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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Exclusive Loft | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

"The location is excellent right on the beachfront. The property is very outdated and to a poor standard. During our stay the sink was blocked, the balcony door didn't close or lock. The hotel in general needs renonvating. "

AED 372 total

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29 May - 30 May

Outdoor pool, open 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

"Great location and views from the room and pool, friendly staff and good facilities. Would stay again :)"

AED 262 total

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23 May - 24 May

"Great location- close to the coast so there is a nice breeze and on edge of the fort so not too busy. A very pretty courtyard and well appointed rooms. Staff were very attentive and helpful. Will definitely recommend. "

AED 484 total

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21 May - 22 May

"We had a great stay at the riff. Thats why we decided to come back in a few days. Thanks a lot and best wishes!"

AED 722 total

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29 May - 30 May

"Value for Money "

"Location is perfect, walkable to beach 🏖️"

AED 204 total

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21 May - 22 May

"Rooms are well done but lobby and other spaces look a bit tired. Checkin staff were great but the others seemed a bit grouchy. "

AED 149 total

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21 May - 22 May

"We loved it. A beautiful spot and a very welcoming and accomodating place. Also, the food is excellent. We would definately come back. "

AED 142 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jun - 2 Jun

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Recent reviews of Koggala hotels

5/5 Excellent

Wonderful vacations!!!

"Staff was good.Services good also.Everybody’s so friendly even not inside hotel. We had a great time. I’d love to come over again as soon as we can."

A verified traveler stayed at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Posted 2 weeks ago

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 month 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 1 month 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 1 month ago

5/5 Excellent

Hillside gem 💎 in Unawatuna

"I spent 2 blissful nights relaxing here in a panoramic ocean view room which definitely lived up to its name with spectacular views free rom large windows and a balcony. The restaurant and rooftop bar/ lounge are super friendly and the live music on one night was amazing! The infinity rooftop pool was refreshing and again... those views is Hotel has an elevator which is an added bonus too and there is a free shuttle to Jungle Beach!"

A verified traveler stayed at Agnus Unawatuna

Posted 2 months ago

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