Koggala uniquely sandwiches a coral reef and inland lake around one town, pairing a literary giant's birthplace with a rare temple mural of Queen Victoria and Sri Lanka's iconic stilt fishermen.

Why visit Koggala Beach

• Unique Coastal Geography: Koggala is a small coastal town with one of the longest beaches in the country. It is uniquely situated between a large reef on one side and the vast Koggala Lake on the other.
• Birthplace of a Literary Giant: It is the hometown of Martin Wickramasinghe, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated writers. His former residence has been converted into the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum, which provides an insight into his life and showcases Sri Lankan folk art.
• Eco-Tourism Hub: The Koggala Lake, dotted with several ecologically rich islets, is a hub for eco-tourism. Visitors can take boat safaris to explore the rich biodiversity, including birdlife and mangrove swamps.
• Historical Temple with European Murals: The nearby Kathaluwa Purvarama Viharaya temple is unique for its murals. It features European figures, including Queen Victoria, among its Kandyan-style frescoes, an interesting piece of social history from the 19th century.
• Stilt Fishermen: The area is famous for its iconic stilt fishermen. They are a distinctive sight as they perch on a single pole in the water, casting their lines to catch fish.