Golden Beaches of Hikkaduwa (හික්කඩුව වෙරළ)

Hikkaduwa is a coastal town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka 100 kilometers away from Colombo. Beaches of Hikkaduwa has been a popular tourist destination since 1970’s and was the most popular beach known internationally for a very long time.

One reason for the popularity was the large corral reef abundant with colorful marine life which made it one of the favored locations for divers. Today this reef has dwindled to a small patch due uncontrolled human activity and final blow came with the El Nino weather in late 1998 which killed a large portion of the live corrals.

In 1961, 110 acres of territorial waters off Hikkaduwa were given protection under the Fisheries Ordinance. In 1979, the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary was gazetted under the Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance. In 1998 it was upgraded to the status of a nature reserve and later to a national park . Hikkaduwa National Park is one of the only 2 marine national parks in Sri Lanka. The only other marine national park is Pigeons Island on the east cost of Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa beach area is comparatively developed as a tourist destination compared to other beach destinations with the exception of Negombo.

Apart from water activities, Hikkaduwa Beach offers a range of amenities and attractions for tourists. The beachfront area is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, where visitors can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisine while taking in the beautiful ocean views. There are also several beachside vendors and shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts.

Best Times to Visit Hikkaduwa

The best time to visit Hikkaduwa depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Here are some factors to consider:

High Tourist Season (November to April): This period is considered the peak tourist season in Hikkaduwa. The weather is generally dry, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The visibility underwater is excellent during this time, allowing you to witness the vibrant coral reefs and marine life. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, and accommodation prices may be higher. It’s advisable to book your stay in advance.

Monsoon Season (May to October): Hikkaduwa experiences its monsoon season during this period. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional heavy rain showers. The sea can be rough, and swimming may not be as safe during this time. However, if you’re a surfer, this is a great time to visit, as the waves are often larger and more consistent. Additionally, fewer tourists visit during the monsoon season, resulting in lower accommodation rates.

How to Travel to Hikkaduwa from the Airport

To reach Hikkaduwa from the airport, which is Bandaranaike International Airport (also known as Colombo Airport or Katunayake Airport), you have a few transportation options:

Taxi: Taxis are a convenient and common mode of transportation in Sri Lanka. You can find authorized taxi services at the airport. It is advisable to use reliable taxi services or prearrange a taxi through your hotel or a trusted transportation provider. The journey from the airport to Hikkaduwa takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Private Transfer: Another option is to arrange a private transfer through your hotel or a reputable transportation service. This option offers convenience and comfort, as you’ll have a dedicated vehicle and driver waiting for you at the airport. The journey time is similar to that of a taxi.

Train : If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider using public transportation. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to Maradana Railway Station (33 km away from airport).From Maradana, you can board a train heading towards Hikkaduwa. Alternatively you could travel to Negombo Railway Station (11 km away), take train to Maradana and take a connecting Train to the Hikkaduwa. However you need to know the trains get delayed often and connecting trains could be missed. Trains are an affordable and scenic mode of travel in Sri Lanka, but keep in mind that they can be crowded, especially during peak hours. The latest railway schedules could be found on the official Sri Lanka Railway web site here.

Bus : Another economical option is to take a bus from the airport to Hikkaduwa. You can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the nearby Katunayake Bus Station (1km away), Take a but to Pettah (33 km away). where you can catch a bus heading towards Galle or Matara. The Fort Railway Station and the Pettah Bus Station is withing walking distance and you could also use Rail/Bus combination to Reach Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is located on the main coastal road, and buses regularly pass through the town.

Turtle Petting on the Hikkaduwa Beach

Also See

• Attractions of Sri Lanka
• Heritage of Sri Lanka
• Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
• Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of  Hikkaduwa Beach

Traveling Directions to Hikkaduwa Beach

Route from Colombo to Hikkaduwa Beach

Through : Southern Expressway distance : 141 km Travel time : 2.30 hours Driving directions : see on google map