Tangalle
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| State : |
 Sri Lanka
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| Province : | Southern province | ||
| District : | Hambantota | ||
| Residents: | 72,200 (2012) | ||
Tangalle ( Sinhala තංගල්ල ˈtaŋgalːə ) is a small town in southern Sri Lanka .
The name means "protruding rock" and refers to the rocks that form the coast in the area of the city, while otherwise mainly sandy beaches are in the vicinity . Tangalle is a fishing port of regional importance and a sub-center of tourism . In the city center there is an old Dutch fort that is now used as a prison . The city serves as a starting point for visits to the nearby rock temple of Mulkirigala .
Culture and sights
- Mulkirigala Rajamaha Viharaya , the Mulkirigala stone temple is located 20 km north of the city. The temple complex consists of ancient wall paintings, a reclining Buddha statue and several cave temples that can be found on different levels.
- 11.2 km north of the city is the Hummanaya - blowhole , which is best visited in June. To get there, drive to the fishing village of Kudawella.
- The Kalametiya bird sanctuary is 24 km east of the city. It was declared a nature reserve in 1938 , originally with 2500 hectares, but was abolished in 1946 due to resistance from local residents. In 1984 it was declared a nature reserve again, but with a greatly reduced area. The Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is an area of coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps , rich in marine animals and home to four nationally endangered bird species: coastal heron , brown ibis , cap lair and Ceylon grouse . In addition, other bird species and reptiles exist there, a large number of which are nationally and globally threatened.
- The Parewella Natural Swimming Area is 0.9 km from the city center.
Personalities
- Suwanda Hennedige Sauris Silva (1898–1982), dancer, poet, social worker and journalist
- Mahinda Rajapaksa (1945–), sixth President of Sri Lanka , Acting Prime Minister of Sri Lanka