Ahangama Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

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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 

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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.

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Tri by Amaya

Tri by Amaya

4 out of 5
Koggala Lake Ahangama
The price is AU$244 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
AU$244
21 Jan - 22 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! (10 reviews)
Loved this little bit of paradise. The pool and view is the highlight, very quiet and tranquil, a great place to relax and unwind. Great food, fresh and very reasonable. Quiet remote but taxi or tuk tuk is easy to arrange via the reception. Rooms vary, some have better lake views than others, but ...

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

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

Hotel Kabalana
Villa Alba

Villa Alba

4 out of 5
Kathaluwa Thiththagalla Rd Ahangama Southern Province
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Handunugoda Tea Estate and Koggala Lake ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Great choice
Perfect stay. Lovely property. Very comfortable and relaxing. Worth staying outside the busy main street of Ahangama. Excellent breakfast, very generous.

Reviewed on 11 June 2025

Villa Alba
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 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
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
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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