When you approach Tangalle, the Bay is the first aspect that will attract you. Tangalle is considered one of the best bathing places in Sri Lanka. The bay was once known to be the harbour for the Dutch and British ships. For tourists who are looking for a low-key beach destination, Tangalle is the place to go, as well as for housing budget travellers, it has mid-range exclusive accommodation.
In Tangalle town, a few Dutch buildings display characteristics of Dutch architecture such as the courthouse, the island’s oldest rest-house (1774), and the residence of the district judge. The Dutch The fort built by the Dutch has now been transformed into a prison.
The adjoining villages to Tangalle are: to the west are Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa, and to the north, along the arc of bay, Medaketiya and Medilla. The Medilla beach and the stretch beyond to Rekawa is the most attractive. This is also a place for safe swimming. Then you find, Medaketiya another location for safe swimming, where most of the budget accommodation is available.
The other attractions that surround Tangalle are the Hoo-maniya blowhole, seven kilometres west in Kudawela, jets of water spray 15m into the air through a crevice in the rock. It is best viewed at the height of the monsoon season in June.
Another is the magnificent rock temple of Mulgirigala, which is 20km inland, and Wewurukannala Temple a few kilometres beyond Hoo-maniya, home to the tallest (50m) Buddha statue in the country.
There is a turtle nesting site (10 km to the east) at Rekawa, run by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP), which pays villagers to protect turtle eggs laid on the beach. The best time to go and watch turtles laying eggs is from November to April and full moon days.
