Holiday in Hikkaduwa

What makes Hikkaduwa special as a destination?

Hikkaduwa is Sri Lanka's oldest and liveliest beach resort – a surfer town with coral reefs, sea turtles, and a touch of hippie nostalgia that has attracted travelers from around the world since the 1970s. The main road along the coast pulses with energy: surf shops, reggae bars, yoga studios, and restaurants with sea views line up, while the waves break on the beach and sea turtles swim right in the surf zone. The coral reef off Hikkaduwa is one of the most accessible in Sri Lanka and is protected as a Marine Sanctuary. Snorkelers can swim from the beach to the coral gardens and dive among colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasionally small reef sharks. The section in front of the Coral Gardens Hotel is particularly famous, where green sea turtles are so accustomed to humans that they swim up to arm's length. Although the reef has suffered from the 2004 tsunami and bleaching events, it is steadily regenerating. Hikkaduwa is divided into two zones: the north with Narigama Beach is a surfer paradise with larger waves and a relaxed backpacker scene, while the south with the protected reef area offers calmer waters for snorkeling. The nightlife is unusually lively for Sri Lanka – on weekends, locals from Colombo and Galle come to party, and the beach bars play reggae and electronic music late into the night. The town is located just 17 kilometers northwest of Galle along the famous coastal railway line, making it an ideal stop on the southwest coastal route. The turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, just 15 minutes away, offers insights into the protection of endangered sea turtles.