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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Browse Select Ahangama Hostels

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Ahangama

Gandhali

Wake N Flow

Ahangama

₹4,519 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

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

₹5,194 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

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

Hummus Hotel Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa

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₹4,085 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

Lo hostel

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Papaya Hikkaduwa

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₹4,973 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Dec - 19 Dec

Chaya Mega Hostel

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₹1,742 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Dec - 17 Dec

The Hostel Mirissa

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Anonymous traveller

Costels Weligama

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₹3,164 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

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Jungle City Hostel

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Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Hikkaduwa

Christer

₹7,340 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Dec - 13 Dec

Costels mirissa

Mirissa

₹4,242 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Banana Bunks Mirissa

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₹22,514 total

includes taxes & fees

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Closenberg Hotel

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₹8,549 total

includes taxes & fees

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Top Ahangama 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."

Coast 67 Boutique Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"We had a great 3-night stay at Coast 67. The most stunning setting, overlooking the sea and the fairly private beach (there are only a handful of hotels that have access to this beach, so there are no local sellers or other tourists). Being able to walk from the pool, to the sunbeds, to the sand and the sea in just a couple of minutes is bliss. The food was delicious, plus the dining staff were really friendly and warm. The breakfasts are healthy (albeit western focused, rather than sri Lankan), and the lunches tasty too. Reasonably well priced for a hotel. Also, would HIGHLY recommend walking to local cooperative Cafe Veda for dinner - 2000 rupees (£5) for an authentic dinner with friendly staff and calming atmosphere. We went twice in our 3 night stay. The hotel was always very clean, but there are a couple of teething issues: cleaning is every 2 days (which isn't a problem, but worth considering) and there were a couple of power outages (only a few minutes, so no problem either) and the showers stopped working one afternoon/evening. Plus, there are construction works on the road and at the next door beach club, so lots of noise during the day (November 2025). It wasn't a bother though, as the sounds of the ocean are beautiful - especially at night."

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."

Find out more about Ahangama

Ahangama Hostels information

Number of reviews	8
Accommodation	39 Hostels
Lowest Price	₹1,742
Highest Price	₹8,549

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Ahangama?

Hostels are a great way to stay for a good value, so you can save your budget for exploring.

What is a hostel?

These dorm-style accommodations come in quite a few shapes and sizes, but they all have a few things in common, including low prices, a social setting and shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too).

What are the best hostels in Ahangama?

While you're choosing where to stay, have a look at this top Ahangama hostel: Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka - You can take advantage of free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, as well as an outdoor pool. You'll find towels, showers and bed sheets in all rooms.

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

Good weather's definitely a plus when you're discovering new places, so here's some information about the seasons: The hottest months are usually March and April, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 27°C. The rainiest months in Ahangama are May, November, September and October, with each month seeing an average of 305 mm of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in Ahangama?

Depending on what interests you, you might like to explore some places near Ahangama. Get out into nature with places such as Kabalana Beach, Midigama Left Surf Break and Koggala Lake. Cultural attractions include Handunugoda Tea Estate, Stilt Fisherman and Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum. Additional attractions include Midigama Beach, Turtle Bay Beach and Weligama Beach.

Search Hostels in Ahangama

Change your mind

Treat yourself

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Check prices for these dates

Browse Select Ahangama Hostels

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Wake N Flow

Nature Rex - Hostel

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Hummus Hotel Hikkaduwa

Lo hostel

Papaya Hikkaduwa

Chaya Mega Hostel

The Hostel Mirissa

Costels Weligama

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

Jungle City Hostel

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Costels mirissa

Banana Bunks Mirissa

Closenberg Hotel

Top Ahangama Hotel Reviews

Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux

Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel

Coast 67 Boutique Hotel

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

The Bartizan

The Fort Printers

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Levels Unawatuna

Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Find out more about Ahangama

Ahangama Hostels information

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