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 Ahangama

Tri Ahangama

4 out of 5
Koggala Lake Ahangama
The price is ￥34,173 per night from Mar 14 to Mar 15
￥34,173
￥44,356 total
Mar 14 - Mar 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Lake are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
One of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in! So beautiful and relaxing. Unique architecture and super friendly staff.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Tri Ahangama
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 ...
Get rates
Hotel Kabalana
The Sandhya

The Sandhya

4 out of 5
Kabalana Beach, Baranige Watha Ahangama Southern
The price is ￥41,441 per night from Mar 14 to Mar 15
￥41,441
￥54,440 total
Mar 14 - Mar 15
includes taxes & 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! (39 reviews)
Beautiful, private, perfect.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

The Sandhya
See all 2,131 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
Good Story Village

Good Story Village

3.5 out of 5
Waduwaththa, Daluwaththa ela Road Ahangama Southern Province
Book a stay at this business-friendly villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old ...
Good Story Village
The Six Weligama

The Six Weligama

3 out of 5
No. 151, Galle Road Ahangama Weligama
Stay at this villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Midigama Left Surf Break are located ...
The Six Weligama
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

￥3,870
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Dutch Fort

Galle Day Trip From Colombo

￥13,775
per adult
Galle Day Trip From Colombo
Day tour Of Gall From Colombo by Sigiritrip Tours - Sri Lanka

Private Day Tour Of Galle From Colombo and Negombo

￥15,478
per adult
Private Day Tour Of Galle From Colombo and Negombo
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

￥4,256
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari

Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari

￥12,836
per adult
Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari
Hikkaduwa/Galle/Mirissa: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

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

￥3,715
per adult
Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari
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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