Natural treasures are Tangalle’s palm-fringed bay and charming coves. It is a quiet town with beautiful villas overlooking the sparkling sands at Seenimodera. It is located 35km east from Matara and is 195 km away from Colombo, the capital of the island. This fishing port is situated in one of the most beautiful and largest bays on the island. The reef that surrounds it protects the sea. This beautiful destination can be reached by bus, train or hired transport in just 4 to 5 hours. Tangalle, a popular south coast beach resort, has beautiful beaches that are suitable for swimming and diving. The name Tangalle is thought to be derived from rangala, or golden rock. This legend is based on a story that tells about a time when a holy person ate there once and that the rock was then turned into gold. Further research revealed that it also means “projecting rock” because a long, rocky slab that extended into the sea at the mouth of the bay protected the town from the ocean.

Since then, Tangalle has expanded to include more than one bay. You will find Pallikkudawa and Goyambokka as you approach Tangalle from the south. They are located in a double bay to the south of the town.

Things to do in Tangalle

• Swim at Goyambokka Beach
• Turtle Watching at Rekawa Beach
• Tangalle lagoon – kayak
• Turtle Watching at Rekawa Beach
• Hummanaya Blow Hole
• Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya
• Tangalle Beach