Ritipanna is the Sinhalese term for stilt fishing, which is a traditional method for fishing practiced by most fishermen along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This art is popularly seen in areas such as Ahangama, Koggala, Welipenna, Kathaluwa and Thalarambe. A narrow pole is tied to a stick that is anchored on the sea bed. Fisher folk climb onto this stick and settle on the pole for a few hours in an effort to catch some fish.

Fishermen found on stilts are those who do not have access to sophisticated equipment for fishing. These men can make a living simply with the help of two wooden poles to make a stilt. One pole is nailed onto the sea bed and the other is placed like a cross bar and acts as a plank for the fishermen to sit on. Each stilt can accommodate only one fisherman. For catching fish, they create a rod made of Kithul, and a small plastic bag is tied around their waist to hold the fish that they catch. With one hand they hold onto the stilt and with the other they hold the rod that catches fish. The tradition of stilt fishing will always be practiced by those who cannot afford to invest in modern fishing equipment.

Find Cheap Hostels in Koggala

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Hostels in Koggala

Nature Rex - Hostel

Weligama

jeremy

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Cheena Kotuwa

"I rented an Airbnb in unawatuna which ended up turning in an awful experience. I had to find a new place last minute and I was really happy when I arrived to snooze. It’s clean, the boss is a respectful and kind person who is available to help guests when in need, the room was spacious with ac and hot water. Ended up paying half of what I paid for the Airbnb nightmare. I extended another night at snooze. I definitely recommend it specifically if you’re a woman traveling alone as I am. "

Marisol

$52 nightly

Jan 3 - Jan 4, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Deluxe Double Room, 1 Bedroom, City View | Terrace/patio

Hummus Hotel Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

KOJI

$38 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Wake N Flow

Ahangama

$45 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Papaya Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

$47 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Chaya Mega Hostel

Matara

$16 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

The Hostel Mirissa

Mirissa

Anonymous traveler

Costels Weligama

Weligama

$32 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Lo hostel

Weligama

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Ahangama

Gandhali

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Hikkaduwa

Christer

$72 nightly

Dec 11 - Dec 12

Total with taxes and fees

Old Parkland Hostel Galle

Galle

$31 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Jungle City Hostel

Galle

Old Parkland Hostel near the city center

Galle

$30 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

Mirissa

Costels mirissa

Mirissa

$40 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

The best view in Mirissa.

Mirissa

$85 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Banana Bunks Mirissa

Mirissa

$225 nightly

Dec 6 - Dec 7

Total with taxes and fees

Closenberg Hotel

Galle

Sarah

$85 nightly

Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

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Top Koggala Hotel Reviews

Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux

10/10 Excellent

"Lovely premium hotel. Huge room with excellent facilties.. so big it could have done with a larger TV!! Breakfast very good."

The Fort Printers

10/10 Excellent

"The breakfast menu al la carte was amazing!!! Great coffee , excellent service and facilities. Great location within the fort. No tv in room but isn't needed. Rooms are large with a desk and sitting area. Bathroom beautiful with claw foot bath, spacious shower area. Pool area is lovely for a quick dip. Staff go above and beyond. Top pick for accomadation."

Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"I had a really wonderful time at Tabula Rasa. Felt like the staff couldn’t do enough to ensure my stay was perfect. The location is stunning. It is worth being located up hill in the peace and quiet, and so easy to pop out in a tuk tuk. The food was really good, I expected to eat out more but, I’d often crave the chef’s dhal! I was able to eat really good plant based meals without getting bored of the menu. The chef would come out to chat, and was very keen to ensure I enjoyed the food. All of the staff make you feel part of the family and nothing was too much trouble. They organised a driver for my longer trips, and a tuk driver who was perfect for getting into local towns or the beach. I had a plunge pool room which was worth the extra. Relaxing out there, with an endless view of the jungle, the ocean in the distance, and monkeys leaping from the trees is pure heaven. The monkeys even enjoyed coconuts above my sun lounger one morning. I have no doubt I will return! "

Find out more about Koggala

Koggala Hostels information

Number of reviews	8
Accommodation	41 Hostels
Lowest Price	$20
Highest Price	$101

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Koggala?

By staying at a hostel you can spend less on lodging and use more of your trip funds for sightseeing during your vacation. If you're hoping to enjoy the natural surroundings, you can check out the beaches while you're here.

What is a hostel?

No two hostels look identical, but these dorm-style accommodations all have shared rooms (though many hostels also have private rooms), budget-friendly prices, and a social environment.

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Koggala?

The weather is important when you're discovering new places, so here are some stats about the seasons: The hottest months are usually March and April with an average temp of 82°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 80°F. The rainiest months in Koggala are May, November, September, and October, with each month seeing an average of 12 inches of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in Koggala?

Depending on what you're interested in, you might enjoy some places near Koggala. Get out into nature with places like Koggala Lake, Koggala Beach, and Kabalana Beach. Cultural attractions include Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum, Stilt Fisherman, and Handunugoda Tea Estate. Additional attractions include Kathaluwa Old Temple, Eagles' Catalina Golf Course, and Dalawella Beach.

Find Cheap Hostels in Koggala

Check prices for these dates

Hostels in Koggala

Nature Rex - Hostel

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Hummus Hotel Hikkaduwa

Wake N Flow

Papaya Hikkaduwa

Chaya Mega Hostel

The Hostel Mirissa

Costels Weligama

Lo hostel

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Old Parkland Hostel Galle

Jungle City Hostel

Old Parkland Hostel near the city center

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

Costels mirissa

The best view in Mirissa.

Banana Bunks Mirissa

Closenberg Hotel

Top Koggala Hotel Reviews

Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux

Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

The Bartizan

The Fort Printers

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa

Levels Unawatuna

Randiya Sea View Hotel

Find out more about Koggala

Koggala Hostels information

Frequently asked questions

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