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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Hostels in Koggala

"The pictures are not a true reflection of this property. It has the potential to be a very lovely hotel but it is run down and falling apart. The rooms were dirty especially the bathroom. There wasn't a mosquito net for the bed. Service for breakfast was very slow. The pool looks like it needs a good clean. I couldn't even get into it. "

SAR 266 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Sep - 20 Sep

"Prachtige setting, mooie tuin die doorloopt naar het rustige strand. Super lekker eten. Heel vriendelijk personeel. "

SAR 529 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sep - 8 Sep

"I rented an Airbnb in unawatuna which ended up turning in an awful experience. I had to find a new place last minute and I was really happy when I arrived to snooze. It’s clean, the boss is a respectful and kind person who is available to help guests when in need, the room was spacious with ac and hot water. Ended up paying half of what I paid for the Airbnb nightmare. I extended another night at snooze. I definitely recommend it specifically if you’re a woman traveling alone as I am. "

SAR 226 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Sep - 20 Sep

"We booked and paid via hotel.com BUT when we arrived the manager explained Expedia instructed him to charge us for the room. We spent 2 hours chatting with hotels.com whereby they promised to refund us, so we also paid cash (so double) while waiting for hotels.com to refund us. BUT we now received a email explaining they could NOT get in contact with hotel and will NOT REFUND us! "

SAR 80 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Aug - 22 Aug

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Double Room, Balcony, Garden View | In-room dining

SAR 95 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Sep - 21 Sep

"Really sweet manager! So helpful!! Fun hostel all around. Really close to the beach. Clean comfortable beds. AC. Good group of people"

SAR 80 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Aug - 23 Aug

SAR 79 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Aug - 25 Aug

SAR 116 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Aug - 22 Aug

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Top Koggala Hotel Reviews

Radisson Collection Resort, Galle

10/10 Excellent

"Nice sea view "

The Bartizan

10/10 Excellent

"The Bartizan's rooms were spacious and clean. The bathroom was gorgeous. The breakfast was generous, and we were given a packed breakfast on the day we left early. The staff were very attentive. It is located on the coast and walkable to loads of shops and restaurants. It was our favourite hotel in the two weeks we spent in Sri Lanka. "

Villa White Queen

10/10 Excellent

"A wonderful 3 night stay in the family suite with two double beds. Service from all the hotel staff was wonderful from the moment we arrived, and they went above and beyond from giving us a takeaway breakfast on our last day when we left early, as well as helping with our hired tuktuk! Hotel is further out of Galle Fort (about a 10min tuktuk drive/25 min walk), but setting of buildings onsite is lovely, centred around the main pool and communal outside area. There is a mosque nearby so you can hear the call to prayer, but didn't disturb us."

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Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Koggala?

By staying at a hostel you can spend less on lodging and use more of your trip funds for sightseeing during your vacation. If you're hoping to enjoy the natural surroundings, you can check out the beaches while you're here.

What is a hostel?

No two hostels look identical, but these dorm-style accommodations all have shared rooms (though many hostels also have private rooms), budget-friendly prices, and a social environment.

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Koggala?

The weather is important when you're discovering new places, so here are some stats about the seasons: The hottest months are usually March and April with an average temp of 82°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 80°F. The rainiest months in Koggala are May, November, September, and October, with each month seeing an average of 12 inches of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in Koggala?

Depending on what you're interested in, you might enjoy some places near Koggala. Get out into nature with places like Koggala Lake, Koggala Beach, and Kabalana Beach. Cultural attractions include Martin Wickramsinghe Folk Museum, Stilt Fisherman, and Handunugoda Tea Estate. Additional attractions include Kathaluwa Old Temple, Eagles' Catalina Golf Course, and Midigama Beach.

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Hostels in Koggala

Happy hammocks, Weligama

Closenberg Hotel

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Nature Rex - Hostel

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Jungle City Hostel

Lo hostel

Cocosurf House

Unbound Hostel

MY Hostels Mirissa

Unawatuna Hostel Honey Packers

Villa Coconut - Hostel

Chaya Mega Hostel

Costels mirissa

Bunks Galle

Dreamers Lodge - Hostel

Old Parkland Hostel Galle

Top Koggala Hotel Reviews

Radisson Collection Resort, Galle

Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve

Cocobay Unawatuna

The Fort House

The Bartizan

Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna- Where you meet the sea all year

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

The Fort Printers

Villa White Queen

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