Ahangama

Travel Guide

Fisherman fishing on stilt
Fisherman fishing on stilt
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. #likealocal
Stilt fishing is a fishing method unique to the people of Sri Lanka. When there is a combination of such a special culture and such a beautiful unknown beaches, you will return to your home with unforgettable memories #LifeAtExpedia #Beach #Summer #SriLanka
Sri Lanka is famous for it's iconic Stilt Fishermen, a technique they invented during World War II, sadly today it is a dying art. #LifeAtExpedia #Beach #Summer #SriLanka
Tri by Amaya

Tri by Amaya

4 out of 5
Koggala Lake Ahangama
$178 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
$210 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Lake are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Loved this little bit of paradise. The pool and view is the highlight, very quiet and tranquil, a great place to relax and unwind. Great food, fresh and very reasonable. Quiet remote but taxi or tuk tuk is easy to arrange via the reception. Rooms vary, some have better lake views than others, but ...

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

Tri by Amaya
Hotel Kabalana

Hotel Kabalana

3.5 out of 5
Matara Road Ahangama Southern Province
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are ...
No hot water 5 days

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2022

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Hotel Kabalana
The Sandhya

The Sandhya

4 out of 5
Kabalana Beach, Baranige Watha Ahangama Southern
$298 nightly
The price is $353 total per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
$353 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
Amazing hotel, good location, great rooms. Staff weren’t always easy to find or available, maybe because it was early in the season.

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2025

The Sandhya
See all 2,127 properties in Ahangama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amara Villa

Amara Villa

3 out of 5
Kabalana Rd. Ahangama Galle
Book a stay at this business-friendly villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
The staff were really nice and welcoming, the rooms were top notch too. We enjoyed the stay here very much!

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Amara Villa
Joe Villa

Joe Villa

3 out of 5
Joe Villa, Dikhena, Olaganduwa, Galle Ahangama Southern Province
Stay at this villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Handunugoda Tea Estate and Kabalana Beach are located ...
Joe Villa
The White House Villa

The White House Villa

3 out of 5
Matara Rd, Goviyapana Ahangama Southern Province
Book a stay at this business-friendly villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Mirissa Beach ...
The White House Villa
See all properties in Ahangama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Midigama Left Surf Break

Find out about the history of Midigama East with a stop at Midigama Left Surf Break.

Midigama Left Surf Break

Ahangama Secret Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Ahangama Secret Beach during your trip to Ahangama Central?

Ahangama Secret Beach

Things to do

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

$25
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

$28
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Hikkaduwa/Galle/Mirissa: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

$24
per adult
Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari
Snorkeling On Beautiful Rock Island - Unawatuna by Boat

Snorkeling On Beautiful Rock Island - Unawatuna by Boat

$30
per adult
Snorkeling On Beautiful Rock Island - Unawatuna by Boat
Dutch Fort

Galle Day Trip From Colombo

$89
per adult
Galle Day Trip From Colombo
Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident

Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident

$15
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident
See all activities in Ahangama

Reviews of Ahangama

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was a great escape from the concrete jungle!

Cities near Ahangama

Weligama showing a sandy beach, surf and a sunset

Weligama

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.

Koggala

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