The best places to chill in Tangalle

Tangalle is a true find. Nestled at the South-West tip of the island, this little fishing harbour charms the traveler with its pink-hued wild beaches, its unspoilt nature and its neverending palm tree groves. This paradise is where local turtles choose to lay their eggs, and to witness this event, under the starlit sky, felt like I was on another planet.

What to do and see in Tangalle ?

Contrary to the beaches in Mirissa or Hikkaduwa, very few tourists venture out to Tangalle because of sometimes dangerous swimming conditions. When they would rather stay in their luxury hotels, I spent my time wandering on the beach, taking in beautiful sunsets, exercising in nature and visiting temples.

The turtle egg-laying site

Thanks to the Turtle Conservation Project, an NGO that protects turtles and their nests on Rewaka Beach, you can witness the animals laying their eggs.

The meeting point is at 8pm at the conservation center, from which you depart with a group and a guide, all the way to the beach where you spend part of the night waiting for the turtles. Sri Lanka has five different species of turtles, some of which can be as 4 feet tall and weigh 300 pounds. A magical experience, a little tainted by the sheer number of tourists present for the event.

Turtle conservation Project, 1000RP/adult - 500RP/kid, Rewaka Road, Tangalle

Le Mulkirigala Rock temple

Twelve miles from Tangalle sits one of the island’s oldest temples, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple. Perched in the middle of nowhere, it is embedded in the rock of a cliff 950 feet above the ground. The place is very peaceful, and attracts more monkeys than tourists. I payed a guide to tell me more about the temple’s history, but he seemed as clueless as my other travel guide… Better to concentrate on the beauty and serenity of the surroundings. After climbing steep stairs, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the rainforest.

Mulkirigala Rock temple, 500RP, 30 min in tutuk from Tangalle

Where to sleep in Tangalle ?

Tangalle itself is well-known for its luxury hotels, but the backcountry counts guesthouses with attractive and reasonable lodging options. After a long search, I found a real gem: the Turtle View Resort, hidden a few feet from the beach. I felt immediately at home in a spacious bungalow surrounded by a tropical garden. It had its own patio, where I could relax or engage in a coco battle. My hosts were very agreeable, spoke good English and were great cooks. I had one of the best breakfasts of my trip there, with sambol and hopper. For lunch and dinner, I could choose between the catch of the day or a traditional dish.

* Sambol : fish with a mix of coconut and spices
* Hopper : pancakes with a rice floor and spices

Turlte View Resort, 5000RP/night (30€) in march, Belivinna Goda, Rewaka, Netolpitiya,  Tangalle - Phone. : +94 77 196 3140

How to come to Tangalle ? 

 

Hikkaduwa/Tangalle : 2h15 by bus 1800RP (11€) - 1h30 by taxi 8100RP (50€)
Tangalle/Tissamaharama : 3h15 by bus 4100RP (25€)
Tangalle/Arugam Bay : 3h30 by taxi 16 300RP (100€)

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Sri Lanka, my top travel tips in Hikkaduwa

Three weeks in Sri Lanka without planning anything. But how? Ask around where to go, mingle over coffee, and just go for it! Ready ? Set, go !

 Hikkaduwa : Sun, Sand & Surf

After a short night in a hotel near the airport, I head to the central station of Negombo to hop on a train and head to Hikkaduwa. Apparently, that is where you can find miles of sandy beaches, surf-worthy waves, snorkeling spots, and relaxed bars opened as soon as the sun sets. Hikkaduwa, here I come !

Train Negombo/Hikkaduwa (2h/2h30) - btw 6/8€ in 2nd class.

Things to do in Hikkaduwa

I jump in the water as soon as I arrive : It is 90 degrees and sunny, and I can’t resist ! Bali is not the only surf-spot in Southeast Asia, and you can surf or learn right here in Sri Lanka. Surf schools abound, and prices don’t vary much. Snorkeling is also available.

Turtle watching at Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa is much appreciated by the tourists, and free for the locals. So let’s support the effort!

The Community Tsunami Museum commemorates the tragic tsunami of 2004. Nearby, the Honganji Vihara Buddha statue, its gaze facing the sea, serves as a memorial to its victims. The statue, a gift from the Japanese government, towers at 32 feet, the exact height of the wave that engulfed a train filled with passengers, and claimed 1700 lives (that we know of).

Surf school, many clubs at the beach.
Community Tsunami Museum, 95th km of Galle Road, Hikkaduwa.
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, 500RP, AH43 Galle Road, Hikkaduwa.

Restaurants and bars

Tasty bowls, banana bread, fresh fish…. The Salty Swamis Cafe & Surf Shop offers the best exotic healthy food around. At night, I also tested all the fast food joints along Galle Street, which serve traditional dishes. For a good party, head to Top Secret, a trendy bar where backpackers meet and share their adventures around a pitcher of caïpirinha.

Salty Swamis Cafe & Surf Shop, 542 Galle Road, Wewala, Hikkaduwa 80240 - 8am to 3pm
Top Secret, 698 Galle Road, Narigama beach, Hikkaduwa.

Where to sleep in Hikkaduwa ? 

Voir en taille réelle

I spent my time in Hikkaduwa at the Universal Beach Guest House, which sits on the beach and
offers a close view of the sunset. The value is pretty good and the hosts are friendly.

Universal Beach Guest House,4000 RP/night

How to come to Hikkaduwa ?

 

• Hikkaduwa : by bus, 3h from Colombo (120RP)
• by train : 2h30/3h from Colombo (160RP in 2nd class, 85RP en 3d class)

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