Explore the South Coast
With some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic highlights nearby, Villa Tanderra is the perfect base to discover the treasures of the south. From the wildlife of Yala National Park, to the history and charm of Galle Fort, to the golden beaches that stretch along the southern coastline, adventure and culture are always within reach.
Our dedicated team is on hand to arrange every detail—whether it’s a guided safari, a day trip along the coast, or a curated local experience—so you can explore the best of Sri Lanka with ease and comfort.
Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Just minutes from Villa Tanderra lies the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most treasured nature reserves. Home to lagoons, mangroves, and shimmering wetlands, this sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Here, you can spot rare and migratory birds, glide along tranquil waters by boat, and immerse yourself in the serenity of an unspoiled ecosystem. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to experience the south coast’s natural beauty—right on your doorstep.
Our team can arrange guided tours or private excursions, ensuring you enjoy this remarkable sanctuary in comfort and style.
Turtle Conservation
Just beyond Villa Tanderra’s shores, the beaches of Sri Lanka’s south coast transform into nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley, Green, and Leatherback turtles. Witnessing these ancient mariners return to the very sands of their birth to lay eggs is nothing short of magical—a cycle of life that has continued for generations.
It is a rare and moving experience to stand beneath the stars as a turtle, having travelled thousands of nautical miles, entrusts the next generation to the safety of the shore.
Our team can arrange guided visits to local conservation projects, giving you the chance to learn, observe, and be part of protecting these extraordinary creatures for the future.
Yala National Park
A stay at Villa Tanderra places you within easy reach of Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve. Known for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, Yala is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds—making every safari an unforgettable adventure.
Venture into this vast landscape of forests, grasslands, and lagoons, where each game drive brings you closer to the island’s wild heart. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting a leopard at dusk or watching elephants roam freely, Yala offers an experience that is as raw as it is breathtaking.
Our team can arrange private safaris with expert naturalists, ensuring your journey into the wild is seamless, comfortable, and deeply memorable.
Bundala National Park
Just a short journey from Villa Tanderra lies the enchanting Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Sri Lanka’s most important sanctuaries for migratory water birds. With over 197 recorded species, the park is most famous for the arrival of magnificent greater flamingos, which gather here in dazzling flocks during the season.
This water-bound paradise is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of forest birds, making every visit a vibrant mosaic of wildlife and wetland beauty. For nature enthusiasts, Bundala offers a more tranquil counterpart to Yala, with fewer crowds and breathtaking encounters at every turn.
Our team can arrange guided excursions to Bundala, ensuring you experience this extraordinary park in comfort, with every detail taken care of.
Whale watching from Mirissa
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s premier destinations for whale watching, and from Villa Tanderra you are perfectly placed to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle. Just off the southern coast lies one of only two places on earth known to harbour a non-migratory population of blue whales—the largest living creatures on the planet.
Alongside these gentle giants, the southern seas also host sperm whales and humpback whales on their migratory journeys, as well as playful pods of dolphins that dance across the waves. Setting out from Mirissa at dawn, you’ll have the chance to encounter these ocean titans in their natural habitat—an unforgettable experience that defines the magic of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Our team can arrange exclusive excursions with trusted guides, ensuring your whale-watching adventure is as seamless, safe, and extraordinary as the sights themselves.
Shangri-La 18 Hole Golf Course
For those who enjoy a round of golf, a world-class course awaits just 25 minutes from Villa Tanderra. Set between the Indian Ocean and tranquil lakes, and frequented by local wildlife, this spectacular course offers an unforgettable playing experience for both beginners and seasoned golfers alike.
With motorised carts and personal caddies included in the green fees, every game is made effortless. A fully stocked pro shop and premium clubs available for hire mean you can enjoy an impromptu round without preparation.
Afterwards, unwind over lunch or dinner at the elegant clubhouse—an experience that combines sport, scenery, and refined hospitality in perfect measure.
Mulkirigala Rock Temple
A short journey inland from Villa Tanderra takes you to the ancient Mulkirigala Rock Temples, a serene cultural landmark set amidst lush forest. Dating back over 2,000 years and still a place of worship today, the site is famed for its magnificent Buddha statues and vibrant frescoes that line the cave temples carved into the rock face.
Climbing the 500 stone steps to the summit is rewarded with breathtaking views across the countryside, where a solitary dagoba crowns the 200-metre-high rock. The atmosphere here is both peaceful and humbling—a window into Sri Lanka’s deep spiritual heritage.
Our team can arrange guided visits, ensuring your journey to Mulkirigala is both enriching and effortless.