Stilt fishermen are found on only a short stretch of Sri Lanka’s south coast. If you know where to go, and what you are looking at, you can see them easily in a single morning or evening.
Stilt fishing has been practised along the south coast from Galle towards Matara. Today you will mainly see it between Koggala, Ahangama, Midigama and Weligama, along the Galle–Matara road. It is easy to visit from Galle, Unawatuna, Ahangama, Weligama or Mirissa.
Koggala is one of the best-known places for stilt fishermen and the home of our family. Maraduwawala is the main traditional stilt fishing place in Koggala, where the fishermen of our village have fished from stilts for generations. The name itself tells the history: wala is a pit of water where coconut husks were soaked for rope, and those places drew the fish. Read about Koggala’s coir rope and crafts.
Just east of Koggala, Ahangama and Midigama also have stilts along the shore. The area is popular with surfers, so many travellers staying here see the stilts at sunrise on the way to the waves.
Further east, the Weligama area also has stilt fishermen and is an easy stop on the way to or from Mirissa.
Most stilts you see right beside the road are photo stilts, placed in shallow water so visitors can climb up safely. Real fishing stilts stand out on the reef at the traditional places where the fish come. In the past the fish came every season and stayed for up to six months. Today, because of environmental change and the loss of the places where fish breed and shelter, real ritipanna happens only once every few years. Read how to tell the difference.
Early morning and late afternoon are best, and the sea is generally calmer from about November to April. See our guide to the best time to see stilt fishermen.
Send us your date, the time you prefer (sunrise or sunset) and how many people. We reply with availability and tell you honestly what the sea and the fish are doing that week.
Book on WhatsApp See experiences and pricesKoggala, on the south coast between Galle and Weligama. Maraduwawala is the main traditional stilt fishing place in Koggala.
Yes. Stilts can be seen along the coast at Ahangama, Midigama and Weligama as well as Koggala.
Koggala is a short drive east of Galle on the Galle–Matara main road.
Planning your visit? Read our full Stilt Fishing in Sri Lanka visitor guide.
