Sri Lanka / The South Coast / TangalleTangalle
Quiet Bays and Turtle Nights in the Far South
Long, empty beaches and rocky coves east of Mirissa: Goyambokka, Silent Beach and Medaketiya, with boutique villas and a few big resorts. Strong currents on most of the open beaches, so swim where locals say. Nesting turtles come ashore at night at Rekawa; the Mulkirigala rock temple and the Hummanaya blowhole are close. Yala is 1.5 hours east.
Highlights
- Goyambokka and Silent Beach coves
- Night turtle watch at Rekawa
- Mulkirigala rock temple
- Hummanaya blowhole
- Kalametiya lagoon birding
- Seafood in the fishing harbour
Things to do
- Rekawa turtle watchEvening · 2h 30m
- Mulkirigala rock templeMorning · 2h 30m
- Beach day at Goyambokka and Silent BeachAfternoon · 4h
- Hummanaya blowholeAfternoon · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: December – April
Worth knowing
South-West Monsoon: Rough Seas
From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain, wind and big waves to the west and south coasts: red flags and strong currents on most beaches, whale-watching boats stop, and many beach restaurants close. It rarely rains all day, and rooms are cheaper, but for swimming go to the east coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay), which is in season.
- Christmas and New Year peak — The south coast's busiest and dearest fortnight: beach hotels set minimum stays and gala dinners on 24 and 31 December, the Ella train and Yala jeeps sell out, and Indian holiday-makers add to the European winter crowds. Book rooms and reserved train seats by October.