Kogolla and Kathaluwa | Sri Lanka

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:02]Located just 125 km from Columbbo and in the southern extremity of the country lies a destination which has much more to offer the tourist than one would think. The town of Kugala is associated with a scenic beachfront and on the road between Gaul and Martha.

[00:00:22]Kougala is neatly positioned between the fabulous beaches of Una Vatuna near Gaul and Valigama closer to Mura.

[00:00:31]Kougula is important for several reasons including the strategic position of an air base used by the Sri Lanka air force as well as the board of investment free trade zone of Kokula.

[00:00:44]The free trade zone has several large garment factories and is an important income generator for the locals.

[00:00:53]Kogala and the hamlet of Capalua are adjacent and fishing is the largest income generator along with tourism.

[00:01:02]However, the area offers much more in terms of sights and sounds.

[00:01:08]the museum and home of legendary author Martin Vikramis Singha.

[00:01:14]The Catalua Ranal La Puran Viharia and the charming stilt fisherman of Catala are some of the attractions to be experienced.

[00:01:31]The area is dominated by the large Kula Lake. This freshwater lagoon sits 3 m above sea level.

[00:01:41]The water body is home to a diverse ecosystem of fauna and flora.

[00:01:48]The lake is an important part of the livelihoods of the fishermen in the area. However, the disappearance of the sandbar which was at the mouth of the lagoon and adjoining the Catala bridge which regulated the salinity of the lagoon has altered the ecosystem.

[00:02:04]A man-made defense is in place to control the effects of the sea.

[00:02:13]A boat ride to experience the surroundings will have you cruising past mangrove buffered land with a range of hotels perched at vantage points.

[00:02:23]There are seven islands in the lake. The Tambig dua is the smallest and is just a few meters across.

[00:02:32]The Margala Island is a collection of boulders positioned in a natural artistic arrangement.

[00:02:40]As in similar excursions, the fish spa and a cinnamon island visit is also available for those interested in experiencing these activities.

[00:02:50]You can also visit a Buddhist monastery and meditation retreat.

[00:02:56]The Badua Buddhist Monastery has around a dozen meditation spaces for monks all facing the tranquil lagoon with the main temple premises in the center. Another important island is the mud dua closest to the main road and bridge. This was made famous by the author Martin Vikramisinger.

[00:03:18]One of Sri Lanka's greatest authors and intellectuals. Martin Vikram Singher was born in Kgala.

[00:03:25]His prolific literary work was used in film and translated into multiple languages.

[00:03:33]He died in 1976 and the trust which preserves his legacy runs the Martin Vikraming Museum of Folk Culture.

[00:03:45]The expansive 4 hectares of gardens and buildings is a great way to spend the morning or evening.

[00:03:53]The house where he lived has been preserved and is the only remaining structure which survived the ravages of World War II. Currently, the original building, thought to be over 200 years old, has been preserved and extended to house a visual depiction of samples of his writing, photographs, books, and memorabilia.

[00:04:17]In an effort to preserve the heritage and folk culture of the country, the trust has added to the writer's collection of artifacts by integrating several items of folk art and crafts which have been a part of a rich tradition of the people of Sri Lanka.

[00:04:35]The collectibles both small and large are housed in three buildings adjacent to the gardens. This ever growing collection picturing a panorama of folk culture is a valuable guide to techniques and a quaint way of rural folk life now mostly obliterated by modern technology.

[00:04:57]The quiet ambiance and surroundings make it an ideal stop for those traversing the southern coast and in need of a restbite from the traffic.

[00:05:11]The Catalua Ranbella Purana Viharia is an interesting and ancient temple which has a colorful past.

[00:05:20]The temple is unique in that it is actually now two adjacent temples along with the Guineal Lab Viharia.

[00:05:29]The history of this location is mired in folklore, but suffice to mention that the two temples were created through a dispute between the Amurupa and Siam Nikaya sects of Buddhism which saw a single property being divided.

[00:05:46]Currently the temples are separated. The Guineal La Puran Viharia has the dragon arch and the stuper along with a boi tree. However, it's the Runban La Purana Temple which has history encapsulated in the image house as well as a priceless collection of ancient artifacts.

[00:06:08]The temple is supposed to be one of only four octagonal image houses in Sri Lanka. The image house interior is crammed with a fascinating mix of Candian era murals.

[00:06:22]While the traditional Buddhist jar tales and other stylistic depictions are there, the murals have some unique imagery found nowhere else.

[00:06:32]The bottom area is a contiguous strip depicting dance and procession. Within one section, we can see a set of European soldiers with guns participating in the procession.

[00:06:46]The ceiling has been painted with floral motifs, but here too, a section has the signs of the zodiac.

[00:06:55]Finally, the paribana of the Buddha is depicted with unusual visual imagery not customary to the murals of this era.

[00:07:05]The temple bore the brunt of a fire which swept through the main priest's house which had many priceless manuscripts.

[00:07:14]Amazingly, these survived the fire.

[00:07:19]The temple also has the first printing press used for Buddhist publications.

[00:07:24]Donated by a king of Thailand, the press published the first Buddhist printed literature.

[00:07:33]Sri Lanka is extremely fortunate to have five of the seven species of sea turtle found worldwide coming to the beaches in the southwest and south of the country.

[00:07:47]The turtle conservation efforts start from the coast of Koska and go all the way to the deep south in Tangor. Kgula is no exception.

[00:07:57]During season, when the beaches become calmer, many turtle species migrate and breed. Several conservation centers around the Corgula area are there to mitigate the efforts of poaching. They care and help the hatchlings make it back to sea safely.

[00:08:18]The most iconic images of this part of the country are the stilt fishermen of Cathol.

[00:08:25]This fishing technique started in the mid 20th century and is unique and found only in Sri Lanka within this 10 km stretch of beach. The poles about 3 to 4 m long are driven into the sand and used as a perch.

[00:08:43]The fishermen toil in the arduous midday sun just to catch a few small fish. The fisher folk often forego this means of livelihood when the seas turn rough and the fishing poles remain abandoned.

[00:09:01]While the kgula described in Martin Vikraminger's writings has changed over the last century. It is still a great destination to experience the variety of culture, history and people the southern coast has to offer. From the expansive Kula Lake and its various views, the Martin Vikraminga Museum of Folk Culture to the Catalua Purana Viharia and the famed stilt fisherman of Catala. This is your ideal weekend excursion at the beaches.