Overview
The western coast of Sri Lanka from Induruwa to Kalpitiya encompasses several important sea turtle nesting beaches where green, leatherback, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs. The most accessible and best-conserved nesting zones are at Kosgoda (where the famous Kosgoda Hatchery operates), Induruwa, and the less-visited northern beaches near Kalpitiya. These nesting zones are most active during the November–April calm season when female turtles emerge from the sea at night, and the hatchery operations at Kosgoda provide an educational conservation interface that explains the threats facing these ancient species.
Highlights
- Multiple sea turtle species nesting along the western coast
- Kosgoda Hatchery — Sri Lanka’s most established conservation operation
- Night nesting observation under strict protocols
- Green, leatherback, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles
- The hatchery demonstrates the full life cycle from egg to hatchling release
- November–April nesting season aligns with the calm beach season
- Evening hatchling release into the ocean — the most moving conservation experience
- Part of the broader Indian Ocean sea turtle conservation programme
Best Time to Visit
November–April for nesting season. Evening hatchling releases year-round.
Activities
- Turtle hatchery visit
- Evening hatchling release
- Night nesting observation (strict protocols)
- Conservation education
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Location | Kosgoda, Induruwa, and northern beaches |
| Species | Green, leatherback, hawksbill, olive ridley |
| Nesting Season | November–April |
| Key Hatchery | Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery |
| Distance from Colombo | 95 km (Kosgoda) |
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