The 10 Best Things to Do in Ahangama, Sri Lanka

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Ahangama—almost two months in total by now—so I feel like I really got to know the place a little. And honestly, I loved it. I’ve done most of the typical touristy things around here, but I’ve also ended up doing a lot of everyday stuff you’d probably only get into if you were staying longer—like if you were living here as a digital nomad or just slowly traveling through.

So in this blog post, I want to share my personal experience of what I actually did in Ahangama and what I enjoyed the most. Some of the things are more exciting—like hopping on a safari or joining a surf camp—others are slower and more chill, like going to a yoga class or joining a batik workshop. I’ll include my favorite spots and little tips too, of course.

My intention here is just to give you a feel for what Ahangama has to offer and maybe even inspire you a bit—whether you’re already in town looking for ideas or you’re still deciding if you should come.

Alright, let’s jump into it—here are my favorite things to do in Ahangama, Sri Lanka.

1. Surfing in Ahangama

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way—most people come to the south coast of Sri Lanka for the surf, so yeah, surfing in Ahangama is kind of a given.

There are quite a few surf breaks around here, and they work for all levels—from complete beginners to more experienced surfers. The spots aren’t as hyped or crowded as the ones in Weligama or Mirissa, which honestly makes them even better in my opinion.

If you just want to try it out with a drop-in lesson, Good Story Surf School is a great place to start. It’s super chill, and they’ll take you to the best nearby break depending on the day—either around Ahangama or over in Weligama.

If you’re looking for the full surf camp experience, Dreamsea is a great choice. They’ve got the whole package: surf, yoga, food, and accommodation—all in one.

2. Watch the Sunset at Little Bang Kitchen

One of my favorite things to do in Ahangama at night

Little Bang Kitchen is one of my favorite spots in Ahangama. It’s right by the water, has a really cozy vibe, and they serve some of the best ramen and sushi in town. I also love coming here for breakfast—the flat white is actually really good.

But what makes this place special for me is the sunset. If you get one of the tables out on the terrace, you’ll have the most beautiful view as the sun goes down. It’s not overly crowded, the service is always great, and it just feels a bit more chill than some of the other spots.

Of course, there are a few other good places for sunset too. Thilenis is a little more upscale with great views, Follow the Rabbit has a nice deck for dinner and drinks, and Hotel de Uncles is always fun—especially for cocktails (I really like their espresso martini at sunset).

I just personally love Little Bang Kitchen, but there’s definitely no shortage of great sunset spots around here.

3. Yoga Class at The Nuga House

Check out my Blog Post on Yoga in Ahangama for my top Yoga Studios in Ahangama

I’ve tried a bunch of yoga studios in Ahangama, but The Nuga House is still my favorite. I’ve stayed there before and joined quite a few drop-in classes—it’s just my go-to for yoga when I’m in town.

A drop-in class costs 3000 LKR (around $10), and you also get access to the pool after, which is such a nice bonus. Don’t forget your towel, and definitely plan to stick around for a coffee or smoothie bowl in their garden café—it’s a really nice place to hang out post-class.

What I love about the classes here is that they strike a perfect balance. The teachers I had made it just the right amount of challenging—not too intense, but also not so slow it feels like a stretch session. The flow was super smooth, and the teachers were lovely to chat with, which always adds to the whole experience.

4. Batik Workshop at Sarana

This one’s a bit of a different activity, but I tried it recently and honestly loved it. Sarana is kind of like a traditional arts and crafts center—though that doesn’t really do it justice. It’s this lovely little spot in the jungle just outside of town, with a cute café, a tiny handcraft shop, yoga classes, and a few workshops like pottery and batik.

The whole place has such a calm and creative vibe. I’d recommend it even just for a yoga class or a coffee in their café.

But back to the workshop: I joined their batik class and had the best time. The teacher starts by giving you a bit of background on the history of batik (which is the textile they use for sarongs and similar stuff), and then you actually get to make your own. You draw your design, color it, wash and dry it—and in the end, you walk away with your own handmade sarong. It’s super hands-on, very fun, and such a cool souvenir to take home.

5. Enjoy the Amazing Coffee Shops

Check out my Article on the Best Cafes in Ahangama

Ahangama is somewhat of a coffee shop heaven—honestly, I think I’ve tried almost every café in town. If you’re like me and love starting your day slow with a proper breakfast and a good cup of coffee, then you’ll be in your element here.

My go-to on a sunny day was Cactus. It’s got a bit of a Spanish-Mexican vibe, and the brunch menu is always on point— avocado toast, great coffee, and a super chill setup. They’ve got a cute little shop out front with all kinds of small bits and pieces if you’re in the mood to browse (There is some great shopping in Ahangama).

Another favorite of mine was Black Honey. It’s a bit inland, about 10 minutes by scooter, but so worth it. The space is relaxed, the coffee is great, and they actually let you work from there—which isn’t always the case in Sri Lanka. They’ve got coffee, brunch, and even a pool you can use, so it’s a fantastic spot if you want to get a few things done without missing out on the Ahangama vibes.

6. Have an Amazing Dinner at Abrazo Ahangama

Take a look at my Guide on the Best Restaurants in Ahangama for more options

If you’re into Mexican food, then Abrazo is the spot. It’s hands down my favorite Ahangama restaurants. The whole space is super stylish and feels like somewhere you’d want to spend the whole evening—drinks, food, good music, good vibe.

They’ve got a full taco lineup (the fish and chicken ones are my top picks), and their quesadillas are super tasty too. Definitely get one of their cocktails—I had a mango margarita and it was perfect—but they also make their own lemonade if you’re not drinking.

It’s a little pricier than your average local dinner, but totally worth it for a date night or if you just want to treat yourself a bit while you’re here.

7. Take a Day Trip to Galle

If you’re staying in Ahangama for a while, I really recommend taking a day trip to Galle. Sure, you could just hop over to other beach towns like Mirissa or Hiriketiya, but Galle offers something totally different—it’s more cultural, more historical, and just a nice little change of pace from the beach scene.

I just rode my scooter up there (took about an hour), but you can also grab a tuk tuk or even take the local bus. Once you’re there, you’ll see why it’s special. The old town is built inside a Dutch colonial fort, and the whole place has this European-meets-tropical vibe. You can walk around the cobbled streets, check out the Galle lighthouse, browse boutique shops and art galleries, and stop for coffee at one of the many cute cafés. Super easy way to spend the day—and worth it.

8. Relax on the Beach

I’m going to be honest—the beaches around Ahangama, Weligama, and Mirissa aren’t that amazing. I know, everyone hypes them up, but the tides make it tricky. At high tide, there’s basically no beach at all, and even at low tide, you only get a small stretch of sand. (If you’re after a proper beach + surf town combo, I’d honestly say Hiriketiya does it better.)

But—I did find one little gem just outside of Ahangama called Balance Beach. It’s tiny, tucked away behind some palm trees off the main road, and unless someone tells you about it, you’d never know it’s there. There’s a little wooden shack with a lovely local woman cooking up fresh rice and curry and selling coconuts, and it’s just peaceful. No crowds, just beach, food, and palm trees.

9. Join a Cooking Class

One my my favorite things to do Ahangama

One of my favorite little discoveries in Ahangama was Kumbuk Kitchen and Art Space. It’s a super cute spot located in a more local part of town—not fancy or touristy at all, which honestly made it even better.

The space is run by a lovely Sri Lankan family who welcomed us like old friends. The whole experience felt really personal—they showed us all the steps of traditional Sri Lankan cooking, explained the spices, let us get involved with every part of the process, and then we all sat down and shared the meal together.

If you’re into food or just want something a little more local and down-to-earth to do while in Ahangama, this one’s a gem. Definitely recommend it.

10. Safari in Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park

I absolutely loved the safaris in Sri Lanka—such a highlight. Both Udawalawe and Yala National Park are worth visiting, and I’ve actually been to both.

Last time, we did a full-day trip from Ahangama to Yala, and it was amazing. You do have to get up ridiculously early (like 4am pickup early), but it’s worth it because that’s when the animals are the most active. We saw elephants, water buffalo, tons of birds, and even a leopard—which was wild.

There are lots of companies that organize these tours, and you can book them from basically anywhere along the south coast, including Ahangama. Just make sure you add at least one of the parks to your itinerary—it’s such a unique experience.

FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Ahangama

What are the best things to do in Ahangama?

Surf, yoga, coffee, sunsets, batik classes, safari trips, cooking with locals—there’s a lot more going on here than people think.

Can I surf in Ahangama?

Yes! And you totally should. There are surf breaks for all levels, plus loads of surf camps and chill local schools if you want lessons.

Where to eat in Ahangama?

So many good spots. Abrazo for tacos, Little Bang for sushi, Cactus for brunch, and honestly—this town knows how to do food right.

Where to stay in Ahangama?

You’ll find everything from surf hostels to boutique hotels. I’ve stayed at The Nuga House and loved it, but there’s plenty around depending on your vibe and budget.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Ahangama

I love Ahangama as a beach town—period. I know it’s not the adventure capital of Sri Lanka or anything like that. It’s a chill place, and that’s exactly the point. You’re not here for wild activities. You’re here to slow down.

Ahangama is about hanging out, living the easy life, riding around on your scooter, eating well, watching monkeys jump from tree to tree, grabbing a cocktail (or three) at a beach bar, and soaking in those amazing sunsets. Everything else—the surf, the yoga, the cooking classes—they’re just the cherry on top.

I hope this little guide, based on my own experience, gave you some inspo for your trip. Happy travels and enjoy Ahangama!

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