Koggala

Koggala Beach which is located in the south coast of Sri Lanka, is a spectacular tropical site. Surrounded by the jungle vegetation and he blue waters hitting the golden sands, Koggala is the perfect spot for relaxation. If you are an active adventurist, then you will find some of the best surfing opportunities in the country and you can also get private surfing lessons if you want. The beach is also a perfect place to simply soak up the sun, with your feet in the sand and a coconut in your hand. There are many shops and restaurants located near the beach, catering to your daily necessities. Fresh seafood dishes and picturesque view of the bay will completely soothe your senses.

Koggala Lake
Attractive & tranquil Koggala lagoon is just a couple of kilometers away; dotted with rocky islands & fringed with mangroves. The lagoon is alive with birdlife & supply prawns in abundance. Motor boat trips & catamaran rides take you to the small islands in the lagoon. One of the island features a cinnamon plantation. The Buddhist temple on another island attracts many visitors on poya (full moon) days.

Kataluva Purvarama Maha Viharaya
Around 5 km beyond Koggala lies one of the south's most absorbing temples, the Kataluwa Purvarama Mahavihara. The temple was built originally in the 13th century has some with late 19th century additions. The temple is renowned for its remarkable Kandyan-style paintings in the main shrine, dating from the late nineteenth century. The paintings of musicians & dancers & the European figures illustrating an interesting piece of social history. Some of the Jatake tales (episodes from the Buddha's series of 550 previous lives) scenes painted here are said to be 200 years old.

Cameo-style paintings of Queen Victoria & the Queen Mother too are done in gratitude of Queen Victoria's role in ensuring the free practice of Buddhism outlined in the Kandyan capitulation of Lanka in 1815.