A speck in the vast Indian Ocean to most, Sri Lanka is a plentiful land which continues to attract thousands of visitors each year to its magical shores. Boasting a diverse range of climatic zones offering soothing cool weather to those who crave it and enlivening sunshine just a few hours drive away, Sri Lanka has something for every type of traveller.
The island of Sri Lanka is filled with folktales and stories, but one landmark in the village of Koggala, has gained popularity among the local folk owing to a childrens story that relates to it.
Madol Duwa is the name of a childrens story written by Martin Wickremesinghe. An island called Madol Duwa surrounded by mangroves in the centre of the Koggala Lagoon is what inspired this local folk writer. However today, Madol Duwa has become a popular tourist destination among locals as well as foreigners.
Wickremesinghes story centres around a young boy who wishing to escape the travails of childhood, leaves for this island with his friend. It is said that the writer who was born in Koggala and inspired by its beauty immortalized it through his works.
The town of Koggala is located towards the south of the island. The drive towards Koggala is a scenic one, where a palm fringed coastline awaits those looking to get away from the hub of Colombo. A lesser known fact is that before the Second World War, the Koggala Lake considered as the largest in the country, was patronized by seaplanes. During the war it was considered as the largest boat base in the east.
Travellers who drive down to Weligama from Koggala will be intrigued by the famed stilt-fishermen that adorned the majority of the picture post cards from this part of the country. The fishermen have become synonymous with this part of the island.
For travellers looking to spend some time on a beach in Sri Lanka, heading to a
Galle hotel down south is the perfect option. There are many
Sri Lanka hotels in Galle that cater to a diversity of travellers from business to back packers. For those looking for privacy in a luxurious setting, the Era Beach offers accommodation that is unparalleled.
