05 Must Visit Places around Koggala – Beautiful Southern Village

This is a 13th century temple that is considered to be one of the most iconic religious sites on the southern belt. Easily reached if you are touring Koggala and Galle on a day's excursion, the temple is famous for its Kandyan era style paintings. These depict the 500 lives of Lord Buddha and sit beside cameo style paintings of both the Queen Mother and Queen Victoria. This is a gift of honour to the British government by the people of the area; in thanks for being given the freedom to practise Buddhism.

If you are staying at one of the beachside hotels in Weligama a short trip to Koggala Lake is recommended. There you will sail past little islets one which is home to a historical temple. The surrounding banks are a verdant haven of lush foliage while bird watchers are in for a treat at Bird Island Village – take along the binoculars. Some of the islands are home to ancient Cinnamon plantations where witnessing the process of making the fragrant spice is on the cards.

Once in Koggala a stop at this museum is highly recommended. Martin Wickremasinghe is one of the country's most illustrious Sinhala authors. Born in 1890 the authors books have been turned into popular movies acclaimed across the world. The museum is based at his ancestral home and is an insight to ancient local culture, household tools and traditions.

The Hiyare Rain Forest is just 40 minutes from Koggala; the lush woodland is quite a serene retreat that also functions as an animal rescue centre. Visit the place for close encounters with wild animals receiving treatment due to various injuries. Once recovered the animals are released to wander the 600 acres that make up the reserve. Some animals that do not get back to full fitness levels are kept on as permanent residents of the animal retreat. Exploring this forest by foot will yield an unimaginable collection of flora and fauna indigenous to the area and tropical island.

Dondra Head is not far from Koggala and is a scenic drive from places such as We Escape in Weligama, a seaside village favoured by surf fans holidaying on the South Coast. The lighthouse is the tallest in the country and sits on the southern-most tip of the island. It was designed by Sir James Douglas and comprises of seven floors; from the summit, you can enjoy stupendous views of the surrounding region. An interesting point to ponder on is the fact that the bricks for the lighthouse are believed to have been brought in from England.