Hikkaduwa is a small beach town located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, approximately 100 kilometers south of Colombo. Hikkaduwa was designated as nature reserve in 1998 and a national park in 2002. It is home to approximately 60 coral species, 170 reef fish species, many sea turtle species, and other sea creatures.
Visitors to Hikkaduwa have access to a wide range of recreational opportunities. Tourists who visit Hikkaduwa enjoy the beach resorts, huge sea turtles, scuba diving, surfing, and a wide variety of other sports.
Hikkaduwa, well known for its vibrant nightlife, hits its peak season from October to April when tourists from UK, Italy, USA, Israel, Australia, and Japan flood here. Numerous five-star hotels, chic cafes, restaurants, and tour operators can be found in Hikkaduwa.
For vacationers and fans of water sports looking for the ultimate combination of sun, sand, and sea, this town is excellent. Because of the wide range of inexpensive lodging alternatives, Hikkaduwa is frequently referred as a backpacker’s paradise among tourists.
Top 10 things to do in Hikkaduwa
- Go on a Catamaran Snorkel Tour
- Enroll in diving training centers
- Learn to Surf
- Visit to a Turtle Hatchery
- Go on a River Safari in Madhu river
- Swim with Sea Turtles
- Glass Bottom Boat Rides
- Go to the Tsunami Museum
- Visit the “Big Buddha” (Tsunami Honganji Viharaya)
- Try a variety of seafood.
- Swim with Sea Turtles
- Glass Bottom Boat Rides
Snorkeling in Hikkaaduwa
Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa is one of the most appealing and exciting ways to enjoy your vacation in Sri Lanka thanks to the sandy beach and stunning marine life. Hikkaduwa is home to one of Sri Lanka’s two marine parks. Due to its proximity to the coast, Hikkaduwa offers somewhat cool winds as well as the stunning splendor of underwater life.
If visitors want to snorkel with turtles, the ideal time to visit the beaches is about noon, when they can soak in the gorgeous, clear water. Corals in the habitat became more and more apparent throughout this period. Rent some snorkeling equipment, then hop on a quick boat to the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef. When you get there, jump in and take in the sights of the aquatic world.
Top 10 Snorkling Places in Hikkaduwa
- The best place to snorkel in Hikkaduwa are
- International diving school
- Blue deep diving centre
- Dive for you
- Hikkaduwa beach
- Dive seenigama
- Dive Lanka
- Poseidon diving station
- Narigama beach
- and International diving centre.
Top Diving Locations in Hikkaduwa
Known for its stunning coral reefs and variety of tropical fish, Hikkaduwa is considered one of the best diving locations on the South – west coast. A number of ancient shipwrecks are accessible to divers nearby. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, features expert diving schools where those who have never dived before can learn the sport and take in the underwater world.
Known for its stunning coral reefs and variety of tropical fish, Hikkaduwa is considered one of the best diving locations on the South – west coast. A number of ancient shipwrecks are accessible to divers nearby. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, features expert diving schools where those who have never dived before can learn the sport and take in the underwater world.
Black Coral Point
Black Coral Point is one of the most spectacular dive sites because it is covered in gorgeous corals in a rainbow of colours. The presence of beautiful Black Coral plants gives the site its name. The Black Coral Point is covered with rocks, and a variety of reef fish reside in the sharp crevices and cracks. Clown fish are just one example of many different types of fish. Angel fish, snappers, and black corals can be found.
Depth: ranges from 20 to 35 meters
Goda Gala
Goda Gala is a fascinating multi-level rock formation extending across a broad region south of the Coral Gardens boulders. Goda Gala With many cracks in the rock host a diverse array of marine life including Moray Eels, Hawkfish, tiny Crabs on Acropora Coral, Antheas, and other reef fish. Goda Gala a diving spot where you must take your time and look carefully.
Depth: ranges from 8 to 30 meters
Kiralagala
Kiralagla appears to be a collection of rock pillars. Some were close together, while others were spread out. As you descend gently and quietly down alongside a cliff, you’ll notice it’s covered in gorgeous coral. Domino Damsels and Basslets dance through the water, surrounded by Angelfish and Butterflyfish. Schools of Trevally, Fusiliers, and Red Tooth Triggers can be seen raining down on this rock formation in Kirgala.
Depth: ranges from 18 to 35 meters
The Conch
The Conch is a diving location featuring a shipwrack that was sunk on the fatal day of June 3, 1903. With the guidance of a Dive Master, you can enter a cabin from one side and escape from the other. On the good side, there is almost no silt inside, but there is a risk of entanglement due to the small size of some exits.
Depth: ranges from 20 to 22 meters
Top Surfing Locations in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a well-known longboard surfing destination among adventure seekers thanks to strong gusts. Surfers come to the area to partake in this enjoyable outdoor pastime because of the area’s clear waves and reliable swell.
Hikkaduwa Beach is an ideal spot to learn to surf. Ask any of the men who rent out boards to instruct you in exchange for a fee. In addition, they rent out paddleboards, which are an enjoyable way for kids to investigate the sea when the waves are mild. Starting from November through May is considered as the peak season.
Owakanda
Owakanda, Despite located south of Hikkaduwa, is a fantastic place to avoid the congestion. There are just a few lonesome guest cottages with seaside views in this area, where the population is rapidly declining.
North Jetty
North Jetty, which is constantly busy, is located in Hikka’s harbor region. Because there is always a crowd here, you won’t be surfing alone. On windy days, the wave will become mushy.Surfers who travel to Hikkaduwa are most likely to choose North Jetty as an intermediate ground.
Benny’s
Among the more experienced surfers in Hikkaduwa, Benny’s is a favorite. waves as high as 1.5 meters. If you are an experienced surfer seeking a special surfing experience in Hikkaduwa, take into account this spot.
Main Reef
The Main Reef at Hikkaduwa is an exposed but fun area despite being pounded by the weather. Usually, only professionals make use of it. Rocks are well below the surface, and feelings are often positive.
River Safari in Madhu River
If you’re looking for something to do in Hikkaduwa other than exploring the beach, there are several number of beautiful lakes and rivers in the area to explore. River safari in madhu river is a great way to discover the backwaters and is considered one of the coolest things to do in Hikkaduwa.
The Madhu river, which stretches for more than 17 kilometers along the island’s southern coast, is one of the island’s largest natural lakes. Madhu river is known for its wide biodiversity and it is home to a diverse range of fascinating flora and animal species. It is home to several different types of monitor lizards, as well as colorful birds, fish, and crocodiles. The lake’s attractions include boating, canoeing, kayaking, and lagoon safaris.
Top Places to visit in Hikkauwa for a Leisure Tourists
Narigama Beach
The first on the list is the lovely and picturesque Narigama Beach. This is the most popular beach in the area and receives the greatest number of visitors throughout the year. The entire beach is around 4 kilometers long and is an excellent sunbathing and relaxing location for individuals. The month of April is perfect for going to the beach.
Coral Reef Gardens
The Coral reef gardens are one of the best things to do in Hikkaduwa. If aquatic animals and the underwater world fascinate you, you will undoubtedly enjoy these stunning coral reef gardens. It is home to a diverse array of aquatic fauna and even more diverse array of fishes. Aside from the coral reefs, another famous feature of the gardens is the sea turtles, which captivate tourists. The best thing is that you can feed the turtles by hand, which is also really incredible.
Visit a Sea Turtle Hatchery in Hikkaduwa
Another wonderful event at Hikkaduwa is seeing a sea turtle released into the water. Olive Ridley turtles, Leatherback turtles, Loggerhead turtles, Hawksbill turtles, and Green turtles are just a few of the five sea turtle species that can be seen in Hikkaduwa.
Sea turtle eggs usually hatch in the summer, and the young turtles come to the surface after 3 to 7 days. Then, for around 10 days, the baby turtles are housed in aquariums before being released. Most evenings, turtles are released into the water from the nearby turtle hatchery on Hikkaduwa Beach. One of the greatest times to visit the hatchery in Hikkaduwa Beach is in the early nights.
Best time visit Hikkaduwa
Best time to travel to Sri Lanka’s south coast are January through April and July through September, depending on the time of year.
How to get to Hikkaduwa Beach from Colombo
Hikkaduwa is situated 17 kilometers from Galle and 100 kilometers south of Colombo. There are several ways to travel to Hikkaduwa. In Colombo, you can go via private driver, train, bus, or by renting a Tuk Tuk.
From Colombo to Hikkaduwa by Bus
From Colombo Airport, board bus 187 to Colombo Central Bus Station. You will have to switch buses there. Any bus heading toward Galle, Tangalle, Matara, or Hikkaduwa is an option. and you must exit at either the Hikkaduwa bus station or Narigama beach. This trip will take 3–4 hours in total.
From Colombo to Hikkaduwa by Train
You must first travel to Colombo Fort Railway Station in order to get a second- or third-class train ticket to Hikkaduwa. Expect to have a difficult time finding a seat on this trip because the trains on this route are typically crowded. This travel takes 4-5 hours in total.
Best Places to enjoy the Hikkaduwa Night Life
- Vibration Music Bar
- Top Secret
- Mambos Place
- Funky De Bar
- Long Beach Surf Caf-
Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa
Tourists can find a wide variety of lodging alternatives in Hikkaduwa Hotels come in a variety of capacities and price points, from small, cheap hotels to enormous, luxurious chains. Additionally, apartments, villas, and homestays are offered.
Ideal Duration For A Trip in Hikkaduwa
Because Hikkaduwa is surrounded by a number of beaches, it is best to plan a journey of at least 5-7 days if you want to bathe in the magnificence of the place without any setbacks. In April, every beach in Hikkaduwa is a must-see, so you won’t be able to skip out on any of them.
Best Sri Lankan Food in Hikkaduwa
The culinary of Sri Lanka combines influences from India and Indonesia. Meals are typically offered as a variety of dishes to be shared and enjoyed with others.
Seafood
Hikkaduwa has an abundance of fresh fish because of its proximity to the ocean. The most popular choices to try are crab and prawns, which are typically given in their shells and need breaking apart to savor the delicious, fresh flavor.
Rotti
Rottis are served with curry gravy for spicy options and a range of fillings, both sweet and spicy.
Chicken curry and rice
Sri Lanka’s chicken curry, a local favorite and best enjoyed over fluffy rice, is a spicy, flavorful dish.
Dhal curry
Dhal is a side dish that is excellent for soaking with roti and naan and is typically cooked with coconut and lentils among other ingredients.
Ideal Duration For A Trip in Hikkaduwa
Because Hikkaduwa is surrounded by a number of beaches, it is best to plan a journey of at least 5-7 days if you want to bathe in the magnificence of the place without any setbacks. In April, every beach in Hikkaduwa is a must-see, so you won’t be able to skip out on any of them.
Guided Tours of Sri Lanka that also visit Hikkaduwa
Sri Lanka is not a tough country to tour around, but if you don’t like planning or prefer to leave it to the pros, Ceylon Hunt provides some fantastic guided tours.
- Amazing Sri Lanka– this 8 day Ceylon Hunt tour is excellent for Getaway travellers.
- Discover Sri Lanka– a 12 day Ceylon Hunt tour perfect for a European Travellers.
- Most of Sri Lanka– an 15 day CeylonHunt tour goes to all the most popular places to visit in the country, including Galle.
Whatever you decide, you will not be disappointed in Galle, where the food is affordable and delicious, the people are nice and welcoming, and the scenery is breathtaking. We hope you enjoyed this blog on Galle, Sri Lanka! If you have any questions, please send us a message or leave a comment below so that we can respond!
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