Hikkaduwa is Sri Lanka city located in the southern part of the country. It is located 20 kilometers northwest of Galle and 100 kilometers south of Colombo city. The tourist history of Hikkaduwa began in the seventies, when on its beaches first hippie settlements started to appear. Since then, the small village has become one of the most developed resorts in the country.
Check our travel guide about best things to do in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. We’ve tried to collect up-to-date information about popular tourist attractions to visit, so you can take the most out of your trip.
Hikkaduwa General Info
- Where is Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka: South of the country.
- Average air t: in winter: during the day – +31, at night – +26 degrees; in summer : during the day – +28, at night +27 degrees.
- Average water t: in winter – + 27-29; in summer – +25-26.
- Best season to visit: Mid-December to end of April.
- Rainy season: May to August.
- Book a tour to Hikkaduwa from Colombo with a boat trip and barbecue here .
- On the map: link .
What to do in Hikkaduwa
Surfing
Waves in Hikkaduwa allow you to enjoy this water sport almost all year round. Equipment rental is available almost in each hotel. There, you can also take private or group classes with professional instructors.
Diving
There are several dive locations for divers with different levels of experience, depth varies from 12 meters to 39 meters. Marine life is diverse with sea stingrays, turtles, dolphins, there are several types of sharks that are dangerous for humans.
Snorkeling
Right off the coast there is a coral reef with hundreds of marine life. The most popular snorkeling in Hikkaduwa is snorkeling with turtles. Mid-day is the perfect time to enjoy it.
Fishing
There are many day tours to choose from when it comes to fishing in Hikkaduwa. Also, you can check what is stilt fishing and how locals use this traditional way of catching fish. Usually, their catch is small mackerel, watch them balance while sitting on wooden stilts is quite fascinating.
Community Tsunami Museum and Educational Center
Museum is located in small town Peraliya and is dedicated to the victims of the 2004 tsunami. It’s important to remember about this catastrophe, because it took many lives, only in Sri Lanka more than 30000 people died and about 5000 are considered missing.
It’s not only a museum, but also an educational center with a goal to educate people on how to behave in such situations in order to save yourself.
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
Turtle hatchery and rescue center is located several kilometers north from Hikkaduwa. The goal of the center is to preserve some endangered turtle species. They are: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead and Leatherback.
Best time to visit is period from April till July, hatchery is open daily from 9.00 – 18.00.
Tsunami Honganji Viharaya
Memorial dedicated to the victims of the tsunami was opened in Paraliya in 2006. Buddha statue is 55 meters high and is a replica of the statue that was destroyed in 5th century. A place with very heavy but really strong energy.
Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya
This beautiful Buddhist temple which is about 300 years old is located on the small island close to the shore. Different religious rituals take place there on a regular basis, so make sure to dress appropriately.
Saffron Robes Gallery
Local art gallery with many interesting art objects, paintings and sculptures. Great place to learn more about Sri Lanka culture and traditions. Many objects presented are available for purchase, but it’s better to learn in advance what is prohibited to take back home from Sri Lanka to avoid any problems.
Best Hotels in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa is an ideal resort for your first trip to Sri Lanka. You can easily find there everything you need for a great beach holiday, like developed infrastructure and comfortable accommodation options for any budget.
Check the list of TOP 5 best hotels in Hikkaduwa for your next journey.
- Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon. It is 4-star hotel with its own private beach, a bar, restaurant, spa and fitness. Click to check the actual price.
- Citrus Hikkaduwa. 3-star hotel, rooms have all the amenities, private balconies overlooking the ocean, daily housekeeping. Click here for more details.
- Universal Beach Guesthouse. One of the most budget accommodation options in Hikkaduwa. Guest house not far from the sea, within walking distance from surf schools, restaurants and shops nearby.
- Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel. 3-star hotel near the beach, with nice room views. Get more details here.
