Ahangama tips and highlights – Sri Lanka
Those who have known me for a bit, know that I like to go to Sri Lanka every European winter. The south coast is bursting with pristine beaches, excellent surf spots and lively coastal towns. I am in love with Hiriketiya and usually spend a good amount of time in Midigama as well: the ideal spot to visit Ahangama and Weligama too. Weligama is a great place for those who want to try their first nose dive with a surfboard. You’ll find lots of nice restaurants, coworking spots and bars there, but the beaches are not as nice as in Midigama. Ahangama is bursting with beautiful (boutique) hotels, brunch spots and fine restaurants. These are my Midigama/ Ahangama tips and highlights!
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Casa Tikiri | Ahangama tips | best hotels
Best hostels, homestays and the best hotels in Ahangama/ Midigama
(Click on the colored names for rates and availability)
Hostels:
Surfing Wombats: super cozy hostel, with delicious pizza and a popular “open mic night” on Tuesdays. If you’re brave enough…
Mellow Hostel
Samba opened recently and I have heard great things about it!
Tip: rent a scooter! Just be sure to apply for an international driver’s license at home before you leave. To drive a scooter or tuk tuk in Sri Lanka you also need a Sri Lankan driving permission. You get this at Department of Motor Traffic in Colombo. It costs arount 35 USD and takes about 3-4 hours. But… to be honest.. almost nobody has this permit and it is usually fine.
Dreamsea Surf Camp & Casa Tikiri | Ahangama tips | best hotels
Homestays Ahangama/ Midigama
Ahangama Eco Villa: favorite of many digital nomads because of its pool and good location in Ahangama.
The Whitegates Lodge: small homestay with only 2 rooms. Delicious breakfast every morning. Includes air conditioning, a fridge and a fantastic bed. I stayed here for 10 days. You can also rent a good scooter here. The family is so nice!
South Sea Villa
MY TRAIN RIDE FROM KANDY TO ELLA
Hotels Ahangama/ Midigama
Casa Tikiri: perhaps my favorite stay to unwind in all of Sri Lanka. So much atmosphere, beautiful rooms, Italian food and a lovely pool. If you want to pamper yourself for a few days, book a couple of nights here. Highly recommended! Adults only.
The Jam House. Stylish and spacious rooms, an amazing restaurant (try the seafood linguine) and a lovely pool. Loved my stay here!
Jamu Surf Lodge
Abode Ahangama
The Kip: bright, spacious rooms, very stylish and fully equipped. In addition, The Kip is one of the best brunch spots in Ahangama. There is also a dangerously cute store. Enter at your own risk.
The Kip | Ahangama tips | best brunch spots
Rent a tuktuk – promo code
If you are looking for an amazing way to explore Sri Lanka, rent your own tuktuk at TukTuk Rental! They rent tuktuks from locals to boost their income. A great way to travel around, visit all the places off the mainstream tourist route and support a local family as well! I have partnered up with them: use my code “LittleWanderbook” on their website for a good discount! Go to tuktukrental.com to book your tuktuk.
ALL MY HIRIKETIYA RECOMMENDATIONS
Dreamsea Surf Camp: an oasis in a prime location in Ahangama. Beautiful rooms by the sea and a large pool. You can also book good surfing lessons or a surf package here.
Kiri Palu
The Deco House
Helios Boutique Villa
PALM: boutique hotel in the middle of the jungle, with very photogenic cabanas, a gym and a fantastic restaurant.
Harding Boutique Hotel: luxury hotel in the middle of Ahangama.
Surfing in Ahangama can be quite “intense.” In particular, the spots near Kabalana Beach are often rough and the risk the wellknown “washing machine experience” is very high here: trying to figure out which way is up. If you prefer to keep your contact lenses in place and want friendlier waves, you should head to Marshmellow Point, Lazy Right or Fishermen’s (depending on the swell of course).
Brunch at Cactus | Ahangama tips and highlights
Find your flight to Sri Lanka HERE.
The best brunch spots in Ahangama/ Midigama
The Kip: beautiful spot, delicious menu.
Cactus Lounge: getting busier every year, but this ocean side gem offers a wide selection of Instagrammable smoothies, bagels and excellent coffee.
Crust Ahangama
Sundays Café: great coffee and a beautiful garden in the back.
PALM: extensive brunch menu and for a fee you can also use the fantastic swimming pool.
Maria Bonita: try the iced matcha latte!
Art surf café – swallow
Elita
Marshmellow CAFE
Kaffi Ahangama
Sisters Away
The best brunch spots | Ahangama tips
Best Nights out in Ahangama/ Midigama
Tuesday: ‘open mic night’ at Surfing Wombats after that you can dance the night away on the rooftop across the street at Lay back @ Lazies.
Wednesday & Saturday: get a tuk tuk to The Doctor’s House in Madiha. This is a “cash only” place.
Thursday & Sunday: dance at Lamana (including a skateramp), prepare to sweat, and if you want to continue your night head to Hakuna Matata.
Friday: Trax. This funky spot, with a large garden, is pretty much on the train tracks, hence the name. There are often great nights with live music and DJs.
Saturday: Terra Garden. Skateramp + the best DJs in a beautiful jungle setting.
Sunday: live music, BBQ and/ or a DJ at sunset at Soul & Surf.
MY STAY AT A GREAT SURF CAMP IN WELIGAMA
Sunset cocktails at Lighthouse are always a good idea. At the rooftop of this former lighthouse, you have an awesome view over the ocean. The garden is also a great place for sunset drinks.
Palm Hotel & Casa Tikiri | Ahangama tips | best hotels
My favorite restaurants in Ahangama
Citra (try the golden curry! My favorite restaurant in Ahangama)
Ceylon Sliders
Crust
The Kip
Hotel de Uncles. Love the cocktails!
Samba
Abrazo
Casa Tikiri (amazing Italian food on the weekend)
READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY IN KANDY
Tip: skip Mirissa and Unawatuna (a day trip is enough); too touristy and full of Russians, who are not always on their best behavior… In Hikkaduwa you will find the impressive tsunami museum, which is definitely worth a visit, but other than that, I did not really like it there.
Shopping in Ahangama
Studio Mukti
Nakota Tuwa
Cactus
Rice and curry | best restaurants | Ahangama tips
The best rice & curry in Ahangama/ Midigama
MAMA’S
Manori’s Kitchen
Sri Lankan Rice & Curry House
RECOMMENDED SURF & YOGA RETREAT IN SRI LANKA
The most beautiful beaches in Ahangama/ Midigama
Wild Beach
Midigama Beach
Kabalana Beach (have a refreshing beer at Rock Beach Kabalana)
Paradise Cove: fancy, new beach club in Midigama
Co-working places in Ahangama/ Midigama
Focus Hub Coworking
Colive
NETS Cowork & Colive
Hari Hari House
Outpost (in Weligama)
- For the best accommodations go to Booking.com
- Check out unique activities on Getyourguide.com
- Rent your own tuk tuk with the code “LittleWanderbook” at Tuktukrental.com
- Find your flight to Sri Lanka HERE.
Never visit an elephant park where elephants are ridden and, even at an “orphanage” or “shelter”, do your research in advance to check if the animals are treated well. At the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, the animals are chained up underwater. Do not go there!
MY EXPERIENCE WITH DENGUE FEVER
ALL MY SRI LANKA RECOMMENDATIONS