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.

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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 Ahangama

Tri Ahangama

4 out of 5
Koggala Lake Ahangama
The price is AED 800 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
AED 800
AED 1,038 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 March 2026

Tri Ahangama
The Sandhya

The Sandhya

4 out of 5
Kabalana Beach, Baranige Watha Ahangama Southern
The price is AED 1,000 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
AED 1,000
AED 1,305 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Beautiful, private, perfect.

Reviewed on 4 March 2026

The Sandhya
Hotel Kabalana

Hotel Kabalana

3.5 out of 5
Matara Road Ahangama Southern Province
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are ...
Hotel Kabalana
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 Six Weligama

The Six Weligama

3 out of 5
No. 151, Galle Road Ahangama Weligama
Stay at this villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Kabalana Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
Idda Bouqtiue Villa
Beachfront 4-bedroom villa in fabulous Ahangama!

Beachfront 4-bedroom villa in fabulous Ahangama!

Ahangama Southern province
Stay at this villa in Ahangama. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Midigama Beach are located nearby.
Beachfront 4-bedroom villa in fabulous 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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Reviews of Ahangama

4.5
Top Destination
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4 - Good
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

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It was a great escape from the concrete jungle!