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So I’ve already spoken very highly about Talalla and the beaches around Arugam Bay. But I have to say that Tangalle is my favorite of all the beaches we checked out during our two weeks in Sri Lanka. The beach stretches for miles on both sides of Tangalle town, so you’ll most certainly find a little part you can have all to yourself.
The two sides, however, couldn’t be more different. On the west side, secluded coves make for calmer water, which today caters to luxury villas and a more upmarket clientele. So to no surprise, we decided to stay on the east side.
Related post: The ultimate two-week Sri Lanka Itinerary
There the beach is dotted with small homestays and quaint seafood restaurants. The only downside has to be the quite rough water and large waves crashing onto shore. So it goes without saying that not all parts of the east side are swimmable.
We ended up liking the area around Serein Beach Hotel the best, where you have the picturesque mangroves to one side and the beach and ocean to the other. Rent a canoe and explore the mangroves or lounge at one of the many restaurants/bars along the beach.
I spent the two days in Tangalle collecting seashells, playing with puppies, drinking iced tea and of course taking photos of all the different palm trees! Our time there was super relaxing, I only wish we had stayed longer. Two days was not nearly enough time.
The stunning beach isn’t the only thing the area has to offer. Close by you’ll also find Rekawa turtle-watching beach, Hummanaya blowhole and the colorful Buddhist rock monastery, Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara.
It seemed to me like tourism hasn’t taken off in Tangalle yet, at least not on the east side. But keep in mind that we visited outside of high season, so I can’t tell you how crowded the beach is during the months of December – March (high season).
If you’re going to Sri Lanka, check out this AMAZING sailing trip that will take you to the beaches along the southern coast!
what a lovely beach!
x
Yes it sure is! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
The beach looks like paradise! Amazing photos! So how did you like Sri Lanka? I am planning to visit soon, so I am glad I found this blog post, now I can add new place to my list 🙂
Thank you Ada, yes please do 🙂 I really liked Sri Lanka, I only wish we had visited at a better time. We had a lot of wind, especially in the south. But all in all, Sri Lanka is an incredible place!
I would love to go there right now! Looks so peaceful! Great post <3
So beautiful! Looks like something out of a movie!
Beautiful! It’s on my list…. how did you find the food?
Wow that is beautiful! Sounds like a serene place to visit!
Love your photos! I visited Sri Lanka two weeks ago and would love to go back to see this beach.
This is absolutely beautiful and looks so peaceful. You are so lucky to be able to visit such a serene place. 🙂
Looks beautiful! Currently searching for my next oversees trip!
Love your photos! Such a cute dog 🙂
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Thanks Nicole 🙂
We also visit that beach 2 month ago, when visit Sri Lanka after Macau.
Palms are great not only in photos 🙂
Great pics!
Oh my how beautiful! Seems like a place for solitude and peace! It doesn’t even seem inhabited ! Love the photos! ?
Valuable Information. Great Picture
Thank you 🙂
sea shells are beautiful..I have been there too. and also found a quite romantic hotel http://www.cocotangalla.com/
Love all your Sri Lanka photos! Sri Lanka looks stunning. We are planning on going in September this year – I think you said on a previous post you also visited in September? We really want to visit the beaches on the south/south west coast but are concerned about the weather. How did you find it? Were you able to lay by the beach/pool?!
Hi Megan 🙂 We visited Sri Lanka in the middle of September and had great weather. It was a bit windy some days and sometimes a bit grey in the afternoon, but nothing too bad. We went to the beach almost every day. The locals said the heavy rain would start in October! Happy travels
I´ll go to Sri Lanka in 3 weeks and I was ´t decide between Tangalle or Bentota to visit. But now I want to visit Tangalle more. Thanks for sharing!
Mishelle// voyagecompass.ccom
Hi Mishelle 🙂 I’m happy to hear that! Tangalle is one of my favorite Sri Lankan beaches so I know you’re gonna have a great time. Happy travels!
Nice post, I love your pictures! We have also just been there and had a wonderful time! Your post really makes us want to go back!
If you want to see what we`ve experienced there check out our vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY9j9BgI8RY
Thanks for stopping by Vivian! I’m so happy to hear that 😀 Will definitely check out your vlog.
I have never found an article that is so well written about this travel destination.
Thank you for sharing!