There are some unique experiences that we cannot forget at least in our life time. My thoughts forays back frequently to a special place in my travel to the island nation that is shaped like a teardrop. This sojourn and its recollections brings me immense happiness.
For me, it was an unbelievable experience to see long trail of turtles ambling on their tiny legs to lay eggs in the nests, spread out on the beach side of Kosgoda, a village on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. We were staying in Hikkaduwa to see the local sights as also absorb the unique marine life. Most of our time was spent on the beach where the water was crystal clear and people were vying with one another to see the marine world including its coral gardens by hiring glass bottomed boats or go for scuba diving or snorkeling.
But for me, it was these gentle reptiles that interested me a lot. On the day we arrived at our hotel, we had a slithery morning visitor running and jumping all over. As we were entering the lobby, I saw a huge monitor lizard sitting guard in the reception area of the hotel. With all tourists screaming, it was an exciting introduction to the wildlife of Sri Lanka.
Coming to our day spent in a village that was 35 kilometers from Hikkaduwa, I would like to mention here it is also possible to see Sea Turtles if you are walking or volunteering to guard the eggs that have been laid down by the females on many beach spots where they have built their nests.
However, it is only during the night that female turtles come on to the beaches to build their nests and this is one of the most beautiful sights to sea on a full moon. If nature sends predators to steal their eggs, it is nature's way but when poachers do it, volunteers are ready to protect eggs at many vulnerable nesting sites.
A variety of species, some common, some rare or some endangered are found here as one traverses the coastline. Green turtles are found on the beach at night time in fact, very close to their project site. They tend to nest only every few years but when they do they lay eggs several times in one season. They were once poached for making turtle soups but now with awareness rising to protect it - now it is a thing of the past.
Although one of the smaller species of sea turtles, it is renowned for its beautiful shell and is pretty colorful. Unfortunately they are targeted by wildlife traders for its shell – the Hawksbill Turtle is the sole source of commercial tortoise-shell.
Coming to another species, it is the Loggerhead Turtle which is rare in this island nation. They are usually red and brown in color and as its name suggests and is easily identifiable because of its large head.
As we Indians are very familiar with Olive Ridley Turtles, on the Kosgoda beach too, they nest yearly and many lay their eggs almost depositing more than 150 at a time. Omnivores, they eat crustaceans, fish and some marine vegetation.
However, with the country having seen many adversities people in this region took the decision to become turtle saviors by establishing conservation centres right from Kosgoda to Ahungalla, Ambalangoda and Balapitiya. With overfishing and poaching of turtles becoming rampant – a few concerned local citizens decided to save them by educating fishermen and setting up conservation centres.
But it was a big task for them to convince farmers and change their harmful way of fishing, however, they did it and managed in a big way to save turtles.
How To reach there :
One can stay in Hikkaduwa which is a beautiful township and is about 98 kilometers from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka and is just 14 kilometers from Galle.
Location map:
Visit Part II
For me, it was an unbelievable experience to see long trail of turtles ambling on their tiny legs to lay eggs in the nests, spread out on the beach side of Kosgoda, a village on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. We were staying in Hikkaduwa to see the local sights as also absorb the unique marine life. Most of our time was spent on the beach where the water was crystal clear and people were vying with one another to see the marine world including its coral gardens by hiring glass bottomed boats or go for scuba diving or snorkeling.
But for me, it was these gentle reptiles that interested me a lot. On the day we arrived at our hotel, we had a slithery morning visitor running and jumping all over. As we were entering the lobby, I saw a huge monitor lizard sitting guard in the reception area of the hotel. With all tourists screaming, it was an exciting introduction to the wildlife of Sri Lanka.
 |
| The Hawksbill turtle |
However, it is only during the night that female turtles come on to the beaches to build their nests and this is one of the most beautiful sights to sea on a full moon. If nature sends predators to steal their eggs, it is nature's way but when poachers do it, volunteers are ready to protect eggs at many vulnerable nesting sites.
A variety of species, some common, some rare or some endangered are found here as one traverses the coastline. Green turtles are found on the beach at night time in fact, very close to their project site. They tend to nest only every few years but when they do they lay eggs several times in one season. They were once poached for making turtle soups but now with awareness rising to protect it - now it is a thing of the past.
 |
| The Hawksbill turtle with a missing leg |
Coming to another species, it is the Loggerhead Turtle which is rare in this island nation. They are usually red and brown in color and as its name suggests and is easily identifiable because of its large head.
 |
| The Oliver Ridley Turtle |
However, with the country having seen many adversities people in this region took the decision to become turtle saviors by establishing conservation centres right from Kosgoda to Ahungalla, Ambalangoda and Balapitiya. With overfishing and poaching of turtles becoming rampant – a few concerned local citizens decided to save them by educating fishermen and setting up conservation centres.
 |
| A safe space for baby turtles |
How To reach there :
One can stay in Hikkaduwa which is a beautiful township and is about 98 kilometers from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka and is just 14 kilometers from Galle.
Location map:
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