DAY 11: TANGALLE

BEACHES GALORE

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka are strung along the coast either side of TANGALLE. The wide expanses of golden sand here are backed by lush vegetation and are blissfully unspoilt, and in the coves to the west of town your only company is likely to be the occasional fisherman bringing home his catch. Take your pick for a day of relaxing, or hop between a couple on a tuk-tuk. Lovely GOYAMBOKKA BEACH, 13km west of Tangalle, and neighbouring PALLIKADUWA BEACH are peaceful bays bookended by rocky promontories; at one end of Goyambokka, you’ll find wooden sun loungers shaded by rattan-thatched parasols. If anything, so-called SILENT BEACH, 1.5km further west, is even prettier, a pristine crescent of sand that’s the tranquil preserve of a few guests from the hilltop Amanwella resort. As with several sections along the south coast, the waves here can get quite powerful and the currents can be strong (mornings are calmer); you’re best off swimming near the eastern point (before the rocks). Pick of all the beaches, though, is gorgeous MAWELLA BEACH, a quarter-pipe of soft honeyed sand 5km further on. Despite curving along the coast for several kilometres, it feels like a secret spot, where just you, your kids and a handful of in-the-know tourists will enjoy safe swimming and fiery sunsets.

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