A large brackish lake dotted with small islands, mangroves and cinnamon plantations, located just east of Unawatuna near Koggala town. Boat safaris here reveal bird life, monitor lizards, a Buddhist temple island and a cinnamon-peeling demonstration, making it a popular half-day excursion from the coast. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Unawatuna, especially paired with nearby Thalpe Beach.
What It Is
You glide across calm, glassy water in a small motorboat, weaving between tiny islands, past fishermen's stilts, mangrove roots and a modest temple, while your boatman points out birds and lizards along the banks.
Why Visit
It's an easy, affordable way to see a slower, greener side of southern Sri Lanka away from the beach crowds, with genuine chances to spot kingfishers, eagles and monitor lizards. It is not the first thing you should see in Unawatuna, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Thalpe Beach - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.
More on Unawatuna
See where it ranks among the things to do in Unawatuna. The Unawatuna guide covers transport, costs and when to go.
We plan trips to Unawatuna and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
