One hundred kilometers south of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s Capital City, the beach scene begins at Hikkaduwa.
There are several beach towns to choose from in Sri Lanka. Most people come to Sri Lanka for the beach and only the beach. And we can understand why. The white sandy beaches, great surf breaks and laid back vibe make Sir Lanka a great place to hang o ut.
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Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka
While there is so much more to see in the country and you can read all about that here 21 of the Very Best Things to do in Sri Lanka hanging out in Hikkaduwa was probably our favorite part of being in the country.
We decided to head to the most popular sunshine destination Hikkaduwa as soon as we arrived in Sri Lanka from India. It is a beach filled with short term vacationers, Aussie surfer dudes, families, and long term ex-pats alike.
Hikkaduwa is the perfect winter escape and we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of resort style traveling.
Our reason to come to Hikkaduwa was to play in the surf and soak up some sun. But not everyone comes here only to surf.
Hikkaduwa offers an excellent choice of accommodation, nightlife, and restaurants to satisfy any traveller’s needs.
We made our way to the far south end of the beach to Ocean View Cottage.
It is a little out of the way, but it is quiet at night with the extra value of having a pool.
As much as we love the surf and sand, there is nothing like lazing by the pool, free from touts selling sarongs and jewelry, and having the option to jump in for a dip to cool down from the hot sun free of sand and salt.
About Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa could be one of those world class destinations if it weren’t for the main highway running through the centre of town.
On one side of the road the beach hotels, restaurants, and resorts are lined up along its shoulder while the other side houses food stalls, clothing stores and markets.
Buses, transports, jeeps and tuk tuks barrel down the road at full tilt boogie
If you don’t watch where you are going, you will be plowed into oblivion by one of these speeding monsters.
Traffic is loud and dangerous and shopping can be a chore. Even the Lonely Planet Guide book compares walking along the road to a game of Russian Roulette.
There is light however. A new road is scheduled to open in a few months several kilometers inland. Hopefully they will keep the traffic out of Hikkaduwa and give peace and quiet back to the locals.
When this happens I am sure that business will improve for all.
Tailors in Hikkaduwa
The clothing stores of Hikkaduwa. are fantastic.
They tailor-make Billabong, Quicksilver and Volcom surf ware. $5 will get you a brand new pair of shorts made perfectly to your body type. You can’t even tell the difference from the real deal.
The beach is pleasant especially to the south of the resort.
The original chunk of tourist area has fallen way to overdevelopment and there is very little beach left in front of hotels built way too close to the water. Some literally are being held up by sand bags.
To the south where we are staying the beach is wide and sandy and pleasant to walk along. There are very few hawkers bothering you as well.
Things to do in Hikkaduwa
The surf is excellent for beginners and surf shops offer lessons and board rentals.
Fresh seafood is on the menu every night and at different hotels, you can find a different bar-b-que with a festive feel.
If snorkelling is your thing.
There is a coral garden right in front of the Coral Gardens Hotel.
We did go for a walk to the Coral Gardens hotel though and had a chance meeting with the resident turtles of the Reef.
Obviously quite tame now, the turtles are lured to shore by seaweed provided by an entrepreneur selling it to guests.
The turtles seem to enjoy coming into shore for their daily treat and we have a chance to see these giant beauties in their natural environment, even if they have become more like pets.
Hikkaduwa is an excellent place to start your travels through Sri Lanka. We are already feeling refreshed and relaxed and ready to see the many sites of this tropical paradise.
Where to Stay in Hikkiduwa
Hikkaduwa Tips
- Bus to Hikkaduwa from Colombo 250 Rs
- Surf lessons 20,000 Rs
- Board Rentals 300 Rs
- Tuk Tuk around town 150 Rs.
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See my pictures taken at hikkaduwa .I also recomend Sri l anka as one of the safest and best place to travel in south east asia. I hope my Sri Lanka trip will be helpful to plan your next trip as well.
Hikkaduwa is a nice place to surf but now most corals are dead therefore it is not colourful anymore. But still, it is easy to spot sea turtles. Boost riders exactly know where they hang around.
Turtles!! I absolutely love turtles and I think it’s just incredible that you were able to get so close and interact with them like that! They’re my favorite thing to see when I am underwater diving! 🙂
.-= Shannon OD´s last blog ..A Little Yummy…Favorite Foodie-Finds from Round the World: India =-.
Shannon,
It was pretty awesome. We have seen turtles before while diving like you but to touch and feed them was a unique experience!
As usual, awesome photos! How neat to be able to see one of those sea turtles up close. It really looks like a lovely place to spend a few days. I’m impressed that the beach is so clean and the hotel offers free WiFi – that hotel seems like a real score!
I’m guessing that by the time this posted today you’re already off having more adventures – I hope Hikkaduwa was a good break for you. 🙂
.-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..What’s a Real Editor Going to Do For My Manuscript? =-.
Hey Trisha,
Thanks for the photo accolades. It is always nice to get recognized. Hikkaduwa is a great town to chill and catch some waves or just a good tan. We lucked out on the hotel and are looking forward to the rest of Sri Lanka.
Looks really nice! I love the turtle!
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How To Vacation In A War Zone. Part four of a five part series. =-.
Bethany,
Hikkaduwa is awesome and the turtle is just an added bonus!!