Koggala Travel Guide

Tourist 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.
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
The area around Koggala is one of the best places on Sri Lanka's south coast to see traditional stilt fishermen in action. This famed practice has become one of the most distinctive sights of Sri Lanka. It started just after World War II, when the rocks and shoreline became too crowded so as a result fishermen started using the ship and aircraft wrecks to fish. This developed to fixed stilts in the shoreline for fishermen to use and pass on to the next generation. #LikeALocal

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
Stay at this spa hotel in Koggala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
What a beautiful gem of a boutique hotel nestled on a hill surrounded by nature. Our room was beautiful, comfortable and spacious. It was tastefully designed and filled with personal touches such as books and beautiful photographs. The restaurant called The Dutch is superb. The daily breakfast menu ...

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

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Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle

The Fortress Resort & Spa Galle

5 out of 5
Habaraduwa, Galle District Koggala Southern Province
The price is 5.707.066 ₫ per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
5.707.066 ₫
7.597.179 ₫ total
7 Apr - 8 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Koggala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
It was a great property. We just had a bad experience at dinner and we weren't informed of

Reviewed on 9 Mar 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 6.292.153 ₫ per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
6.292.153 ₫
8.452.810 ₫ total
7 Apr - 8 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (257 reviews)
Brilliant property with amazing sea view rooms. good surfing at the beach. very good staff.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
See all 2,114 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.
Sri Lankan Villa

Sri Lankan Villa

3 out of 5
No 126, Giniwella Road Koggala Southern Province
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Koggala. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Kathaluwa Old Temple and Stilt Fisherman are ...
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 Jan 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
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Koggala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Kathaluwa Old ...
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 Aug 2025

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

Tisara Villas

3.5 out of 5
Duwa Road, Habaraduwa Koggala Southern Province
Stay at this villa in Koggala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Unawatuna Beach and Koggala Beach are located nearby.
Tisara Villas
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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 exploring the galleries in Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum during your travels in Koggala. Wander through 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

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

Cities near Koggala

One of the best place to snorkel

Unawatuna

Fisherman fishing on stilt

Ahangama