Koggala – A rapidly growing tourist sensation

Travelling is deemed a very healthy exercise to mind and body as it grants individuals a much-needed relaxation at times. If you are looking for an all-inclusive weekend with lots and lots to see and do, let us suggest a city that encapsulates all: Koggala.

A small coastal town, situated at the edge of a lagoon on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Koggala belongs to the Galle District in the Southern Province and is governed by an Urban Council. It is a rather strange strip of holiday resorts, 5 star hotels, small kiosks, beaches and many other attractions. The beaches are definitely not crowded while the Koggala River and Koggala Lake are said to be definite tourist attractions.

Koggala

The Lake, hermitages, beaches and many more

Koggala is a wide stretched village on Sri Lanka‘s South Coast. The Koggala beach is a beautiful stretch of clear water and soft golden sand carrying some of the best surf spots on the island. You can also reach the next bays; Ahangama and Midigama, if time permits.

Some of the interesting places to visit in Koggala are Buddhist hermitages which are situated on a couple of islets on the Koggala Lake, which may be visited with prior permission.

Koggala Lake is alive with birdlife and dotted with islands, one of which features a Buddhist temple that attracts many visitors on poya days and another that contains an interesting cinnamon plantation. You can take a 90-minute boat tour of the lake and islands in a four-passenger motor boat. If not, you can ride on a catamaran around the Lake with a local villager who may be willing to take you fishing upon request.

Besides the main sights, there is also a small island village with an abundance of avifauna. The Hadungoda Tea Estate and the Turtle Hatchery are also located close by.

When one visits Koggala, one does not miss a visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum. This museum includes the house where the respected Sinhalese author Martin Wickramasinghe was born. Among the exhibits are dance costumes and instruments, puppets, kolam (masked dance-drama) masks, kitchen utensils and carriages.

Relax and unwind

While at Koggala, you could also take a bicycle ride along the dirt tracks of the villages around the perimeter of the Lake to discover some of the wonderful vegetation and animal life in the area. Many little shops are located close by, which are perfect to satisfy your daily needs. Little beach restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes and provide excellent views overlooking the picturesque bay.

How do I get there?

The directions are pretty clear. The Southern expressway will provide you a comfortable ride and the town is just 17km away from the port-city of Galle. From Colombo, it will take you a mere 2 hours to reach the destination.

Best season to visit

Like for any other sightseeing/ travel destination, it is always best to avoid the rainy season.

Who Are We?

We are Antiquity Sri Lanka. We offer bespoke tours to the tropical island where you will find yourself lost in the marvels of the country, while we take care of all the details.

Speak to our team of friendly and warm customer agents who’ll craft the very best packages that fit your exact requirements.