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Rocks and palms around the cove at Goyambokka beach, Tangalle

South coast

Tangalle

A string of quiet, wide beaches and small coves around a fishing town, with turtles nesting at Rekawa and the cave temples of Mulkirigala inland.

Plan a trip with Tangalle
Time to spend
2 to 3 nights
Best months
December to April.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks. Tangalle is about 3 hours from the airport by expressway.
Good to know
The open beaches have strong currents. Swim at sheltered coves such as Goyambokka and Silent Beach, and only on calm days.

Tangalle is a slower, less built-up part of the south coast, with long beaches such as Medaketiya and Marakolliya and the small, sheltered cove of Goyambokka to the west.

East of town, Rekawa beach is one of the main turtle nesting sites on the island. A community conservation project runs night visits to watch green turtles come ashore to lay eggs.

Inland, Mulkirigala is a rock temple built in a series of caves up a steep outcrop, with painted ceilings and wide views from the top.

What to see and do

  • Goyambokka beach

    DirectionsOpen in Maps

    A small, sheltered cove of golden sand between rocky headlands, one of the safer swimming spots near Tangalle in season.

    3 hr · AfternoonFree entryDetails

  • Rekawa turtle watch

    DirectionsOpen in Maps

    A night visit with a community conservation project to watch green turtles nesting on Rekawa beach, with guides who keep visitors at a safe distance.

    2 hr · EveningLKR 1,500 to LKR 3,000to confirmDetails

    Paid at the project hut; sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

  • Mulkirigala rock temple

    DirectionsOpen in Maps

    A cave temple complex on a steep rock, with reclining Buddhas and painted ceilings on several terraces and views over the countryside from the top.

    1 hr 30 min · AfternoonFee chargedto confirmCover shoulders and kneesDetails

    A fee is charged for foreign visitors; confirm at the entrance.

Also consider

Worth the trip if you have time. The planner leaves these out unless you add them.

Nearby places to stay

Photos

The sandy cove of Goyambokka beach
The sandy cove of Goyambokka beach
The quiet sand of Seenimodara beach near Tangalle
The quiet sand of Seenimodara beach near Tangalle
Visitors watching the sunset from the top of Mulkirigala rock temple
Visitors watching the sunset from the top of Mulkirigala rock temple

Ready-made trips that include Tangalle

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