Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda

Sea turtles have always been an important part of the ecosystem in Sri Lanka. Every year about a million turtles was born on the ocean shore. But in recent decades, the destruction of turtles has reached a critical point. Their eggs are favorite food of the locals, and shells, which cost up to $50, are used in the industry. 

Now the sea turtles are protected by the state. There are enthusiasts who began to organize special incubators. People collect eggs on the beach and bring here. After hatching, the turtles are fed and released into the ocean after 3 days. During our trip, we visited the center in Kosgoda. In addition to baby turtles, there are large ones that were injured by people and animals. They will be released after recovery.

All money from the tickets is used for operation of the incubator and for buying turtle eggs from local residents.

A little closer to Colombo, in Induruwa, there is another big incubator http://www.kosgodaseaturtle.org

Getting there: There are several incubators along the beaches between Ahungalla and Induruwa. We recommend that you visit the most interesting one, which is behind the police station in Kosgoda. Along the coast, numerous buses run from Colombo to the south, as well as the train, the nearest station Kosgoda is 300 meters from the incubator.