Koggala

Travel Guide

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.
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.
Thunderstorm rolling in from the Indian Ocean at sunset. If you don't mind getting wet then sit on the wall of the Fort an take in the breathtaking sight.
Loved our stay in Koggala Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka. The beach was dreamy. #beach
Stilt Fishermen of Sri Lanka

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Where to stay in Koggala

Beach hopping

Habaraduwa

If you're spending some time in Habaraduwa, Koggala Lake and Eagles' Catalina Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Habaraduwa
Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa

Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
Polkanda Road Galle Habraduwa
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Koggala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great location, lovely rooms, excellent restaurant and cocktail bar.

Reviewed on 14 February 2026

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Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle

The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle

5 out of 5
Habaraduwa Koggala Galle
The price is AED 833 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
AED 833
AED 1,109 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Koggala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Martin Wickramsinghe Folk ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
We absolutely loved this gorgeous hotel !! The infinity pool and beach frontage is just spectacular, rooms and bathrooms are huge and beautiful ! Food was excellent, and staff very attentive ! The Christmas decor especially the lights around the hotel was breathtaking ! Would highly recommend !

Reviewed on 26 January 2026

The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
700 Matara Road, Pelana Weligama
The price is AED 915 per night from Mar 6 to Mar 7
AED 915
AED 1,229 total
6 Mar - 7 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (252 reviews)
The hotel hosts weddings. On this day there is lots of noise. Sound testing for hours. Loud music. Interrupts on the access to the beach. Horrible!!!! Be ware. !!! Your vacation will not be quiet

Reviewed on 21 December 2025

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
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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.
Sri Lankan Villa

Sri Lankan Villa

3 out of 5
No 126, Giniwella Road Koggala Southern Province
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Koggala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kathaluwa Old Temple and Stilt Fisherman ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Immaculate cleanliness, very spacious luxurious room. Its a little away from the bustle so it has a few advantages and drawbacks. Excellent value for money in what you get, really nicely appointed accomodation. Having a washing machine is also very convenient. Very enjoyable stay, would highly ...

Reviewed on 26 January 2026

Sri Lankan Villa
South Point Cottage - Whole Villa 3 Bedrooms (Sleeps 6)

South Point Cottage - Whole Villa 3 Bedrooms (Sleeps 6)

3.5 out of 5
South Point Cottage, Ahangama Koggala Southern Province
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Koggala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Kathaluwa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
We had originally booked South Point Cottage but didn’t end up staying there – the owner has a few properties and we were placed at South Point Abbey instead. The Abbey is a gorgeous old colonial villa right on the ocean, with four big bedrooms that could easily fit two families. The walls are built ...

Reviewed on 19 August 2025

South Point Cottage - Whole Villa 3 Bedrooms (Sleeps 6)
Spacious 7-bedroom cozy villa in delightful Koggala with AC, WiFi

Spacious 7-bedroom cozy villa in delightful Koggala with AC, WiFi

2 out of 5
Ahangama Southern Province
Stay at this villa in Koggala. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
Spacious 7-bedroom cozy villa in delightful Koggala with AC, WiFi
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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

Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum in Koggala. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this culturally rich area.

Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum

Kathaluwa Old Temple

You can learn about the history of Koggala when you stop by Kathaluwa Old Temple. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Kathaluwa Old Temple

Stilt Fisherman

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Stilt Fisherman in Koggala. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Stilt Fisherman