Tangalle is an emerging tourist destination in the south of Sri Lanka, known for being much quieter compared to tourist hotspots such as Mirissa or Negombo. When we decided to add it to our Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary, we weren’t sure what to expect as the information about it is fairly limited. So, is Tangalle worth visiting? In this post we share our experience to help you decide for yourself. 

Jump to:

• How to Get to Tangalle
• Is Tangalle Worth Visiting: Pros 
• Is Tangalle Worth Visiting: Cons 
• Final Thoughts – Is Tangalle Worth Visiting?

How to Get to Tangalle

One of the advantages of visiting Tangalle is how easy it is to reach it, thanks to its location between popular destinations like Ella and Mirissa. There are multiple options to get to Tangalle from either Ella or Mirissa, including the below:

Public Bus – Most Budget Friendly

The bus is the most affordable option, costing around £0.5 from Mirissa and around £1 from Ella. However, we wouldn’t recommend taking the bus journey from Ella, as the roads are very windy and the driving can feel unsafe. Buses are a great way for shorter journeys though, especially between coastal towns where roads are better. We also have a full guide on How to Get from Tangalle to Mirissa by Bus.

Train

There’s no train station in Tangalle – the closest train station is located in Beliatta which is around 15 minutes drive away. Trains are super affordable, especially for unreserved classes, though reserved class tickets sell out very quickly. You can check the schedule and book online on the Sri Lanka Railways Official Website.

Private Driver

Hiring a private driver is slightly more expensive but also the most comfortable option. We paid £40 for a private driver from Ella to Tangalle which included a short detour through Yala National Park via the free road. We really recommend that for a mini safari experience – we only spent around 30 minutes driving through the park but spotted two large elephants, a lot of deer and a variety of exotic birds. Most hotels can help you arrange a private driver or you can book through a travel agent in Mirissa or Ella. 

Shared Safari Transfer

Tour companies in Ella offer transfers to coastal towns, including full safari experience. You’ll set off very early in the morning (sometimes as early as 3am) but it’s a great way to visit Yala or  Udawalawe National Park on your route. You can expect to pay around £60 per person for the transfer including national park fees. Bear in mind that Yala National Park gets very crowded. If you’re after a quieter safari experience, we have a Wilpattu National Park Review.

Is Tangalle Worth Visiting: Pros

Some of the Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

Is Tangalle worth visiting for its beaches? Absolutely. Tangalle is home to some of the best beaches in South Sri Lanka – with stunning clear waters, golden sands and rows of swaying palm trees. Interested in beaches? We have a Top 5 Beaches in Sri Lanka guide too.

Silent Beach is one of the highlights, located just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Tangalle.  There’s not much natural shade at the beach, however there are sunbeds available to rent. Some places will charge around £5 for the day or let you use the sunbeds if you buy food or drinks. Bear in mind that the waves can be strong! If you prefer calmer waters, there’s an area towards the end of Silent Beach which is more sheltered. 

Goyambokka Beach was our favorite beach in Sri Lanka. Known for its stunning scenery and clear water, it was voted one of the world’s best beaches. Like many beaches in Sri Lanka, the sea was pretty wavey but generally calmer than Silent Beach. Sunbeds are also available to rent.

Tangalle Beach might not be as picturesque as Goyambokka Beach or Silent Beach but it’s still a great option. The waters are clear and again can be pretty wavey. There are plenty of spots to grab food and drinks from and some beach bars had live music in the evening. 

Peaceful and Quiet

One of the advantages of visiting Tangalle is how peaceful and relaxed it feels. While there are still tourists around, beaches are generally quiet, giving you plenty of space to unwind. You’ll also find a lot of restaurants catering to tourists, but they’re rarely crowded, making it easy to enjoy a peaceful dinner.

Great Base for National Parks

If you’re looking for a beach town in Sri Lanka that is a great base for visiting Yala or  Udawalawe National Park, Tangalle is an excellent choice. Both parks are only 1.5 hours away, making it ideal for a safari day trip. In comparison, Mirissa is located over 2 hours away, meaning a much earlier start, higher prices and usually a more crowded safari experience. 

Affordable Accommodation

As an upcoming tourist destination, the prices of accommodation in Tangalle are still very affordable. You’ll get much better value for money in comparison to tourist hotspots such as Ella or Mirissa. It’s a great place to enjoy a more luxurious stay without breaking the bank. We stayed at Anama by Queens Mount and paid around £55 per night for a suite with a private pool. Definitely one of the cheapest places to get this level of luxury.  

Tasty & Affordable Food

Despite Tangalle not being as touristy, there are still plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan meals and western food at affordable prices. We really recommend Chill Hut Cafe & Restaurant that offers delicious meals in a lovely setting. You can expect to pay £3-£5 per person for a meal with a drink there. If you’re after some international options, EasyLife Campus Cafe is an amazing choice. Located right by Silent Beach, it offers a mix of international and Sri Lankan food in a beautiful yoga retreat setting. 

Is Tangalle Worth Visiting: Cons

Tangalle Town Isn’t the Prettiest

One negative about visiting Tangalle is that the town itself isn’t particularly attractive. While the beach areas are beautiful, clean and relaxed, the town centre is busy and not well maintained. That said, Tangalle is really all about the beaches, and in our opinion, there isn’t much reason to spend time exploring the town itself. So don’t let this put you off.

We recommend staying closer to Silent Beach rather than in the centre of Tangalle. This area offers a much more peaceful atmosphere while still being close to plenty of good restaurants.

Limited Nightlife

If you’re after plenty of evening entertainment and lively nightlife, Tangalle might not be the right fit. There are beachfront spots that offer chilled live music but there’s not much of a party vibe. Tangalle is definitely best suited to travellers looking for a calm and relaxing getaway.

Fewer Souvenir Shops

We’re not big shoppers, but we do like picking up a small souvenir to remember our trip. During our stay in Tangalle, we only spotted a few souvenir shops. If you’re looking for souvenirs, Mirissa or Unawatuna definitely offer more options. 

Final Thoughts – Is Tangalle Worth Visiting?

So, is Tangalle worth visiting? We truly enjoyed our time there and would recommend stopping off in Tangalle for 2-3 nights. The beaches are truly breathtaking, peaceful and surrounded by beautiful nature. There’s a great selection of restaurants and accommodation. Transport also tends to be much more affordable than in more popular tourist hotspots. Tangalle is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a laid-back escape focused on stunning beaches and relaxation.