Lake Koggala

Lake Koggala Trips & Tours

A heady, cinnamon-scented lake near Galle where modern stresses take a firm back seat.

A hop, skip and a jump from Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s finest cities, lies Lake Koggala, one of its finest lakes. The freshwater lagoon and its village namesake are peaceful, inviting and totally unhurried; places where Technicolour butterflies flitter in the sky and digital detoxes don’t sound like something to be achieved – they just are. The lake itself is the main attraction and its glassy waters are punctuated with small, temple-sprinkled islands that can be explored by boat. A highlight is always a visit to one of the cinnamon farms where you can watch farmers packaging the sweet-smelling spice into long quills before being painstakingly dried into the papery bark recognised the world over. Then there’s the jungle-clad shoreline, a paradise for wildlife including larger-than-life lizards and electric kingfishers, and a couple of lowland tea plantations nearby that complete the Sri Lankan experience.

What to do in Lake Koggala

Technically not on the coast, Lake Koggala offers a scenic escape of its own kind. The lake is sprinkled with tiny islands, which you can explore by boat, stopping to examine ancient temples or see just how cinnamon is prepared. The shoreline and lush surrounds are poised for bicycle rides or walks, where you can spot iridescent birdlife and butterflies, giant lizards, and unique mammals like the purple-faced langur and curious viverrid. Although, simply soaking up the views is time well spent.