Koggala Things to do

Beaches
Koggala's exquisite beaches are amongst the finest in all of Sri Lanka. A mile of unspoilt golden sand reaches along the coast, the sharp blue waters of the Indian Ocean lap at the shore, and lush, leafy palms offer cool patches of shade. Koggala's tropical beaches are ideal for lazy days sunbathing and swimming in the sea, for taking a relaxing stroll along the shoreline, or for enjoying a spot of beach volleyball or snorkelling. The nearby Unawatuna Beach is also famous for its superb surfing opportunities. Whatever your preference, Koggala will accommodate it. Best of all, with just a handful of luxury hotels in the area, the beaches will never be crowded.

Entertainment
Koggala's luxury hotels boast a full range of facilities and activities, including swimming pools and jacuzzis, indoor game rooms to avoid the worst heat, snorkelling and scuba diving, beach volleyball, badminton, deep sea fishing, nature walks, bird watching, massage centres, shopping arcades, regular cultural shows in the evenings, live music and more. Investigate the available accommodation to discover exactly what is on offer!

Excursions
The area around Koggala has a lot to offer those interested in exploring the Sri Lankan countryside. A small nearby turtle hatchery offers the opportunity to see newborn turtles being fed and cared for – until they're ready to be released into the wild. A few kilometres away the tranquil Koggala lagoon can be found, an area rich in birdlife and dotted with small islands. The lagoon islands themselves host a Buddhist temple and the Ananda Spice Garden, which offers herbal cures and wines. There is also the Kottawa nature reserve, a small area of rainforest showcasing many species of flora.

Historical sites
Those with an interest in the literary may be attracted to the Folk Museum dedicated to Martin Wickramsinghe, one of the most important Sinhalese writers of the last century. The museum showcases traditional Sri Lankan culture and Sinhalese Buddhism. For history buffs, a 5km trip from Koggala will bring you to the Kataluwa Purvarama Mahavihara – a renowned 13th century temple boasting many remarkable paintings. Finally, a few kilometres away can be found Ahangama – where fishermen practice the unique and ancient art of fishing with a rod and line whilst perched on stilts planted in the sea bed. The art is unique to this region and demands great skill.

Sri Lankan cuisine
Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and spicy and Koggala's facilities offer a broad range of traditional dishes. Curries containing cinnamon, chilli and coconut are popular, and a broad selection of seafood is always on offer. Regional cuisines like Chinese, Malay and Indian are also available, as are modern Western foods.