Koggala

Cycling in Koggala is the best way of exploring the ancient cinnamon village in Galle and Koggala cycling tour based on exploring about the unique experiences of the Koggala countryside.  

Famous for its lake, which was used during the Second World War as a base for Catalina flying boats, Kogalla is also a favourite haunt of migrant birds in winter. A little known fact about Kogalla is that it has one of the longest beaches in Sri Lanka. Being located so close to the buzzing attractions of Unawatuna and UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort, this interior town is relatively unexplored and as a result, lacks the clutter of many coastal resort towns making it well placed for a quiet stay while in the south of Sri Lanka.

A leisurely rigged boat ride will take you to small islands which dot the lake where stilt-fishers are a familiar sight. Stilt fishing is an age old form of traditional fishing in Sri Lanka where villagers erect a single pole in the chest-deep water on the beach, just a few meters off-shore, perch on a crossbar and use bamboo fishing rods to cast their lines beyond the surf break to catch small fish.

While in Koggala, the Martin Wickremasinghe Museum of Folk Art and Culture and the 13th century built Purwarama Temple at Kataluwa are well worth the visit for a glimpse of the art and cultural heritage of the island’s south coast.

Colombo to Koggala distance 135 Km and (2 hrs drive through the Southern highway)
Koggala to Gale distance 39 Km Km and (20 min drive)