Hikkaduwa (Sri Lanka) was a hippy hotspot in the 1970s. It has become a popular tourist destination and a wonderful surfing spot. A small Sri Lankan village on the Indian Ocean coast was devastated by the tsunami of 2004. However, the entire infrastructure had to be rebuilt almost completely, and now the population, like before, focuses on serving tourists, and nearly everything is involved in this sector.
Accessing Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is roughly 100 kilometers south of Colombo and 140 kilometers from Galle. You can travel there by plane, train, or bus. A Tuk Tuk in Colombo or a private driver is an option.
- Taking The Bus From Colombo To Hikkaduwa
Before you decide to take a bus in Sri Lanka, be aware that it is a very local and rudimentary mode of transport. If you’re coming from the airport, the bus 187 to Colombo Fort Central Bus Station costs around 100 LKR. You’ll have to change buses at that point. You can take any bus heading to Galle, Tangalle, Matara, Hikkaduwa, or the surrounding areas from Colombo. Narigama beach or the Hikkaduwa bus station are the only places you may get off this bus, which costs roughly 300 LKR. In general, buses arrive every fifteen minutes.
This will take between 3 to 4 hours in total.
- Train from Colombo to Hikkaduwa
To go to Hikkaduwa, you’ll first need to get to Colombo Fort Railway Station, where you can buy a second or third-class train ticket. This ticket will set you back about 150 Rupees. You won’t be able to get a seat on this train because it’s a crowded one.
This trip should take between four and five hours in total.
- Private Transfers
The one-way fare from Colombo to Hikkaduwa is roughly 8000 LKR. As a result, traveling in a group saves money. Getting here will take two hours in total.
When it’s best of the weather or climate
Temperatures in Sri Lanka never fall below 30 degrees Celsius during the day, and at night they never fall below 20 degrees Celsius. In any season, such as fresh milk, water
“The hottest and coldest” for this region on Earth are pretty subjective. Only precipitation and sunny and rainy days are indeed different between months.
However, March is the hottest month in Hikkaduwa, with the hottest day and night and the warmest sea in the area for many years. Nearly one degree cooler than the air and water temperature in February or April.
As it turns out, the months of July and August are the coldest, while September marks the beginning of the velvet season on our coastline. At this time of year, Hikkaduwa’s daily average temperature “falls” to 300C. The resort experiences the most rain and wind throughout these three months. It rains on average 18-19 days a month, and the wind can gust to almost six m/s during this time of year.
And the hottest months are January, February, and March when the sun is in the sky for 17 to 21 days. The southwest coast of Sri Lanka experiences only a few sunny days every month from May to September because of the heavy rains. Even though they’re heated and last for a few seconds, they’re around the entire day. The “low season” begins at this time of year. Hikkaduwa’s beaches are mostly deserted, and the resort beach scene isn’t as crowded.
A beach vacation is best from November to April, when most people visit. When it’s hot in the daytime, it’s cooler at night, the ocean isn’t as agitated, and you can swim nearly all the time. Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka resort’s high season photos show smooth white sand, azure obscene sky and water, and green palm trees.
Beaches in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
There are many beaches along the coast, but only two have official names: Hikkaduwa Beach (Hikkaduwa Beach) in the northern section of town and Narigama Beach (Narigama), which spans nearly 4 kilometers.
It’s not uncommon for tourists to visit a landmark every 200-300 meters along the coast because of its unique traits. When visiting Hikkaduwa Beach in the months of January and February, where should you go swimming, and what should you look out for on the beach?
- Hikkaduwa Beach
Let us start by saying that the sand throughout the entire kilometer-long stretch of shoreline is immaculately white, light, and fluffy. Hotels, guesthouses, and cafes are almost always separated from the coast by palm trees, which also grow on the property of these establishments. Hikkaduwa and Sri Lanka’s Hikkaduwa beach are known for their palm trees and surfing, and photos of tourists relaxing on the beach are abundant.
- Narigama Beach
After around two kilometers from Hikka Tranz, the beach becomes nearly deserted, with the sand strip reaching a width of 100 meters at its broadest point. It was getting harder and harder for the waves to come ashore. It’s not uncommon to see folks with whiteboards under their arms heading out to the water for a surf lesson.
In the early morning, you’ll see meditators on the coast, yogis in groups or solo, youngsters and adults playing badminton, in addition to surfers. Tourists and locals alike flock to the beachside cafes in the evening to watch the sunset and eat their dinners.
Life at night
Hikkaduwa’s nightlife is more active than in other Sri Lankan resorts. Some of the best nightclubs in the area even host parties directly on the sand. Of course, the nightlife in these clubs does not compare to that found, say, in Thailand, but if your hotel or guesthouse is nearby and you are not used to going out at night, you may find yourself up until the wee hours of the morning dancing the night away.
Things to do at Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa beach offers a wide range of activities aside from sunbathing and swimming.
- The Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary Reef is a great place to snorkel.
In recent years, many corals (and fish) have died; hence the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary has promised to preserve the coral formations. The 2004 tsunami, as well as the lack of management and pollution of the water, are two of the main factors. Snorkeling in the Hikkaduwa coral sanctuary reef is a great way to get up with marine life and turtles. To get to the coral reef, a short boat journey is required, but make sure to inquire about this before booking. Hikkaduwa beach’s many tour providers are happy to assist you in planning a snorkeling excursion.
There are a variety of catamaran snorkel tours available if you’re itching to get out on the sea. You’re almost sure to encounter turtles, fish, and coral on one of these cruises.
An hour-long cruise with snorkel gear costs about 2,000 LKR ($11.50). It is possible to reserve a tour immediately on the town’s beach or at any of the numerous tour agencies located there. You’ll need more people to go with you to obtain a better bargain!
Note that the coral at Hikkaduwa has been severely damaged. This destruction is the result of years of tourism and unauthorized operations. As a result, be warned that you may not be greeted by the vibrant coral you had hoped for. Even though the snorkeling trip is worth it, it’s important to find an ethical operator to ensure your safety.
- Scuba Diving
There are scuba diving trips available for those not satisfied with the shallow depths offered by snorkeling alone. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, is home to four distinct shipwreck sites, each with its own unique set of marine life to see and learn about.
- Surfing at Hikkaduwa beach
Hikkaduwa Surfers are increasingly flocking to Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa, along with Mirissa, Hiriketiya, and Arugam Bay, is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to catch some waves. Surfboards can be rented from local surf shacks along the beach or from a shop in the hamlet, depending on your needs.
- Go swimming with turtles in Turtle Beach
You may see a lot of sea turtles from the shore of Hikkaduwa beach. They are used to humans and will often come within feet of you. Please refrain from handling or feeding the animals to be on the safe side. Visit a turtle hatchery to witness the hatching of the turtles between January and April if you’re so inclined. Around 6:30 p.m., the turtles are released and allowed to make their way to the ocean, which is a magical experience!
- Eat a seafood curry with a glass of juice
You’ve had a long day at the beach, so you’re probably hungry and thirsty. If you’re looking for seafood curry, there are plenty of eateries in Hikkaduwa that serve it. It’s also possible to acquire your daily dosage of fresh fruit juice from roadside juice stands.
- Witness the shipwrecks of Hikkaduwa:
Hikkaduwa can also satisfy your desire for a rush of adrenaline-pumping excitement! Four shipwrecks lie along the coast, and they’re open to the public to investigate! You never know what you’ll discover if you go beneath the surface!
- Get Wet and Wild at Laguna
Coral reefs line both sides of the Laguna, a shallow pool of water surrounded by coral reefs. Because of the presence of these coral reefs, this stretch of beach is completely wave-free. As a result, it’s a great place to take a dip in the ocean with your kids. This beach is a popular destination for families looking for a place to cool down in the sweltering heat. Catamaran rentals are available to take you around the calm waters. Fishes of many kinds can be found in the shallow coral area in the early morning hours.
- Explore the underwater world at the Coral Reef Gardens.
Before climate change disturbs the delicate balance of nature, make a trip to see the vibrant coral reefs. The coral reefs of Sri Lanka are home to a wide variety of marine life. These aquariums are home to a wide variety of fish. The sea turtles, in addition to the coral reefs, are another key draw. Turtles could be fed by hand! When the turtles lay their eggs on the Hikkaduwa beach, you may be able to see the fresh hatchlings making their way into the ocean as they grow up!
- Have fun on a River Safari!
The Madu River flows north of Hikkaduwa. A river safari is an excellent option if you’re looking for something to do while vacationing in Hikkaduwa.
Hikkaduwa town is the starting point for most tours, which then drop you off at the river’s side, where you board a boat. Your guide will tell you all about animals if you see any animals. Crocodiles and monkeys abound! In addition, you’ll be able to sample some locally grown fruits and vegetables.
3,000 LKR per person is what you can expect to pay for this three-hour-long excursion. River safari alone costs roughly 2,000 LKR per person; therefore, if you have your own vehicle, you may drive yourself down to the river (20 kilometers) and save money.
- Go Deep Sea Fishing!
You can arrange a private deep sea fishing trip from Hikkaduwa if you enjoy fishing.
The truth of the matter is, I have no idea what it’s like. According to the trip operator, you can catch a wide variety of fish, including Barracuda, Seer, Giant Trevally, and Queen Fish. In the right season, you’re almost certain to grab something, but if you’re fishing outside of the season, you may not catch anything at all. The greatest time to go fishing between December and March is in Hikkaduwa.
One of the best parts about fishing excursions from Hikkaduwa is the option to have your catch prepared for a modest cost at a nearby restaurant.
Around $450, a group of six persons can go on a tour. This is a bargain compared to the cost of game fishing in other countries, such as Australia, where you’ll pay $300 per person.
