Koggala Lake is a beautiful lake located a few kilometers away from Galle. It is a paradise for nature lovers that are keen to explore and study the natural biodiversity and ecosystem. The lake is surrounded by lush green mangrove swamps. You can explore the whole area and all of the 8 islands in Koggala Lake.
Madol Duwa Island became more famous due to the ‘Madol Duwa’ novel written by the great novelist Martin Wickramasinghe. Later Koggala was identified as the village of the great novelist.
Why should you book this trip?
A boat ride on Koggala Lake is a great way to unwind and relax. You can take in the beautiful scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This tour combines 5 unique experiences. Enjoy a walk around the Koggala Lake, a visit to an ancient Buddhist temple, explore the mysterious Madolduwa, join the bird-watching experience, observe the making of the world-renowned Ceylon Cinnamon, and end it off with a delicious local lunch at Cinnamon Island.
This experience could be coupled with visits to the Koggala Folk Museum and the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum which offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of Sri Lanka, and are well worth a visit.
You will be led by an experienced and knowledgeable local guide
All required safety gear is provided for the guests to have a safe but adventurous nature tour on the lake boundary
Considered as one of the Top 5 things to do in Galle.
First you will meet the experienced local guide at the meeting point. After an initial introduction with the guide you will start the walking tour around Koggala Lake.
The boat ride is the main experience of this top Galle attraction. Within the boat ride tour, you can visit the historical Koggala Buddhist Temple, which is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s ancient temples.
After exploring the temple you will be able to visit Madol Duwa which is one of the seven islands located in the Koggala Lake. You will be able to see Bird Island and Cinnamon Island as well.
You can enjoy your traditional lunch at Cinnamon Island.
After lunch you will get to interact with the locals who will walk you through the cinnamon making process. The locals will also give you a glimpse into their lifestyles.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
English Speaking Guide
Boat Fee
Refreshments
Lunch at the Cinnamon Island
Bottled Water
All applicable government taxes
Exclusions
Transportation to the meeting point
Any extra food or beverages consumed
Any tips to the staff
Any personal effects not mentioned in this description
Important
Suitable casual clothing for current weather conditions should be considered
Don’t forget to bring your own insect repellent
Make sure that all of your electronic devices are securely carried and stored safely
Overall Trip Rating:
5.0
- Based on 3 travel reviews
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A Remarkable boat ride in Koggala Lake
By John Miller
from
Sri Lanka
January 17, 2024
We recently had the opportunity to go on a boat ride in Koggala Lake and it was truly a memorable experience. We visited several places during this boat ride like, Cinnamon Island, Madol Duwa (which was in a Famous Sri Lankan Novel), a small temple and experienced the way of life at its best. We passed by small villages and saw the daily lives of the people living near the lake. It was heartwarming to see the simple and peaceful way of life they lead. The temple was surrounded by lush greenery and had a peaceful atmosphere. Our guide shared some interesting stories and legends about the temple, adding to the overall experience.
The boat ride in Koggala Lake was an incredible experience. The stunning views, diverse wildlife, and cultural insights made it a truly unforgettable journey. We stopped at a small fish farm where we were able to see how traditional fishing is done in the lake. The fishermen used simple techniques and it was interesting to see how they have been passed down from generation to generation. Sri Lanka Lunch offered after the excursion was mouth watering. I highly recommend adding this experience to your itinerary if you ever find yourself in Sri Lanka.
The calm and serene waters of the lake were a sight to behold. As we set off, our guide pointed out various species of birds that call Koggala Lake their home. I was amazed by the variety of birds that could be seen, from kingfishers to herons to colorful parrots. Very beautiful and rich bio-diveristy hotspot. We made our way to Cinnamon Island, a small island in the middle of the lake. Here, we learned about the process of harvesting and processing cinnamon. The island was filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and it was fascinating to see how it is grown and made into the spice we use in our everyday lives.
