Tangalle is a large town in Hambantota District. It is one of the largest towns in southern province. It is located 195 km south of Colombo and 35 east of Matara. It has a mild climate, and has pristine sandy beaches. Tangalle serves as an economically important fishing port, situated on one of the largest bays in Sri Lanka and the bay is protected from the ocean by an enclosing reef. It is a popular holiday destination on the south coast. In the town centre there is an old Dutch fort which is used as a prison today. The British used Tangalle as an important anchorage on the southern coast of the island. The Dutch Fort, Rest House and Court House are a few remaining examples of Dutch architecture in Tangalle. Tangalle lies 195 kilometers away from Colombo and takes just over 3 hours to get to via the southern expressway.