Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Kalametiya was first declared a protected area in 1938 and has been a haven for wildlife since. Its diverse mix of habitats, such as coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps and open grasslands make it a perfect home for both marine life and bird life. The sanctuary makes a peaceful and laid-back trip for those who wish to birdwatch and more active trip for those who love to trek through jungle paths. The area is recognised as being home to four nationally threatened bird species and 38 species of reptiles, both nationally and internationally threatened meaning its preservation is even more so important.
Hoo-maniya Blowhole
Despite its rather amusing name, the blowhole can be either spectacular or extremely dull depending on your luck. The best time to see the natural water firework is during the South-West Monsoon in June however it is never guaranteed that you will witness the high seas shooting water 23m into the air through an impressive rock formation.
Around Tangalla
A rewarding half-day trip from Tangalla combines the Hoo-maniya blowhole, the Wewurukannala temple with its enormous Buddha statue and the absorbing rock temples of Mulkirigala. All local guesthouses should be able to arrange a combined round-trip by tuktuk to these three places; the current going rate is around Rs.2500 for two people. Other interesting local excursions include evening trips to spot turtles coming ashore at Rekawa, while Tangalla can also be used as a base for trips to the little-visited wetlands of the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary en route to Hambantota.
The beaches
Tangalla’s beaches stretch for several kilometres either side of Tangalla town, a busy but unremarkable provincial centre with a dusty selection of shops and cafés plus the obligatory clocktower and anarchic bus station. The most developed section of coast, though still very somnolent, is to the east of town, along Medaketiya and Medilla beaches, a long, straight stretch of golden sand lined with a string of guesthouses opened in anticipation of a flood of tourists who have yet to arrive. Beyond Medilla, around 4km northeast of Tangalla town, the coastline tapers to little more than a sandspit at idyllic Kapuhenwala beach in Marakolliya, backed by the mangrove-fringed Rekawa lagoon.
Though just as sleepy, the coast immediately west of town, known as Pallikaduwa, is quite different in character, made up of a sequence of pretty rocky coves – much more scenic than Medaketiya and Medilla, but with little sand. The rocky shoreline here has prevented building directly on the beach, so most of Pallikaduwa’s accommodation is set back behind the main road.
The most striking section of Tangalla coastline can be found a couple of kilometres further west at the village of Goyambokka, with a superb rocky promontory flanked by two gorgeous beaches – to the west of the headland, Godellawela Beach (or “Silent Beach”, as it’s popularly known) is an absolute picture, though you’ll have to share it with guests from the superb Amanwella hotel.