Hikkaduwa

The spot is most lively from around November to April on account of the pleasant tropical weather, which is ideal to experience the beach at it’s finest. Hikkaduwa’s immense popularity accredits to a well-accessible transit. The beautiful town lies just a 2 hour drive away from Colombo city via the southern expressway, The town is also en route when traveling on the scenic coastal train ride from Colombo, offering a stunning view of the ocean side. For a more affordable transit, travelers may go for a slightly slower public transport via the local buses from Galle or Colombo. Either way, Hikkaduwa makes a great first destination for vacationers both foreign and local seeking an easy yet refreshing getaway. 

The Hikkaduwa beach is a lovely and pristine destination characterized by it’s soft golden sand, turquoise waters, and a vibrant atmosphere of beach-lovers enjoying the tropical paradise. A highlight of the beach is the rare chance to swim alongside the exotic sea turtles as they scan the shallow waters in search of kelp. Hikkaduwa beach is also one of Sri Lanka’s top surfing spots riddled with inviting waves suited to surfers both beginner and pro. The glassy and shallow waters of some regions offer the opportunity to witness the spectacular coral reef formations. The reefs can be observed up-close owing to the snorkeling and scuba diving services supervised by experienced locals. In addition to the reef, divers and snorkelers get to observe a plethora of colorful fish, plenty of sea turtles and even shipwrecks. Opting to not getting wet, visitors can charter glass bottom boat rides offered by the locals to experience the under-water magnificence from above the sea line. 

Experiencing nature at Hikkaduwa doesn’t just end at the beach. The town is also home to the  Hikkaduwa national park, which is one of the three marine national parks of the island. Declared a national park in 2002, the fascinating attraction has an incredible degree of biodiversity with 60 species of coral present, in addition to over 170 species of reef fish. The park also has 3 species of sea turtles and also hosts the elusive Porites desilveri, which is a coral species identified as endemic to Sri Lanka. Witnessing the Marine life by scuba diving is also a famous recreational activity here. For travelers seeking to learn and delve deeper into sea turtle conservation, Hikkaduwa has the perfect place for that too! The Sea Turtle Hatchery & Conservation Center of Hikkaduwa is one of many turtle hatcheries dedicated to protect and conserve the multiple endangered species of sea turtles inhabiting the shores of Sri Lanka. The experts at the center take great pride in educating marine life enthusiasts about the importance of wildlife conservation and the tremendous efforts they undertake as a team to protect sea life from human-caused damage. 

Similar to many others, the shores around Hikkaduwa had sustained considerable damage from the devastating tsunami of 2004. The Tsunami museum and memorial situated in close proximity to the town is a monumental attraction dedicated in reminiscence to the harrowing natural disaster. The museum also depicts the heritage of the town through a narration of the golden old days of the town. Showcasing more of the town’s heritage is the Seenigama Vihara Temple. The fascinating temple is located off shore on a small island and is an ideal place to catch a glimpse of the various rituals of Sri Lankan culture. The small yet remarkable landmark is definitely worth a visit for any traveler seeking a keen understanding of Hikkaduwa’s heritage. 

The elegant town of Hikkaduwa is indeed a gem among Sri Lanka’s many other beach desitinations. The brilliant beaches, the teeming wildlife, the vibrant and unique nightlife, and cultural importance of Hikkaduwa make it a timeless experience worth striving for!