Silent Beach, Tangalle: Sri Lanka’s Most Hidden Beach
- Kate Colliety
- Jun 20
- 5 min read
We know it’s cliche to say we’ve found the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka, and we often cringe at travel bloggers who write that claim over and over again…but, as much as it pains us to say it Silent Beach Tangalle is the most perfect palm tree fringed stretch of sand we saw during our two months in Sri Lanka.
Now, we’re not saying it’s our favourite beach, there’s no surf here, but in terms of aesthetics and Insta worthy places Silent Beach was flawless.
Silent Beach stretches along the south coast of Sri Lanka near Tangalle and is a place where the Indian Ocean laps the shore which is shaded by a wall of palm. High end resorts such as Uga Prava are nestled amongst the seafront jungle and there are a few local wooden-shack bars on the beachfront ready to serve you cocktails.
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Where Is Silent Beach Tangalle?
Silent beach is on the south coast of Sri Lanka near one of the last coastal towns, Tangalle. Being slightly out of the way, Tangalle is less developed and quieter than other towns making it the perfect getaway destination. If you want to find out more about the top things to do in Tangalle, we’ve create a full travel guide which can be found here.
How To Get To Silent Beach, Sri Lanka?
Once you’re in Tangalle, which is a stop along the main coastal road that runs the length of Sri Lanka’s south coast, Silent beach isn’t too far away. Just a 10-minute drive west will bring you to a narrow road that leads down to the beach.
If you’re driving your own tuktuk there is a car park on the right-hand side which costs 300 LKR (150 LKR for scooters). From here it is a short walk downhill, through a resort and onto the beach.
Wondering how to get to Tangalle? Our full guide to Tangalle shares the easy transport routes including by bus, train or hired tuktuk.
Parking Costs At Silent Beach
Scooter 150 LKR
Tuktuk 300 LKR
Van 500LKR
What To Expect At Silent Beach Tangalle
The sand scorched our feet as we wandered along the sand exploring the very end of Silent Beach which joins up with the more popular Unakuruwa Beach. The large waves rolled in and we played a game of don’t get splashed even though the cooling waves were a relief in the midday heat.
When we visited the sea was wild, frothy and the waves rolled in with power making it not a safe swimming spot. We did however make use of the backdrop to snap some photos on a nearly empty beach!
There’s plenty of shade here to escape the sun, and space meaning you can find your own hidden spot.
There are a few beach bars directly on the sand which are perfect for a drink but for lunch we recommend The Lobster Pot, which serves fresh seafood daily and you can use the sunbeds here if you make a purchase.
We found Silent Beach to be, in fact, silent with few tourists, it was much less crowded than Goyambokka and Tangalle Beach. However, it wasn’t the only hidden beach we found in Tangalle, we also discovered Jungle Beach that had even fewer people!
Other Hidden Beaches Near Silent Beach Tangalle
Jungle Beach - we found even fewer tourists here, with natural jungle backing right onto the sand, perhaps due to the hidden access road.
Unakuruwa Beach -calmer waters better for swimming when Silent Beach waves are too rough.
Goyambokka Beach - more developed with comfortable sun loungers and cold drinks, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Rekawa Turtle Beach - turtle watching hotspot where evening tours cost 1,000 LKR per person to see nesting turtles.
Where To Stay Near Silent Beach Tangalle
Luxury Resort Near Silent Beach
This resort opened in May 2025 and offers 5-star luxury walking distance from Silent Beach Tangalle. Its exclusivity is clear with only seven suites, a dining experience to connect you to the ocean and stunning infinity pool.
Budget Homestay Near Silent Beach
If you’re looking for peace and quiet on a budget, Appu Villa is set back from Silent Beach surrounded by greenery. This budget homestay allows you to walk down to the beach for sunset and enjoy the hospitality of Sri Lankan hosts.
Silent Beach Common Questions
How To Get To Silent Beach
Silent beach is just a 10 minute drive from Tangalle. A tuktuk taxi or your own hire vehicle is the easiest way to reach the beach.
When is the best time to visit Silent Beach Tangalle?
The best time to visit Silent Beach is during the dry season which runs from December to March and the temperature sits between 25°C and 30°C. We also recommend you visit before the sun gets too hot, we like visiting beaches in the morning so we can have them all to ourselves.
Is Silent Beach good for surfing?
Silent Beach isn’t a surf beach but great news, you’re not too far away from Hiriketiya, one of the best surf beaches in the country.
How much does it cost to get to Silent Beach from Tangalle?
A tuk-tuk from Tangalle to Silent Beach costs around 500 LKR (approximately $1.50 USD) and takes 9 minutes. If you're coming direct from Colombo airport, expect to pay $90-100 USD for a private taxi, which takes about 3.5 hours via the highway.
Can you swim at Silent Beach?
When we visited the sea was rough with powerful waves, so we don’t recommend swimming here. We recommend Tangalle Beach for swimming.
Can I see turtles at Silent Beach?
Discover The Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka!
While driving around the country for 2-months, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited and were recommended in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your Sri Lankan adventure! Don’t miss out...click here to view for free!
Best Tangalle Tours
Tangalle Travel Tips
Stay near the beach rather than in the main town which is pretty hectic!
Time your visit for turtle season - the best time to see turtles at Rekawa Beach is between April and July.
Bring cash - There are ATMs in Tangalle but most guesthouses, tuk-tuks and restaurants only accept cash.
Be careful of the ocean currents - The beaches here are beautiful but have strong currents and waves, the best swimming can be found at Goyambokka or Silent Beach
Final Thoughts on Silent Beach Tangalle
Often we reminisce about Silent Beach, being nearly alone on such a stunning strip of sand doesn’t normally happen and we fondly remember our time there snapping photos we could treasure.
If you’re looking for a quiet beach, one that shows off what nature has to offer, then Silent Beach Tangalle needs to be added to your Sri Lanka itinerary!
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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