Koggala Bucket List – A List of Unforgettable Experiences

This is an interesting 13th century temple that is tipped to be one of the best places of religious significance, to explore in the south of Sri Lanka. The temple is home to beautiful Kandyan era style paintings that date back to over 200 years. These vibrantly colourful paintings depict what is known as jathaka katha or the 500 former lives of Lord Buddha. And as an acknowledgment of thanks for allowing the locals to practise their religion unhindered during colonial rule; there are sketch type paintings of Queen Victoria and the Queen Mother within the temple.

Nature lovers will be thrilled to learn that this gorgeous verdant plot of land is quite unknown and remains unspoilt. The reserve encompasses an area of 15 acres and is ideal for understanding the bio-diverse environs of Sri Lanka. The Kottawa is home to over 12 varieties of birds as well as a 100 endemic plants and trees. Look forward to tranquil undisturbed walks along the babbling streams; interrupted by the chatter of a large squirrels. The canopy of trees is so thick here that you do not feel the tropical heat. In fact the reserve is ideal to explore in the early hours of the day with the thought of returning to one of the comfortable hotels in Koggala.

The Hiyare Rain Forest is located about 40kms from Koggala and South Coast accommodation options such as South Lake Resort. It is an unspoilt forest that doubles up as an animal rescue programme base; which is why visitors to the forest experience an up close encounter with injured wild animals as they are being treated. The injured animals when possible are re-integrated to the wild and on occasions this is not possible, they are housed within the reserve. The forest which covers an extent of 600 acres is a marvellous place to explore as it is home to a fascinating variety of plants and wild animals.

Located on Sri Lanka's southernmost tip the Dondra Lighthouse may be the country's tallest. Designed by Sir James Nicholas Douglas the lighthouse consists of 7 floors and offers a marvellous bird's eye view from the top. A unique aspect to the lighthouse is the fact that all bricks for its construction were brought down from England.

The Dickwella blowhole is quite a tourist attraction. Infused with the areas natural beauty the blow hole in itself is a marvel to observe. Enjoy trekking to the rocky outcrop where a slim fracture in the rocks causes the water to gush out into the air creating quite a spectacle. The sight is much more intense during the monsoon season although the place will not disappoint at other times of the year.