After the wildlife encounters and peaceful countryside of Udawalawe, it was time to slow the pace even further. Heading south to the coast, we arrived in Tangalle, a beach resort. Here we found palm-fringed beaches, swaying hammocks and the sound of the Indian Ocean, setting a relaxing and peaceful scene for the next chapter of our Sri Lankan adventure.
Our home for the next few days was Palm Paradise Cabanas & Villas, a relaxed beachfront retreat that appealed to us because of its standalone cabanas. Simple, comfortable and full of tropical charm, they blended perfectly with the natural surroundings and offered a refreshing change from a traditional hotel room. Best of all, the beach was just a short stroll away.
Life on the beach was fascinating. Throughout the day, local fishermen would return with their catch, which was soon transformed into meals at the small beachfront cafés. We couldn’t resist taking advantage of seafood this fresh, enjoying relaxed lunches by the ocean and unforgettable dinners under the stars, feasting on freshly cooked lobster with the gentle sound of the waves lapping at our feet. We fondly remember this and talk about it often as a very memorable experience.
One thing that really stood out to us throughout Sri Lanka was the dogs. They seemed to be everywhere, particularly in smaller towns like Ella, Udawalawe and Tangalle. At first, we thought they were strays, but our host in Ella explained that many are what locals think of as community dogs. Rather than belonging to one family, they’re often fed and looked after by people in the neighbourhood and are free to wander wherever they please. Some may spend a few days with one family before settling under the table at a café or finding a sunny spot on the veranda of a guesthouse.
By the time we reached Tangalle, having a dog quietly curl up beneath our table while we enjoyed lunch or snooze on a lounge chair outside our cabana felt completely normal. They never demanded attention, they were part of the relaxed life in Sri Lanka. Travel has taught us there isn’t just one way of living, or of sharing your world with animals.
It was a short tuk-tuk ride into town, and we spent time doing what we love most – wandering through the local food markets, watching daily life unfold around us and discovering ingredients we’d never seen before.
One thing we noticed throughout Sri Lanka was the incredible resourcefulness of the people. In the local markets, stalls were often created with whatever materials were available, like a simple covering made from recycled cardboard boxes, carefully pieced together to provide shade and protection. It was a small detail, but one that reflected a wonderful ability to adapt, make do and find practical solutions with what was at hand.
On our drive back to Colombo, our driver took us on an unexpected detour to a small batik workshop near Galle. Tucked away down a tiny alley, it was the kind of place you would only discover with someone who knew the area well.
Stepping inside, we were immediately transported into a world of colour, creativity and tradition. The smell of the dyes, the warmth rising from the vats and the quiet concentration on the faces of the women as they carefully created each piece by hand made it a truly memorable experience. Watching the intricate process unfold, we gained a new appreciation for the skill, patience and artistry behind this beautiful Sri Lankan craft.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without taking a small piece of this experience home with us. Today, that batik artwork hangs proudly on our wall — a reminder not only of Sri Lanka, but of a spontaneous stop that became one of our favourite memories from the journey.
Our time in Sri Lanka was coming to an end.
There were so many moments throughout our travels here but it was the unexpected experiences that stayed with us the most, from wandering local markets and sharing the beach with the community dogs, to discovering a hidden batik workshop and bringing home a piece of Sri Lankan artistry.
Tangalle was the perfect finale to our travels. Overall there were unforgettable landscapes, remarkable wildlife, rich traditions and warm hospitality making Sri Lanka such a special destination.
I know we will return one day.
Catherine & Jeff