20+ AWESOME Things To Do In Ahangama, Sri Lanka

Best Things to Do in Ahangama

Whether your idea of a perfect day includes unwinding with some Yoga at Soul and Surf, sunbathing at Kablana Beach, tracking down the best nightlife in town (I’d recommend Trax and The Lighthouse), or seeing the famous Sri Lankan stilt fishermen, there are enough fun places to visit around Ahangama to keep you busy for weeks!

1. Book on a Surf Camp

Ahangama is most famous for its surfing, and booking a Surf Camp is one of the most popular things to do in Ahangama.

With both sandy-bottom and rocky reef surfing spots, Ahangama can cater to both learners and intermediate surfers. This puts Ahangama in a unique position compared to other surfing towns in Sri Lanka, such as Weligama and Unawatuna.

So, if you’re wondering, “Where can I surf in Ahangama?” Some of the best surf camps in Ahangama include: 

• Dreamsea
• La Point
• Ticket To Ride
• Shaka Surf Camp

2. Pool day at Dreamsea 

Dreamsea is one of the only places in Ahangama that will let you use its swimming pool even if you are not a guest at the hotel. As long as you buy at least a coffee (or other kind of drink), you’ll be able to spend your day here chilling by the pool, reading a book, or listening to some tunes. 

Not only that, Dreamsea is located adjacent to Ahangama’s beautiful golden sand beach, so perfect for those who love to alternate between pool dips and sea swims.

I spent many days during my time in Ahanagama lazing around at Dreamsea, and it was always my go-to if I just wanted to chill by a pool for the day.

Oh, and it’s also home to a palm tree swing, so you can get yourself some of those Instagrammable shots!

3. Enjoy a Sunset session at The Lighthouse

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Ahangama at night, I’d encourage you to head down to The Lighthouse for good tunes, good vibes, and a good time. Every weekend, The Lighthouse hosts a “sunset session” (usually either a Friday or Saturday night) with a BBQ, live DJs, and a constant flow of drinks.

This is one of the “places to be” in Ahangama, so you’ll probably find that most of the travelling community in Ahangama will end up here to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and watch the sun go down.

I loved the vibe in here, the music was always on point and the view from the property is stunning, and I actually got to see one of the best sunsets I’d seen in Sri Lanka from here.

4. Admire the Stilt Fisherman

The Stilt Fishermen of Sri Lanka are a cultural icon and some of the most photographed people in the country! Stilt Fishing is a traditional style of fishing in Southern Sri Lanka.

Fishermen perch upon a cross-shaped beam attached to a stilt and wait there (sometimes for hours on end) for their catch of the day. Head down to Koggala Beach to watch the fishermen in action.

I could have easily watched the stilt fisherman at work for hours on end, I was genuinely so mesmerised by what they do and how they do it.

5. Head down to Terra Resort

Terra Resort is a newly opened boutique hotel and event space that has some of the coolest events going on in Ahangama. Whether you want to party on the weekend or get involved in yoga and ice bath sessions, Terra is the place to be.

I joined one of the music events at Terra and had such a good time, the music was amazing and the atmosphere was fun, but super chilled (no pressure to dance). However, I did leave by 9 pm because I am just a traveller in her 30s who prioritises a good night’s sleep these days.

They even have their own miniature skate park. Head over to their Instagram to keep up to date with their events.

6. Enjoy Some Boutique Shopping

Ahangama is a haven for boutique shopping. From breezy beachwear and handcrafted jewellery to locally made home decor and sustainable fashion, these stores offer stunning and unique pieces if you want to take a piece of Sri Lanka home with you.

What I love most about these stores is that many focus on eco-friendly products that support local craftsmanship and ethical sourcing.

Mukti Studio is a must-visit for conscious shoppers, offering sustainable fashion and ethically made accessories. For jewellery lovers, Olive Yu Jewellery offers stunning handcrafted pieces and even hosts workshops where you can create your own.

The Shop at The Kip focuses on supporting local craftsmen with a selection of home decor, clothes, and organic skincare. If you’re in the mood for stylish resort wear, then the store at Meori’s Cafe and Daydream Clothing offers beautiful linen outfits and bohemian designs.

7. Spend the day at Kai Beach Club

The newly opened Kai Beach Club is located in Weligama and is just a short 15-minute drive from Ahangama. If you’re after a relaxing day by the pool, listening to good music, and enjoying cocktails, then a trip to Kai is a great option.

Kai is free to enter as long as you order food and drink during your time here. Their food menu is primarily Western, so you can enjoy dishes such as burgers, pizza, and pasta.

Kai is also located right on the beach, so if you fancy a stroll along the beach and dip in the sea, you’re just seconds away from the shore.

8. Book a cooking class

If you want to immerse yourself further in Sri Lankan culture, then booking a cooking class is a great option. The Deevi cooking experience, hosted by Deevi, is located by Kablana Beach.

Here you will be able to whip up local Sri Lankan delicacies such as string hoppers, kottu rotti, and coconut sambal. If you’re looking for something a little different in Ahangama, then give this a try!

9. Book a yoga retreat

Yoga is one of the best things to do in Ahangama for some relaxation and finding inner peace. There are lots of yoga schools in Ahangama where you can either book 1-off lessons or retreat packages.

Some of the best ones are listed below:

• Soul and Surf
• The Nuga House
• Camp Poe
• Nirbana Retreat

If you’re interested in exploring more yoga retreat options in Ahangama, then you can find more options here.

I chose to do a yoga session at Soul and Surf because I ended up meeting the instructor on a night out, who recommended that I come down. The yoga shala here is stunning as it overlooks a private beach, and practicing yoga whilst listening to the sound of the ocean was just perfect!

10. Get some work done 

The digital nomad scene in Sri Lanka is on the rise, and Ahangama is a great spot to come if you’re looking to meet fellow digital nomads and, of course, get some work done. There are a few dedicated co-working spaces in Ahangama. 

These are: 

• Focus Hub Co-Work 
• NETS Co-Work
• Nomads Coworking
• Cafe Ceylon 

My personal favourite was Focus Hub Co-Work. This is located in the centre of town, and they also do great food and even better coffee!

14. Jungle Rave Yin Yang Shack

Head down to Yin Yang shack for some fun in the jungle. Unfortunately, the jungle raves aren’t something that is run super regularly, but if you do manage to time your visit with one of these parties, you are in for a very good night!

Not a fan of parties? Not to worry! You can visit Yin Yang during the day for a spot of coffee whilst you look out over the river.

16. Hang Out at Kabalana Beach

Just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from Central Ahangama lies Kabalana Beach.

This is a slightly bigger beach than Ahangama with more space to sunbathe, so if you fancy a small change of scenery, then this is a good place to come! If you are new to surfing, this is a much more beginner-friendly beach to learn on.

You’ll find lots of surf shacks located along Kabalana Beach where you can rent out boards as well as get lessons.

Kabalana is also located opposite one of my favourite local restaurants in Ahangama, Veda Cafe, which serves up an epic rice and curry buffet.

17. Koggala Lake

One of the most unique things to do in Ahangama is to visit the serene Koggala Lake. You can head here to go on a boat safari. You will get to see some of the local wildlife, as well as take a trip to the famous Cinnamon Island, where you can watch the cinnamon being stripped and ground.

Did you know that Sri Lanka is one of the largest cinnamon producers in the world?

18. Lamana Skatepark

If you want to opt for an alternative to surfing, then why not head down to Lamana Skatepark to give skateboarding a go? If you don’t fancy taking part, going down to observe is also a super fun activity.

Every Thursday and Sunday, they have what they call a “Skate Jam,” which is essentially a huge party where you can listen to live DJs and watch people practice their best tricks on the skate ramp.

With some of the profits from these parties, they support local street dogs (which is a huge problem in Sri Lanka), and you can check out the work they do here.

19. Dance the night away at Trax

On a Friday night, once the sun has set, the travelling community in Ahangama will all descend to Trax for their Friday night party.

Trax is a super cool club set in a jungle garden oasis, and (as you might have guessed by the name) is located adjacent to one of the train tracks that run through Ahangama. 

Whether you want to party on the dance floor or just have a few drinks in the garden, Trax is the place to be on a Friday. I spent a couple of nights in Trax during my time in Ahangama and whilst I wasn’t too keen on joining in on the dance floor I did enjoy a few beers in the garden.

Trax is best reached via tuk-tuk, and all of the local drivers will know where to take you! This is one of the coolest things to do in Ahangama, so if you’re looking for a party, then don’t miss out!

Day trip to Sinharaja Rainforest

Looking to escape the beach for the day? Why not book a day trip to the Sinharaja Rainforest? Here you’ll get the chance to admire some of Sri Lanka’s unique flora and fauna and swim in waterfalls. You’ll also be able to get up close and personal with cool wildlife like monkeys, snakes, and chameleons.

The only downside to Sinharaja is that it is a hotspot for leeches, so if you plan on visiting, make sure to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.

Invest In Tailor-Made Swimwear

Located in the neighbouring town of Weligama, you can find Chaminda who owns Apsara Tailors, where you can get tailor-made swimwear and surfsuits.

To get a custom design, you’ll need to bring an idea with you, such as screenshots from Pinterest or Instagram. Then you can pick a fabric colour or pattern, and if he doesn’t have the one you want, he might be able to source it for you.

After getting measured, you’ll wait for your design, which can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on how busy he is. Bodysuits cost 14,000 LKR (£36/$45) and bikinis are 8,500 LKR (£22/$29).

Chaminda is incredibly talented and has such a passion for his job. We found out that he makes all the swimwear using a 75-year-old sewing machine that has been passed down from his grandfather. I originally went in for 1 bikini and left with 4!

You can find Chaminda/Apsara tailors in Weligama from November/December to May and between May and October, you’ll find him in Arugam Bay.

Explore Unawatuna

Just a 15-minute ride from Ahangama lies the town of Unawatuna. Unawatuna is one of the more touristy towns on Sri Lanka’s south coast (which is why I recommend having Ahangama as your base and visiting here for the day).

In Unawatuna, you’ll find cute brunch spots, a turtle sanctuary, and the famous Jungle Beach, which is definitely worth a visit. Also, if you’ve dreamt of having a go on the famous Sri Lankan rope swings, then I recommend heading down to Shanti Shanti Bar.

If you’re up for a little more action and adventure, Unawatuna is also a great place to go scuba diving.

Go on a safari at Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is just a 2-hour drive from Ahangama. It is the perfect opportunity to see some of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, water buffalos, and if you’re super lucky, even leopards!

If you are planning a day trip from Ahangama, consider booking this trip. However, if you prefer to stay in the area for the night, I recommend taking a taxi to Udawalawe and staying at Lizard Safari Point.

⭐MY TOP PICK TOUR⭐

THIS TOUR AT A GLANCE
⭐STAR RATING: 5/5
💰PRICE: $30
⏰DURATION: 4 HOURS
✅INCLUDES: ROUNDTRIP TRANSPORT & TOUR GUIDE
🧡IDEAL FOR: EVERYONE

BOOK HERE

You can book a Safari tour directly through the hotel for just £40 and also get a 3-bed treehouse for just £15 per night (with a huge breakfast included). This is the option I chose, and it was an incredible experience.