What to Do in Tangalle if You Only Have One Day

Only got one day to spend in Tangalle? Well, that’s more than enough time to explore the best of the town. Where is Tangalle? It’s on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This little beach town draws tourists and locals in their hundreds in pursuit of the best beach holiday. While its beaches are the main highlights, there are other things deserving of your attention, too. Here’s what to do and where to go in a day in Tangalle.

Ridiyagama Safari Park

Want to see wildlife while you’re here? Ridiyagama Safari Park in Tangalle gives you the perfect opportunity to see animals like lions, elephants, and zebras without travelling all the way to Africa. 

The park happens to be the first drive-through safari park in Sri Lanka and is the perfect spot to visit for people who love animals. It’s clean, well organised, and home to a wide range of animals. You have two options: take an air-conditioned bus to explore, or hop in a jeep for a true safari-style experience.  

A City Tour 

You know what the best thing to do is if you only have a day? Join a city tour, which hotels like Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort will gladly arrange, in addition to providing luxury beach villas in Sri Lanka. 

Some tours also accommodate special requests. It’s an excellent way to see the city and appreciate the local culture, while enjoying the benefit of a guide adding context to what you see.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

This isn’t an attraction that gets talked about much, which makes it all the more worth a visit!  Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem that’s perfect for an early morning boat ride. Even if you’re not really into boat rides, the calm water, soft lighting, and quiet surroundings make it a memorable visit. 

You’ll paddle through the wetlands, taking in the scenery, while your guide points out different types of birds. The sanctuary is protected and well looked after, so it feels unspoiled. 

Get here in time for the sunrise. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Agricultural Technology Park 

If you’re an eco-conscious traveller, you’d love to visit the Agricultural Technology Park. It’s an opportunity to see how old and new methods of farming work. Plus, there’s a herb garden as well as an orchid garden. 

Visitors get to enjoy the sun-kissed fresh produce and take in the beauty of the floriculture garden. While you’re there, make time to visit the crop museum and appreciate the methods of rainwater harvesting.

Turtle Watch Rekawa

One of the most enthralling experiences you can have in Tangalle is watching sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Get here before 10 pm to see this wonderful natural event. Don’t make a noise – you don’t want to scare the turtles away. Watch calmly as the turtle digs her nest and lays eggs under the shade of the moonlight. 

After laying the eggs, the turtles slowly trudge back to the ocean, which is a joy to see. The wildlife rangers do an excellent job of letting you enjoy the experience while protecting the eggs and the turtles.

Whale Watching 

Are you visiting from December to April? Then you must make time for whale watching in Mirissa. You might not be able to fit it into your one-day itinerary, but the experience is worthwhile enough to shuffle a few other activities around. Mirissa is only a short drive from Tangalle, so try to opt for a morning trip. 

The calm sea and clear skies make it the perfect place to see some of the biggest marine creatures on earth. Blue whales and sperm whales are the most common encounters. With any luck, you might also see dolphins. Experienced guides know where to go for the best chance of seeing these animals. 

Having a whale breach, splash, and swim close to the beach is one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.