A long, empty beach with stilt fishermen — the postcard image of Sri Lanka. Koggala is 5 kilometers of sand where tourists are fewer than Unawatuna, waves are stronger, and at sunset — silhouettes of fishermen balancing above water on wooden poles.

The Beach

Open ocean with waves almost always present. Swimming possible but watch currents. Wide golden sand stretches for kilometers.

Stilt Fishermen

The famous image of fishermen sitting on wooden poles catching fish. Best time for photos is early morning and sunset. They ask 500-1000 rupees for photos.

Nearby

Koggala Lake — largest lake on south coast with boat trips. Martin Wickramasinghe House Museum. Turtle hatcheries along coast.

Practical Information

Between Galle (10 km) and Weligama (10 km). Best season November-April. Quieter accommodation than tourist beaches including luxury hotels.