A Gateway to World Heritage Sites in Southern Sri Lanka! 4 Must-See Attractions in Koggala

Koggala is a small town located near the southern tip of Sri Lanka. It was once home to an air force base built by the British, which now functions as a joint military and civilian airport. Koggala Airport is particularly valued for being the closest access point to the World Heritage-listed fortified city of Galle. In addition, Koggala itself has been developed into a tourist resort area, known for its beautiful sea and lake.
Koggala’s coast is also traditionally known for stilt fishing, a unique method where fishermen sit on crossbars tied to vertical poles embedded in the shallow sea to catch fish. Today, this traditional technique is often demonstrated for tourists. Now, let’s take a closer look at the major sightseeing spots around Koggala.

1. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

The town of Galle, located on a cape jutting out along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, has long flourished as a hub for Indian Ocean trade. After the Portuguese arrived in 1505, the town was fortified and later occupied by the Dutch and then the British. In the 19th century, the country’s main trading port shifted to Colombo, allowing Galle to escape major destruction. As a result, the town has been well-preserved and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Koggala is about 30 minutes from Galle by train or bus. Heading south from the terminal, you will soon see the solid stone fortress walls. You can walk along the top of the walls, where the bastions—scattered along the way—now serve as perfect playgrounds for local children. Inside the walls lies the old town, where the historic streets and architecture are remarkably well-preserved. For many visitors arriving via Koggala Airport, this is their main destination. Be sure to take your time exploring it.

2. Koggala Lake

Koggala Lake is a lagoon connected to the sea by a narrow 500-meter channel, and the Koggala Airport is uniquely situated between the lake and the ocean. The lake is dotted with many small mangrove islands, and nature boat tours that navigate among these islands are quite popular. The mangrove islands are home to a wide variety of creatures including crabs, barnacles, rare tropical freshwater fish, and various types of shellfish.
Only the island of Thalathuduwa, home to the Thalathuduwa Temple, is connected to the mainland by a bridge and can be reached on foot. Several other Buddhist temples can also be found on the islands and peninsulas within and around the lake, making for a memorable sightseeing experience whether you go by foot or by boat.

3. Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum

Martin Wickramasinghe was a novelist born in Koggala. Between 1944 and 1958, he published a trilogy—"Changing Village (Gamperaliya)," "Era of Transformation (Kaliyugaya)," and "End of an Era (Yuganthaya)"—which laid the foundation for modern Sri Lankan literature.
To honor his achievements, his birthplace in Koggala was renovated into a tourist attraction: the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum. Wickramasinghe’s family belonged to a modest social class in Sri Lanka, and his childhood home reflects that simplicity. The museum displays materials about Wickramasinghe’s life and literary work, along with objects related to daily life in Koggala.

4. Kathaluwa Temple

There are many temples around Koggala Lake, but the Kathaluwa Purvarama Temple is particularly recommended as a tourist site. It is located on a cape that juts out into the narrow channel connecting the lake to the sea, and was originally founded in the 13th century.
What visitors see today is the version expanded and restored in the 19th century. Highlights include vibrantly colored Buddhist statues and murals believed to be around 200 years old. Among them is even one depicting Queen Victoria of Britain from the colonial era.
Sri Lanka has a history that is deeply interwoven with Buddhism. If you plan to visit a Buddhist temple in Koggala, Kathaluwa Temple is highly recommended.

◎ Summary

We’ve highlighted four tourist attractions in Koggala. From historical World Heritage sites to museums related to one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent literary figures, and the abundant natural beauty of the sea and lake, Koggala offers a wide range of experiences. Between Galle and Koggala is Unawatuna, a beach resort popular with travelers. Facing southwest, it also offers stunning sunsets sinking into the horizon. Since it’s not too far from the capital, Colombo, be sure to add Koggala to your Sri Lanka travel plans!

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A Gateway to World Heritage Sites in Southern Sri Lanka! 4 Must-See Attractions in Koggala