Koggala beach
Koggala, a colorful resort, is just 20 minutes away from the nearby Galle. The underdeveloped infrastructure attracts those who like a vacation far from civilization. This beach, over 3 km in length, becomes more and more popular among those who like to lay on the beach and athletes with PADI certification.
Photos
Beach description
It's uncrowded and clean here even during high season. Visitors occupy places beyond the wide coast. Some leave the golden sand to relax in palm's shadows, others explore the village near Koggala, take diving lessons or take a walk to the nearby lake.
You can encounter unique species of birds and butterflies on the mangrove coast. Hermitages occupy some of the island scattered across the water. Walks here will be interesting for naturalists, buddhists and those interested in local culture. The village became known because the famous writer Wickramasinghe was born here.
The golden sand with a honey tint has smooth curvatures and is washed by the cocktail foam of the tide, impossible to see anywhere else. Children enjoy spending their time in this foam, parents just need to be careful about their child's skin. The sun rays are very intense around these parts.
The untouched beauty isn't spoiled by umbrellas or sunbeds. Two main "conveniences" of Koggala are the turquoise ocean and soft sand. Several cafes operate under the palms, but they don't disrupt the illusion of nature.
Tourists often partake in:
- sunbathing and swimming;
- surfing, diving, boat and canoe riding;
- yacht riding and water skiing;
- boat tours on Lake Koggala;
- visiting the turtle nursery;
- watching the unique fishing methods that locals use;
- spa procedures.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is the period from November to April, when the weather is dry. In summer, the rainy season takes place in Sri Lanka, however, the prices this season are much lower. So if you are not afraid of rainfalls (which commonly take place at night, and by morning the ground dries up), a trip in the summer can be a great option for a budget holiday.
Video: Beach Koggala
Infrastructure
Despite the underdeveloped infrastructure the village has several popular luxurious hotels. Tourists also have the option to stay in cheap guest houses. The expensive restaurants usually operate near hotels. There are cafes where one can eat for a much cheaper price.
The village also has a working bank where you can exchange your money, as well as small shops, pharmacies and spa centers. Here you will be offered various procedures and means to take care of your body and health. Chain stores operate in the northern part of the beach. Tourists can use gyms that are provided by large hotels.
If you'd like to book 5-star accomodation, The Beach Cabanas Retreat & Spa is the optimal choice. Takes just a few minutes to get to the coast from here, the area is well-kept and suites have all the necessary conveniences. They're equipped with everything, including Wi-Fi that maintains good connection on the terrace as well. Guests are provided with breakfasts and suppers. And if you want to try something else, don't hesitate to visit the nearby restaurant located just 10 minutes away from here.
The hotel also offers tours with guides, but if you want to save your money, it's advised to ask auto rickshaw drivers for directions and information, their services are almost two times cheaper. No other attractions or shopping is present nearby. A market that sells food, beverages, alcohol and sweets operates about 2 km away from the hotel. Visitors usually go to Unawatuna or Galle for entertainment. Buses come every 5 minutes.
If you want to see all the cafes and snack bars, just drive around the village in an auto rickshaw. The most well-known restaurant is called "The Plane", there are also Indian restaurants with cheap meals, as well as many smaller cafes with quite good menus for tourists. Fruit and souvenir stalls will be worth your time.
You should visit the ayurvedic shop and other places where you can buy clothes and other products made out of ebonite and tulipwood. Many tourists return to their home countries and cities with exotic fruit and tea. Those who come with children can choose from a wide variety of quality clothes for very cheap prices.
Weather in Koggala
Best hotels of Koggala
All hotels of KoggalaUseful information
- Koggala has its own airport that takes domestic flights. You can get here from Galle (12 km) or Colombo by bus or taxi.
- The best period to visit is the first three calendar months. The high season lasts from November to April. The least amount of precipitation happens from May till November.
- The mosquitoes here are very annoying, and the sun is so hot that even tanned tourists suffer from it. Insect repellents and sun screen are a must to bring with you.
What to see:
- The museum of local art and culture.
- Lake Koggala.
- Turtle farms and spice garden in Galle.
- Polonnaruwa, a nearby town with ancient ruins known for its large statues of Buddha.