Hikkaduwa

Coral reefs and an easy-going surf scene.

What makes Hikkaduwa.

Hikkaduwa is the south coast's long-standing beach-and-surf town, the first major resort strip south of Colombo and a fixture on the travel map since the 1970s. Its shallow reef shelters a marine sanctuary where you can snorkel with green turtles straight off the beach, while a dependable reef break draws surfers through the season. The sands are lined with guesthouses, dive shops and beach bars, and the nightlife is among the liveliest on the coast. Nearby the Seenigama island temple and the lagoon and mask-carving town of Ambalangoda add easy half-day excursions to a well-connected, easy-going base.

Coral reefs and an easy-going surf scene.

November – April (south-west dry season)Best time
6Spots to see
~400KVisitors / year

What to see

Where to explore in Hikkaduwa.

The landmarks and corners worth carving out time for. Each one a reason this place earns its place on the route.

01
Coral Sanctuary
A shallow protected reef where you can snorkel with sea turtles from the shore.
02
Hikkaduwa reef break
A consistent reef wave that put the town on the surfing map decades ago.
03
Tsunami Honganji Vihara
A tall standing Buddha raised in memory of those lost in the 2004 tsunami.
04
Turtle hatchery & beach
Shore-side conservation hatcheries where rescued turtles are reared and released.
05
Seenigama island temple
A small island shrine just offshore, reached by boat, popular with local fishermen.
06
Hikkaduwa Lake
A mangrove-fringed lake behind town offering quiet boat trips and birdwatching.