Best of Tangalle

In the far south, Tangalle is the gateway to some of Sri Lanka’s prettiest beaches. Wide, golden sands backed by palm trees dot this deeply indented coastline, and you could spend many days hopping from one idyllic stretch of the tropics to another. Unlike better known spots in the south, the beaches here tend to be uncrowded, and you’ll find a mix of comfy bungalows, seaside villas, and low-key guesthouses for basing in the area. 

Most people focus on the scenery beyond the city center, although Tangalle is not without its charms. There are a few vestiges from Tangalle’s colonial past, including a small 18th-century fort built and the former 1770s Dutch administrator’s headquarters that now houses a hotel. An excursion from Tangalle takes you to the ancient monastery of Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara. Carved into a rocky cliff are a series of caves used by Buddhist practitioners for nearly 2,000 years. Further up the rockface, you’ll find a stupa with impressive views over the countryside.