Tangalle

Hummanaya Blowhole

Overview

The Hummanaya blowhole is a natural work of art that gushes sea waves upwards through a narrow rocky tunnel, creating a huge roaring sound. 20 minutes from Tangalle city, it is located in the small yet vibrant fishery village of Dikwella, near Matara. Renowned as the second-largest blowhole in the world, it welcomes tourists to witness its uniqueness along the beautiful blue views of the ocean. The best time for you to experience Hummanaya in full splendour is between April and September, which is the peak of high tides. Early mornings and late afternoons are the ideal times of day to avoid extreme heat and experience the Hummanaya blowhole without getting strained.

Things To Do

The pathway to Hummanaya is just a 5-10 minute walk, packed with vibrant local shops and friendly vendors. You can purchase so many souvenirs, try local food, or grab a quick snack & drink to fuel your journey.  Once you reach the destination, you will be awestruck by how amazingly the spray of water touches the sky and dives again into the ocean, and you can capture the whole scenery from the cliffside viewing platform.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

Overview

Tucked 30 minutes away from Tangalle, this is an ecologically rich wetland composed of mangroves, plains, and saltwater lagoons. More than 150 species take refuge in Kalmetiya Bird Sanctuary, including resident and migratory birds, water birds, and raptors. Roughly 20 species of mammals and 38 species of reptiles reside inside this sanctuary, contributing to creating a balanced ecosystem. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between November and April, when a large number of migratory species join residents. Early mornings and late afternoons will be the most ideal times to witness the maximum bird activities.

Things To See

This Southern Coastal wetland offers you ample birdwatching experiences. One of the most fun ways to enjoy this premier adventure is by boat safari. This will take you through the beautiful lagoon channels, where you will get a chance to observe birds up close & in detail. You will get to see painted storks, pelicans, herons, stork-billed kingfishers, purple swamphens, and other dry zone birds. This is a heaven for wildlife photographers for the variety of landscapes and bird actions.

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

Overview

Mulkiriya Raja Maha Viharaya, also known as Mulkirigala Rock Temple, is one of the most historical Buddhist monasteries, built in the 3rd century BC.  The temple is a famous tourist destination in Tangalle and is embedded in a 673-foot-tall rock, comprising seven cave temples across five terraces. This temple is also known as “punchi Sigiriya” for its architectural grandeur. The best time of the day to visit this temple is early mornings or late afternoons to avoid scorching stone steps and heat.

Things To See

You can reach the destination by climbing the rocky steps and discover all the terraces and the respective caves. The temple will offer you the chance to admire the Kandyan-era paintings and murals, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Sri Lanka. Mulkirigala Temple has preserved numerous Buddha statues, and especially the reclining statue is a marvel that you would pause a moment to admire. The Pothugal Lena, which is also known as the library cave, is a house for safeguarding leaf manuscripts, which adds so much historical value to the temple.

Rekawa Turtle Watch

Overview

Rekawa is a nesting site for turtles located on the southern coast near Tangalle. It is home to five of the most endangered species of sea turtle, including the hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, green turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, and leatherback turtle. You can witness the highest nesting activities from April to July. The best sightings happen during the full moon period, and you will get to see five to fifteen turtles per night.

Things To Do

Nighttime turtle watching is a fun activity you can experience from 8.30 to 11.30 PM. There, you can explore and educate yourself on steps taken for conservation, hatchlings, and much more. It will be a memorable moment for you to witness the baby turtles being released to the ocean. You can take educational visits around the area to learn in depth about the turtle hatchery and conservation.

Tangalle Lagoon

Overview

Nestled towards the south of Tangalle, this lagoon is a shelter for a diversity of birds and marine life. The lagoon is a perfect day trip and can be explored through kayaking and canoeing. Here, sightseeing wildlife is effortless, as it serves as a real escape from urban noise. Early mornings or evening excursions are ideal for keen wildlife observations and birdwatching.

Things To See

You can explore the lagoon channels through kayaking and boat rides, which helps you watch birds and other marine creatures up close. Engaging in fishing is another fun excursion to educate about unique marine species that dwell in the lagoon, boosting the lagoon’s ecological richness.

Goyambokka Beach

Overview

Goyambokka Beach is an epitome of how a Sri Lankan beach should be. Located near Tangalle, this beach offers tourists a very tranquil tropical experience. The sand, the tall trees, and the blue waves of Goyambokka Beach all together give the perfect picture of the untouched beauty of a Sri Lankan beach. With the strong waves, this beach has eventually become a paradise for body surfing among tourists.

Things To Do

The low tides in the waves at Goyambokka Beach offer you the perfect beach getaway for relaxation and rejuvenation. The soft sands on the beach will call you for sunbathing, and all you have to do is just sit and enjoy getting sun-tanned. If you are a snorkelling person, this beach will give you the best underwater marine life experience.

Udawalawe National Park

Overview

Adventuring at Udawalawa National Park is one of the best choices for a day trip from Tangalle. Located approximately 2 hours from Tangalle town, this safari ride is excellent for wild elephant sightseeing. It is calculated that this national park is a sanctuary for about 450 wild elephants and one of the best places to uncover the treasures of Lankan wildlife.

Things To Do

A person who visits Udawalawe National Park will never miss taking a jeep safari. Here it’s a 4×4 safari, and the best is to take an early morning or a late afternoon ride to observe the highest number of elephants. Elephant Transit Home, which is near the park, is another fun excursion for you to watch the orphan baby elephants being fed and taken care of. During your safari, you can also catch sight of a variety of bird species and also engage in wildlife photography.

FAQs

1. What is Tangalle known for?

Tangalle is known for its beautiful shallow beaches, vibrant fishing culture, coastal wetlands and bird sanctuaries.

1. What is there to do around Tangalle?

In Tangalle, you can relax on a beach getaway, visit natural lagoons and wetlands, explore coral reefs, and enjoy fishing and local seafood.

1. Are there any surfing spots in Tangalle

Hiriketya, Unakuruwa and Kudawella beaches are some of the best spots for surfing at Tangalle.

1. When to visit Tangalle?

The best time to visit Tangalle is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny and ideal for outdoor beach activities.