‘Barging’ along  kosgoda lagaoon

Text and pictures by Ganga PRADEEPA

Taking a ride on a barge is an awesome experience. You also might tend to relax to the point of getting a false sense of total confidence. So if you do get a chance, take the plunge, and heed to the bargeman’s advice and instructions as far as possible.

For me it was a nice evening at the Kosgoda lagoon. When I was reaching the barging point with my companions, I saw the bargeman whom I later came to know as Richmond de Soysa sitting on the bench near the lagoon.

Soysa had ridden the barge on this lagoon since 1984. Only five people can go on it on a single journey.

Kosgoda is 80 km from Colombo just past Beruwala.

My ride was calm. Soysa used his oar expertly and gently passed the few steps to enter the Kosgoda lagoon. First he rode under the rail and road bridges. Please remember to duck as you approach the low bridges!

The best time to visit Kosgoda lagoon is either early in the morning or evening. The spectacle of a tropical dawn, watching a wetland come to life with colour seeping into everything around with each passing minute, and the sounds of all the life, is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

The barge floated very slowly. So I could easily capture the animals and trees on the lagoon on lens. Many species of fish and crabs spent a part of their life in the shelter of mangroves and they support a multi million fisheries industry in the lagoon and along the coast. Both the marsh and the lagoon house numerous plant and animal species, of which many are rare or endemic.

The migratory birds come here for resting and feeding, and the area is known for its eagles, parrots, cormorants, purple stock, egrets, Crane and water hands. It was an attractive assortment.

Late afternoon rides are rewarded with sightings of birds nestling into their roosts.

The sun sinking over the edge of the lagoon is a fitting end to an evening’s visit to Kosgoda.

Sandals, shorts and T-shirts are a good choice of clothing; earthy colours, as well not white or bright.

Try and avoid late mornings and early afternoons as it can be too hot and sunny. The animal and bird life can be disappointing at this time, giving a poor impression of Kosgoda lagoon.

Filling of the marsh, cutting of mangroves, and the unlawful blocking out and distribution of land, are major threats to this eco-system.

Kosgoda lagoon bears a staggering species of flora and fauna. Some indigenous flora and fauna have also been found in Kosgoda lagoon.

Visitors may see water birds such as herons, egrets in abundance in the lagoon and the marsh. On my way I saw what the bargeman called as jimpol, peththan, sooriya, kanduru and kottamba trees also.

Really it was a memorable one hour’s barge journey from Kosgoda to Pitiwella. Remember, the litter can be stored on board and disposed of when back on land!

Kosgoda Beach Resort

Where the lagoon meets the sea

Located 80km from Colombo the Kosgoda Beach Resort is an ideal place to relax. One of the main attractions offered by Kosgoda Beach Resort are turtles which regularly come ashore to lay their eggs. People who visit this resort can see these turtles come to the sea shore at midnight. It is this uniqueness that is a drawcard of this hotel comparing with others.

The hotel has 42 rooms that classify into four main types that include singular villa, the Duplex villa, doubles and suites. Each room features spectacular views of both the sea and the lagoon. The hotel convinces guests to become their natural self.

The open air main restaurant called, “kalapuwa” situated in front of the curving swimming pool is picturesque where guests can enjoy meals in Eastern or western cuisine. There is also a fine dining restaurant and A/C restaurant overlooking its swimming pool.

The hotel offers a number of amenities and services to add convenience. Games such as pool, billiards, board games, table tennis, volleyball and cricket are provided. “We are the first in the hotel industry which started the open roof bathroom concept.

We have very good demand from foreigners as well as Sri Lankans too. We have special packages for Sri Lankans. This hotel was inaugurated in 1984 owned by Sommer Ville Company Ltd. Arjuna Dias is the Chairman and Sanath Kumarasinghe the Managing Agent of this place,” said General Manager of Kosgoda Beach Resort Gamunu Karunaratne.

The atmosphere of the Kosgoda Beach Resort provides a conducive setting for productive conferences and boardroom meetings for 40 pax. It is also especially renowned for its ayurvedic centre.

Kosgoda is well-known for its sea turtle hatchery. One of the main attractions offered by Kosgoda Beach Resort is a visit to the “Turtle Hatchery” which is in close proximity to the resort that we have written before in the Daily News Travel.

You can select your room which stands on the sea view or the lagoon view according to your wish . Mine was the villa type, situated in front of the beach providing space to unwind. Really it was a nice experience as the lagoon meets the sea at Kosgoda. (GP)

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