Laboriously setting foot on the Southern shores of Sri Lanka are the tender-shelled Leatherback Turtles, the endangered Olive-Ridley Turtles, the extremely rare Loggerhead Turtles, the sharp-nosed Hawksbill Turtles and the very famous Green Turtles. These loving creatures possess one-track minds, and that is to lay their much-valued eggs on the sands of Kosgoda, a relatively small town in the Southern Province of the paradise isle. And aren’t they a lucky bunch of turtles? Kosgoda is famous for turtle conservation, Sri Lankaproviding an ideal haven for these marine creatures. Merely an hour’s drive away from the well-known Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda is Cantaloupe Aqua, an ultra-modern beach resort that will facilitate your visit to the turtle hatchery while ensuring that you explore nearby Unawatuna.
The Turtle Conservation project in Kosgoda was initiated in 1988 by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka. Since then, the hatchery has been lovingly maintained by Mr. Dudley Perera and his equally enthusiastic family. Since its inception the hatchery is reported to have ensured the safe journey of over 3.5 million baby turtles. What a feat!
Before the baby turtles paddle away into the dangerously calm sea, they are allowed to strengthen themselves for a short period of time within the hatchery. Intruders and predators are also barred from the birthing grounds in order to make sure that the first few hours of their lives are without danger. Visit the hatchery and observe the meticulous ways in which all harm is averted.
If your interest in the conservation of turtles is deep-rooted, you can also register to volunteer. Even for a short period of time, your work would be considered invaluable. It would be also a joy to constantly see these little beings bravely enter the world.
A visit to the turtle hatchery is a ‘must’ if you plan to explore the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+