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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Compare 45 Hostels in Koggala with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

"Snooze Station was simply the best accommodation I stayed at in Sri Lanka (from a whole mix of hostels, homestays, and hotels). It's brand new, spotlessly clean, and provides hotel standard services despite being a hostel - such as a welcome drink, a cold flannel on arrival, towels on the beds, a tea and coffee area, etc. The bed was so comfortable and the shower was hot and powerful. The location is perfect for travellers - it is right by both the train and bus stations, and it's only a pretty...

SAR 196 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Apr - 28 Apr

SAR 63 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Apr - 1 May

"What a lovely place to stay!! Exceptionally clean rooms and bathrooms, great air conditioning, comfortable beds and wonderfully friendly and hospitable staff (with a tasty breakfast to round things off nicely)! Thank you so much Lazy Koala, I’ll see you on my next trip back to Sri Lanka"

SAR 348 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Apr - 27 Apr

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

SAR 94 total

includes taxes & fees

9 May - 10 May

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

SAR 595 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Apr - 28 Apr

"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 401 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Apr - 28 Apr

"I loved my stay here in the private room! So spacious and lots of room to work!"

SAR 150 total

includes taxes & fees

2 May - 3 May

Comfort Double Room, Garden View | Free WiFi

SAR 119 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Apr - 27 Apr

Comfort Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Garden View | Terrace/patio

"The most warm welcome I’ve had in Sri Lanka! The hostel manager was so friendly and helpful throughout my stay, I could really recommend the place. Good free breakfast and nice communal areas. Although it was low season and the hostel was quite empty, I still found new friends."

In-room safe, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

SAR 56 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Apr - 29 Apr

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

SAR 139 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Apr - 27 Apr

SAR 319 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Apr - 27 Apr

Deluxe Double Room, Balcony | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

SAR 136 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Apr - 27 Apr

Economy Shared Dormitory, Women only | Free WiFi, bed sheets

"El hostel es atendido por una familia local, super amables y serviciales. Lo único que no era muy cómodo, era el colchón. Pero el resto del hostel es super nuevo y super limpio. Lo recomiendo!"

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Other property types in Koggala

"The property has amazing location - on the beach and near Galle, close tea plantation, cinnamon plantation and other places to get that wonderful Sri Lankan experience. Villa is clean, staff is friendly and always eager to help. Ideal for adults or families. We would definitely come back!!! Thanks for a nice vacation."

On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels

Recent reviews of Koggala hotels

5/5 Excellent

Fantastic stay at a gorgeous hotel

"We had an amazing time at Riff, nothing bad to say about the place. It was extremely comfortable with great service. A fab pool and direct access to the beach. The food was delicious in both the downstairs restaurant and the rooftop restaurant - especially the grilled seafood (lobster and prawns!) and the a la carte breakfast was fantastic. We loved having drinks on the rooftop at sunset every evening, with great views and live music. Felt very spoilt! "

A verified traveler stayed at Riff Hikkaduwa

Posted 1 day ago

5/5 Excellent

"What a view! The moon pool is stunning! The Forrest school for the kids is perfect as they learn a lot vs traditional kids club. The breakfast is up to Relais and Chateaux standards with a view over the Ocean. We also experimented the SPA and the quality of the treatment was excellent. I would come back and highly recommend it for couples or family with kids."

A verified traveler stayed at Cape Weligama - Relais and Chateaux

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Ocean view suite experience was great

"Resort was great, our stay in an ocean view suite was fantastic ! everyone was very welcoming and manager Chamesh was also very helpful in booking cabs for us and sorting out things for us. Had a great experience with the resort. "

A verified traveler stayed at Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Posted 3 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Beautiful hotel with great amenities

"This is a really nice hotel - included very nice elements of Sri Lankan culture while maintaining all of the modern comforts you would expect out of a 4 star hotel. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, and the pool area was super nice with great views of the ocean from every chair. Very relaxing. Wifi was also very strong throughout the entire resort grounds, and food was delicious with a lot of options in the buffet. The surrounding town of Hikkaduwa isn't the nicest, but you won't want to leave the resort so it's okay."

A verified traveler stayed at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Posted 11 days ago

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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.

What are the best hostels in Koggala?

Need some guidance on where to stay in Koggala? This hostel is popular: Gaia Ocean Surf Yoga - Guests can enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Rooms come with towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi.

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 Mihiripenna Beach.

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Compare 45 Hostels in Koggala with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Snooze Station by Sydney Galle

Nature Rex - Hostel

Nature Rex - Hostel

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Lazy Koala Hostel - Adults Only

Cocosurf House

Cocosurf House

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Dreamsea surf camp Sri Lanka

Closenberg Hotel

Closenberg Hotel

Hangtime Hostel

Hangtime Hostel

Costels Weligama

Costels Weligama

Jungle City Hostel

Jungle City Hostel

Happy hammocks, Weligama

Happy hammocks, Weligama

MY Hostels Mirissa

MY Hostels Mirissa

Lo hostel

Lo hostel

Unbound Hostel

Unbound Hostel

Hostel First Mirissa

Hostel First Mirissa

Unawatuna Hostel Honey Packers

Unawatuna Hostel Honey Packers

The best view in Mirissa.

The best view in Mirissa.

Costels mirissa

Costels mirissa

Villa Coconut - Hostel

Villa Coconut - Hostel

Cycling Hostel Sri Lanka

Cycling Hostel Sri Lanka

Gaia Ocean Surf Yoga

Gaia Ocean Surf Yoga

Other property types in Koggala

4 bedroom Luxury Beach Front Villa. Private Pool. Fully staffed. Stunning Views,

4 bedroom Luxury Beach Front Villa. Private Pool. Fully staffed. Stunning Views,

8 bedroom Luxury Beach Front Villa. Exclusive. Pool. Ideal for groups.

8 bedroom Luxury Beach Front Villa. Exclusive. Pool. Ideal for groups.

Arunalu Lake Front

Arunalu Lake Front

Recent reviews of Koggala hotels

Recent reviews of Koggala hotels

Riff Hikkaduwa

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