There are so many things to do in Ahangama, and I am excited to share all of my insider knowledge, having lived close to the area for some time now!
Ahangama Beach is on the beautiful South West Coast of Sri Lanka, tucked behind a small, bustling town that looks deceivingly like any other ramshackle Sri Lankan town.
However, peeling back the surface, you’ll find surf camps, yoga retreats, cool coffee spots, the most amazing sunsets and a buzzing nightlife. It’s a fantastic place to finish off a trip around Sri Lanka for utter relaxation.
Ahangama has become ‘the place to be’ in recent years due to lots of cool establishments popping up to accommodate the avid surfers who come to ride the waves in this perfect surf spot. It’s not the place to go if you want to get off the beaten track in Sri Lanka.
Ahangama Beach is unique in that surfers of all levels can happily surf together. The learners look for sandy bottoms while the professionals and intermediates enjoy exploring some point breaks.
Are you wondering what to do in Ahangama? Well, look no further. We’ve got you covered in this extensive breakdown of insider knowledge of this fantastic place!
You’ll find everything you need to know, from things to do to places to eat and activities to try. There are plenty of things to do and see in this beautiful part of the world, which will keep you busy or relaxed.
Things To Do Ahangama
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Surf and Yoga camps
Most folk come to this part of Sri Lanka to surf. Most places combine surfing with yoga to create popular Surf and Yoga Camps.
There are more yoga shalas than you can shake a stick at (or a fishing rod!) in Ahangama, throw in some surfing and you’ve got yourself quite the adventure holiday.
Stay in one of these very popular surf and yoga camps and have your itinerary, food, activities, and accommodation sorted. These trendy venues also offer drop-in classes, retreats, and workshops.
The Nuga House, built around a holy nuga tree near Kabalana beach, a serene and beautiful scene, come to share a deep love of nature.
One Bhakti is an incredible yoga school with excellent teachers. It offers authentic experiences to further your spiritual practice, including ice baths, kirtan, and fire rituals.
Soul and Surf is the spot to choose if you want a fun camp, positioned right on a dreamy surf cove. With beachfront accommodation, onsite therapies and a Sunday Session with amazing international DJs in their excellent Canteen bar, what’s not to love?
Check out this packing list for items that may be helpful if you intend to go surfing.
Good Dharma
If you’re looking to entertain the kids whilst in Sri Lanka or even take them off your hands for a few hours, the Good Dharma School is a fantastic place for activities.
Set amongst a two-acre organic plantation, let your children immerse themselves in many fantastic activities surrounded by nature. You can book a day pass, a week, or even longer in advance. This is among the best things to do in Ahangama with kids under 6.
Bicycle Tour
Fancy a peddle through a paddy field? Then, book a cycling tour with Sri Lanka Eco Tourism. A guided tour through the interior and coastline of Ahangama, taking in paddy fields, farms, temples and villages.
Stilt Fishing
You can watch the stilt fishermen near Koggala Lake (one of the biggest natural lakes in Sri Lanka). The local men sit on sticks stuck in the water while casting a rod into the ocean for their daily catch.
It’s quite a sight to behold. Fishermen perch atop skinny wooden stilts, fishing rods in hand. Sometimes, you’ll find two fishermen side by side on the crossbar of the skinny stick.
The men wear colourful sarongs around their waist, a traditional attire for Sri Lankan men, and a turban around their heads to protect them from the blazing sun.
Koggala Lake Boat Safari
Koggala Lake Boat Safari is such a lovely thing to do. Hop on a small speed boat and whizz around the lake, finding wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a crocodile yawning. There are many birds and lots of monkeys.
Jump off the boat and immerse your feet in water while orange fish nibble at your toes. Once you get used to it, it’s a weird but strangely calming experience.
Then, visit a cinnamon farm on a small island in the lake and see how this incredible herb is carved from the bark of a tree and then made into the sticks we see in the supermarket. Watch the sunset over the lake whilst manoeuvring through the mangroves.
It’s a super nice activity that everyone can enjoy and one of the best things to do in Ahangma for wildlife lovers.
Check out the Koggala Lake Safari here.
Kabalana Beach
Kabalana is a beautiful 500-metre stretch of sand worth visiting for a chilled day, but it also has some surf breaks. It’s a little less crowded than Ahangama, and you can bag a sun lounger and soak it up while reading your favourite book.
Visit a Tea Factory
Another thing to do close to Ahangama is visit a tea factory. If you don’t fancy going to Nuwara Eliya or Ella, you can have the tea experience on your doorstep. It’s one of the only tea plantations in the south.
The wonderful Handunugoda Estate, affectionately known as Herman’s Teas, is a great day trip that costs only $2 per person! Herman Gunaratne is much loved and a bit of a local celebrity, celebrating his 80th birthday recently at his new property The Tea Library in Hikkaduwa, he’s quite the character.
You are welcome any day of the week between 8 am and 4 pm. Your $2 entrance fee includes a luscious cake and a pot of tea!
Temples
If you like exploring temples, visit Kathaluwa Old Temple. It’s a hidden gem that not many know about. You can also see beautiful traditional Kandyan wall art.
These mesmerising, colourful stories, depicted in paintings on red wallpaper, will leave you in awe of this ancient talent. You can gaze forever and find new things.
After you’ve ogled at the walled art, you can learn about the printing press, the first in Sri Lanka to print Buddhist literature.
Pool Hangs
Ahangama Beach isn’t the best swimming spot, which is why it’s popular with surfers. It’s all about the waves. So, if you fancy a refreshing dip, then check out these pool hang spots.
The Jam House is a cute restaurant just off the main road. It has a nice pool with sunbeds backing onto a paddy field, reasonably priced tasty food, and great service.
At Palm Hotel, you can book a day pass for just 7000 LKR at this gorgeously unique boutique hotel. Enjoy a swim with food and drink, which is deductible from your pass price.
Dream Sea is a surf camp where you can pool hang while enjoying modern and healthy dishes inspired by Sri Lankan and international flavours.
A perfect place to soak up the Sri Lankan sun and hang out with others who’ve caught the wanderlust bug. Open to the public every day from 7am to 9pm.
Where To Eat In Ahangama
You’ll want to fill your bellies and delight in all sorts of culinary fancies when staying in Ahangama Beach.
There’s no shortage of amazing eateries to suit all budgets and taste buds. With amazing coffee, satisfying Western-style brunches, authentic rice and curry shops, and fancy restaurants, Ahangama has it all!
Cactus
Along the rocky shoreline of Ahangama Beach, you’ll find Cactus for your morning coffee fix, which has excellent breakfast and brunch options. Watch the waves crashing on the rocks at this popular hangout.
Society
Society is a fairly new restaurant that has opened its sister property in Ahangama, the first being in Unawatuna.
Serving up delectable, authentic north Sri Lankan food inspired by the northern town of Jaffna, with the vibes of a local toddy shop. Excellent food, cocktails and live music events in their vast garden!
Machan Curry
If you want a more authentic culinary experience, head to Machan Curry Pot, a popular place for the best rice and curry, served buffet style.
Baboo Ocean Cafe
Help yourself and let your taste buds delight in all the different dishes. Baboo Ocean Café is another popular spot that overlooks the ocean. As the name might suggest, try the seafood and the popular local dish, kottu.
Ahangama Nightlife
Fancy a tipple and a boogie? Ahangama has some of the best southern nightlife to do just this. It has a cool vibe but don’t be intimidated, here all ages and demographics party until the wee small hours.
Uncle’s is a cool cocktail bar on the beach, billed as “a roti shop with a secret.” Step through an inconspicuous door (you’ve got to be in the know to know where it is.)
Allow your eyes to marvel at the magically colourful murals that adorn the walls as you enter this tiny, trendy, eccentric bar that spills out onto a decked terrace overhanging the beach with the best sunset views.
Sip on unique cocktails like Aunty Agnes, named after a real person who lives in Hapulte and is in her late 70s. She loves her gin and port wine!
The cocktails are unique and delicious, and with a daily happy hour of buy one get one free, it’s hard to resist.
Listen to some of the best DJs on the island spinning cool tunes to complement your cocktail and the view.
Uncle’s is usually the warm-up before everyone heads over to Trax to listen to live music, including some of the coolest bands on the island and international artists.
A cool garden to chill and chat in and an old restored colonial house to party in. It feels like a private house party, and you have the hottest invite in town! Akin to Pikes in Ibiza without the pool and the pics of George Michael and Freddie Mercury!
Soul n Surf
Soul n Surf is always a Sunday Session with fantastic DJs and happy hour.
Ceylon Sliders
At Ceylon Sliders, in Ahangama, there’s always an event at this homely space, from markets to live music to film screenings.
There’s a real sense of community here, as locals and tourists come together to have fun, and there is delicious food and drink, too.
Experience A Boutique Hotel
PALM Hotel
PALM Hotel is a gorgeous place to visit and get your fix for fitness. It offers a full schedule of fitness and yoga classes and a 14-metre pool to cool off in. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Ahangama if you are into keeping on top of your fitness whilst away.
You can also indulge in a massage or a pedicure. Hidden in the paddy fields beyond the coastline of Ahangama, with floor-to-ceiling windows, PALM is a bold new concept of modernism nestled in the Sri Lankan jungle.
Places To Stay In Ahangama
Kurulu Bay
Kurulu Bay is a stunning boutique hotel on a sprawling property overlooking Koggala Lake. Stay in one of the 14 suites or cottages and experience absolute peace and tranquillity.
Tucked away in the charming village of Kathaluwa on a private jungle estate, you’ll be transported to another world.
The stunning pool overlooks the lake next to the kitchen, which serves delicious meals using locally sourced produce.
Add some yoga to your dreamy time here, and Kurulu Bay is your perfect luxury stay.
Or maybe you fancy your luxury as stepping out into your private pool amidst the canopy of the coconut trees, with a view of the ocean so high up you feel like you’re flying.
You’ll want somewhere to lay your head, and there are many options, whatever your budget. If you want a bit of luxury, check out these breathtaking properties:
Zen House
If you’re looking for a chill, tucked-away spot in Ahangama, Zen House is the place. It’s got that perfect mix of laid-back vibes and just enough luxury to make you feel totally spoiled.
The design is this cool blend of old-school colonial with a modern twist—super Instagram-worthy.
I loved how every corner of the place is meant to help you unwind. There’s a healing room, a pool that’s just a few steps from your room, and even a private yoga shala tucked away in the garden.
Oh, and the terraces are perfect for sipping your morning coffee or a cheeky evening cocktail.
The rooms are cozy but stylish, keeping those colonial touches while feeling fresh and modern. And the little extras, like the botanical lotions, add that nice touch.
Honestly, Zen House is all about kicking back and soaking in the good vibes. Definitely a spot to recharge and get your zen on!
Tabula Rasa
At Tabula Rasa you get all this and more. Run by a super friendly and fun Dutch couple, you will be greeted with a warm welcome.
The main pool is the centrepiece, with restaurants and lounge areas surrounding it. Take a dip, drink in that stunning ocean view, and lounge on huge sunbeds while waiters bring you yummy food and drinks.
If it’s a smaller luxury you’re after, plump for Harding Boutique, right on Ahangama beach. A beautiful property with just six exclusive designer suites, you’ll feel spoilt rotten! There is a relaxing pool on the ground floor and a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant up top.
If mid-range is your style, there are many fantastic options to try.
Sri Lanka Surf Villa Domus Graziella
Sri Lanka Surf Villa Domus Graziella: For only £26 a night, you get a beautifully designed room with beachy vibes, an infinity pool, and breakfast included! If a budget stay is more your vibe, then Ahangama Beach has this too.
Makai Surf House
Try Makai Surf House, which has excellent reviews and gorgeous, bright, and beachy interiors. You won’t feel like you’re in a hostel!
Day Trips From Ahangama Beach
Why not venture out of Ahangama? Its great location makes it perfect for a day trip.
Midigama Fruit Farm
Midigama Fruit Farm is a short tuk ride up the coast to Midigama. A vast space brimming with delicious fruits and vegetables overlooking expansive paddy fields.
It’s a great day out, especially with the kids. They can pick the produce and taste the array of colourful food while a guide gives them all the interesting information they need to know.
You’ll even be served a delicious traditional Sri Lankan meal at the end of your tour, made from the produce on the farm.
Senses is a retreat centre located at the farm. Climb up to the beautiful yoga shala, nestled between the tops of coconut trees, overlooking paddy fields.
They hold yoga classes, breathwork, sound healing, kirtan circles and an amazing weekly ecstatic dance session with live DJs and musicians.
There are always lots of workshops on offer. There is also a magical spiritual hangout garden complete with a Buddha statue and its very own cow. It is serene and out of this world.
Turtle Hatchery and Swimming with Turtles
A short ride to Habraduwa will allow you to see hatching sea turtles! At Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery, a volunteer group created a non-profit organisation to conserve the turtles.
Make a voluntary donation and see the work done here to preserve these incredible reptiles.
Dalawella Beach
If you want to swim with considerable turtles in their natural habitat, head to Dalawella Beach and walk through Wijaya Beach’s restaurant to this stunning Instagrammer’s heaven!
Paddle into the crystal-clear, shallow waters, and these magnificent creatures will appear and swim around you. Be sure not to touch them, you wouldn’t want something poking at you whilst you swim!
Marvel at these incredible ancient creatures with your mouth agape. It’s an extraordinary feeling and a memory of a lifetime, indeed.
Weligama & Unawatuna
Drive along the stunning, beach-lined south coast to the numerous beaches. Stop off at Weligama, a busy surf town with a huge beach—probably the busiest town in the south.
Or, head in the opposite direction, towards Galle, to find Unawatuna Beach, a perfect swim spot with a cute beach road lined with gift shops and restaurants.
Galle Fort
You could even head into Galle Fort and soak up the history of a World UNESCO Heritage Site. This old fort dates back to 1588, when the Portuguese built it, then came to the Dutch and, latterly, the British.
For a fantastic day out, explore the cobbled streets and soak up the history of this amazing old fort. Then, browse the many boutique shops, full of colourful dresses, jewellery, and gifts.
There are many great restaurants in the fort, serving all kinds of cuisine, from sushi to pizza. Make sure you stop for ice cream; there are many places selling icy deliciousness to help you beat the heat.
Stop by one of the many boutique hotels for a drink and a bite. You must try the cocktails at Ropewalk at The Galle Fort Hotel, Sri Lanka’s only arrack speciality bar. Arrack is Sri Lanka’s answer to whisky, made from the sap of the coconut flower.
With fantastic live music every Saturday and most nights in the high season, it’s the perfect spot to sip on hand-crafted cocktails and feast your ears with the music.
Don’t miss the stunning sunset from the Ramparts.
Best Time To Visit Ahangama
The best time to visit Ahangama is during peak season from November to April, when the town is filled with tourists, surfers, and yogis.
The nightlife is buzzing, and there are many happenings. But do also come in the Green Season, a much quieter period from May to October when most head to the east coast of Sri Lanka.
Expect some exciting storms as it’s the south coast’s monsoon season. There’s still plenty of sunshine, and you can enjoy all that Ahangama Beach offers during this peaceful period.
Whatever your vibe and budget, there is so much to do! Ahangama Beach must be added to your itinerary when visiting the beautiful island of Sri Lanka!
Looking for another beach town to discover? Why not check out Hirikiteya beach area.
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