Often rushed past on the way to trendier surf spots on the south coast, Koggala is a great all-rounder for the Sri Lankan coastal experience. Watch sea turtles hatch, lounge on its pristine, sheltered beach, explore the lake and its many islands and see fishermen on stilts. Just 20 minutes from Galle by tuk-tuk, and tucked between the reefs of Unawatuna and Kabalana Beach, it’s conveniently placed and nature-packed.

The dense mangroves skirting the lagoon are considered a ‘natural nursery’ for the local fauna. You can easily take a boat trip to get an up-close look at some of the monitor lizards, monkeys and bird species that call it home. These trips often stop at the lake’s islands for tours of temples, gardens and cinnamon plantations. If it’s marine wildlife you’re after, sea turtles can be spotted off the shore, and you can sometimes see hatchlings released by the conservation center. Aside from snorkeling, Koggala Beach is a great spot for surfing or simply soaking up the atmosphere, book in hand.