Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? There are so many great places to visit it can be hard to choose your destinations, but a visit to one of the beautiful south coast beaches is an essential stop.
A great option not too far from Colombo is Hikkaduwa. With pretty beaches, turtles and great surf, you can easily spend more than a few days here.
Here we have a guest post from Jimmy and Tah from Divert Living, who left their careers in the military and finance to become full-time travelers. Jimmy and Tah share their top things to do in Hikkaduwa.
If you are on a self-guided vacation in Sri Lanka, be sure to check out their 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary before you hop on the trains and explore the rest of this beautiful country.
10 Things to do in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka
So where is Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka? Hikkaduwa is a small coastal town adorned with tropical woodland and sandy shorelines just 116 km (72 miles) south of Colombo.
With beautiful beaches and a large range of hotels & restaurants, the town is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka not only for international visitors but for locals too.
Don’t worry – there is more to do than sitting on the beach in Hikkaduwa.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on a visit to Hikkaduwa.
1. Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa
One of the top things to do in Hikkaduwa Beach is snorkeling. The reason is that one of just two marine parks in Sri Lanka is located off Hikkaduwa.
Simply rent some snorkeling gear and take a short boat ride over to the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef. Once you arrive, dive in and enjoy the views of the underwater world.
There are many local tour operators that can organize snorkelling trips and the average cost is around 2,000 rupees for one hour.
The best time of year for snorkelling is between November and April.
Click here to read tour company reviews on Trip Advisor
2. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
If snorkeling is not your thing or your kids are too young, then a ride on a glass-bottom boat is the perfect (and a unique) way to explore the sea life from above.
The transparent bottom boats are available on the main beach to hire and explore independently.
Paddle along and take glimpses of the underwater world below. The cost is around 4,000 rupees.
3. Swim at Hikkaduwa Beach
Obvious perhaps, but simply one of the best things to do in Hikkaduwa is to enjoy time on the beach.
Explore the different beaches nearby, take in the gorgeous sunsets and take a swim.
One of our best Hikkaduwa tips is to look out for giant turtles in the shallows later in the day at the southern end of the beach.
They are enormous animals and observing them in the their natural habitat is one of the best things to see in Hikkaduwa Beach Sri Lanka.
4. Go On A River Safari
If you are wondering what to do in Hikkaduwa apart from visiting the beach, there are a number of large lakes and rivers close to town to explore.
A river safari is a great way to explore the backwaters and is one of the best things to do around Hikkaduwa.
The Madhu River near Balapitiya is a popular place to explore, or rent a canoe and paddle up the Hikkatuwa lake system.
As you cruise through the mangroves, look out for wildlife, particularly birds, monkeys and possibly even a crocodile or two.
Click to read operator reviews on Trip Advisor
5. Surfing in Hikkaduwa
Water sports in Hikkaduwa are one of the most popular things to do and the area is famous for surfing among adventure enthusiasts.
The clean waves and consistent swell are what attract surfers to the area to enjoy this fun outdoor activity.
Surfboards are available for hire on the beach. It is a good place to learn to surf as the waves are often suited for beginners. Ask any one of the board rental guys to teach you in return for a fee.
They also have paddleboards for rent, which is a fun way for kids to explore the water when the waves are small.
6. Explore Sri Pushparama Temple
Apart from adventure and nature, if you want to do some sightseeing in Hikkaduwa then visit Sri Pushparama Temple or one of the other nearby temples.
Visiting this Buddhist temple is one of the best things to do near Hikkaduwa Beach in Sri Lanka. As you enter the temple, a monk of the shrine bids you a warm welcome and will show you the vicinity of the temple.
Here you’ll get to learn about the Buddhist philosophies as you walk around the complex. This is a great introduction and way to learn about the Buddhist religion.
Entry is free, however it is an option to donate to the temple and monks.
7. Watch Baby Turtles Be Released
If snorkeling didn’t satisfy your evergreen curiosity for spotting turtles, watching them be released into the ocean is another great experience.
The local turtle hatchery on Hikkaduwa Beach releases the turtles into the ocean most evenings.
You can visit the hatchery for a fee, but it is free to watch them being released and in the early evenings is one of the best places to visit in Hikkaduwa Beach.
8. Eat Seafood
No Sri Lanka itinerary would be complete without enjoying the fresh local cuisine.
There is a huge range of Hikkaduwa restaurants and many specialise in seafood at affordable rates.
Find a beach front restaurant, order your meal and enjoy the delicious flavours of some of the best seafood in the world.
9. Visit galle Fort
If you need a break from the beach, a visit to Galle Fort is one of the most popular day trips from Hikkaduwa. As it is just 20 km south of town it is one of the best things to do near Hikkaduwa.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
If you love history and architecture, this is the perfect place to be. Entry to the fort is free. Allow plenty of time to explore the architecture, walk along the wall, get lost down the pretty streets, and visit the galleries and restaurants too!
Grab a tuk tuk, catch the train or organise a private shuttle for the day. Click here for more details on transfers to Galle.
10. Enjoy Fresh Juice
The coastal town of Hikkaduwa is dotted with numerous roadside juice bars.
From banana and mango to pineapple to passionfruit, the juice bars at Hikkaduwa serves a wide variety of delicious fresh juices.
All thanks to the local fruit market that work around the clock to deliver the freshest fruits to these vendors.
Typical costs are around 200 rupees – cheap enough to become a daily habit during your stay.
Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa
One of the great things about Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka is the huge range of accommodation available.
From luxury 5-star hotels to simple family run guesthouses, there is a wide range of options to choose from.
Villa Red Lobster
Best For: Budget stays
If you are traveling on a very tight budget, the best thing to do is find accommodation on your arrival in town.
Like a lot of places in Asia, there are many guesthouses that don’t advertise online. A quick scout along the beachfront will usually provide a range of options.
However, if you are traveling during a busy time, with kids, or you are more comfortable booking your Hikkaduwa hotels in advance, the Villa Red Lobster is a great budget option.
Situated on a quiet street within walking distance of the beach, with an outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and bikes available for hire, it offers incredible value.
The air conditioned rooms are generously sized and family rooms are available. The villa is also close to Hikkaduwa shopping areas.
>> Click here to check rates and availability
Sapphire Seas Beachfront Hotel
Best For: Location
Beachfront with an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant, the Sapphire Seas offers mid-range budget air conditioned rooms just metres from the beach and away from the crowds in town.
It is located 3km south of Hikkaduwa town closer to Narigama Beach.
The proximity to the ocean, the peaceful location and attentive service make Sapphire Seas one of the top rated (and best value) hotels in the area.
The onsite restaurant offers meals throughout the day and the option of both the pool and beach means there really is no reason to leave, although town is just a quick tuk tuk ride away.
>> Click here to check rates and availability
Villa Saffron Hikkaduwa
Best For: A Luxury Stay
There are a number of 5 star hotels in Hikkaduwa but if you are looking for luxury boutique villas in Hikkaduwa, the Villa Saffron is one of the highest rated villas in the area.
With just 5 boutique rooms, Villa Saffron is beachfront with a huge outdoor pool and onsite restaurant rated highly for its incredible food and service.
Villa Saffron is the place to go for attentive service, a little luxury and complete relaxation. You may find you simply don’t want to leave!
>> Click here for rates and availability
How to get From Colombo to Hikkaduwa
By Private Transfer
The quickest and easiest way to get to from Colombo to Hikkaduwa is by private transfer.
Prices are surprisingly affordable, especially if you are traveling as a family or a group. The journey from Colombo is around 2 hours.
>> Click here to check availability and review prices.
By Train
If you are coming from Galle or Colombo, one of the most memorable ways to get to Hikkaduwa is by train.
The train hugs the coast and offers spectacular views along the way.
The official timetable says the journey takes about 2 hours, but the trains are often delayed and it may take longer. Nonetheless, this is a trip worth taking.
Train and bus tickets can be booked in advance online. Click here to check the price and availability.
Best time to Visit Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa weather is warm all year round.
The best time to visit is in the dry season from November to April. The seas are calm and best for swimming and snorkeling during this time.
As the weather in Hikkaduwa is drier and less humid at this time, peak season is December to February.
The area will be busiest and accommodation tends to be more expensive at this time.
Plan your Sri Lanka Trip
Fancy another beach stop? Mirissa is a popular beach town with a gorgeous beach. Click here to find the best hotels in Mirissa.
If you are planning to include Ella on your Sri Lanka itinerary see our list of the best places to stay in Ella here and top things to do in Ella here.
See all our Sri Lanka articles here.
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