Tangalla & Around

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

$19.99

Shop Book

Extremely beautiful sunset under the coconut plams on Sri Lanka beach.; Shutterstock ID 231391522; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

Shutterstock / Volodymyr Goinyk

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Tangalla & Around

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Tangalla is the gateway to the wide-open spaces and wide-open beaches of southeast Sri Lanka. It's the last town of any size before Hambantota and has some old-world charm. But you're really here to find your perfect beach, and there are several nearby.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Staircase at the Mulkirigala rock temple.

Mulkirigala Rock Temples

Tangalla & Around

Dangling off a rocky crag 16km northwest of Tangalla and nestled away among a green forest of coconut trees are the peaceful rock temples of Mulkirigala…

Rest House

Tangalla & Around

The shady Rest House was once home to the Dutch administrators. It’s one of the oldest rest houses in the country, and was originally built (as a plate on…

Viewpoint

Tangalla & Around

Follow Harbour Rd around the point and into the military area (which is usually wide open); there are great vistas from this viewpoint along the grassy…