Hikkaduwa
හිකුණු වතුර
Sri Lanka's premier beach resort town, Hikkaduwa features an extensive sandy beach, vibrant coral gardens visible from the shore, and a thriving water sports scene including surfing and diving. The town seamlessly blends relaxation, marine exploration, and lively beachfront dining.
Things to do
- Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens — Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish just meters from the shore, accessible by boat or from the beach itself.
- Surfing at Hikkaduwa Beach — Ride consistent swells on the main sandy beach, particularly during the southwest monsoon season from April to October.
- Hikkaduwa National Park — Explore the protected marine sanctuary with guided boat tours to observe coral ecosystems, sea turtles, and reef fish.
- Turtle Hatchery Visit — Support local conservation efforts by visiting a turtle hatchery where you can see rescued sea turtles and learn about marine protection programs.
- Tsunami Memorial — Pay respects at the Buddhist temple and monument commemorating the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that affected the community.
- Beachfront Restaurant Crawl — Walk along the shore in the evening visiting open-air restaurants and beach shacks serving fresh seafood with ocean views.
- Moonstone and Gem Shopping — Browse the town's numerous gem and jewelry shops concentrated around the main beach road to find Sri Lankan moonstones and sapphires.
Food to try
- Devilled Fish — Spiced and fried fish cooked with onions, peppers, and chili sauce, a Sri Lankan coastal staple best enjoyed fresh at beachfront restaurants.
- Ambul Thiyal — Sour fish curry made with tamarind and traditional spices, representing authentic West Coast cooking often served with rice or bread.
- Prawn Curry — Succulent jumbo prawns cooked in coconut milk-based curry with aromatic spices, a signature dish in Hikkaduwa's seafood restaurants.
- Short Eats — Sri Lankan street snacks like cutlets, rolls, and patties sold at local bakeries and beach shacks, perfect for casual meals between activities.
- Fresh Kingfish Grilled — Whole or filleted kingfish marinated simply and grilled over charcoal, often served with lime and fresh salad at casual beach vendors.
- Lamprais — Baked cylinder of rice and meat wrapped in banana leaf, a Portuguese-influenced Sri Lankan specialty found at local restaurants.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect Beach Temple Practices — Remove shoes and dress modestly when visiting the seaside Buddhist temple, and be mindful of prayer times, particularly in early mornings.
- Learn Basic Sinhala Greetings — Locals appreciate visitors attempting 'Ayubowan' (hello) and 'Sthuthi' (thank you), which opens doors to warmer interactions in small shops and restaurants.
- Monsoon Season Awareness — The southwest monsoon from April to October brings rough seas ideal for surfers but unsafe for casual swimmers; check conditions daily and follow local advice.
- Haggle Respectfully in Markets — Bargaining is expected when purchasing gems, souvenirs, and at beach shacks, but do so with good humor and respect for vendors' livelihoods.