With its name translating as “Sword of Knowledge”, Hikkaduwa is a seaside resort town on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast. It’s considered one of the top surfing destinations on the island, with breaks to suit both beginner and experienced board riders. Hikkaduwa’s golden sands are lapped by the shallow waters of the Laccadive Sea, which protect a coral-filled marine sanctuary.
Things to do in Hikkaduwa
Stretching the length of the town is palm-lined Hikkaduwa Beach, which offers access to some of the best surf breaks in Sri Lanka. You can tackle the left at North Jetty, experience the pumping point break of Benny’s or enjoy the gentle waves at Narigama. Alternatively, you can relax on the sand or watch all of the action from one of the beachfront restaurants.
Just offshore lies Hikkaduwa National Park, which protects a colourful coral sanctuary teeming with marine life. Boat trips depart from Hikkaduwa and offer snorkelling excursions on the reefs and up-close encounters with hawksbill, green and olive ridley turtles. In addition to a variety of tropical fish, black-tip reef sharks can be observed along the outer slope.
For a day away from the coast, head inland to Gangarama Maha Vihara, an impressive Buddhist temple elaborately decorated with hand-painted murals created by one man over the course of a decade. Also near Hikkaduwa is the temple of Siri Khettarama Maha Viharaya with its whitewashed stupa.
Getting around Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is around 30 minutes’ drive from Galle and two hours from Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport is 2.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Hikkaduwa railway station and buses travel to surrounding towns and villages. Rickshaws are readily available for getting around Hikkaduwa.