Guidebook for Tangalle
Parks & Nature
One of our favorite beaches to swim, surf, grab a bite, and enjoy the day away.
29 locals recommend
Hiriketiya Beach
One of our favorite beaches to swim, surf, grab a bite, and enjoy the day away.
Only 1km up the road and .5 KM to the sand is this great little beach where you can spend the day, we can help arrange transport.
Goyambokka Beach
Only 1km up the road and .5 KM to the sand is this great little beach where you can spend the day, we can help arrange transport.
Turtles!!! Peak season is March to August but they start coming to shore in larger numbers around January. We will get a tuktuk to take you to and wait while you have an amazing night-time experience on the beach. Note: Best time is a full moon, which is also a monthly holiday (Poya Day) here in Sri Lanka.
Rekawa Beach
Rekawa RoadTurtles!!! Peak season is March to August but they start coming to shore in larger numbers around January. We will get a tuktuk to take you to and wait while you have an amazing night-time experience on the beach. Note: Best time is a full moon, which is also a monthly holiday (Poya Day) here in Sri Lanka.
Essentials
Small and busy grocery store because it's the only one nearby! Locals still use smaller shop like bodegas to get their goods.
11 locals recommend
Cargills Food City Tangalle
Tangalle RoadSmall and busy grocery store because it's the only one nearby! Locals still use smaller shop like bodegas to get their goods.
Sightseeing
One of our personal favorites and use any excuse of a visitor to go to this temple. Two reasons: One, there are huge tree bats that nest around a lotus flower pond, and two, after climbing the 580 steps you are rewarded with one of the most magnificant views in Souther Sri Lanka.
30 locals recommend
Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya
One of our personal favorites and use any excuse of a visitor to go to this temple. Two reasons: One, there are huge tree bats that nest around a lotus flower pond, and two, after climbing the 580 steps you are rewarded with one of the most magnificant views in Souther Sri Lanka.
On days where the ocean is a little rougher we recommend you rent a scooter and explore! The blowhole it'self is fun and great boomerang footage but the walk to the blowhole is through a local area and you can meet the neighbors
20 locals recommend
Hummanaya Blow Hole
On days where the ocean is a little rougher we recommend you rent a scooter and explore! The blowhole it'self is fun and great boomerang footage but the walk to the blowhole is through a local area and you can meet the neighbors
Food Scene
Sundays and Wednesdays this pop-up farmers market is open and folks come from all over, as far as Nuwara Eliya, with their vegetables and fruit to sell. Let us set you up on a food tour lesson and cookery class with locals! This is where you learn all about Sri Lankan foods and cooking!
Tangalle Fair
Matara RoadSundays and Wednesdays this pop-up farmers market is open and folks come from all over, as far as Nuwara Eliya, with their vegetables and fruit to sell. Let us set you up on a food tour lesson and cookery class with locals! This is where you learn all about Sri Lankan foods and cooking!
Family-run bakery that we love. The breads, short eats (shorties), and sweets are fresh and the staff is friendly!
Southern Bakers (සදන් බේකරිය)
A2Family-run bakery that we love. The breads, short eats (shorties), and sweets are fresh and the staff is friendly!
We love this local family dining place. The roti is one of our favs in Tangalle. Christian, the owner, is a lovely local who's energy makes you feel right at home. Go early, the 8 tables fill up quickly!
Ceylon Excel
105/1 Pagngnawasa RoadWe love this local family dining place. The roti is one of our favs in Tangalle. Christian, the owner, is a lovely local who's energy makes you feel right at home. Go early, the 8 tables fill up quickly!
Jax's favorite kotthu on the island. Aunties in the kitchen make the creamiest kotthu plate and if you don't have leftovers you're not eating enough while in Tangalle!
The Tree's Restaurant
Pagngnawasa MawathaJax's favorite kotthu on the island. Aunties in the kitchen make the creamiest kotthu plate and if you don't have leftovers you're not eating enough while in Tangalle!
Come prepared to wait, bring cards, a book, sudoku... but it's one of the best seafood dishes in the area. You'll wait an hour but have to slowly savor the meal or it'll be gone in minutes. Hands down one of our favorite dinners.
Oceana Beach Cafe and Seafood Restaurant
Parakrama RoadCome prepared to wait, bring cards, a book, sudoku... but it's one of the best seafood dishes in the area. You'll wait an hour but have to slowly savor the meal or it'll be gone in minutes. Hands down one of our favorite dinners.
Drinks & Nightlife
Want a quaint-sunset-on the beach dinner? This.Is.The.Place.
Located on our beach, 3 minute walk, is this small local restaurant with amazing ocean and sunset views. There's only a handful of tables so pop in earlier to save one for dinner.
Cactus Lounge Restaurant
435/7 Matara RdWant a quaint-sunset-on the beach dinner? This.Is.The.Place.
Located on our beach, 3 minute walk, is this small local restaurant with amazing ocean and sunset views. There's only a handful of tables so pop in earlier to save one for dinner.
Right on the waves of Red Beach around the corner this place is open until 10pm and has great drinks and food in outdoor setting.
Red beach Cafe
Tangalle RoadRight on the waves of Red Beach around the corner this place is open until 10pm and has great drinks and food in outdoor setting.