Things to do in Hikkaduwa | Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa has one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and is a popular spot for surfers, whether you’re a beginner or advanced, the coral reef allows all levels to enjoy the waves. Near the bottom end of the beach, the gentle waves are ideal for swimming or to try a surfing lesson or two. Prices per one hour lesson are approximately US$20 and you are also able to hire boards for US$2 per hour.

Along the far end of the beach, the real action happens. Best left to the pros, the huge waves generated by the "main reef" has "A" frame waves which you can ride in both directions.

 

A nearby popular tourist attraction is the turtle hatchery. Here you can see turtles waiting to hatch from their eggs, baby turtles merely days old, and adult turtles waiting to be released into the sea. A guide will show you round and explain the different types of turtle in the hatchery, why they’re in there, and the timeframe for them to be released. Very interesting place to spend an hour, and the entry fee of LK 500 per person is well worth paying when you see the incredible work the hatchery does.

Close to the hatchery is the moonstone mine where rare blue moonstone are found. A guide will show you how the moonstone are dug from the ground, polished and made into jewellery. Although entry is free, they will try to get you to buy some jewellery from the shop you evidently end up in. They will also try and get a tip for the ‘interesting tour’, which personally feels like a giant tourist trap. Stay strong and don’t feel forced into buying something you don’t want or handing over any money.

Another tourist attraction nearby is the herbal spice gardens. Again, entry is free, but after handing you a cup of tea, teaching you about the plants used and giving you a (very nice!) massage, they will be looking for a tip. There is no obligation for you to hand over any money, but we did give them LK 200 as the tea and massage were good. Beware of the products they try to sell you at the end of the tour though as you can find all of them for a quarter of the price in local shops. We were disappointed we wasted money buying a coconut hair oil for LK 1,000 that we later saw in a couple of shops for only LK 350.

If you want to avoid the ‘tourist traps’ and soak up some real culture, there is a particularly lovely Buddhist temple in Hikkaduwa that’s worth a visit. Read my detailed blog post on the Thotagamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya.

As beautiful as Hikkaduwa is, you cannot miss the ever present devastation from the Tsunami that happened ten years ago. Hitting Hikkaduwa particularly badly in 2004, there are many memorials to view, including an emotional journey round the Tsunami photo exhibition and a boat trip to the Seenigama Vihara Temple. Read my detailed Tsunami blog for the full list of things to see.

 

We spent four days enjoying the beach bars and soaking up the party atmosphere. Great place for the 18-40 age group, especially young couples. Families with children would be better off in Unawatuna where the sea is safe to swim in and the area is better catered for kids.