Strung along one of the South’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, Tangalle is a charming beach destination featuring a mix of simple guesthouses and a few upscale hotels and villas scattered along its oceanfront coves and beaches. While tourism has not reached the heights that locals might hope for, Tangalle remains delightfully low-key compared to the busier resorts further west. Its appeal is further enhanced by the many attractions in the surrounding countryside, including the Hoo-maniya blowhole, the giant Buddha and colorful shrines of Wewurukannala, and the magnificent rock temples of Mulkirigala, all of which can be explored in a rewarding half-day excursion. Nearby, Rekawa Beach offers Sri Lanka’s premier turtle-watching experience, while dedicated birdwatchers can enjoy the little-visited Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, which pairs perfectly with a visit to the mysterious Ussangoda plateau.