one of the important places of worship in the south, and for the oodles of tourists to Tangalle and the vicinity, it is a glimpse into local culture and religion and the rather rough trek to the temple definitely makes for an exciting adventure.
For a minuscule country like Sri Lanka, it is quite impressive that the Indian Ocean island nation is home to 22 national parks. So, no matter where you go on the island, there's bound to be a wildlife-rich national park a few kilometres away. For those vacationing in Tangalle and the vicinity, Udawalawe National Park is the closest, only a one-and-half-hour drive away. At an extent of roughly 310 square kilometres, it is one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka and definitely one of the most visited as well.
No Sri Lanka experience would be complete without getting a taste of the South Asian country's authentic local cuisine. So, why not embark on a culinary tour of mouth-watering traditional delights on your holiday in Tangalle? Indulge yourself in an assortment of delectable local dishes at a fine restaurant or one of the superlative Sri Lanka luxury resorts, and let your taste buds savour the traditional flavours.
As the sun begins to reach the horizon and the azure blue skies take a profusion of yellowish oranges, make the short drive out of the city of Tangalle to the nearby Rekawa city to visit the Rekawa Turtle Watch. Spend a delightful evening with the brown-toned, shelly creatures of the sea and retreat to one of the finest hotels or resorts in town, including the likes of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.
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.
