The palm fringed bay and picturesque coves of Tangalle are a natural treasure. This is a lazy town littered with gentle reminders of the Dutch days of the 18th century and beautiful villas looking out over the shimmering sands of Seenimodera. Located 195 kilometres form the beautiful capital of Colombo and 35km east of Matara, is a pleasant fishing port situated on one of the finest and largest bays in the island, which is protected from the ocean by an enclosing reef. You can arrive at this exquisite destination both by train and bus or hired transport within 4 to 5 hours. Exhibiting fine beaches which are good for swimming and more than reasonable for diving, Tangalle is a popular beach destination on the south coast. It is believed that the name is derived from ran-gala or golden rock, from a legend that tells of a time when a holy man once partook of a meal there, and the rock was turned to gold whilst further research also reveals that it means the “projecting rock”, because long ago the town was protected from the ocean by a long rocky slab that projected into the sea across the mouth of the bay.

Tangalle has spread since those days, so that it now comprises not just one bay but a series of them. ApproachingTangalle from the west, you will encounter Goyambokka and Pallikkudawa, situated on a double bay south of the town.
 

Beyond the town and harbour are the larger bays, Medaketiya and Medilla. Medaketiya in particular has fine white sand, excellent swimming conditions, and is rarely crowded. The most popular day excursion from Tangalle is to the stunning rock temple of Mulkirigala, 20km to the north where after ascending a series of rock steps you will reach a few natural caves with numerous wall paintings and Buddha statues.

One cave houses a library, in which a most important discovery was made in 1826 by a British administrator who found some long-unseen palm-leaf manuscripts containing the key to translating the Mahawamsa, the Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka.

Mulkirgala has a strenuous climb in some places while it is reasonably easy in most. It is well worth making it to the summit, for there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Tangalle is a large town in Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. It is one of the largest towns in southern province. It is located 195 km south of Colombo and 35 km east of Matara. It has a mild climate, in comparison to the rest of the district, and sandy beaches. Tangalle is a regionally important fishing port, situated on one of the largest bays in Sri Lanka, which is protected from the ocean by an enclosing reef. It is a centre of tourism and a popular holiday destination on the south coast. In the town centre there is an old Dutch fort which is used as a prison today. The Dutch and subsequently the British used Tangalle as an important anchorage on the southern coast of the island. The Dutch Fort, Rest House and Court House are a few remaining examples of Dutch architecture in Tangalle.

Tangalle

Tangalle is a big town in Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. It is one of the largest towns in southern province. It has a mild climate, in comparison to the rest of the district, and sandy beaches

Tangalle has a range of accommodation options like, budget hotels, luxury hotels and turtle observation camps to cater to the diverse needs of the travelers. We have a build up an exclusive list of cheap Tangalle hotels.

Location
Province : Southern
Driving Distance from Colombo
Distance (km): 201 Km. Distance (mile): 125 Miles..
Routes: By Bus
Colombo → Galle → Matara → Tangalle
Colombo → Galle → Tangalle(Southern Express High way)
Maththala →Hambanthota → Ambalathota → Tangalle