Koggala is a small coastal town in South Sri Lanka. While it’s within close proximity to popular destinations like Unawatuna, Koggala remains largely unexplored, and is far less touristy in comparison. The town and its surrounding vicinity offers nature attractions, cultural sites, museums, tea estates and a good variety of dining options.
Take a stroll along Koggala Beach, and keep your eyes peeled for the island’s renowned traditional stilt fishermen. Nature lovers will enjoy a boat trip around Koggala Lake, which typically includes stops around the neighbouring Temple, Spice, Cinnamon and Bird Islands. With lush mangrove swamps, unique birdlife and spectacular sunset scenery, a trip around the lake offers a feast for the eyes.
Located within 15 to 20 minutes’ drive away are attractions like the Weduwa Buddhist Monastery, Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum (history buffs will enjoy poring through the extensive collection of antiques, monuments and folk artifacts dating back to the late 1800s here) and Handunugoda Tea Estate, where visitors are given informative tours, along with a comprehensive tea tasting session.
Yoga vacationers may join in drop-in classes at Tri Lanka or Spa Oya. Both venues offer excellent spa treatments too. Choose from a wide-ranging spa menu which includes options like deep tissue massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and body scrubs.
Koggala’s dining scene features a mouthwatering selection of eateries. Venues that come with our recommendations include Cafe Ceylon (a restaurant an atmospheric colonial-style setting and scenic surroundings), Mojo Beach Restaurant (don’t miss out on the cocktails and Spanish dishes here), Bedspace Kitchen (casual and unfussy, the venue offers a laid back setting and excellent black pork curry) and Black & White Restaurant (this beachfront venue offers attentive service, along with a good selection of seafood and grilled items).