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.
Sri Lanka is unique for its Stilt Fishermen - fishermen who sit on small benches on poles stuck into the water a few meters offshore and fish for small reef fish called ‘Bollu’ and ‘Koramburuwo’
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

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 ...
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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
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 ...
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The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle
Ko Lake Villa Rooms lakeside Beach

Ko Lake Villa Rooms lakeside Beach

3 out of 5
Madol Duwa Rd, Madolduwa Road, Ahangama Koggala Southern Province
Stay at this guesthouse in Koggala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
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Ko Lake Villa Rooms lakeside Beach
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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 ...
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 ...
South Point Cottage - Whole Villa 3 Bedrooms (Sleeps 6)
The Chalet - Whole Villa 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4)

The Chalet - Whole Villa 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4)

4 out of 5
Matara Rd Koggala Southern Province
Stay at this villa in Koggala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Kathaluwa Old Temple and Kabalana Beach are located ...
The Chalet - Whole Villa 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4)
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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

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

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

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

Things to do

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

$25
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Hikkaduwa/Galle/Mirissa: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari

$24
per adult
Galle/Mirissa/Tangalle: Transfer to Ella & Yala Safari
Day tour Of Gall From Colombo by Sigiritrip Tours - Sri Lanka

Private Day Tour Of Galle From Colombo and Negombo

$100
per adult
Private Day Tour Of Galle From Colombo and Negombo
From Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Udawalawa Safari Tour

Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Udawalawa Safari

$53
per adult
Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Udawalawa Safari
Dutch Fort

Galle Day Trip From Colombo

$89
per adult
Galle Day Trip From Colombo
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

$28
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
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Cities near Koggala

One of the best place to snorkel

Unawatuna

Fisherman fishing on stilt

Ahangama