Holidays to Hikkaduwa

Located on the beautiful southwest coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 100km from Colombo and now just a two-hour journey thanks to the newly built inland highway, the beach resort of Hikkaduwa has long been a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the coral reefs and opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Often described as a mix of Bali and Goa, this bustling beach resort has a laid-back atmosphere and is scattered with numerous guesthouses, backpacker lodges and in more recent years, larger international hotels.  It’s hard to not find the word ‘coral’ in many hotel or guesthouse names, as the reef here is home to great array of colorful fish and turtles. Unfortunately over the years, the reef has been subjected to some harsh conditions, mainly boat fuel from the numerous tourist and fishing boats in the area.  This has resulted in the reef closest to the beach at Hikkaduwa becoming damaged and it is now slowly dying.  

Diving and snorkeling does however continue to play a key part in many tourist activities as the reef further out to sea is still thriving and for the diving enthusiasts there are many wrecks to be discovered.  Surfers are also well catered for at the southern end of town in Wewela and where the beach widens at Narigama. 

So, if it’s sun, sea and surf you’re after, a holiday to Hikkaduwa will not disappoint.