Ahangama is a laid-back surfers’ village on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Here, you’ll find fantastic surf, lively parties, and despite being in its infancy in terms of tourism, dozens of great restaurants. With the sea at your doorstep and rice fields in your backyard, Ahangama offers everything for a wonderful time. Especially if you find Mirissa a bit too touristy, you’ll surely love the relaxed vibe in Ahangama. I’ve searched for the best things to do, cozy hotspots, and the nicest places to stay. These are my tips for Ahangama!
What to Do in Ahangama?
In Ahangama, it’s all about Surf, Eat, Chill, Repeat. Walking along the main coastal road, you’ll come across plenty of cozy spots, and even further inland, there are some cool places to discover.
Surfing in Ahangama
The reason Ahangama has become so popular is due to its fantastic surf. The broad coastline offers plenty of different surf spots suitable for every skill level. Intermediate surfers especially find Ahangama to be the place to surf in Sri Lanka. But even beginners can enjoy themselves here. You can take a surf lesson in Ahangama, although many lessons also take place in nearby Weligama, where the waves are a bit gentler for beginners. The surf season in Ahangama runs from November to May. Want to surf in Sri Lanka between June and October? Then it’s better to head to Arugam Bay.
Yoga at Soul & Surf
Relax completely on the elevated yoga deck of Soul & Surf; a beautiful location overlooking the sea. During the peak season, they offer a daily program with various yoga classes and breathwork sessions. Two classes are held each day; the morning session starts at 8:30, and the afternoon session begins at 17:00. The price per class is slightly higher than average in Sri Lanka, but with the sound of waves in the background and the early or late sunlight, it’s guaranteed to be a delightful experience.
Watch the Stilt Fishermen at Work
You’ll likely spot groups of sticks in the water as you drive around Ahangama. Local fishermen perch on these stilts to fish for small salmon fish. This traditional fishing method mainly occurs in September and October when the small salmon fish swim in these waters. For the rest of the year, you won’t see many Stilt Fishermen unless you encounter a local or two posing for photos for a small fee. Speaking of which, for a nominal amount, you can even try standing on the stilts yourself.
Tip: On Google Maps, Koggala is listed as a place to see the Stilt Fishermen, but it’s overly touristy and reportedly charges exorbitant amounts for photos. It’s better to find a quieter spot. I visited this spot and paid a friendly man 500 rupees for a nice chat and a few photos.
Relaxing at Secret Beach
Like many coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Ahangama boasts a Secret Beach—a quaint cove tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Only a handful of people come here to lay their towels under the shady trees. It’s a tranquil spot for reading a book or taking a refreshing dip in the sea. Here’s the exact location of Secret Beach in Ahangama.
Chilling at Marshmellow Café & Cactus
There are several cool hotspots in Ahangama you shouldn’t miss. Marshmallow Café and Cactus Café sit right next to each other on the beach. Both are laid-back beachfront spots to enjoy good food, lively ambiance, and a view that never gets old.
Enjoying Kabalana Beach
For a perfect beach day, head to Kabalana Beach. It’s Ahangama’s largest beach with all the amenities. Lounge on a beach bed, grab a fresh coconut from one of the stalls, and admire the surfers in the distance. There’s always someone up for a game of volleyball or other activities, making it easy to spend a whole day here. As evening approaches, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset and make plans for the night.
Watching the Sunset at Lighthouse
For a unique sunset view, Lighthouse is the place to be! This boutique hotel also features a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and, most importantly, great cocktails even if you’re not staying there. Sit by the water or upstairs at the bar for a front-row seat to a stunning sunset.
Take a Scooter Ride around Koggala Lake
Along Ahangama’s coast, there are plenty of fun activities, but I highly recommend heading inland as well. Here, you can experience authentic Sri Lanka, immerse yourself in the culture, and witness local customs. Rent a scooter and cruise past beautiful rice paddies and small villages where locals wave at you with smiles. A ride around Koggala Lake makes for a scenic route that takes about two hours.
Tip: I visited this unique spot at Koggala Lake. They harvest fresh oysters from the lake, which they sell on the spot. This place isn’t in guidebooks, so there are hardly any travelers here. You won’t hear much English spoken, either.
Delicious Food, Relaxation, and Swimming at Black Honey
If you’d rather not get sandy feet for a change, head to the charming Black Honey restaurant where you can enjoy great food and take a dip in the pool. Surrounded by tall palm trees, the pool offers a beautiful view over the rice fields. They serve excellent coffee, and the place is sure to inspire your own interior design.
Tip: You can also stay overnight at Black Honey. Their rooms are perfectly styled, and since Black Honey is a bit away from the center, you’ll experience a peaceful oasis in this beautiful setting. Plus, you won’t need to leave for good food and coffee. With only a few rooms available, booking in advance is recommended.
Visit and Support Animal SOS Sri Lanka
As you travel through Sri Lanka, you’ll notice the abundance of stray dogs and cats. The country is home to an estimated 3 million street animals, many of which suffer from malnutrition, diseases, or injuries due to neglect. In 2007, British expat Kim founded Animal SOS Sri Lanka to rescue and care for these animals. What started small has grown to accommodate around 2500 dogs and several dozen cats. Upon arrival, many animals are in critical condition, requiring immediate care, food, and medication to recover. The shelter operates solely on donations.
If you’d like to contribute, you can donate funds through their website. Even better, consider visiting the shelter. They welcome visitors every day from 10:00 to 14:00. It’s best to send them a message beforehand to inform them of your visit. During your visit, you’ll receive a brief tour and have the opportunity to interact with the dogs. It can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of animals, but rest assured, all animals are vaccinated. They also offer opportunities to take the dogs to the beach and sometimes accept volunteers. Inquire directly with the shelter for more details.
Mini Golfing at Swing Ceylon
This unique spot is the perfect tip for a fun outing with your travel buddies, a family day with kids, or a creative date night. At Swing Ceylon in Unawatuna, you can literally play through miniature Sri Lanka. The beautifully designed mini-golf course features all the famous landmarks you’ll recognize from your travels. Navigate your ball across the Nine Arch Bridge, through the highlands, past Sigiriya Rock, and of course, the Galle lighthouse.
Tip: Make sure to climb up the treehouse for a bird’s eye view of the mini-golf course. Not done playing yet? Try your hand at life-sized Jenga or cornhole.
Nightlife in Ahangama
Ahangama comes alive every evening with parties scattered throughout. Trax is one such place. Located next to the railway (hence the name), it hosts lively parties and music nights amidst lush green gardens, making it a unique spot worth visiting. Another cool spot is Lamana. From the front, it looks like an ordinary restaurant, but stepping through the back door leads you to a courtyard with a skate pool. On party nights, it’s packed with people admiring skaters’ tricks or showing off their moves on the dance floor.
Tip: There are more places for a great night out. Ask around during your stay in Ahangama to find out where the parties are happening.
Tips for Good Restaurants in Ahangama
In the quaint village of Ahangama, you’ll find numerous trendy restaurants. I’ve tested quite a few, and here are my favorites:
Marshmellow Café – Great for healthy breakfasts and lunches. Try the avocado toast, power bowl, or a tasty burger. They have plenty of vegetarian options.
Lean@83 – A small restaurant run by a lovely family. Their dishes are deliciously spiced and authentically Sri Lankan.
Cactus – Perfect for bowls, excellent coffee, and generously filled sandwiches with a sea view. Ideal for breakfast or lunch.
Hotel de Uncles – A cozy spot for evening drinks.
Black Honey – Definitely worth a visit. Enjoy an extensive lunch, delicious coffee, and if you like, take a dip in the pool while overlooking the rice fields.
Crust – Delicious pizzas at this charming beachside spot.
Meori – A hip café serving good coffee and healthy bowls.
Mermaid’s – Delight in Sri Lankan staples like rice and curry.
Trax – Visit this lively bar for great evening meals, killer cocktails, and good music starting from 7:00 PM. Open on Sundays from 12:00 to 3:00 PM as well.
The Kip – This restaurant features a beautiful garden where you can create your own brunch menu.
Our Favorite Spots in Ahangama
Surf Villa Domus Graziella is a stylish boutique hostel and a great base for exploring Ahangama. You’ll stay in beautifully styled rooms close to excellent surf spots, with the owner available day and night. There’s a small but lovely pool, air-conditioned rooms, and a delicious breakfast included in the price.
Jungle Villa is another fantastic base in Ahangama, offering great value for your money. Stay in spacious rooms with hot showers, and enjoy a delicious, extensive breakfast included in the price.
Looking for a unique stay? A bit further inland lies the hidden paradise of Stuthi Villa. This delightful accommodation allows you to unwind completely amidst nature, with a large garden and a refreshing pool, all while staying in an idyllic bungalow.
 Surf Villa Domus Graziella |
 Jungle Villa |
 Stuthi Villa |
