Hikkaduwa beach
Hikkaduwa is one of the most popular resorts located about 100 km away from the country's capital. It became popular due to its relatively well-developed infrastructure, rich coral and bird reserves and perfect conditions for diving and surfing.
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Beach description
The long coastline seems to have no boundaries. The back end of the beach is covered in palms that protect the place from the lively A2 Highway. Tourists use it to get to the smaller Mirissa and Unawatuna beaches.
Constant smooth waves and flat sea bottom without dangerous parts attract surfers to this resort. Those who never surfed before can take a course right here. Experienced divers swim several km away from the beach to explore the underwater reefs and the large amount of sunken ships there.
Those who like nature can watch the birth of a new turtle generation on the coast or feed the grown up specimen, who push each other to get the treat first.
Coastal cafes, where you can try seafood, have umbrellas and sunbeds, you can lay in the shadows, gaze at the wide ocean and party during the sunset.
The conditions here are great for all kinds of visitors. But don't leave your children unsupervised if you decide to bring them, as the underwater currents near the beach can be quite dangerous.
Hikkaduwa offers many activities for curious explorers and active guests:
- surfing, diving, snorkeling;
- watching whales, turtles and other sea dwellers through the transparent boat bottom;
- bodyboarding;
- participating in sports competitions;
- hunting barracuda or tuna from a rented boat in the morning;
- helping the turtle birth process;
- evening events in the bars and parties on the beach.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is the period from November to April, when the weather is dry. In summer, the rainy season takes place in Sri Lanka, however, the prices this season are much lower. So if you are not afraid of rainfalls (which commonly take place at night, and by morning the ground dries up), a trip in the summer can be a great option for a budget holiday.
Video: Beach Hikkaduwa
Infrastructure
Tourists can choose between hotels of various types. There are cheap hostels and luxurious hotels with 5-star service. The best option is staying at a family hotel or at a private villa, the owners of which will pleasantly welcome you and help you navigating the area and finding the best shops, restaurants, as well as organize the tour themselves and even offer a transfer to the airport.
You can get right to the beach through the picturesque garden of the 4-star Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon. Guests can feed chipmunks and meet monitor lizards and parrots along the way. The hotel staff is flawless, and the same can be said about the suites: they're very clean and comfortable. Air dehumidifiers installed in every room provide protection from the humid climate. Guests like the local kitchen and the abundance of served fruit.
There are many different shops and stalls with cheap prices around the hotel. If you want, you can dine surrounded by the sound of live music, tourists like to visit the numerous local restaurants. The meals are all very tasty, and the menu are frequently translated to Russian. The night life is rather passive.
Sri Lankans themselves usually eat at home. Visitors who want to save their money buy snacks wrapped in paper or banana leaves from the stalls. The food is much more expensive near hotels or tourist traps compared to the places that locals visit. But the service and cleanliness, of course, differ as well.
There are no large shopping malls here, but you can still buy everything. Tourists buy the famous local batik, fruit, clothes and souvenirs on Galle Road that stretches across the whole town. There are many workshops and jewellery shops. A drawing from the local gallery will make a great souvenir.
A bazaar is set up during weekends, where you can anything from fish and fruit to appliances. The real tea can be purchased in Mlesna shops. The best supermarkets where one can buy alcohol and clothes are located in the northern part of the town. Jewellery prices differ a lot in various shops. You need to haggle, just like anywhere else.
Weather in Hikkaduwa
Best hotels of Hikkaduwa
All hotels of HikkaduwaUseful information
- Frequent buses come to Hikkaduwa from Galle and Colombo, as well as an express train from Kandy. Cheap 8-seat taxis are frequently used.
- It's advised to exchange as much money as you can in the airport. Cards are not accepted in my places, and the exchange rate here is the best.
- The best time to come is from November to April. Ocean is stormy from May to October. Some hotels even close during that period, but sunbathing and tours aren't prohibited.
What to do:
- Visit spa centers (there are many here) and try different healing and massage techniques.
- Practice water hunting, diving and sailing.
- Visit the Seenigama Vihara temple and many others.
- Visit the national park.
- Visit the turtle farm.
- Drive to Ambalangoda and visit the mask museum.
- Explore the sights of Galle and Colombo.