Stilt Fishermen Koggala
Witness ancient stilt fishing traditions on the coast of Koggala, Sri Lanka. A unique cultural spectacle and a photographer's delight.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light & active fishermen
Stilt Fishermen Koggala
Best Time
Golden hour light & active fishermen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness ancient stilt fishing traditions on the coast of Koggala, Sri Lanka. A unique cultural spectacle and a photographer's delight.
"It's a unique cultural experience and a photographer's dream, offering iconic shots of Sri Lankan life."
📸 Pay for Photos
Expect to pay a small fee for photos with fishermen or on the stilts. It supports their livelihood!
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The light is magical for photos, but it gets crowded. Arrive early for the best spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Stilt Fishermen
Koggala Beach
Witness fishermen perched on stilts, a unique and ancient fishing method. A truly unforgettable sight!
Sunset Views
Koggala Beach
Experience a magical sunset with the silhouettes of stilt fishermen against a vibrant sky.
Cultural Photo Opportunities
Koggala Beach
Pose like a local fisherman on a stilt for a memorable and unique travel photo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Photo Ops vs. Real Fishing
Best Time for Stunning Shots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Pay for Photos
Expect to pay a small fee for photos with fishermen or on the stilts. It supports their livelihood!
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The light is magical for photos, but it gets crowded. Arrive early for the best spots.
📍 Find the Hidden Gem
Drive 200m past the GPS marker for a more secluded and beautiful beach experience.
🛶 Koggala Lake Excursion
Arrange a boat trip on Koggala Lake with local owners for a chance to see crocodiles and cinnamon islands.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Pay for Photos
Expect to pay a small fee for photos with fishermen or on the stilts. It supports their livelihood!
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The light is magical for photos, but it gets crowded. Arrive early for the best spots.
📍 Find the Hidden Gem
Drive 200m past the GPS marker for a more secluded and beautiful beach experience.
🛶 Koggala Lake Excursion
Arrange a boat trip on Koggala Lake with local owners for a chance to see crocodiles and cinnamon islands.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Beach
Walk along Koggala Beach Park and Park Beach for different perspectives and photo ops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the stilt fishermen a unique and iconic Sri Lankan sight, perfect for memorable photos. While the fishing aspect is often secondary to the photo opportunities, the experience is generally positive, especially when combined with the scenic beauty of the coast and potential excursions on Koggala Lake. Some note that it's more about the pose than actual fishing.
"Okay, so it's definitely a unique experience seeing those stilt things (apparently they're for fishing!). You can pay to sit on one and snap some cool pics with the ocean view, which is pretty awesome. Don't expect to actually fish or anything, it seems to be more about the photo op. You can pay extra for other stuff too, but if you just want that iconic shot and a nice view, it's worth considering. Just know what you're paying for!"
Mohomed ahkam ameen
"The speciality of this beach is that we can see man made sticks that are used to fish while sitting on the sticks.
They do not charge anything from locals to just visit the beach, but for a nice photograph, they charge money.
These people help us to get some beautiful pictures with nice backgrounds. They even gather other fishermen's for the picture background.
The best time to go is morning or afternoon, closer to sunset."
Vikasitha Ranasinghe
"I definitely recommend this beautiful little beach—it's very small and very private , you will never find it unless you know it's there. It’s one of the best I've seen so far in Sri Lanka. IMPORTANT: You need to drive 200 m towards the beach from the GPS location. You can see it on Google maps. It's perfect for watching the sunset, and there's a little local café nearby where the owner resides. You can enjoy tea, coffee, and some snacks while you’re there.
As a bonus, you can chat with the owner and arrange a boat trip around Koggala Lake or local type of fishing. The price is negotiable; I managed to secure a rate of LKR 5,000 for two people for a Lake Trip. The trip lasted about three hours and was quite rewarding. The lake is famous for it's crocodiles and lizards, which we were fortunate enough to see, along with islands where local families cultivate cinnamon. It was a lovely little excursion that was totally worth it!"
J M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The stilt fishermen are primarily located along the coast near Koggala, Sri Lanka. Many travelers spot them while driving along the southern coast, often between Weligama and Hikkaduwa. If using GPS, aim for Koggala Beach Park, but be aware you might need to drive an extra 200 meters towards the beach to find the best spots and more secluded areas. +1
Parking can be a bit informal. Look for designated areas or ask locals where to park. Some areas might have small fees.
Yes, tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available along the southern coast and can take you directly to the stilt fishing areas. Negotiate your fare beforehand.
Buses frequently run along the southern coastal road, connecting major towns. You can take a bus towards Koggala and then a short tuk-tuk ride to the beach.
If you're driving, keep an eye out for the fishermen on their stilts along the coastline. It's a distinctive sight!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's no official entrance fee to the beach itself. However, if you want to take photos with the fishermen or sit on a stilt for a picture, you'll need to pay a fee directly to the fishermen. +1
Prices can vary, but expect to pay a small amount, typically a few hundred Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), for a photo opportunity. It's best to agree on the price before taking the photo.
Yes, many fishermen offer the experience of sitting on a stilt for a photo. This usually costs a bit more than just taking a picture of them.
The main cost is for photo opportunities. Some fishermen might offer to gather others for a more scenic background, which could incur an additional charge.
Stilt fishing is a traditional practice, so fishermen are usually out during daylight hours, with peak times in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Late afternoon provides beautiful warm light and silhouettes.
You can capture unique shots of fishermen perched on stilts, the coastal scenery, and yourself posing on a stilt for a memorable souvenir.
A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both the fishermen and wider coastal scenes. A prime lens with a wide aperture can be great for portraits if you're paying to pose.
Experiment with low angles to emphasize the height of the stilts and wide shots to include the ocean and sky. Getting closer during sunset can capture the fishermen's silhouettes effectively.
While not a formal service, you might be able to arrange with a local guide or even one of the fishermen to help capture your photos, especially if you're on a Koggala Lake tour.
🎫 🛶 Activities & Experiences
While you can pose on a stilt for photos, actually fishing from it requires significant skill and balance. It's primarily a spectator and photography experience for tourists.
Koggala Lake offers boat trips where you can see crocodiles, lizards, and cinnamon islands. You can also arrange local fishing trips.
Yes, boat trips on Koggala Lake are generally safe and a popular activity. Ensure you go with a reputable local operator.
The area is known for its beautiful beaches and traditional fishing villages. The nearby Koggala Lake is a significant attraction.
You might be able to arrange a more traditional fishing experience with some locals, especially if you connect with them through a Koggala Lake tour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining the visit with a boat trip on Koggala Lake, which offers opportunities to spot wildlife like crocodiles and lizards, adding an element of adventure that appeals to younger travelers. The relaxed atmosphere of the beach and the potential for a short, engaging boat ride make it a good stop for families looking for a brief cultural immersion.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Be prepared to pay for close-up shots or to pose on a stilt. Negotiate prices beforehand. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the entire scene and a telephoto lens for details of the fishermen. The surrounding coastline also offers beautiful landscape photography opportunities.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Allocate about an hour to an hour and a half to witness the fishermen, take photos (if you choose), and perhaps enjoy a quick refreshment. If time permits, a short boat trip on Koggala Lake can extend your visit into a half-day excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Stilt Fishing
While the practice is rooted in necessity, it has evolved into a significant cultural attraction. Many fishermen now engage with tourists, offering them the chance to witness this ancient technique firsthand and even pose for photographs on the stilts. This provides a vital income stream for the local community, allowing them to preserve this unique heritage.
It's important to understand that while the tradition is real, the current practice often caters to tourism. The fishermen are adept at creating picturesque scenes for visitors, sometimes even gathering other fishermen to enhance the background for photos. This symbiotic relationship ensures the survival of the stilt fishing tradition while offering travelers an unforgettable cultural experience.
Beyond the Stilt: Exploring Koggala Lake
During a boat trip, you might encounter the lake's diverse wildlife, including crocodiles and various lizard species. The lake is also dotted with small islands, some of which are inhabited by local families who cultivate cinnamon and other produce. This offers a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and the natural resources of the region.
Many of the local fishermen who engage with tourists at the beach also offer boat trips on Koggala Lake. It's often possible to negotiate a price for a multi-hour excursion, which can include visits to cinnamon plantations and opportunities to spot wildlife. This makes for a well-rounded day trip, combining the iconic stilt fishing experience with the natural beauty and local culture of Koggala Lake.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit