Ahangama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
<The most mesmerising oceanfront of my life-- I kept looking at the waves violently crashing into the rocks. The blue-turquoisish water was hypnotising. My boyfriend – and travel partner – used to kid over this. ‘What colour are my eyes?’ ‘Ahangama blue.’ The clouds were rolling in, and I felt it as a warning not to go in that day. However, whenever I felt the urge to keep my eyes off that tumult, it would call me back. Bewitched. I promised myself to head back there one day and surf those waves!> #waterlust P.S. One of my favourite beaches in Sri Lanka - you can find the list here: https://bit.ly/3atnPt4
Tri Ahangama

Tri Ahangama

4 out of 5
Koggala Lake Ahangama
The price is ₹20,112 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
₹20,112
₹26,106 total
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Lake are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Peaceful and worth every penny !

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Tri Ahangama
The Sandhya

The Sandhya

4 out of 5
Kabalana Beach, Baranige Watha Ahangama Southern
The price is ₹22,861 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹22,861
₹30,516 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Beautiful property on great stretch of Kabalana beach. It was really nice walking along the long stretch of beach and having a dip in the warm and clear water. The king size bedroom was big, clean and very comfortable. The pool area was relaxing with comfortable sun beds with a great view of the ...

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

The Sandhya
Hotel Kabalana

Hotel Kabalana

3.5 out of 5
Matara Road Ahangama Southern Province
Stay at this beach hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
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Hotel Kabalana
See all 2,142 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
Stay at this business-friendly villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple ...
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 22 Dec 2025

Amara Villa
The Six Weligama

The Six Weligama

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

Idda Bouqtiue Villa

3.5 out of 5
Sri Wijaya Mawatha Ahangama
Stay at this villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
Idda Bouqtiue 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 when you take a trip to 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

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

Panorama with beach chairs

Midigama

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