Koggala is a small but already very popular resort located south of Colombo. Its main attraction is a luxurious five-kilometer beach that attracts tourists of all stripes. Families with children and party-goers, newlyweds stunned with love, fans of active water sports and just typical beach couch potatoes love to swim and relax here.
In addition, diving centers with experienced instructors operate on the coast (open from October to March), which attract tourists with trendy PADI certificates.
Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Sri Lanka is 22.16 million (2021).
Koggala is also interesting for its lake, which stretches along the beach line for many kilometers.
How to get there
Koggala is located just 12 km from Galle, an ancient beautiful city that has excellent communication with the capital and other major transport hubs of Sri Lanka. You can get there both by taxi and by bus (it is better to check the schedule on the spot). It is 130 km to Colombo, to get to the airport it is worth renting a car, at worst – a bus through Galle, but this is not very comfortable.
It is said that Koggala was born only thanks to the popular local writer Martin Wickramasingha.
Koggala Hotels
On the coast of the amazing beach of Koggala there are several nice hotels, for example, Koggala Beach or one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka, The Fortress 5 * with a well-known spa throughout the country. But you can easily find a cozy boarding house or guesthouse on the spot.
Entertainment and attractions in Koggala
In Koggala there is an interesting Museum of Folk Art and Culture with an extensive and very rare collection of cultural and household items from different regions of the island. The exposition is divided into 25 parts: handicrafts, music, art, architecture, medicine, clothing, religion, etc.
It is said that Koggala was born only thanks to the popular local writer Martin Wickramasingha. His most famous novel, Madol Duwa, mentions a tiny island near the resort, which brought popularity to this place.
Of course, the “resort” lake of the same name is also interesting, the shores of which are loved by birds of all colors and stripes. This is not just a very picturesque place with rich flora and fauna, but also a popular resort among fans of eco-tourism. The lake is also famous for its hermitages, which are located on islands scattered throughout the water surface. These are the sanctuaries of the first Buddhists of Sri Lanka, so it is no wonder that many pilgrims from all over the island strive to visit here. Tourists can repeat their path using sightseeing catamarans.
In addition, it is worth stopping by a couple of Sinhalese villages that are located around Lake Koggala. In order to get acquainted with the exotic local life and take some unforgettable photos.
Excursions
From Koggala, excursions to Galle (12 km and no more than 20 minutes drive) are popular, where you can look at the old fort, the church inherited from the Danes, as well as several museums. Nearby is a Buddhist island near Rathgama Lake – a place of indescribable beauty and tranquility. Other popular excursions include a trip to the turtle farms, the spice garden, the Kalutara temple, and Weligama, where you can master the surfboard.
Mount Lavinia
Mount Lavinia resort is located 12 km south of Colombo. Its beaches are the most famous in Sri Lanka since the time of the English colony. For the most part, due to the proximity to the capital. Those wishing to spend a quiet day on the beach in relative seclusion (compared to Colombo) will definitely like it here.
The Governor’s House, built by Sir Thomas Maitland in 1805 for his mistress Lovinia (hence the place’s name), has now been converted into the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel (100 Hotel Road, Colombo 094). On the beach, hawkers sell fresh pineapple and coconut juices, as well as local souvenirs and colorful shells.
The current near the beach is sometimes quite strong and often changes its direction, so you should carefully follow the announcements of the rescue service.
Attractions and attractions in Mount Lavinia
Not far from Mount Lavinia are the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela (Dehiwela, better known as the Dehiwela Zoo) – one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The best time to visit is early in the morning, right from the opening (opening hours: 8:00-18:00). At this time, the animals in the zoo, of which there are over 360 species, are more active: they wake up, wash and have breakfast. In addition, in some parts of the zoo, an “open space concept” was used, when animals and people can walk side by side (for example, the islands of lions and gibbons). There is also an elephant show.
A few kilometers from the resort is a huge lake Bolgoda (Bolgoda Lake) – the largest natural reservoir of fresh water in Sri Lanka. It is home to 45 species of fish, 160 species of birds (migratory and waterfowl), a very rich flora and, of course, the ubiquitous mangroves.