Things to do in Koggala – Sleepy Fisher Village

A boat tour on beautiful Koggala Lake will prove to be quite a treat. The tour is generally a little over an hour and promises varied experiences. The Lake is located along the main road; its scenic banks are quite a site for the weary soul and boasts colourful vegetation and wildlife. The most popular aspects of the lake are the little islets that dot its surface; sitting on these are two historic Buddhist temples. One is quite popular drawing many devotees on full moon poya days; the other sits amidst a lush cinnamon plantation. You will be taken to these islands in order to explore and relish the culture while a stop at Bird Island Village is a must if you are an enthusiastic nature lover and an avid bird watcher. Take along the binoculars for the island is home egrets, herons, hawks and much more.

Martin Wickremasinghe is one of the country's most illustrious Sinhala authors; born in Koggala in 1890 the beloved author passed away in 1976. Many of his novels are popular across the world and have been turned into award winning movies. His ancestral home is now the museum which well chronicles the authors work and lifestyle of a bygone era. All displays are illustrated in English; included are sections on Dance displaying costumes and instruments, puppets, southern dance masks known as kolam, general masks used in various play acts – the one of a very sunburnt British officer is quite amusing and kitchen utensils. The latter is quite a treat for those of you viewing items such as millstones for the first time. The museum also displays a collection of carriages. Browse the bookshop for the author's best works that offer an insight to traditional culture.

Head into the highlands of Koggala for a visit to the Handungoda Tea Estate; travel about 6kms inland from the Galle Matara Road. The production of tea is an art form at this factory and the free tour will lend an insight to how meticulously the over 25 varieties of specialised tea are produced. The focus here is on quality and not quantity with products like virgin white tea living up to its high expectations.

Quite a treat for all tourists staying at down south hotels Sri Lanka the turtle hatcheries are a must visit. The Koggala hatchery located quite close to South Lake Resorts was established in 1996 as a support to 'responsible tourism'. The hatchery engages in buying turtle eggs from fishermen; discouraging the sale and consumption of these precious treasures. The eggs are hatched within the conservatory and later released to sea. Providing an invaluable service in preserving these fascinating creatures the hatchery offers eager tourists a chance to take part in the release of baby turtles to sea when they are ready.