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    Day Trip from Galle to Koggala

    An intimate collection of experiences for couples

    Further east of the bustling city of Galle, 21 kilometres away lies the coastal town and beaches of Koggala. Famous as one of the longest stretches of beach along the southern coast, you can escape Galle on a magical day trip to Koggala. Koggala’s charm lies in its secluded intimate setting, all within distance of Galle and with a host of romantic beaches and activities to explore.

    You have probably seen postcards or paintings of Sri Lanka featuring stilt fishermen. A dying art, today these fisher folk are within view along the beaches of Koggala.

    Follow this curated couples’ guide for a fun outing in enchanting Koggala.

    Koggala Beach

    Koggala Beach

    Koggala Beach

    Surrounded by jungle foliage and sun-kissed waters, Koggala is a serene beach with a feeling of calm and peace perfect for relaxation and refreshing ocean swims.

    The nearby local shops offer refreshing thirst-quenching local King Coconuts for hydration. With seafood served in the local restaurants, Koggala has the ambience and facilities for a sun-drenched ocean escape.

    Koggala Lake
    Koggala Lake
    Koggala Lake
    The Koggala Lagoon is a short stroll from the Beach. This expansive lake has an alluring draw for couples keen on partaking in varied lake adventures. Take a boat tour exploring the enchanting lagoon and its local birdlife and small islands, some with local villages that call them home. Koggala Lake, also known as Koggala Lagoon, is a pristine ecosystem amidst a captivating scene of natural beauty and ecological diversity.

    Explore the Islands of the Koggala Lake

    Koggala Lake has approximately eight small and large islands of which around seven are inhabited by locals.
    The boat tour will reveal the harmonious co-existence of species within the embrace of the Lagoon waters. Within the lush mangrove swamps, a unique and diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna flourish.

    The usual boat tour will cover four of the islands, each unique with its own story and allure.

    Cinnamon Island

    Encounter a family with a genealogy of over 100 years on this island, engaged in traditional organic Ceylon Cinnamon cultivation. Witness their extraordinary skills in producing the best cinnamon as well as the warmth of their hospitality. Witness a simple life and warm smiles. The tour usually includes a warm cup of pure cinnamon tea before you depart.

    Madol Duwa

    No doubt the most famous island on this lake, Madol Duwa is the island that sparked the imagination for a famous and classic Sri Lankan literary piece. A Koggala native, Martin Wickramasinghe, is possibly the most famous author on the island and penned his famous work ‘Madol Duwa’ in 1947. The story revolves around the lives of Upali Giniwella and his companions, depicting their lives, trials and tribulations on the southern coast during the 1890s. A timeless narrative, and compulsory reading in Sri Lankan schools, the novel has been translated into nine languages and adapted as a film in 1976.

    Bird Island

    A bird-watching paradise, this island features a host of species such as herons, hawks and eagles who frequently nest here.

    Temple Island

    A popular local pilgrimage site, Temple Island features a small yet historic temple that locals visit for prayer and worship.

    The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum

    The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum

    The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum

    The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum is the home, now converted into a museum for Sri Lanka’s native son. An author of world acclaim and the island’s favourite Martin Wickramasinghe’s (1890-1976), the former house nestled close to the lake is a museum journey that spans two centuries. Enjoy learning about his life, his travels as well as the artefacts of the era. There are echoes of Dutch architectural influence and even a small art gallery. Beyond its architectural charm, the museum houses a collection of costumes, musical instruments, masks, puppets and metalwork from the era as well as culinary implements showcasing a glimpse into life of the early 1900’s.

    Location: Martin Wickramasinghe Museum, Koggala

    Opening hours: Daily from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m


    Handunugoda Tea Factory and Plantation

    Handunugoda Tea Factory and Plantation

    Handunugoda Tea Factory and Plantation

    A rare experience, Handunugoda Tea Estate is a treasure in the south and features echoes of the country's colonial past. This plantation is renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship in producing exquisite whole-leaf teas. Most famous is the exclusive Virgin White Tea, originally planted and brewed by Imperial Courts in China, the tea and flavour profile is truly unique to this estate.

    Here, visitors can view the pristine plantations while enjoying an educational tour of the factory. Enjoy a tea-tasting experience like no other, here in the south.

    Address: Handunugoda Tea Factory, Tittagalla, Ahangama
    Telephone:+94 77 206 5555 or +94 77 771 3999
    Email:info@hermanteas.com

    Habaraduwa/Koggala Sea Turtle Hatchery

    Habaraduwa/Koggala Sea Turtle Hatchery

    Habaraduwa/Koggala Sea Turtle Hatchery

    Sri Lanka’s southern coastline is blessed with five of the seven endangered sea turtle species that come to the island shores to lay eggs. The turtle hatchery at Habaraduwa, close to the railway station is about 7 km from Koggala and is one of many turtle conservation hatcheries along the south coast. Enjoy watching the hatchlings of the many species under observation until they’re old enough to be released back into the sea. Here you can also learn about the species types, their habitats and habits, as an education into the lives of these beautiful creatures.

    Kataluva Purvarama Raja Maha Viharaya

    Kataluva Purvarama Raja Maha Viharaya

    Kataluva Purvarama Raja Maha Viharaya

    This historic temple lies about 5 km from the Koggala Town. Constructed around the 13th century, with renovations and restorations carried out by several Kings across the centuries, this temple is an iconic temple with art and architecture to behold.

    Funnily the temple even features a cameo-style painting paying homage to Queen Victoria and the Queen Mother, not a common sight in Buddhist temples.

    The temple however is a sacred space with a host of Buddhist paintings, including paintings chronicling the lives of Buddha’s births before enlightenment believed to be over 2,000 years old. The temple's main shrine also has Kandyan-era art and statues.

    Conclusion

    The allure of Koggala is its laid-back atmosphere with fun adventure options away from the more crowded city of Galle. With secluded beaches, stilt fishermen, ancient temples and lagoon exploration, the area boasts an array of activities to captivate and keep you hooked (excuse the pun!).

    Speak to Our Concierge
    Telephone
    +94 76 757 8865
    whatsapp
    +94 76 757 8865
    Address
    2D,
    Inner Bagatalle Road,
    Colombo 03,
    Sri Lanka.

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