Hikkaduwa — Coral Reefs, Surf & Coastal Life

Hikkaduwa is a lively coastal town about 98 km south of Colombo, popular with visitors of all ages. The town features hundreds of mid-range hotels and guesthouses, lively pubs and restaurants, and a variety of shops. It is renowned for diving lessons, snorkeling and surf breaks, with an extensive fringing coral reef that makes marine experiences here unforgettable.

For those who want to view the reef without getting wet, glass-bottom boat trips offer excellent coral viewing. Hikkaduwa Lake is also popular for tranquil boat rides. Local operators offer diving courses and guided snorkel excursions so visitors can get close to the colourful corals and abundant marine life.

Hikkaduwa Fishery Harbour

Located behind the public market, the fishery harbour sits in Hikkaduwa's natural bay and supports both traditional and motor-boat fishing. Visitors can buy fresh fish directly from the market adjoining the harbour and watch the daily rhythms of local fishing life.

Hikkaduwa National Park

One of Sri Lanka's two marine national parks, Hikkaduwa National Park protects a fringing coral reef with high biodiversity. The park is ideal for snorkeling, diving, surfing and coral viewing by glass-bottom boat. The best surfing season runs from November to March. Beach access requires a ticket and there are plenty of boats for guided rides and reef visits.

Facts & Nearby Heritage

KUMARAKANDA RAJAMAHA VIHARAYA (Ancient Temple) — A beautiful hilltop temple at Dodanduwa visible from the Galle road. The image house, reached by steps, shows architecture reminiscent of European churches. The temple archives hold valuable documents related to important Sri Lankan figures and Dutch-period records.

TOTAGAMUWA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA (Ancient Temple) — About 0.75 km from the A2 Galle Road, this viharaya dates back to the Anuradhapura period and was home to the famed monk Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula (1408–1491). The site includes image houses, a stupa, a bodhiya, ruins, inscriptions and unusual European-influenced paintings. It is a protected archaeological monument.

• Address

  Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Languages

  Sinhala, Tamil, English

• Currency Used

  LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee)

• Distance

  Approx. distances vary by region