Kosgoda Hotels

Kosgoda is a scenic location found on the western coast of Sri Lanka. Its paradise-like, palm-fringed beaches are unique to this part of the globe. The town is popular for its turtle hatchery projects, managed by Sri Lanka’s Wild Life Protection Society. The Society was initiated in 1981 to protect five endangered species of oceanic turtles. At the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery, you can see baby turtles, an Albino turtle and five species of rare turtles. You can even hold the baby turtles. Every evening after dark, you can watch the hatchery staff release four-day-old baby turtles into the ocean. Note: You must pay a beach entrance fee, because these beaches are the nesting area for the oceanic turtles.

Near the hatchery is the Kosgoda Orange Angel, which is a workshop/art school where locals create unique and beautiful souvenirs. Not only can you bring home an original piece of art, the proceeds from sales benefit the school and the local community. From Kosgoda, you can also visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most visited national park and a premier eco tourism destination. Sri Lanka’s National Maritime Museum is another attraction worth visiting, as is the Port of Galle.

When To Go

It is best to visit Kosgoda during the dry season, which stretches from mid-October to mid-May. Heavy rains are still probable, but only last a brief period and are typically followed by a great deal of sunshine. The temperatures remain steady throughout the year, although the high level of humidity can make it feel like it is warmer than it actually is.

• June through September: Average temperature 29°C (84°F)

• October through December and March through May: Average temperature 26°C (79°F)

• January through February: Average temperature 24°C (75°F)

Getting There

Kosgoda is 76 km (47 miles) south of Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, and 114 km (71 miles) south of Bandaranaike International Airport. Popular modes of transportation are busses, trains and, to some extent, taxis. You can also choose to hire a car from rentals in Colombo if you prefer to travel and explore on your own.

There is a free shuttle bus from the airport to the village of Katunayake. You can board a bus from there to Colombo Fort Station or to Maradana. From Colombo Fort Station or Maradana, you can take the train to Kosgoda, and then an auto-rickshaw from the station to your hotel.

• By air: Bandaranaike International Airport

• By bus/rail: Free airport shuttle to Katunayake, then bus to Colombo Fort Station or to Maradana, then train to Kosgoda

• Taxis and car rentals available

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