Ahangama Sri Lanka

Sun, sea and surf are what draw the crowds to Ahangama beach. And this 5km stretch of golden sands is not only a surfers’ paradise, but also makes a great away-day for locals to escape the city crowds.

Lying between the tourist hotspots of Galle and Matara, it is ideal for novice and expert surfers alike, the best breaks being Lazy Left (Midigama), the Rock (Kabalana), Plantation and Rhams, as well as pretty much the whole stretch that extends to Galle and Hikkaduwa.

For the less athletic—and energetic—amongst us, Ahangama is also a great place to see Sri Lanka’s famed Indian Ocean turtles being nurtured and cared for at the Turtle Farm and Hatchery.

Meanwhile, a favourite spectacle are the stilt fishermen as they sit silent and unmoving on their poles high above the sea surface, waiting for hours to catch the small fish that swarm in the shallow offshore waters.

This traditional form of fishing is practiced by around 500 fishing families in Galle, in south-west Sri Lanka, especially around the towns of Koggala, Kathaluwa, and Ahangama.

They usually fish at sunrise, noon and sunset, balanced six feet above the sea. A vertical pole buried deep in the sea bed has a crossbar, on which the fishermen sit for hours at a time.

With one hand gripping the pole and the other a fishing rod or a line, they aim to hook spotted herrings and small mackerels, which they keep in a bag tied around their waist.

Ahangama beach is located 140km south of Colombo between Galle and Matara. A great 5km stretch provides some great surfing breaks, particularly from October to March.