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.

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Hostels in Koggala

￥2,807 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

"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. "

￥7,951 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 17 - Oct 18

￥4,569 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

￥2,688 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 25 - Sep 26

"It was my first time Solo travelling and the hostel was perfect for it. The staff and people there made the stay safe, comfortable and the most relaxing ever. Recommended for a beach getaway with great facilities and wonderful views."

"We booked and paid via hotel.com BUT when we arrived the manager explained Expedia instructed him to charge us for the room. We spent 2 hours chatting with hotels.com whereby they promised to refund us, so we also paid cash (so double) while waiting for hotels.com to refund us. BUT we now received a email explaining they could NOT get in contact with hotel and will NOT REFUND us! "

￥2,748 total

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Sep 19 - Sep 20

￥2,754 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 22 - Sep 23

Superior Double Room, Balcony, Garden View | In-room dining

￥3,742 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 17 - Sep 18

￥12,529 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

￥4,422 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

"The pictures are not a true reflection of this property. It has the potential to be a very lovely hotel but it is run down and falling apart. The rooms were dirty especially the bathroom. There wasn't a mosquito net for the bed. Service for breakfast was very slow. The pool looks like it needs a good clean. I couldn't even get into it. "

￥9,371 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 18 - Sep 19

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Top Koggala Hotel Reviews

The Fort Printers

10/10 Excellent

"Hotel location in heart of Fort Galle excellent. Staff service, friendliness and willingness to accommodate excellent. Beautiful buildings well restored. Excellent breakfast. I assume they are not 5 star as only provide some of the little extras in room that you would normally expect from like properties eg tissues, body lotion etc but that didn’t bother us! Our bed was a little saggy but that is the only fault we could find. They even gave us a very late checkout at no cost when we offered to pay which was very much appreciated & totally not expected. Highly recommend."

Sea World Boutique Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Booked for one night but ended up staying a day longer. Charming tiny hotel in a popular strip. The location is right off the main road with plenty of dining options nearby. Direct view of the Indian ocean from the bed in the mornings and evening is breathtaking. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Request for a "devilled chicken" to have with a cold Lion beer. A truly Sri Lankan experience. Bravo Sea World Boutique Hotel."

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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 Midigama Beach.

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Hostels in Koggala

Nature Rex - Hostel

Nature Rex - Hostel

Lo hostel

Lo hostel

Wagon Wheel Inn - Hostel

Wagon Wheel Inn - Hostel

Surfing Tusker - Thalpe

Surfing Tusker - Thalpe

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Old Parkland Hostel Galle

Old Parkland Hostel Galle

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

Chaya Mega Hostel

Chaya Mega Hostel

Hostel First Mirissa

Hostel First Mirissa

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Costels Weligama

Costels Weligama

Costels mirissa

Costels mirissa

Cocosurf House

Cocosurf House

The best view in Mirissa.

The best view in Mirissa.

Old Parkland Hostel near the city center

Old Parkland Hostel near the city center

Closenberg Hotel

Closenberg Hotel

Top Koggala Hotel Reviews

The Fort Printers

Find out more about Koggala

Find out more about Koggala

Koggala Hostels information

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