" Medaketiya and Medilla Beach "

The beaches of Medaketiya and Medilla are perfect for swimming and relaxation purposes. These beaches located towards the east of the town are relatively uncrowded like many other beaches in Tangalle. These two beaches are located on a land which is covered by the ocean on one side and mangroves on the other. The long stretch of golden sand and the deep blue water makes this beach a tranquil and peaceful place that is good for relaxation. The waves can be considerably strong at times. In spite of this, the beach of Medaketiya is one of the best spots in Tangalle for swimming. From this beach you will get a fine view of the ocean, fishing boats and the harbor.

The pristine beach of Medilla is also uncluttered by tourists and is a great place to relax in and enjoy the sun and sand while getting a suntan. The golden sandy shores and the palm trees create a breathtaking picture and is another place that is suitable for swimming in Tangalle.

The best time to relax here is December, January and February. In March and April, the ocean departs from the coast, exposing the bottom and leaving shallow lagoons, which are not very comfortable to

swim in. The beach is densely built with hotels and guesthouses. Only a few sites are empty.

Tangall offers a range of activities for travelers seeking a mix of cultural experiences, beach relaxation and nature exploration. Here are some things to do in Tangalle :

Visit Tangalle Lighthouse:

Explore the picturesque Tangalle Lighthouse, located on the rocky coastline, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project:

Visit the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project to witness turtle conservation efforts and possibly witness turtles nesting or hatching on the beach.

Mulkirigala Rock Monastery:

Explore the Mulkirigala Rock Monastery, a historical site with ancient cave temples and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary:

Birdwatching enthusiasts can visit the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory and resident bird species.

Hoo-maniya Blowhole:

Witness the natural wonder of the Hoo-maniya Blowhole, where waves create a spectacular water fountain through a hole in the rocks.

Tangalle Blow Hole: 

Visit the Tangalle blow hole, another natural phenomenon where waves create a fountain  - like spray through a coastal opening. 

To develop Tangalle Beach in Sri Lanka sustainably, it's crucial to adopt practices that balance tourism, environmental conservation, and the well-being of local communities.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Publicize Sustainable Practices: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate both locals and tourists about the importance of sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

Eco-friendly Tourism

Low-Impact Accommodations:  Encourage and promote eco-friendly accommodations that follow sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation.

·     Responsible Tourism: Education Implement educational programs for tourists to raise awareness about responsible beach behavior and the importance of preserving the natural environment.

Waste Management:

·     Beach Cleanup Initiatives: Organize regular beach cleanup events involving local  communities, tourists, and businesses to maintain cleanliness and prevent pollution.

Waste Reduction Practices: Promote the use of reusable items, discourage single-use plastics, and implement proper waste disposal systems.

Biodiversity Conservation:

·         Protected Areas: Identify and protect sensitive ecosystems along the coastline to preserve biodiversity.

  Restoration Projects: Implement initiatives to restore and rehabilitate damaged ecosystems, including dunes and vegetation.

Bibliography

Rathnayake, C.V. and Darshi, G.A.N., 2009. An application of sustainable tourism attitude scale (SUS-TAS) in three coastal tourist destinations in the southern province of Sri Lanka. Role of managers in a knowledge economy, pp.161-170.

Salpage, N.D., Aanesen, M. and Armstrong, C.W., 2022. Willingness to pay for mangrove restoration to reduce the climate change impacts on ecotourism in Rekawa coastal wetland, Sri Lanka.

Somachandra, M.T., Senadheera, S.P.S.D., Liyanage, P.D.I.S. and Chathuranga, L., 2015, June. Biodiversity and Socio-economic importance of the Polommaruwa Wewa, Tangalle, Sri Lanka with special reference to anthropogenic impacts. NARA.