Hikkaduwa, Southern Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa holidays are an excellent choice, especially for those looking for a taste of the relaxed and laid back beach lifestyle Sri Lanka is known for. The resort has lots to offer with pristine white sandy beaches, intricate coral reefs and a colourful surf and diving scene.

When to go

Sri Lanka has a typically tropical climate. Temperatures and humidity (approximately 70%) remain high all year round. But, the light coastal breeze makes this heat comfortable and more inland, the heat is significantly reduced due to the higher altitude.

Rainfall is highest in May, and in October and lowest during dry season, from November to March. While the dry season is the most popular time to visit, it’there is an average of 6-8 hours of sunshine per day across all seasons.

Top Attractions

Those with an interest in nature will enjoy spending some of their holiday in Hikkaduwa visiting the Hikkaduwa Bird Lake. Here you'll discover exotic birds, water lizards and traditional water prawn fishing.

The Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, the Coral Sanctuary, and Hikkaduwa National Park are popular tourist attractions for nature-lovers, too.

Beaches

Hikkaduwa beach is the perfect beach for beginner surfers. It is a long beach, that looks like paradise and offers loads of fun!

Another beach that’s worth a visit is Narigama Beach, great for long walks with plenty of beach bars and cafes to stop at along the way.

Dining

You’ll easily find restaurants all across Hikkaduwa to suit all tastes.

The Bookworm Library Restaurant in Hikkaduwa is a great visit for those wanting to try cultural dishes, like vegetable curry. The Mongrovia Lagoon is also great for authentic eats.

You can find more western-inspired eats at the likes of Hello Burger and Nordic House Luxury Burgers.

Entertainment

While you needn’t expect a hugely lively scene in Hikkaduwa, you can expect to go out and have a few drinks, and enjoy a sociable night out.

The Yula Beach Bar, the Blue Note Bar and Chill Space Surf Cafe are three places with great nightlife in Hikkaduwa.

Culture

Seenigama Vihara is a temple just 2km from Hikkaduwa.

Visit the Community Tsunami Museum and Tsunami Honganji Vihara to discover more about the effects the Tsunami had on the area back in 2004. You can also take a trip to the Tsunami Memorial and Tsunami Photo Museum.

Adventure and Sports

Hikkaduwa is well known for its surfing scene and as a result attracts an eclectic mix of visitors.

Diving is also a popular activity in Hikkaduwa and the resorts cater to beginners as well as the more experienced.

Getting around

There is a bus service to and from Galle (30 minutes) and Colombo (3 hours), best taken from the bus station.

There are also trains available that take you to Galle, Colombo, Mataya and beyond. It is better to avoid slower trains as they stop everywhere.
You can also travel by car or motorbike on the busy road between Galle and Colombo.

Flying into Colombo airport offers fairly easy transfers to Hikkaduwa.

Popular hotels in Hikkaduwa

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Hikkaduwa, Southern Sri LankaCitrus Hikkaduwa
Tue, 17th Sep
7 nights
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€773
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Hikkaduwa, Southern Sri LankaCoral Sands Hotel
Mon, 30th Sep
7 nights
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€931
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Hikkaduwa, Southern Sri LankaRiff Hikkaduwa
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Hikkaduwa, Southern Sri LankaCoral Rock by Bansei
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