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
The price is ₩257,032 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
₩257,032
₩336,692 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
I had a really wonderful time at Tabula Rasa. Felt like the staff couldn’t do enough to ensure my stay was perfect. The location is stunning. It is worth being located up hill in the peace and quiet, and so easy to pop out in a tuk tuk. The food was really good, I expected to eat out more but, I’d ...

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle

The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle

5 out of 5
Habaraduwa Koggala Galle
The price is ₩313,025 per night from Jan 21 to Jan 22
₩313,025
₩416,695 total
Jan 21 - Jan 22
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! (103 reviews)
Paradise
The Fortress Resort is exceptional amazing staff. It was paradise and we loved every second of our stay

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

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
The price is ₩93,570 per night from Jan 27 to Jan 28
₩93,570
₩110,413 total
Jan 27 - Jan 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Koggala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Kathaluwa Old Temple are located ...
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Nice place, quiet, close to the beach, plan to stay again in this property when I come back to srilanka😊

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025

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 Aug 19, 2025

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)
See all properties in Koggala
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