Friday 28 February 2020

Sri Lanka | Beautiful Beaches Once Wiped Out By Tsunami


26 December 2014. Sri Lanka was one of the countries struck by the tsunami. More than 30,000 people were killed and Sri Lanka’s southern coast was badly damaged. Tangalle was one of the beach town destroyed by the deadly tsunami more 10 years ago.

For other places of attractions in Sri Lanka, read my travel guide with sample itinerary and cost breakdown ➢ 12 Days Sri Lanka In Less Than RM2.2K - Visa Application, Sample Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

Just like any other tourist, Tangalle was one of our stop during our trip, and here’s what you should expect: 



Getting To Tangalle  

We headed to Tangalle from Udawalawe after our safari tour. We stayed in Embilipitiya (30 minutes from Udawalawe National Park) for a night before taking a bus bound for Matara from Embilipitiya bus station. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and you will need to alight at Tangalle bus station. Remember to ask the bus driver to inform you when the bus arrives at Tangalle since the bus will continue towards Matara. You wouldn’t want to miss your stop! 


Tangalle Main Bus Stand
Address: Beliatta - Tangalle Rd, Tangalle 82200, Sri Lanka 

Bus from Embilipitiya to Tangalle: 1 hour 30 mins (bus bound for Matara, alight at Tangalle), LKR 80 per person 



Highlights of Tangalle 

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya is the main beach of Tangalle and most of the budget accommodation is located along a beach road lined with guest houses. The shelter of overhanging palms is an ideal stretch beach for relaxation with a fine view of the harbour, many fishing boats & shimmering sea. The water is often rough so it’s not the best beach for swimming. Instead, its long sandy beach makes for a perfect stroll.

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medaketiya Beach

Medilla Beach

Just next to Medaketiya to the east is Medilla Beach which is a lot more quiet and peaceful. Again, the waves is rough so swimming is not recommended here. We had a good time strolling along these two beaches while enjoying the sea breeze.

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach

Medilla Beach


Dinner - The Lounge 

Most of the restaurants were closed during our visit, but thankfully this beautiful restaurant was opened. Having been thrifty for the past week, we decided to splurge for the night and ordered some nice seafood. It’s our most expensive meal throughout the entire trip, but a very satisfying one.

Dinner at The Lounge overlooking the beautiful beach at night


Other Beaches in Tangalle: 

Goyambokka Beach 

Perhaps the most popular beach in Tangalle is Goyambokka Beach, which is south from the town. It is said to be very beautiful but we did not go there. Well, if you wanna find out, there’s only one way. Go go go! 

Silent Beach 

This is a more secluded beach just next to Goyambokka. It’s said to be kind of a secret beach and there is hardly anyone on this beach 

Hiriketiya Beach 

Hiriketiya Beach is about 20 minutes from Tangalle Town and is a small horseshoe-shaped bay with some of the nicest villas and clearest water on the south coast. The bay was enclosed with tall skinny palm trees, crystal clear water and the waves big enough for beginners to try surfing. 

Rekawa Beach 

This beach is famous for turtle-watching from April to September. The tours normally run at 8:00 pm by volunteers and locals from the non-profit Turtle Conservation Project and they do request 1000 LKR to join the tour. Rekawa Beach is located further east from Medilla Beach. 



Getting out of Tangalle 

Getting out from Tangalle is a rather easy task. If you are headed to Mirissa like we did, all you need to do is head to the main bus station and board the local bus bound to Colombo and alight at Mirissa. It’s highly recommended to take the morning bus so that you can arrive in Mirissa in the morning to make it for a whole day the beaches.  


Tangalle Main Bus Stand
Address: Beliatta - Tangalle Rd, Tangalle 82200, Sri Lanka 

Bus from Tangalle to Mirissa: 1 hour (bus bound for Colombo, ask to alight at Mirissa), LKR 150 per person 



Final Words 

Tangalla suffered grievously from the tsunami in 2004, and rebuilding has been very slow, therefore the beach has been rather quiet and peaceful. It’s a very relaxed beach town with minimal tourists, local fishermen, great seafood and long sandy beach. It’s the perfect beach town for some lazy days.

For other places of attractions in Sri Lanka, read my travel guide with sample itinerary and cost breakdown ➢ 12 Days Sri Lanka In Less Than RM2.2K - Visa Application, Sample Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

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