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
The price is €141 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
€141
16 Jan - 17 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Lake are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
This hotel is one of a kind, the staff is incredible, the views out of this world! The room was honestly my favourite of any place I’ve stayed in all my travels. Clearly next level design and architecture in a very subtle and tasteful way. The spa treatment was wonderful and the cooking class under ...

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Tri by Amaya
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 ...
No hot water 5 days

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2022

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Hotel Kabalana
The Sandhya

The Sandhya

4 out of 5
Kabalana Beach, Baranige Watha Ahangama Southern
The price is €273 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
€273
22 Jan - 23 Jan
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! (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 22 Nov 2025

The Sandhya
See all 2,099 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.
The White House Villa

The White House Villa

3 out of 5
Matara Rd, Goviyapana Ahangama Southern Province
Stay at this business-friendly villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Midigama ...
The White House Villa
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 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
Good Story Village

Good Story Village

3.5 out of 5
Waduwaththa, Daluwaththa ela Road Ahangama Southern Province
Stay at this business-friendly villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple ...
Good Story Village
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.

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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

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Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

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Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya

Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya

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Banana Boat Ride in Mirissa

Banana Boat Ride in Mirissa

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Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident

Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident

€13
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Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

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See all activities in Ahangama
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