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Sri Lanka’s south coast is lined with picturesque white sand beaches, some more popular than others. For some reason, most people flock to the more touristy towns like Unawatuna and Mirissa. I however, really enjoyed my time in Talalla. The mostly untouched beach is lined with a lush green palm tree jungle and the water sparkle in 50 shades of blue. A true tropical paradise, just how I like it!
Although undeniably beautiful, it seemed like most people missed out on this little gem of a place. We spent three whole days here and met four other travelers. Talalla Beach is the perfect place to unwind and relax, as there isn’t much else to do, at least not during low season. So after one and a half week of non-stop sightseeing, it was exactly what we wanted.
As usual, we had a hard time choosing accommodation. To be right on the beach or on top of the hill with incredible views? I know, a tough decision to make. The prices in Sri Lanka are a bit higher than what I’m used to when traveling in Asia. And what you get, isn’t always what you think you paid for. But then again that’s just a result of low demand, so I shouldn’t really complain. Pay up and enjoy the deserted places, like the gorgeous Talalla Beach.
We had heard so many great things about Talalla Retreat, but in the end I wasn’t brave enough to stay in the open-air room (which was the only available option at the time of our stay). All I could think about was creepy crawlies coming into my bed at night. But if you’re not a sissy like me, the retreat looks incredible and is probably worth checking out. Their rooms range from a dormitory at $35 a night up to a large sea view room for a little under $120 a night. They also offer yoga and surf packages which include all meals.
The incredible view was what made us decide to stay at Hotel Panorama. We booked ahead and paid about $55 a night for the fan room including breakfast. However, after two minutes in the hot and humid room, we decided to spend $20 on an upgrade to one with AC. Much more than what we would normally spend, but this time it was worth it.
Though quite outdated, the deluxe rooms are large, clean and have unobstructed sea views. The only complaint I have is the bad internet connection, it only worked in the restaurant and reception area. Other than that we truly loved our stay. The people that own it are lovely and will help you with anything you need. And just a tip: Even if you choose not to stay at Hotel Panorama, you should go up there for a beer at sunset.
View from the restaurant at Hotel Panorama.
Our cute friend I talked about in the dog clinic post. He came sprinting down the beach as soon as he spotted us, every day. So happy even though he was covered in scratches and tics. To burst the tropical paradise bubble, the state of the stray dogs at Talalla Beach was the worst we saw during our entire trip. Some without any fur, some with huge open wounds, some with limbs hanging on by a thread and some completely blind.
Related post: Unawatuna Dog Care Clinic
Some delicious fish & chips at the Sun Bay Lanka seafood restaurant, in the middle of the beach. The owner is super nice and helpful, so you’ll probably end up here at least once a day. Most of the hotels along the beach also have restaurants, the one at Talalla Beach Bungalows is great. In addition to whipping up some tasty seafood, they also offer Ayurveda massages, which Sri Lanka is famous for.
No, holding on to my hat is not my go-to pose, but rather a necessity as it was so incredibly windy while we were there. But that’s what we get for visiting outside of high season. The climate in Sri Lanka can be a bit tricky to understand, due to the two monsoons that affect the small island. Temperatures remain fairly constant year round, it’s the rain and wind that’s the real pain in the butt. So the best time to visit the south coast is from December to March.
Hotel Panorama on top of the hill.
The view from our awesome balcony. I love being surrounded by green and turquoise!
Talalla sunsets are gorgeous. Hotel Panorama was the perfect place to sit down and relax with a drink in hand at the end of each day.
What’s your favorite beach in Sri Lanka?
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Wow that sure does look like paradise.
I have not been to Sri Lanka yet, but the more I see and read about it, the more curious I get LOL 🙂
x
Oh my the view from those sun loungers!!!! I would never leave. The dog situation makes me very sad though 🙁
How absolutely beautiful is this place!! We have a timeshare so it forces us to vacation…I’m going to check into this place with my agent! Beautiful pictures by the way! Oh and the food!!! Love this!
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! Great post 🙂
This looks like paradise and like you’ve had an amazing time there! Never been, now I definitely want to visit one day! 🙂
xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/sudio-sweden-earphones/
Oh my what beautiful photos. I would love to visit Sri Lanka one day. xx
This looks like such perfection — we ARE looking for a honeymoon spot for next fall! 😉
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
We haven’t visited it yet, but as travel bloggers of course it is on our travel list 🙂
Thanks to your pics we want to visit it now!! We are going to book two tickets lol
This place is divine. It like a paradise. Made me want some vitamin sea for myself. I felt bad about the dogs though. Anyway, great post! xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/how-to-be-confident/
This is so beautiful! I’ve never even considered Sri Lanka as a vacation spot, but your pictures are leading me to jot it down in my BuJo for possible future destinations.
ummmm this is stunning! It’s a rainy cold day here today and Sri Lanka looks like the place to be! Definitely going to pin this for future travel spots! Cheers!
I must admit, when I think Sri Lanka I don’t think beach but your stunning photos have now convinced me otherwise! It’s beautiful there. And of course, the food and the massages 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that, Jolina! 🙂
These pictures are making me dream! I never would have thought that Sri Lanka was so beautiful!
That’s exactly what I want my photos to do, get people to dream 😉
I just adore Sri Lanka and her people, I fell in love with the place many years ago and could live there, now I want to go back asap. Thanks for sharing 🙂
If I were going I would so be reading and REreading to get all the nuggets! – lots of depth to this article to find ideas.
OMG those colors (and your IG feed is amazing)
Thank you Natalie 🙂
Wow… just stunning!i’ll definitely gonna visit Talalla when i’m in Sri Lanka in February. how long does it take to get down to the beach from this lovely hotel?
Yes you should! Only about a minute 😉
Looks soooo goooood! I will be in Sri Lanka in April… will read all of your Sri Lanka posts 🙂 they get me very excited for the trip!
thanks for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by Hannah! You’re gonna have such a great time in Sri Lanka! 😀 Just ask if you have any questions!
Wow this seriously looks amazing. I’ve never even thought about visiting Sri Lanka until now!
Thanks for sharing!
Photos look amazing! I usually travel to the Caribbean for my long haul holidays but think I need to give Asia a try too! Glad you had a good time!
Foirell | http://www.citygirlrell.com
Beautiful pictures! I want to go there right now! It will be added to my vision board
Cool spot and the beach looks so inviting. I may check this out someday. Beautiful pics.
Jade |https://www.budgetsandweights.com/2017/02/01/budgets-and-weights-3-month-blogiversary-giveaway/
Beautiful pictures! I want to transport myself there now!
Wow, this place looks like absolutely perfection! The views are unbeatable and the meals look soooo yummy! I think I would prefer this to the most popular tourist spots as well! #Bliss!
Gorgeous! Sri Lanka has been on my bucket list for a long time. It seems like one of those destinations that would be great for both cultural activities and just enjoying the beach! That’s my kind of place 🙂
Yes, it definitely is! That’s the kind of place I like the best as well 🙂
What a beautiful spot! Those beaches look pristine, would love to there someday.
Talalla Beach is breath taking! The waters look crystal clear and that sand looks so clean and untouched. Absolutely gorgeous.
This is stunning! I love the photos, I could be there myself!
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Hi! We stayed at Talalla Retreat last year and it was wonderful!! Only monkey watching you in the mornings some days. Lovely place and we loved the Talalla beach!!
Hi, Anna! Glad to hear that, I will definitely stay at Talalla Retreat the next time I’m in Sri Lanka 😉